668 NORTH OF ENGLAND VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 
The Professor again returned thanks for the honour done to himself 
and colleague, and sat down amidst great applause. 
Professor Parnell said he felt that he could not express in words the 
sentiments which he entertained towards the members of the North of 
England Veterinary Medical Association for their great and honorable 
notice of himself and colleague, but he could feel how much he valued 
the kind reception which the veterinary surgeons of the North of Eng¬ 
land had, doubtless at some trouble and inconvenience, resolved to give 
them. It is highly gratifying to see such an amalgamation in a border 
town, and near where there are already three schools of veterinary medi¬ 
cine. Although he might wish to see these schools more united, never- 
theless he felt highly gratified at the signs of cordial good-fellowship 
(cheers) which existed among their several members. It was a mark of 
onward progress in the common cause of the profession. He certainly did 
not anticipate meeting with such numbers when the invitation was received 
by him, and he considered it a manifestation of a general desire for union. 
The existence of such local societies is a great benefit to the com¬ 
munity, as well as highly creditable to their promoters in these northern 
counties. Although carried out in the north, the idea was first pro¬ 
mulgated in the south, by Mr. Raddall, of Plymouth ; but how it was that 
the suggestions and ideas in connection therewith had not been acted 
upon by the southern veterinary surgeons he was not aware. The 
influence of these societies is great, as well as varied, and they may be 
looked upon as lights diffused throughout the profession. I can understand 
that they may have a salutary effect upon the schools. It would perhaps 
be well for these associations to keep this in view, for they (the teachers) 
were not perfect, nor did they ever expect to be. (Applause.) Pro¬ 
fessor Varnell again returned thanks for the very kind reception afforded 
by the Society. 
Song :— Mr. E. C. Pray — f ‘ This day a Stag must die.” 
The Vice-President, Mr. Thompson , in proposing “ The Veterinary Pro¬ 
fession,” said—My impression is, gentlemen, that the veterinary pro¬ 
fession is rising in importance, and gradually, though slowly, taking its 
place side by side with other scientific and liberal professions. I think 
in one particular you will agree with me, that we have represented here 
a fair specimen of its importance, when the North of England Veterinary 
Medical Association has seated around its festive board the elite of the 
profession, which body I feel is at present represented by men of ability, 
energy, and industry. 
I, for one, believe that if the working members of the veterinary pro¬ 
fession, in the daily business and cares of life, remain true to each other 
(cheers), while the professors, teachers, and presidents, are all har¬ 
moniously cemented together in one grand principle of professional 
development, a glorious future is in the prospect; and I would venture 
to predict that the time is not far distant when each member, in his turn, 
shall take his stand in the elevated social position to which, as a pro¬ 
fessional gentleman, he is entitled. (Applause.) He (Mr. Thompson) 
would not say more, but give the “ Veterinary Profession,” and unite 
with it the name of Mr. Hunt, the President of the Royal College of 
Veterinary Surgeons. 
Mr. Hunt thanked the Vice-President and gentlemen of the Society for 
the marked attention which he had received at their hands. The pros¬ 
perity of the veterinary profession was a subject dear to all, and claims 
from its individual members their entire regard. Much also depends 
upon their individual as well as united action. No matter to what extent 
we legislate, the point desired will not be attained until the profession 
