Report on the Mussels from the Ribble 

 Training Wall. 



By W. Birtivisilc. 



A preliminary topographical survey of these mussel beds 

 was made in July 1921 by Mr. Scott, and a provisional report 

 was then made to the Com mitteel . The location of the mussel 

 beds, the positions of the sewer outfalls up to date, and the 

 characters of the sewage efi^uents were observed. Further, 

 the directions in which these effluents moved "were carefully 

 noted, as well as the general appearance of the mussels and 

 their surroundings. It was then decided that a bacteriological 

 examination should be made of those mussels ^^hich, from 

 topographical evidence, Avoidd be expected to show the 

 greatest find least possible pollution respectively. 



The locality chosen as probably showing the greatest 

 pollution was the Church 8car Bed, and that showing as little 

 as any was at a point on the North Training Wall, ISi miles 

 from the dock gates at Preston. The exact position is opposite 

 the No. 2 Gas Buoy shown on the chart of the 1920 survey of 

 the Ribble and Estuary. 



Description of the Respective Localities. 



Church Scar Bed. 



This bed extends from about 500 yards west of Lytham 

 Pier, adjacent to the northern bank of the Channel for about 

 1,000 yards, ending about the tenth mile. Occupying a some- 

 what irregular shape, its greatest breadth from the Channel 

 boundary is about 150 yards, opposite St. Cuthbert's Church, 

 from which it takes its name. It bares at low water, when 



i Printed in Superintendent's Report for Quarter ending -SOtli Sept., 1921. 



