1910] FOREST, GAME AND FISH WARDEN. 41 



better to not prosecute them criminally, but if they persist in still polluting 

 the stream, I would like very much to have them prosecuted. 



Yours very truly, 



J. A. VlQUESNEY, 



Warden. 



June 8, 1911. 

 W. B. EECTOR, ESQ., 

 Chief Deputy, 

 City. 



DEAR SIR: I would like to have you spend your time for the next two or 

 three months in making investigations of the pollution of streams, with a 

 view of making a determined effort to better the conditions, in this regard 

 throughout the state. 



I have decided that to collect samples and have tests made at Washington 

 will be too expensive, as it will require us, in order to make an indictment, 

 to summon the party making these tests, before the grand jury, and to again 

 make a trip from Washington in order to make a conviction, which is out of 

 the question at this time. 



I believe that the only cheap and practical way to make tests in the future 

 is to obtain a small seine and spend a few days collecting sufficient fish to 

 make our own tests. I therefore suggest that you fix up our small pond neai 

 the freight depot, and place the fish that you collect in this pond so that you 

 can have sufficient fish when you desire to make a test. You can then take 

 these fish direct to the industry causing the pollution, and make the test there, 

 or if cheaper to do so collect a jug of water from each of the plants and send 

 them into the office and you can then make several tests at one time, keeping 

 an accurate record of each test so that we can have something substantial on 

 which to base a prosecution. 



I also suggest that you send some of these samples to the Department of 

 Fisheries, Washington, D. C., so that we can compare the two tests made and 

 be certain that we are right in our own investigations. 



I think it is best also, where you can possibly do it, to have a witness 

 present to see you make each of these tests. 



I suggest that you* first investigate all pollutions, including coal mines, 

 tanneries, paper mills and all other industrial plants which are polluting the 

 streams, in the counties of Barbour, Eandolph, Tucker, Taylor, Preston, Marion, 

 Harrison and Upshur, and we can then ascertain whether or not it will be 

 expedient to make tests in other counties of the state. 



Keep an accurate and complete account of all the work you do, and tests 

 you make, and furnish a copy to me for my office files. 



Yours very truly, 



J. A. VlQUESNEY, 



Warden. 



HON. J. A. VIQUESNEY, Warden, 



City. 



DEAR SIR: I beg to hand you herewith my report on investigations of the 

 pollution of streams in Barbour, Eandolph, Tucker, Taylor, Preston, Marion, 



