286 
EDITORIAL. 
Nova Scotia cattle diseases, nothing, absolutely nothing, was done 
worthy of the Association—the only body of its kind existing in 
the United States. 
Why is this so ? Why is it that the Association, meeting 
but twice a year, but for which the anniversary meeting takes 
place in September; why is it that such poor result is obtained ? 
If we look at the work which other similar associations do, at 
similar meetings, what must be our feelings—and what can be 
said of the Association by those who are its enemies, or by those 
who are interested in the doings of all veterinary societies ? It is 
not because the Association is deficient in men capable of doing 
good work. It is not that all of the members are not anxious for 
its welfare. Then where is the cause of this failure in the success 
of the meeting ? 
After giving careful thought to the subject, we are brought to 
the conclusion that the fault lies principally with its officers. Not 
on any one especially, but on all. The various committees alone 
ought to furnish a sufficient amount of interesting material for 
discussion and for instruction. But what is done? They are ap¬ 
pointed by the President, and possibly that is all that comes of it. 
Perhaps the Secretary notifies them of their appointment, but 
what more ? Are they ever reminded of such appointment ? Are 
they notified that a report will be expected from them, either sep¬ 
arately or collectively, through their Chairman ? We know of 
cases where the Chairman of a committee overlooked his position 
and never thought that he had to make a report, until the very 
evening before the day of meeting. Cannot the Committee on 
Disease collect sufficient material all over the country for an excel¬ 
lent report on the general condition of health and disease among 
our domestic animals ? If the members of that committee are ap¬ 
pointed, say one in Massachussetts, one in Pennsylvania, and one 
in Ohio, can they not gather the elements of a report which will 
be attentively listened to for several hours ? And the committee 
on Intelligence and Education—is not their field of labor and in¬ 
vestigation sufficiently wide to furnish materials for an excellent 
report ? And the Committee on Prizes, is it not their duty to en¬ 
deavor to stimulate the ambition of all, and obtain some original 
