CONCLUSIONS. 
55 
17. We have shown the frequent presence, in various shellfish, of anaerobic spore- 
bearing bacilli showing the characteristics of the B. enteritidis sporogenes recently described 
by Klein. 
18. Consequently, as the result of our investigations and the consideration of 
much evidence, both from the Oyster Growers and the Public Health Officer's point of 
view, we beg to recommend — ■ 
{a) That the necessary steps should be taken to induce the oyster trade to remove 
any possible suspicion of sewage contamination from the beds and layings 
from which oysters are supplied to the market. This could obviously be 
effected in one of two ways : either (i) by restrictive legislation and the licensing 
of beds only after due inspection by the officials of a Government Department ; 
or (2) by the formation of an Association amongst the Oyster Growers and 
Dealers themselves, which should provide for the due periodic examination of 
the grounds, stores, and stock, by independent, properly qualified inspectors. 
Scientific assistance and advice given by such independent inspectors would 
go far to improve the condition of the oyster-beds and lajn'ngs, to reassure the 
public, and to elevate the oyster industry to the important position which 
it should occup\'. 
{b) Oysters imported from abroad (Holland, France, or America) should be 
consigned to a member of the suggested " Oyster Association," who should 
be compelled by the regulations to have his foreign oysters as carefully 
inspected and certified as those from his honie layings. A large proportion 
of the imported oysters are, however, deposited in our waters for such a 
period before going to market, that the fact of their having originally come 
from abroad may be ignored. If this period of quarantine were imposed 
upon all foreign oysters, a great part of the difficulty as to inspection and 
certification would be removed. 
ic) The grounds from which mussels, cockles, and periwinkles are gathered should 
be periodically examined by scientific inspectors in the same manner as the 
oyster-beds. The duty of providing for this inspection might well, we should 
suggest, be assumed by the various Sea Fisheries Committees around the coast* 
• Since the above was written, and published in a preliminary abstract of this memoir, we are glad to 
learn that (l) the "British Oyster Industries Association" has been formed, and (2) an Oyster Bill has been laid 
before Parliament. If the Association takes a sufficiently high view of its responsibilities and duties, the provisions 
of the Bill will become unnecessary. 
