EDITORIAL 
401 
fession of his choice imposes upon him obligations which he can¬ 
not afford to ignore. He must, of course, attend to his patients, 
but he must assist in the elevation of his profession in public 
estimation, and there is no better way for him to render that assist¬ 
ance than to work for it, and not solely for himself. He must at¬ 
tend the meetings of the societies to which he belongs; he must 
take part in the discussions; ho must express his opinions before 
the public, in order that others may be benetitted by them ; he 
must bear in mind that the publication of his observations 
helps to build up not only his own repute, but that of his profes¬ 
sion, and not only at home and in his own sphere, but all over 
die world. These are some of the obligations which we believe 
all veterinarians who possess a true professional “ patriotism ” 
ought to fulfil, but which cannot be realized unless our brother¬ 
hood on this continent will consent to rouse themselves from the 
sluggish apathy which seems to possess their minds and narcotise 
their spirits. Let us hope for the time when they will honor 
their calling, and justify their pride in their profession by making 
it something to be proud of. 
ACKNOWLEDGMENT. 
In view of the departure of Mr. Billings for Paris, on his er¬ 
rand of humanity, in which he hopes, with other philanthropic 
friends, to accomplish results of signal advantage to those whom 
his excursion is designed to benefit; and besides this, to perform 
important services in the promotion of the objects of his own 
organization, the faculty and students of the American Veterin¬ 
ary College have felt it to be their duty to tender him a small 
pecuniary testimony of their sympathy and desire to co operate 
in the good work on hand. Following is Mr. Billings’ response 
to the communication, received by the Dean of the College: 
Hew York, Dec. 8, 1885. 
Dr. A. Liautard , Dean of the Faculty A. V.C., 
Dear Sir: — I cannot well find words to express my feelings 
for the delicate remembrance sent by you in the name of and by 
a committee of the students of the American Veterinary 
