COUNTRY LIFE
ONE of the results of very dry weather is that it greatly increases the virulence of river pollution. In normal weather any pollution is more evident towards the river's mouth at neap tides. For example, an investi- gator into the problem noticed that at such periods on the Dee salmon coming down to the sea were turned back, being unable to face the filth ; and they were more lucky, or wise, than the smolts in some other estuaries which were killed by the score as they Made for the sea. The danger to human health of river pollution is brought out by the action, forced on several Public Health Authorities, of prohibiting the sale of river shellfish for human consumption. It is, I believe, the case that some of our best doctors and veterinary authorities begin to suspect that pollution is endangering bathers, and any drinkers of the water, on our inland streams. Although the number of factory organisers and of local authorities is great who decant poison into rivers with complete cynicism or carelessness, there are some shining exceptions. It is recorded, for example, that the Monsanto Company have already spent £80,000 on preventive measures, and are going to spend much more.
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