464 
EDITORIAL 
State is concerned, the steps which were taken in October last, 
and to which we have already alluded, have proved far from giv¬ 
ing evidence as to the correctness of our supposition. It is to 
avoid the repetition of similar action that we recommend again to 
the veterinarians of the States where no organization is yet in 
existence, to lose no time in taking the proper steps to unite 
themselves into professional bodies. 
There are now in many States—in Massachusetts, New Jersey, 
Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, and perhaps several others—a 
sufficient number of regular graduates of various schools to form 
these associations. They should do so at as early date as possible. 
They should have their constitution and by-laws, and make them 
as liberal as they can be made. They will find in their districts 
gentlemen practising veterinary medicine, self-made men, who 
deserve much credit for what they have done, though deprived 
of the opportunity of obtaining a college education. These men 
cannot be ignored. They in many instances are far superior to 
the regular graduates in professional knowledge and in ethical 
conduct, and recognition ought to be granted them. A licentiate 
degree could be given to those of them who could fulfil certain 
requirements. The' Americans have’taken much from their Eng¬ 
lish cousins. In following the example set by the Royal College 
of Veterinary Surgeons in England, American veterinarians 
would not be following one of the worst ways of English people. 
Those societies once formed, a National Association could 
readily be organized. Already a large nucleus for such an organi- 
xation exists. Formed years ago, it is in a flourishing condition. 
The treasurer reports annually an increase in the capital entrusted 
to his care ; for twenty years she has held her meetings regularly, 
and many interesting subjects have been discussed; she is known 
all over the world, though a few at home may claim ignorance of 
her existence. It will be to the United States Veterinary Medi¬ 
cal Association that these State societies will naturally attach 
themselves. 
The next meeting of that Association is to be held, we under¬ 
stand, in Cincinnati, in March. No doubt many veterinarians of 
the East will go there to meet their colleagues of the West, and 
