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for supply of information on such matters relating to domesticated animals as
Government may call for from time to time. The thanks of the Committee have
been conveyed to donors of books. The Instructor in practical shoeing has been
officiating as Librarian.
The MUSEUM contains about 60 specimens, many of much value. They are
illustrative of the several branches of study at the College, and been supplied by
the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, and members of the veterinary
profession; a number of them have been obtained from fatal cases in the Hospital.
Thanks of the Committee have been conveyed to the donors, and, it is gratifying
that some of the best specimens have been sent from so far off as Calcutta.
Under the regulations, the lecturers will, in future, be required to assist in the
organization of the museum in their respective departments (but I hope on
somewhat a different footing from the present unsatisfactory one, and that Gov-
ernment will be pleased to adopt my suggestion of making provision for a small
salary for a Joint Librarian and Museum Curator). I look forward to this the
more anxiously, because I consider our museum one of the most valuable teaching
means at our disposal, and I look confidently towards its considerable expansion.
Accordingly, I have requested the Committee to ask Government to give us
further accommodation for it, by throwing out a porch in front of the College and
extending the museum above it, thereby more than doubling our present museum
space. When our skeletons are mounted, we shall be much cramped for room
in the small-part of the building at present devoted to specimens; and when our
students begin to know a fair amount about veterinary work we may expect from
them large additions to our museum, and that it will become a really good one.
The FORGE and its SUBSIDIARY BUILDINGS were completed in the past year, and
a portion of the grant for furniture devoted to their equipment: thus they can be
got to work shortly. It is proposed to carry out only shoeing of a special nature,
of infirmary patients, and for educational purposes, in order that there may be
no serious competition with local firms who shoe " on European principles." The
course for practical shoeing begins only in the third year of study, so no students
have as yet learned shoeing.
The DISSECTING ROOM has been completed and opened with sufficient furni-
ture for the small second year's class, which has been under instruction since
Christmas. I hope to complete its equipment by June next, when a fair-sized
class will be required to commence the study of practical anatomy. I have under
consideration the necessary organization of work in this department, especially
as regards the minimum cost of supply of " subjects," of which our Hospital has
not hitherto constituted a sufficient or reliable source.
The POST-MORTEM ROOM has proved a most valuable addition to our clinical
resources, especially in examination of carcases as to the nature of fatal diseases,
such as rinderpest and rabies, also as to the presence or absence of poison and in
enquiries tending to advance our pathological knowledge.
The BOTANICAL GARDEN has had to stand over until the ground becomes avail-
able. In the meanwhile the scheme for it is being elaborated by the Chemical
Lecturer and myself.
The want of a CHEMICAL LABORATORY for practical instruction in this branch
and for analysis is much felt.
A valuable equipment of surgical instruments has been provided by Govern-
ment, and medicines have been liberally supplied by the Society for the Preven-
tion of Cruelty to Animals. Much good teaching material has been supplied by
the Hospital and utilized in practical instruction of the class.
The want of a PRACTICAL EXAMINATION SHED AND OPERATING ROOM has been
much felt, and is in course of representation to Government; it is most necessary
for the protection of the health of the clinical officers and of the students both
during the hot weather and the rains. The Trustees of the Bombay Pinjrápole
have, on my request, permitted me to take small classes round their establish-
ment for practical instruction; this I consider a most valuable concession.
12. PRIZES varying in value and suited to the requirements of the students
have been offered, as follows:—
(a) Free studentship for one year open to all students, for proficiency in
the handling of domesticated animals (Class A).