320 Department of Conservation of Louisiana 



The ditch thus dug was uniformly 5 feet wide and 

 averaged in depth from 22 inches to 3 feet throughout its- 

 length and proved to be adequate for not only pirogues but 

 for skiffs propelled by outboard motors. The explosives used 

 cost $1,250 in half-pound sticks, at $22.50 per 101 lbs., 

 while the necessary caps and wiring cost $25. The bill for 

 labor amounted to $360, men employed by the company as 

 guardians being used in the work. 



Experiments were made with the propogation of 

 charges until it was decided that an average distance of 20 

 inches between the half-pound sticks of dynamite threw the 

 marsh dirt and mud clean and clear, and to a proper depth 

 and width. The demonstrator for the dynamite manufac- 

 turers advised placing the sticks from 14 to 16 inches 

 apart, but no misses were made with the 20-inch separation 

 and the explosive cost was thereby reduced. 



The longest shot that was made was 380 feet. The 

 half-pound sticks were set into holes made by a shovel 

 handle and spaced 20 inches apart. Every 15 to 20 feet 

 a booster cap was set into a dynamite stick to insure the 

 entire charge being fired. 



The experimental shots were made on a marsh that 

 had not been cleared and as a consequence the thick vege- 

 tation hindered a clean job being done. A favorable oppor- 

 tunity was taken when the wind was just right and the 

 marsh wet from a rain, and the vegetation was fired. Over 

 this burned area stakes were set by compass and the course 

 of the pirogue trail set. Three charges a day were averaged 

 by the crew and not 10 working days were consumed in 

 completing the task. Due to the fact that the ditch was. 

 dug over the burned marsh very little cleaning was neces- 

 sary after the shots were fired. 



The pirogue trail immediately filled with water and 

 the digging of it has already proved its worth in time 

 and labor saved by the patrol men guarding this tract in 

 the close season, and it will be of decided help to the trap- 

 pers during the season given over to the taking of fur. 



