20 
other in their estimates of the value of their grounds, although there 
is apparently little or no difference either in natural qualities or in 
situation. With few exceptions the grounds are rated very low— 
lower than the facts justify. If the estimates given are taken as 
a basis fora one per cent. tax, the Commissioners can already see 
that but a trifling revenue will be realized forthe State. It will there- 
fore be the duty of the Commissioners to make a just valuation, as 
required by the law; such as will fairly approximate to the true worth 
of the property. E 
Although it is conceded that this industry is in its infancy, and 
should not be burdened with excessive taxes, it is nevertheless true 
that there are many tracts of oyster ground in the Sound that are 
worth more per acre than the best farming lands in the State; and 
notwithstanding the manifold risks that are involved in the business, 
it is notorious that in a series of years it is exceedingly profitable. 
Those who reap the profit of these farms should freely admit their 
value, give in their lists accordingly, and so honestly discharge their 
obligations to the State. The first tax falls due on the first Monday 
in May next. 
The pollution of the waters of the State has become a crying evil. 
Complaints of the recklessness with which waste chemicals and other 
poisonous refuse are set adrift in our rivers, are heard on all sides. 
The immense amount of injury caused by such substances cannot 
easily be estimated. Formerly it was supposed that running water 
had the peculiar power of easily and rapidly relieving itself of for- 
eign material, after a little while depositing it upon the bottom of the 
stream, and so becoming pure. But this is erroneous. No one can 
tell how far poisonous substances may be carried in solution and dis- 
tributed, when once set afloat. Wherever they come in contact with 
the living creatures of the water, disease and death generally follow. 
Many instances in this and other States could be cited in proof of 
this. That the streams which flow into the Sound carry large quan- 
tities of material injurious to the oysters, is well known. In some 
places the beds are entirely destroyed; in others, they are greatly in- 
jured by change of color and flavor. The wide extension of oyster 
beds along the shores where these streams are constantly pouring out 
their waters, makes it a matter of vital importance that such waters 
should be kept as free from injurious matter as is possible. 
It is believed that this can be, in a great measure, accomplished by 
a law forbidding such pollution, under a penalty of fine and imprison- 
ment. 
