1 6 REPORT OF THE FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 



ment herewith submitted, be continued and an appropriation of $3,500, as requested 

 be made for that purpose. 



That a force of Rangers be appointed for the prevention of forest fires, timber 

 steaHng and poaching on State land. 



That all town firewardens be allowed a moiety of the fine in criminal actions, 

 after payment of expenses, in cases where they can secure evidence that will lead to 

 conviction for setting forest fires. 



That the Board be allowed to set aside certain limited portions of the State lands 

 as game refuges, and absolutely to prohibit the killing of wild animals therein. 



That the anti-hounding law be permanently extended, and that no dogs of a 

 breed which will pursue deer be allowed in the woods at any time. 



That the killing of does be prohibited at all times. 



That spring duck-shooting be forbidden. 



That there should be no discrimination by this State in the matter of hunting 

 and fishing against any citizen of the United States except in cases of citizens of 

 States which discriminate against the State of New York. 



That the Commission have power, after stocking or restocking streams, to close 

 them to public fishing for a term not to exceed two years. 



Above all, we would especially call your attention to the difficulty of enforcing 

 the law in regard to the pollution of streams. This is a matter of vital importance 

 and not to be dismissed as affecting only the lives of some fishes, the pleasure of 

 some anglers or the dividends of some pulp mills. We are a water-drinking people, 

 and we are allowing every brook to be defiled. Nature provides that they should be 

 kept pure by animals which feed on the dead matters which fall into them, but the 

 chemicals with which they are polluted can destroy all forms of life, so that every 

 beast which dies in the mountain will soon roll down into our reservoirs, pickled in 

 acids which no fish or bacteria can touch and live. It is not necessary to destroy or 

 hamper any industry in order to prevent the pollution of water courses. What is 

 really needed is to check the criminal selfishness of those who would rather poison 

 their fellow citizens with their offal than to spend a few dollars to take care of it. 



BY THE COMMISSION. 

 John D. Whish, Assistant Secretary. 



