592 
CORRESPONDENCE. 
lightfully written. It contains chapters on the conformation of 
the cavalry-horse, physiology of motion and mode of examina¬ 
tion for purchase ; on bits and saddles, packs, seats, and train¬ 
ing ; on forage, stable-management and on the common diseases 
and injuries of the horse. This last chapter is intended for cav¬ 
alry officers who are away with detachments without a veteri¬ 
narian. The book is profusely illustrated with plates from 
photographs taken for the purpose. 
CORRESPONDENCE. 
A VOICE FROM THE ARMY. 
Mayagues, Porto Rico, October 15, 1899. 
Editors American Veterinary Review ; 
Dear Sirs :—Notwithstanding the fact that but thirty-five 
per cent, of the army veterinarians who took the examina¬ 
tion for the position of veterinarian of the first class under the 
new law (providing that there shall be two veterinarians to each 
cavalry legiment, one to receive the pay and allowances of a 
second lieutenant of cavalry, the other to receive the pay of #75 
per month and the allowances of a sergeant-major, the former, 
however, to be subject to an examination as to his mental, moral 
and physical qualifications before receiving the appointment) 
passed, the impression appears to prevail that the examination 
was but a perfunctory one after all, and this impression has been 
permitted to u wabash n along its merry way unchecked or un¬ 
challenged, although it is evident that this opinion reflects on 
the examining board appointed by the War Department, as 
well as upon those of us who have succeeded in passing. 
In connection with the above subject, a few remarks from 
one who has been there may not be out of place, when the eyes 
of the profession are turned on the army from a veterinary 
standpoint,, and in view of the fact that another examination is 
to be held in the near future to fill the remaining vacancies. 
Tne examinations were handled by a special board, which 
got up the questions in Washington, forwarded them to the 
diffeient stations at which the candidates were stationed; at 
these stations local boards were appointed by the commanding 
officers, acting under instructions; these boards, consisting 
generally of three officers, opened the envelope containing the 
