ples. In No. 1 the chlorine and organic and volatile matter are less than in No. 2, and more than in No. 3. The color, general appearance and odor of the three samples were very similar, and lime was the chief mineral constituent of the solid residue in each case. They all contained traces of alumina, and although alum is largely used by the tanneries, it was not to be expected that it would appear in the waters as such in appreciable quantities. Arsenic also is said to be employed, but no trace of it was detected in the samples. Replying to the questions propounded and above stated, I would say that in my opinion, based upon the chemical examination of the samples submitted and my inspection of the streams. (a) that the discharge of sewage and of tannery waste into the streams and ponds contaminates the waters, both waters and beds, below the city, rendering them objectionable and offensive to the senses, and occasioning deposits in their beds and along their banks, which, when exposed to the air at low stages, and especially during hot weather, must evolve unpleasant and-deleterious odors as a result of the decay of the organic matters which these deposits contain. So long as the present defilement of these streams continues it is evident that the nuisance occasioned by them will be increased by exposure of the sides and beds such as occurs during low stages of the waters, and, therefore, I would view with disfavor any plan which contemplates lowering the level of any of the ponds while present conditions exist, and unless the deposits in these ponds be immediately removed by dredging them. I do not see that any advantage could result from draining any of them, and such a course, I think, would be decidedly objectionable unless the deposits were at the same time removed. If the pollution of these ponds be discontinued and their surface maintained at the present level, it may be hoped that in time they will purify themselves by natural processes, or at least, that their condition will become less objectionable than at present. (b) It seems to me not improbable that the discharge of such agents as lime, and salts of alumina and iron, bichromate of potash and other chemicals which are employed in the tan neries, and especially should such contain arsenic, into the streams might interfere somewhat with "the bacterial action of intermittent sand filters" and diminish their efficiency, but recently conducted experiments at the Lawrence experiment station in Massachusetts would seem to indicate that such sewage as tannery wastes may be satisfactorily filtered, and that such difficulties as arise in certain cases are by no means insurmountable in practice. (c) It would seem to me probable, when the peculiar pollution of these streams is considered, and the present condition of the waters as shown by the analyses, and of the beds of the streams and bottoms of the ponds is also taken into consideration, that the discharge of such chemical agents, and their by-products, as are added to the streams might, and in fact undoubtedly does at the present time, aid in producing a precipitation of various of the impurities present in the waters. But I am clearly of opinion that the sewage of Johnstown, and the tannery wastes and chemicals ought not to be added to the streams, but should be separately disposed of, and in such case I think that the chemical agents added would not interfere with the operation of precipitation works, should such be established, but, on the contrary, would probably prove to be an aid in their operation. Very respectfully, WILLIS G. TUCKER, Director December 29. Reports made upon the analyses of samples of water received from Dr. C. Oliver Sumner, health officer, Norwood, and Dr. Francis M. Bishop, health officer, Newark Valley. In addition to the above a large number of letters of inquiry have been received relating to food and drug adulteration, illuminating oils, the sale of poisons and proprietary medicines, and legislation pertaining to these and similar matters, and all such letters have been promptly answered and the desired information given to the writers wherever practicable to do so. Tabulated results of the water analyses made during the year are appended. The analyses give the physical properties of each sample (color, turbidity, sediment and odor), chlorine in chlorides; free and albuminoid ammonia; nitrites; total solids; loss and behavior on ignition; mineral matter, and such other determinations in special cases as may have been deemed necessary, and these results have been sufficient to base upon them an opinion as to the quality of the water examined for domestic use, and to supply such further information as may, in special cases, have been desired. In all cases those who have sent samples have been requested to furnish information concerning the samples, and the knowledge thus contained of the nature of the source of supply, its surroundings and possible contaminations, has aided in forming an opinion as to the quality of the water and its suitability for domestic uses. Respectfully submitted, WILLIS G. TUCKER, Director State Board of Health Laboratory ALBANY, N. Y., January 1, 1899. at 1 |