290 
A. A. HOLCOMBE. 
sired reform. A few educated veterinarians in the army at this 
time could have done more for the advancement of the profession, 
and the appreciation of its importance by the Government, than 
by a lifetime in civil practice. But the opportunity passed un¬ 
noticed. A few months later in 1863, a change regarding the 
veterinary surgeon was effected, for, in General Order No. 259 I 
find : “Veterinary surgeons of cavalry under the Act of March 
3d, 1863, will be selected by the Chief of the Cavalry Bureau 
upon the nomination of the regimental commanders. 
“ These nominations will be founded upon the recommenda¬ 
tion of the candidate by a regimental board of officers to con¬ 
sist of the three officers present next in rank to the commander of 
the regiment. 
“ The names of the candidates so recommended and nomin¬ 
ated to the Chief of the Bureau of Cavalry, will be submitted by 
him to the Secretary of War for appointment. A record of the 
appointments so made shall be kept in the Adjutant General’s 
office.” 
This was an important move in so far as the veterinary surgeon 
was concerned, for it served to give him a status in the army, and 
a compensation somewhat commensurate in the importance of 
the services rendered. It was the first time the Government had 
offered inducements which might possibly tempt an educated vet¬ 
erinarian to accept an army position. The next order having any 
important relation with the veterinary surgeon was issued in 1864, 
when provision was made for supplying the army with “horse 
medicines.” It would be interesting to know who comprised the 
board that recommended the medicines found in the following: 
“Gen. Order No. 195” (dated May 12th, 1864). “ The sub¬ 
joined standard supply table of horse medicines, with regulations 
for the government of the Veterinary Department of the Army, 
prepared by a board of officers convened by Special Order No. 
137, current series, from this office, (Adjutant General’s), have 
been adopted, and are published for the information and guidance 
of all concerned. 
“ I. STANDARD SUPPLY TABLE. 
(Articles and quantities for 100 horses for three months, Hos¬ 
pital Service only are given, as the whole table would occupy 
