225 



temperature, and the question naturally arises, what is the 

 maximum degree compatible with safety ? Unfortunately 

 this point has not been definitely determined. 



The living organisms in Brewer's ferments have their 

 activity suspended in a temperature below 50 degrees, but 

 with Bacterial germs from 10 to 15 degrees lower would, 

 it is believed, be necessary. 



Fish, when in a perfectly sound condition, placed in a 

 temperature ranging between 32 and 35, will remain 

 sound for a long time ; but the range between 35 and 40 

 may, perhaps, be considered as debateable ground. The 

 highest degree of temperature compatible with safety once 

 determined, a constant temperature below this point will 

 be found to be an essential requisite. 



For a complete realisation of the possible advantages 

 derivable from this system of preservation, it must not only 

 begin before deterioration sets in, but it must also be con- 

 tinuous until the fish are delivered to the various markets 

 for final disposal. This involves providing coid chambers 

 in the cutters for transportation by water, cold storage on 

 the docks, and refrigerating cars for land carriage. If 

 these provisions in ample proportions are provided, the 

 fisherman will be in a great measure independent of 

 sudden changes in the weather and of fluctuations in 

 market prices, and the fish-curer will have greater cause 

 than now to complain* of his inability to procure fish at 

 his own price of a quality that the fish merchants are 

 compelled to sell. 



If this system of preservation ended with the landing the 

 fish on the docks, or in delivering them to the cutters in 

 better condition than ever before attainable, it would then 

 have no mean importance. But it does not end here, but 



* An actual complaint. 

 VOL. VII. C. Q 



