The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-02-04
Vetenarv Science.

Editor Of The Times-Dispatch
are psSdhs or 5nsy 70 q asFe s ,ss
agricultural Industries OF the Old Do
iTinion, l sincerely hope that the impor
lance OF educating our Virginia boys
veterinary science (surgery and medicinc)
will not only be realized, but strongly adj
yocated, BY. them. The writer, who vas
f porn raised and edg l,aIia N virginia
Institute In agriculture. had then TO go
North to take n degree IN veterinary
science, as no Virginia school has ever
this article based on what he has actually
observed In his native State, thus knows
whereof he speaks.
While one admits that knowledge OF
the disedEes of live stock is5Yery bene-
fetal to the farmer, yet they do not seem
to realize the fact that It is absolutely
necessary, for the protection of the live
| be educating at least some Of our young
nren along this particular line. While
| II is undoubtedly the most important It
is at the same time the worse neglected
branch of study, as a profession. in the
agricultural course Of our State at the
| present tinre.
a preparatory course In veterinary
science, along with the prescribed agri-
cultural course, has been given here at
the Virginia Polytechnic Institute for a
number of years. However, we should
euuCute, ana 5oIne VI OuT
natural born cattle and horse men in
| this profession.
Virginia is badly In need Of moro men
thoroughly educated along this line. Her
tleirr the theory, too. and they will make
| veterinarians of the highest type. Num-
bers or veterinarians from England. Cam
ada, as we'll as from the North and West
| of the United States, have come here to
Virginia, located and are practicing the
profession with success--the fact that
few of our native Virginians were prac-
ticing or studying the profession. yet the
field is an excellent one. plenty Of work
fort good men,. has even attracted for
eigners to locate In Virginia.
However. the time has come when many
OF our country boys see the advantages
which are being offered to the veterina-
rians here. not only as practitioners. but
as inspectors of the Bureau of Animal
Industry, surgeons in the army and
teachers in the many agricultural col
leges
Therefore, sincerely hope that three
years course In veterinary science will
hereafter be given at the Virginia Poly
technic Institute instead of the prepara-
tory course which has heretofore been
the extent of the work given In this
State. thus requiring our boys to go to
Washington. Canada or some out of the
way place in order to take the degree
OF D. v. S.
The Bureau OF Animal Industry will no
longer permit graduates from the Toron-
TO. Canada. Veterinary College to even
come up for an examination to fill posi-
ton in said bureau. much less employ
them. owing to the fact that the course
at Toronto is only a two years course:
Thus those graduating from said school
| since 1897 will have to graduate elsewhere.
too. If they want to fill position In the
Department Of Agriculture at Washing
ton. d. G..
The Virginia Polytechnic Institute. on
the other hand, hopes to give Il three
years course and training which will fit
Il tt,r IL, t,S fr,. fhn n az M
When the farmers of Virginia know
| that good veterinarian Is In reach of their
farm. they are going to employ him when
their valuable horse COW. sheep. hog or
| dog Is sick. am speaking from expe-
rience. as 1 enjoyed a good practice In
the counties of Orange, Madison. Greene
and vicinity when l was located ut Som
| erset, Orange county, Va. Afterwards
| enjoyed even a larger practice In the city
| of Charlottesville and vicinity. which
| practice i gave up to accept the position
| OF State veterinarian of my native State.
| Thus, In conclusion,f permit Inc to ask
all who are really Interested In the well
fare Of Virginia's agricultural future, not
| Committee of the Virginia Polytechnic
| Institute, when said committee asks for
an appropriation this winter for the
TIM D1s 20
/ Brown. chairman of the said committee,
| when he asks for money for the above
| good cause and purpose.
| Give the Virginia boys aschance to take
/ this course here at home. Many good
ones will take advantage OF tit comes
natural to them. as rule. The profess
! sion Is not only n good one for an indi-
| vitual to follow. from a b2siness stand
| point-to make money-but 1t is an ail-
| Important one TO the State ut large
! While the profession is good enough, yet
! In Virginia 1t IS badly In need OF more
| good men. Then why not develop the nat
| ural talent which we have?
\ j. e. FERNEYHOUGH,
State Veterinarian.