In such predicament, probably anxious to do good, without the _personal power_ to EFFECT it, they may be impartially considered "men more sinned against than sinning;" and, in many instances, much more entitled to the commiseration of the enlightened, than the contemptuous indifference they so frequently receive. Happily, however, for the vocation itself, much more happily for the community at large, improvement in the PRACTICE of FARRIERY has at length become an object of national consideration; and the institution has been repeatedly honored with PARLIAMENTARY CONTRIBUTIONS; under which predictive ray of reformation, part of the present generation may probably not only derive future advantage, but live to see the former system rescued from the _ignorance_ and _barbarity_ by which it has been for so many centuries disgraced. The great hazard arising from the practice of the injudicious or ill informed, is their possessing an unrestrained power of plunging into a bold and inconsiderate use of the most _dangerous_ medicines, the present operation and ultimate effect of which they so _little_ understand, and are so absolutely _unable_ to explain. It is no uncommon thing to hear of _bleeding_, _rowelling_, _purging_, _glystering_, and _blistering_, nearly all taking place (with the same subject) within the space of _twenty-four_ hours; and could a _thousandth_ part of the poor unfortunate animals so rashly annihilated, but _rise_, and _recite_, the load of medical _combustibles_ and _contrarieties_ by which they were _destined_ to their _long_ and _last_ sleep, what a complicated history of the MATERIA MEDICA would be brought to light, and what a scene of _professional knowledge_ displayed, to form the basis of REFORMATION, with that long list of sublime disquisitionists, who, waving the disgraceful appellations of _smith_ and _farrier_, are becoming VETERINARY SURGEONS in almost every remote corner of the kingdom! One great and almost invincible error amongst the veterinarian fraternity (of whom there are many _juveniles_ now to be seen) is their superficial survey, and hasty decision, in cases of the utmost magnitude; anticipating the _prognostics_, without even descending to examine the predominant _symptoms_ of DISEASE. Passionately fond of _affecting infallibility_, they rashly promise _more_ than they find themselves able to perform; and thus by their own weakness, voluntarily exposed, are frequently compelled to _retract to-morrow_, what they have most inconsiderately asserted _to-day_; thereby overwhelming themselves with a load of professional _disgrace_, from which there seems no sanguine prospect of speedy extrication.