438 A nniversary A ddress. 



followed seems but too well calculated to assist in a regular 

 supply along the whole course of Tweed. 



From a naturalist's point of view, it seems clear that unless 

 these diseased fish, each one of which may be regarded as a 

 separate manufactory of spores, be thoroughly destroyed, 

 little hope can be entertained of stamping out, or even of 

 checking the scourge ; and that which now seems impera- 

 tively necessary, is the establishment of a series of cremating 

 stations along the river, where that operation can be con-, 

 veniently and effectively performed, every diligence being 

 used to extricate from the water as many affected fish as 

 possible. 



The prudent farmer, who desires to prevent the spread of 

 potato disease in his fields, is careful to burn all the haulms 

 of an affected crop, so that no spores may find their way 

 back into the ground and lie in wait for another crop. 



The prudent Tweed Commissioner, too, in dealing with an 

 evil of exactly the same nature, would, one might not dis- 

 respectfully suppose, be wise to deal with it in the same 

 manner, so as to preserve as far as possible his future crops 

 from contamination. 



We do not conclude, and must not infer, that the Tweed 

 Commissioners have overlooked the importance of the scheme 

 on which I am dwelling ; but they would probably urge that 

 on account of the great extra expense involved, it is an 

 impracticable one. 



I do not know whether any calculations have been made 

 with reference to the best and most economical way of de- 

 stroying the fish, for it is possible that some agent equally 

 efficient, more manageable and feasible for the purpose than 

 fire, may exist ; and I suggest that some member of our Club 

 might experiment usefully in that direction. 



I think that you will be glad to hear that the Committee 

 of this Museum are taking steps to secure a complete collec- 

 tion of all the Salmonidse of the Tweed, so that tne life of a 

 salmon from the cradle to the grave in all its stages may be 

 represented by verified specimens. 



That such a collection should be in the possession of th^ 



