Relation between Backlund transformations and higher continuous symmetriesof the Toda equation

In this paper we study one aspect of the continuous symmetries of the Toda equation. Namely, we establish a correspondence between Backlund transforma tions and continuous symmetries of the Toda equation. A symmetry transforma tion acting on a solution of the Toda equation can be seen as a superpositi on of Backlund transformations. Conversely, a Backlund transformation can b e written, at least formally, as a composition of infinitely many higher sy mmetry transformations. This result reinforces the opinion that the presenc e of sufficiently many continuous symmetries for discrete equations is an i ndication of their integrability.