ADDRESS. 
469 
the whole service is excessive; it ought not be more than 10 per 
cent, instead of 21. 
To obtain such a result seems at least within reason, and the 
first step in that direction will be a proper inspection of all ani¬ 
mals presented for purchase. There seems to be no good reason 
why this has not already been done. A general order providing 
for the appointment of inspecting boards, and defining their com¬ 
position, would place the matter on its merits and determine 
whether the veterinary surgeon’s qualifications do not render his 
services even more valuable here than in the hospitals. 
It undoubtedly would be economy on the part of the Govern¬ 
ment to purchase no animal until inspected and passed by a com¬ 
petent veterinary surgeon. 
About 10,500 horses and the same number of mules are kept 
in the military service. The loss of animals during the year was 
2,056 horses and 1,281 mules. The proceeds of sales thereof de¬ 
posited in the treasury in the year, and not available under 
existing laws to replace those died, lost or sold, was $80.207.97. 
The average cost of 1,438 cavalry and artillery horses purchased 
during the year was $125.12. Total was $179,926.71. The cost 
of 1,006 mules and 29 draught horses for the trains purchased 
was $117,074.80, the average being for mules $111.07 each, 
and for draught horses, $138.79. Thus the sales of animals 
worn out produced about one-fourth of the cost of replacing them. 
—Extracts from the Quartermaster General's Report for the 
fiscal year ending June 30th, 1881. 
ADDRESS. 
THE VETERINARY PROFESSION. 
By Dr. W. McEachran. 
The session of the Veterinary College was opened by an 
address from the Principal, Dr. McEachran, when there was a 
good number of students present and also some members of 
the medical profession. 
After welcoming the students, Dr. McEachran proceeded to 
