670 NORTH OF ENGLAND VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 
hear.) Surely, if the racer, the hunter, carriage horse, or hackney, 
require the best and most perfect treatment in their more advantageous 
position, the poor pit horse or putting pony—under every disadvantage— 
should have the best, of skill displayed for his well-being and security. 
(Cheers.) If the science of chemistry is available for the ends of the 
“ viewer” of the colliery, are there not half a dozen others which, in ad¬ 
dition, are needed to be thoroughly understood by the veterinary sur¬ 
geon in his attendance upon his patients. Surely, if the man without 
education and qualification is worth employing for the treatment of their 
ailments, it must be worth infinitely more to the owner to engage a 
thoroughly educated man, whose efforts would be naturally directed to¬ 
wards the preventing of those diseases; at all times a more profitable 
proceeding than the cure of them. (Hear, hear.) 
I look upon these provincial veterinary medical associations, gentlemen, 
as one of those great beacons which has been ignited, and is now indi¬ 
cating by its powerful flame that eminence to which we as a body are 
wending our way. They are also to be viewed as a distinguishing mark 
by which the profession may be known. Young as this association is, 
its origin and purposes have not been without effect. 
The public, that far-seeing and discriminate body, have, throughout, 
looked upon the veterinary community as a disunited class of men; if 
one has not given satisfaction, they immediately call in another, and in 
this manner the self-respect of an individual has often been sacrificed by 
a supposed honour in the preference and attention ; he shows there is no 
confidence between himself and brother practitioner, and the selfish 
employee turns it to his own account. Let the veterinary surgeon testify 
to his having a respect for himself and brother practitioner, and the 
public will find beneath his acts, motives which must claim for him the 
greatest consideration. 
I have frequently witnessed the good effects of that union, so much 
desired in other parts, which exists in the flourishing city of Manchester. 
We see it manifesting itself, and nestling as it were under the wings 
of the veterinary medical associations of that place and Leeds; and 
I am proud to say we have not been insensible to its invigorating 
influences in the town and district of Newcastle-on-Tyne. (Cheers.) 
Of Manchester I have often heard it remarked, “If you get one of the 
‘ vets’ there to make any proposition, depend upon it not only will it be 
on the strongest reasonable foundation, but to a man will they carry it 
out.” (Cheers.) This is the sort of union we want—unity of heart, 
of purpose, and design; not unity of opinion merely, but unity of 
principle. Men accomplish the same ends by a variety of ways ; let the 
veterinary surgeon look to this principle, and be “ A man for a’ that.” 
(Cheers.) Diversity of opinion will occur, but it is only by contact of 
man with his fellow, that its proper tendency will be observed; and 
association acts as the leading principle to the veterinary surgeon; its 
tendency is to show up a man in his true colours, to cause him to extend 
the right hand of fellowship, and no longer go on hating or envying his 
neighbour without knowing why. Association also stimulates the operations 
of the mind, and developes ideas which otherwise would be lost or never 
arrive at maturity. Although I look upon the aged and practical man 
with a kind of innate reverence, yet I value the principles of sound 
science and correct investigation; the mere practical man waits for 
results, whilst the well balanced mind, thoroughly trained in the process 
of events, their nature and bearings, acts by anticipation and induction, 
which with practical details, are the hand-book and guide to future honour 
and emolument. (Hear, hear.) 
