Notwithstanding the advantages already resulting to the public at large, time alone can demonstrate what emoluments will be derived by the numerous individuals who were encouraged, by specious appearances, to embark in the undertaking: one thing seems at present incontrovertibly certain, that of those who have entered into the profession, the greater part did so with an intention (since confirmed) of becoming MASTERS immediately upon obtaining a certificate, and quitting the College; and hence it is we have a _veterinary surgeon_ in every street and lane of the Metropolis, with as great a scarcity of expert _journeymen_ as before the institution took place. Experience and attentive observation must have convinced every enlightened, humane, and liberal sportsman, that the shoeing-smith has a life of _labour_ and _drudgery_, for which he is the _least_ paid, and the _worst_ looked upon, of any tradesman in the numerous catalogue of those who have a subsistence to obtain by the sweat of the brow.
That the science of shoeing, and system of farriery, has seldom or ever been undertaken or practised in this kingdom, but by men of the lowest order, and without the advantage of education, must be candidly and clearly admitted; the reason must be equally striking, and can stand in little or no need of elucidation. Are there any attractions (as they are now paid or compensated) beyond drudgery, degradation, and impending indigence? Incessant labour during the early part of life, and inevitable _poverty_ in _old age_, have, for century upon century, been the hard-earned lot of _nineteen_ out of every _twenty_ shoeing-smiths from one extremity of the kingdom to the other. Can it be expected that those of much mental brilliancy, or manual dexterity, will prostitute both, and descend to so dangerous, so laborious, and so degrading an occupation, without even a chance of adequate compensation? These, it is to be presumed, are very fairly inferred reasons why the practice has always remained in a state of uncultivated sterility; from which even now it appears not to be permanently rescued; for, exclusive of the palpable inconveniencies, and discouraging prospects, already described, which, to a man of spirit and emulation, are sufficiently disgusting, when he adverts to the inferior rank he is in future destined to hold in the scale of society, he becomes conscious of his own insignificance; and, whatever education he may possess, or whatever knowledge he may have attained, he feels but little probability of being held in a degree of public estimation superior to the parochial _scavenger_ or _nightman_.