Chapters 39 - 41 Summary

In chapter thirty-nine, James reflects on how, as an instructor, some lessons in veterinary practice do not always yield the desired result. As a veterinary student, accompanying James on his rounds, David expects to see some real veterinary work. Despite his desire to impress upon David the importance of studying his physics, chemistry, and biology, James is chagrined when three cases in a row turn out to be false pregnancies and not more serious physiologic processes. "The schoolboy nodded thoughtfully, 'Yes, it seems to me that yours is a funny life altogether.'" (p. 350, chap. 39). David's opinion of James's life as a country vet leaves James feeling let down somehow.

In chapter forty, a required medical operation prevents Herriot from accompanying his training comrades grounds overseas, and ultimately grounds Herriot from flying for the RAF. While he recuperates from his operation...