356 
A. A. HOLCOMBE. 
veterinary surgeon’s position endurable, as other countries have 
done; for it cannot be expected that any talent will seek a posi¬ 
tion to which there is attached no rank or social recognition, 
where promotion is impossible, and compensation for the service 
rendered most inadequate. When these inducements are offered 
by the Government, the materials out of which to construct a 
creditable veterinary department will present themselves. But 
when can such a change for the better be expected to take place ? 
I fear not for some time to come, so the question now is, How 
can the present veterinary department be improved ? I believe 
the following answer is a comprehensive one, and capable of im¬ 
mediate application: Congress provides for the employment of 
fourteen regimental veterinary surgeons, and as many more by 
the Quartermaster's Dejpartmeyit as may be necessary. This last 
provision has not been taken advantage of, except in one instance, 
the employment of a veterinary surgeon by the Department of 
the Missouri. But the opportunity is here offered for the estab¬ 
lishment of an effective veterinary department without the fur¬ 
ther intervention of Congress. There could be appointed for 
service in the Quartermaster’s Department : 
One chief veterinary surgeon, at a salary of $2400 a year. 
Seven department veterinary surgeons, at a salary of $1800. 
-Post veterinary surgeons, at a salary of $1500. 
The first to be on duty at the Headquarters of the Army, to 
revise all requisitions for veterinary supplies, compile and pre¬ 
pare for publication all veterinary reports, and render such 
other service to the Government and public animals as may be de¬ 
termined necessary by the Quartermaster-General. The second 
class to do duty at the Headquarters of the Departments of Da¬ 
kota, Platte, Missouri, Texas, Arizona, Pacific and Columbia. 
Duties to consist of revision of all department requisitions for 
veterinary supplies, revision of all inspection reports of animals 
condemned for sale or destruction, the inspection of all animals 
presented to the Government for purchase, supervision of the 
treatment of all outbreaks of disease, and such other service as 
may be required of a veterinary surgeon. The third class, to be 
appointed in such number as may be required, to perform the 
