6
8. Although on the basis of those of the Royal College of Veterinary
Surgeons of Great Britain, our examinations differ from them in embracing a
written as well as an oral and a practical part and in covering more ground in
some directions, less in others. Handling of animals, hygiene, State veterinary
medicine, and horse-shoeing are (for example) subjects for which we have
special courses, but we have as yet no distinct classes in microscopical work.
This latter may in the near future demand serious consideration in consequence
of its important bearings on scientific veterinary medicine; a bacteriological
laboratory is especially required and will prove of much value ; I am considering
how best to organise one. The absence of study with the microscope as an
independent branch and the deficient veterinary strength of our teaching staff
are the only grounds on which the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons can
refuse to recognise our diploma as a " Colonial" one—a matter which has not
been even yet settled. During my absence on sick leave in Europe, after secur-
ing such increased professional status as passing the Fellowship Examination
implies, I constantly in person and by letter pushed on this question of recogni-
tion of the Bombay Veterinary College. But, it having been absorbed in the
general question of recognition of foreign and colonial degrees, the information
to be collected by the Council of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons was so
considerable and from such distant sources that no conclusions have been arrived
at this year. I am still periodically reminding the Royal College of Veterinary
Surgeons, and Dr. Nariman, who is now a qualified Bombay veterinarian, has
applied to that body for information as to the terms on which he will be ad-
mitted to its Diploma Examinations.
9. The subject of conditions of tenure of free studentship has been dealt
with by the Committee. Seven out of the 15 Government and Municipality
free students obtained their pass into Class C, 4 are now in Class B, and
4 in Class A ; of the latter 2 are students only in name, and recommendations
have been submitted to Government as to their removal from our rolls, and as
to future prompt elimination of non-attendants. The free students have held
their own fairly well in the examinations (Appendix C).
10. Order and discipline have been satisfactorily maintained in the College
throughout the year. The average attendance at lectures and practical instruc-
tions has been good, especially in the senior classes. The number of lectures, &c.,
delivered and conducted by the College staff is shown in Appendix F. The
Assistant Superintendent has, as now holding a veterinary qualification and on
account of the considerable increase in the amount of work in the Department of
Surgery and Medicine (this being the first year of Class C), this year for the first
time performed his full share of the teaching, and has done it efficiently. No
special course of lectures was delivered, owing to absence of the Principal. One
student attended specially for practical work and 2 Transport employés were
sent for practical study in the Hospital for a few months by the Commissary
General, the Hospital of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
affording facilities not elsewhere obtainable for study of diseases of cattle. No
certificate or other document is given in recognition of such casual courses of
study.
11. The Superintendent's designation was this year changed to "Principal
and Professor of Veterinary Science" (Government Resolution No. 5590, Revenue
Department, dated 17th August 1888). The duties of this post were performed
as follows:—
1st April to 26th May 1888—Veterinary Surgeon J. H. Steel, M. R. C. V. S.
26th May to 22nd June 1888—Asst. Superintendent S. K. Nariman, M.D., &c.
22nd June to 6th March 1889— Veterinary Surgeon Thos. Pottinger, M.R.C.V.S.
6th March to 31st March 1889—Veterinary Surgeon J. H. Steel, F.R.C.V.S.
Messrs. Pottinger and Nariman, while officiating in charge, performed the
duties with zeal and efficiency. I am specially indebted to the former gentleman
for the trouble he took in connection with collection of arrears of fees, also for
assisting me during my absence to edit the Quarterly Journal of Veterinary
Science in India. While away on leave I added to my literary productions a