| Description | This folder contains 14 letters to Smith from J J Meyrick, 45 The Chase, Clapham Common, London, S.W., dating from 18 Nov 1923 to 1 Feb 1925. Meyrick writes to Smith mostly recounting his experience working on government stud farms in India from 1868 to 1881, and working in Canada from 1862 to 1868. He also writes about the professors he knew at the Royal Veterinary College, and other information relating to veterinary history, such as the work of William Moorcroft in India and Afghanistan.
Meyrick mentions various subjects including: horse breeding, training, shoeing and saddlery; the Indian Civil Service; British rule in India and South Africa; treatment of colic and glanders; castration of horses; native Indian staff at stud farms; career progression of various Army officers; the status of veterinary surgeons in the Armed Services; and uniform worn by veterinary officers.
He also mentions personal issues including the health of his wife, the death of J B Skoulding and his own decline in health.
Also enclosed are three letters to Smith from J J Meyrick's niece, Elsie Meyrick, at the same address, dating from 15 Feb to 1 Mar 1925. She writes to inform Smith of her uncle's death, and the date of the funeral. A typescript document listing the record of service of Colonel J J Meyrick C.B is also enclosed. An annotation by Smith states that he received the record from the Director General of the Army Veterinary Service to help Smith write an obituary notice on Meyrick. |