positive or affirmative proof of the communication of disease from animal to animal should render us very cautious, and much influence the opinions we may give on so important a point. Judging, then, from what I have seen, and also from the facts related, I have too much reason to fear that the present epizootic affecting cattle is of a contagious nature: thus much for the causes of these maladies. I intend now to offer a few brief remarks upon the existing disease, as my object is chiefly to direct your attention to that which I consider erroneous respecting it. It may, however, be first observed, that various terms have been employed to designate these affections, all of which have reference either to their supposed causes or their nature, as shewn by their effects on the animal frame, or frequently to the variety or kind of animal attacked. Thus we hear of the epidemic, the epizootic, and the zymotic disease, while, almost by common consent, we are contented to call the one I have alluded to pleuro-pneumonia; a name somewhat expressive of the ravages of the malady, but by no means the best which might have been selected. Many persons are of opinion that this affection is to be considered as a sequela of the eczematous epizootic which shewed itself among our flocks and herds in 1839; but it appears to me that these maladies are essentially different in their nature, in the parts selected for the attack, in duration, in consequences, and also in the kind of animal chosen as their victims; for, speaking generally, we may remark, in the one instance, the disease is ushered in suddenly and unexpectedly, selecting animals in apparent health, and running its course in a few days. It can also be produced by inoculation, and is recognised by the existence of vesicles containing a limpid fluid situated on the tongue and other parts of the body: and when shewing itself on a farm, affects indiscriminately both oxen, sheep, pigs, and poultry, without regard to their ages or the circumstances under which they are living. We also observe, that the patient is left apparently little the worse from the attack in the majority of instances, while, in a few exceptions to this, the unfavourable sequela which we notice are principally confined to the udder or the feet, producing, in the one case, inflammation of its secreting glands, and, in the other, destruction to the vascular and connecting parts between the sensible and horny portions of these

organs. Occasionally an extension of the disease takes place to deeper seated structures of the body, followed by the formation of abscesses in the cellular tissue, but in no cases do we see the parenchyma of the lungs affected with that peculiar morbid change which characterises the prevailing epizootic. How, then, can pleuro-pneumonia be viewed as a necessary consequence of this affection? Besides, have we not in it an insidious disease, attacking most important organs, proceeding gradually through its several stages, resisting almost every attempt at cure, and terminating only, in by far the larger majority of cases, with the life of the patient? But, independently of these differences, there are three other facts which clearly prove the non-identity of these maladies: First, both are found on the same premises at the same time, existing altogether independent of each other. Secondly, oxen and cows are most commonly the victims of pleuro-pneumonia, although not always. Thirdly, pleuro-pneumonia has swept off many animals that never were the subjects of an attack of eczema. Much might be said respecting the different views entertained on the precise character of the morbid change in the lungs ; this, however, is a subject unfitted for the present occasion. And as I have dwelt on that which I considered an error regarding it, I shall, in conclusion, content myself by merely observing, that never did a disease demand from us stricter investigation, both as it regards its true nature, and also the means that ought to be adopted to stay its destructive effects.

In the preceding observations, with the brief history of epidemics that has been given, we hope that the great necessity which exists for the diseases of cattle to be well understood has been clearly shewn, and the importance of the subject received some elucidation: and as the advantages accruing to the community by an extended cultivation of this knowledge have been commented on in the earlier part of this address, we trust that we may now venture to offer a few concluding remarks to those of the profession who, in the present order of things, are chiefly looked to for effectually carrying out the good work which is begun. To you, students, our rising hopes,-you are yet young in your attachments to scientific pursuits: let me impress on your minds that

energy, honest devotion to your studies, industry, and gentlemanly demeanour, are the sure means by which you will obtain both fame, honour, and fortune, in the exercise of your calling. Cultivate these, and your reward is certain. The advantages you possess over those that have gone before you are great: that you are persuaded of this, no other proof need be adduced, than for me to point to those splendid testimonials which you, in common with your elder brethren, have this day presented to your teachers, Professors Spooner and Morton. One of these is exclusively your act; the merit belongs entirely to you; and it shews, more forcibly than language can express, that you appreciate the value derivable from an extension of your instructions and the talents of your teachers. It is this conviction which you have not hesitated to record in imperishable marble.

May every success in life attend you! May your reputation increase proportionate to your exertions to assist in the onward progress of your profession!-and that you will honestly devote yourselves to it, no one can doubt, after the assurance which has this day been given.

And now, gentlemen, allow me to offer you my sincere thanks for the kind attention I have received during the delivery of this imperfect address: I know its faults are many. I may, however, congratulate you on coming events; for when we again assemble to celebrate another Anniversary, we shall be listening with eager delight to the eloquence of our friend Mr. Spooner, of Southampton, who has kindly promised to give the next Oration.

The dinner being now announced, a most excellent repast was partaken of, and the utmost cordiality and good feeling prevailed throughout the evening. After the removal of the cloth, and the national and a few other toasts had been given, the Chairman, Professor Spooner, presented to Mr. Morton, in the name and on the behalf of the subscribers to the Veterinary Medical Transactions, a very handsome Silver Coffee and Tea Service, with other plate. The principal piece bore the following inscription:

Mr. Morton, after stating that the feelings he was then impressed with were of no ordinary kind, and so intense were they that he could not give utterance to them, assured all present that he felt most sincerely grateful for the very high honour they had been pleased that evening to confer upon him, by presenting to him so splendid a testimonial of their "regard and esteem;" and he trusted that while it conferred on him a good name, which he hoped he should be able to maintain untarnished, it would also act as an incentive to continued and increased endeavours satisfactorily to fulfil the duties of the station in which he had been placed. The feelings of pride that arose in his breast were checked by the consciousness of the little he had done, and how largely he had been rewarded by the exuberant liberality of his friends. But, said he, it may not be misplaced if this event is traced up to its cause, and he would promise not to detain them long.

When a mighty river is seen emptying itself into the mightier ocean, the mind reverts to its source, and reflects that once it was but a small brook struggling to force its waters over its pebbly bed; and so small may have been its beginning, that a stone could have turned it aside, or the foot of the mountain shepherd boy stopped it. Or, if we observed a stately oak spreading its majestic branches, and affording shelter to the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, we remember that it was once but a tiny acorn which chanced to fall upon that spot, but, nurtured by the air and

soil and the dews of heaven, it germinated, and continued to grow till it attained its present size and value. Thus it is that things of note may frequently be traced to very small beginnings.

The Veterinary Medical Association had its origin in a series of events, recorded in the archives of veterinary medicine, which charity could wish were blotted out for ever. They constitute a dark era in our history, and one in which malignant feelings were allowed to obtain the mastery; nevertheless, no little good has followed the committal of the evil. Our beginnings, too, were feeble, while much opposition had to be contended with, and many obstacles were thrown in our way. The contest will be long remembered, yet the victory was certain almost from the onset, when two went forth—your President and myself—who had yielded but were not overcome; full of regret, but not in despair; and although possessing but little influence, we were strong in the justness of our cause. We met with the kindest reception from all members of the profession on whom we called; they were those who had taken cognizance of what had been going on, and, in common with ourselves, deplored the wreck that had been made. They promised their support, and fulfilled that promise. Backed by them, an application was made to the Governors of the Veterinary College to be permitted to form another medical society, in which care should be taken that the same errors should not again find place, by means being adopted to prevent a recurrence of similar scenes-scenes alike disgraceful to the profession, and derogatory to its best interests. Then was our triumph secure, and the Association has continued to acquire both strength and importance ever since.

Much of the estimation in which it is now held arose from the valuable assistance it obtained from Mr. Youatt, who was one of its earliest supporters, and who volunteered to communicate to the public our proceedings through The Veterinarian, for we were not ashamed of what we had done, or were about to do. Had a doubt remained on the mind of any one, it was now for ever dissipated. Thus we continued yearly adding to our numbers, and increasing in the estimation of those who had carefully scrutinized our acts, and who ultimately approved of them. At length it was said that the journal with which the Association was allied was becoming depreciated by the junction; and a feeling was abroad