138 The Ohio Naturalist [Vol. XIII, No. 7, 



drainage combined where possible with irrigation is a natural 

 remedy for this condition. There is, however, no question that 

 beyond this we have in water areas a source of production which 

 is very extensive, and which, were it brought under the proper 

 system of cultivation, would furnish a great source of wealth. 

 We are all familiar with the rank growth of swamps and low- 

 lands, and can readily appreciate that for certain kinds of vegeta- 

 tion a constant or even excessive supply of water is in no degree 

 detrimental. There is however, in addition to the evident growth, 

 an enormous development of microscoj^ic life familiar to the 

 biologist, but practicallv ignored bv those unfamiliar with aquatic 

 life. 



"Some of this becomes apparent as green scum or as floating masses 

 when its growth exceeds the capacity of the aquatic animals to consume it. 

 Sometimes these minute algae become a great source of annoyance in water 

 supplies if for any reason their multiplication is unchecked, since they give 

 offensive odors and taste to the water. 



"It has been estimated that the rate of development in some of these 

 organisms is such that the possible progeny of one individual would suffice 

 to fill all the waters of the globe in less than a week. 



"This is significant to us here simply as showing the enormous possi- 

 bility of these organisms in utilizing water and air in the formation of veg- 

 etable substance, which substance may, with proper utilization, be trans- 

 formed into fertilizing agents for the production of valuable plant crops or 

 into animals having direct commercial value. To understand this process, 

 let us consider for a moment the relations existing among acjuatic organisms. 

 The algae may be considered among the more simple and these develop 

 with only water and air or the other inorganic contents of water, but they 

 furnish food for an innumerable host of microscopic animals such as amoe- 

 bae, rotifers, etc., and these in turn are fed upon by others, such as 

 microscopic Crustacea, which again form an important part in the diet of 

 young fishes. These when grown, or after furnishing the basis of food for 

 other larger species, may reach our tables as human food. This, however, 

 is but one line of transformation, as we have fishes of very diiTcrcnt habits 

 utilizing different kinds of aquatic life as food. 



"Where the life taken from the water does not balance the production, or 

 where this product is not drained off into the sea, the accumulation of or- 

 ganic debris forms at the bottom a mass of richest organic matter, which 

 by its decomposition may in a large part result in marsh gas, and in this 

 form escape into the air. * * * 



"We have in America practically no established system of cropping our 

 water areas. * * * Something has been accomplished in fish culture 

 in some sections, but even here the full utilization of the resources of a 

 body of water are but poorly accomplished. A few sporadic efforts have 

 been made here and there in the culture of frogs and turtles, l:;ut how many 

 of them witli sucli attention to the subject as to warrant the term cul- 

 ture?" * * * 



The farmer who drains and ctiltiv-ates an acre of swamjoy 

 land on his farm gains that much additional space for his ordinary 

 culture and for a time at least it may be unusually productive as 

 it contains the accumulated organic debris of years, but would it 

 not be far greater wisdom to dredge out occasionally a portion of 

 this accumulation to spread upon higher ground and keep the 



