120 
J. T. DUNCAN. 
organize an institution for the special purpose of imparting Veterinary 
education. This was done, in 1862, by the appointment of Professor 
Smith as Principal of the School, the various departments being filled 
by professors of ability, most of them being in connection with the 
medical colleges of Toronto. During the session of 1862-63, one or 
two young men attended with a view of graduating, but a large number 
of agricultural students availed themselves of the short course of six 
weeks’ lectures, designed specially for them. 
In 1864 a Board of Examiners was appointed, and in 1866 three 
young gentlemen, \after undergoing a careful examination, were granted 
the Diploma of the Board of Agriculture. The brilliant reputation of 
Professor Smith, and the success of the graduates in practice, induced 
ever increasing numbers of young men to avail themselves of the ad¬ 
vantages offered by this institution, till, in 1869, the accommodations 
were found inadequate. Up to this time the lectures had been delivered 
in Agricultural Hall, while the infirmary was at some distance. Now, 
however, Professor Smith erected a commodious college building, with 
infirmaries and dissecting-room attached, and the institution received 
its present designation, the “Ontario Veterinary College.” 
An extract from the official report of the Board of Agriculture, to 
the Government, for the year 1870, will show how the efforts of Pro¬ 
fessor Smith and his assistants, in the cause of Veterinary education, 
were appreciated at the time : 
“The examiners expressed themselves highly satisfied with the 
standard of the examination and the answers received. They have the 
testimony of Dr. Beatty, of Cobourg, * * who attended the examina¬ 
tions on behalf of the Council, and is well qualified to give an opinion, 
that he has been much gratified at the proficiency exhibited by the 
students, that some of them passed a really brilliant examination, and 
displayed a knowledge of anatomy which would do .credit to any medical 
school in the Province. In short, the Council is satisfied that the course 
of instruction given at this institution is a thoroughly practical and 
efficient one, and wed adapted to prepare the students for the successful 
practice of the Veterinary art as a profession.” 
Flattering as had been the success of the institution as a school , its 
prosperity as a college was still greater. Its reputation for imparting 
sound practical as well as theoretical training spread in every direction, 
causing an increased attendance of students to such an extent as to 
necessitate still further enlargement of the premises, which was done 
last year. 1 he College buildings are now large and convenient, and fur¬ 
nished with every necessary for the teaching and practice of the profession. 
