Xlll 



be mainly directed to the fresh water. In this case the cure 

 must proceed on one of two hyphotheses. We must either 

 endeavour to eradicate the disease, or we must try to render the 

 fish less susceptible to its attacks. On the first hypothesis we own 

 we see little hope of successfully coping with the disease. It wiil 

 be difficult to eradicate the seeds of a fungus which multiplies 

 with such rapidity as the Sajirolcgnia. But, if the other view 

 is right, it is obvious that a good deal may be done to improve 

 the condition of the fish by improving the condition of the rivers 

 — (1) by facilitating the passage of salmon up and down the rivers, 

 over weirs and natural obstructions ; (2) by the prevention of 

 pollutions ; and (3) if rivers should in any case be overstocked, 

 which we do not think proved, by sanctioning the destruction of 

 kelts, or possibly by sanctioning in a salmon river the capture for 

 a certain time of the less valuable salmonidse, such as bull- 

 trout, after the commencement of the close season. But in every 

 case we feel satisfied that all dead fish should, wherever it is 

 possible, be removed from the rivers and buried beyond high- 

 water mark or burned. 



These conclusions are we fear, inadequate ; they are, however, 

 the only conclusions, which seem to us warranted by the present 

 state of our knowledge. Increased observation by naturalists, 

 microscopists, and other scientific persons, prolonged over many 

 seasons, may possibly be necessary in order to enable us to arrive 

 at a complete knowledge of the cause of the recent outbreak of 

 Saprolegnia, and of the remedies which are applicable to this 

 disease. 



We have the honour to be, 

 Sir, 

 Your obedient Servants, 



Frank Buckland. 

 S. Walpole. 

 The Under Secretary of State, Archd. Young. 



Home Office. 



