PRESIDENT^ BANQUET IN BIRMINGHAM. 803 
his regret at being detained by urgent professional business. He was 
glad to have the opportunity of expressing his deep sense of grati¬ 
tude for the uniform consideration that be bad always received 
from the bands of bis brother practitioners. He would propose 
success to the “Veterinary Medical Associations of England/’ and 
the health of Mr. E. 0. Dray, of Leeds ; Mr. Greaves, of Man¬ 
chester ; and Mr. Hunting, of South Hetton. 
Mr. Edward Colmon Dray said—For the very kind manner in 
which his health had been proposed as President of the Yorkshire 
Veterinary Medical Association, lie begged to tender his best thanks. 
The chairman, in wishing continued success to Veterinary Medical 
Associations, had expatiated in such an able manner on the ad¬ 
vantages derivable from these societies, that it was needless for him to 
add but a few observations. The object of these associations is the 
advancement of our profession, and he firmly believed the founda¬ 
tion of them is now correctly and permanently laid, and hence will 
follow the sure and gradual extension of the superstructure. The 
periodical meeting together of the members of our profession must 
necessarily be productive of good ; there now exists a bond of union 
which was much required before these associations were established. 
They have a tendency to check backbiting or ill-natured remarks, and 
the oftener we meet, we not only become better acquainted with each 
other, but the constant interchange of opinions, stating the results of 
our different modes of practice, will inevitably bring not only lore to 
the mind, but raise our status. He felt certain that the time 
would come when any one would feel ashamed if he had to acknow¬ 
ledge that he was not a member of a Veterinary Medical Associa¬ 
tion. He therefore advised, not only that those who are not members 
be enrolled, but an extension, or formation of more associations in 
other counties. The power and support these associations may be 
able to give the Council of the Royal College of Veterinary Sur¬ 
geons of England, no one can foresee. As Mr. Greaves and Mr. 
Hunting will address you on the same subject, I beg leave, in con¬ 
clusion, to state that since I have had the honour of being President 
of the Yorkshire Association perfect unanimity and harmony have 
marked our meetings. 
Mr. J. Sampson Gamgee , in proposing “The Boards of Examiners 
of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons,” expressed regret that 
neither Professor Gamgee, senior, nor Professor John Gamgee, had 
been able to absent themselfes from Edinburgh to share the enjoy¬ 
ment and honour of that evening’s entertainment. I cannot but 
feel (Mr. Gamgee continued) that it would most probably have been 
impossible to propose this toast but for the action of our President. 
I do not mean by his invitations to this splendid banquet; but 
by his influence, first, as an independent member of the body corpo¬ 
rate, and subsequently as a member of Council in securing scope for 
the operation of the Scotch, as well, as the English, Board of 
Examiners. The northern Board, be it remembered, had practically 
ceased to exercise its functions for some years before the annual 
meeting of 1858, when Mr. R. L. Hunt asserted and maintained 
the right of every member to discuss the report of the Council, 
