CORRESPONDENCE. 
479 
last year; which unfortunately contained a clause that naturally 
antagonized the self-made men of the profession. 
If there is any fault with the bill, it can only possibly be its 
liberality ; yet, that is so tempered with justice, that no fair 
minded person can raise his voice against it. And it is on this 
account that I feel constrained to sav a few words to the regular 
members of the profession, through the Review ; knowing as I 
do, that whatever opposition the bill will receive, will be from 
graduates of veterinary medicine practicing in the State of New 
York ; and I regret to say, that already I have been given to 
understand that there is at this early stage, that very opposition. 
Why is it, if not from some personal motive. Is it because 
perchance, it will give a standing to some non-graduate of the 
profession, whom we should be obliged to recognize; but even if 
from that point objection is taken, it should not be forgotten that 
this recognition is simply professional and not necessarily social; 
or if it should be with an idea to lessen the number of prac¬ 
titioners, defeating the bill will not have the effect; so it would 
appear that whatever opposition is offered, will be purely from a 
selfish standpoint, and consequently from no veterinarian who 
has the welfare of his profession at heart. There is too much 
of the spirit of “ the public be darned *’—substituting the word 
profession for public. Among the veterinarians of the present 
day, there would seem to be just two ideas that enter the 
minds of those taking up the veterinary profession for a calling— 
diplomas, dollars—the first to swear by, the second to worship; 
but I am glad to admit, as is the case in all rules, there are ex¬ 
ceptions, but I think you will agree with me, when I say, they 
are few and far between, and that there appear to be an 
entire lack of ambition on the part of nine-tenths of the 
members of the profession. But I am diverting. 
My object now is to try and get a unity of action on the 
question of legislation. 
The veterinarians of the northern part of the State, (Roch¬ 
ester,) have had introduced into the Assembly a bill to regulate 
the practice of veterinary medicine ; so that there are now two 
bills before that body, for their consideration. I cannot see the 
