February, '13] BRITTON: MOSQUITO CONTROL 89 



on this report is because of its finality and completeness. The next 

 paper will be presented by Mr. Britton. 



MOSQUITO CONTROL WORK IN CONNECTICUT IN 1912 



By W. E. Britton, State Entomologist, New Haven, Conn. 



The past year has seen an awakening along the shore region of Con- 

 necticut regarding mosquito control. A good beginning has also 

 been made in draining marsh areas. The work herein described has 

 all been done by community effort and the funds expended have been 

 raised wholly by voluntary contributions. Notwithstanding the 

 fact that the whole shore region of Connecticut was examined by my 

 assistants in 1904 and maps and recommendations furnished each 

 town, almost no local action resulted, and it was not until 1911 that 

 the people at Shippan Point, Stamford, raised money and drained 

 about seven miles of coast marsh. In 1912 the idea spread hke con- 

 tagion. Darien and South Norwalk did likewise. Later Fairfield 

 fell into line. In the city of New Haven the subject was agitated the 

 latter part of the winter. An anti-mosquito committee was appointed 

 by the Civic Federation: other organizations were asked to cooperate, 

 and the work was organized under this committee. The entire city 

 was divided into sections and a house to house canvass made. The 

 week ending April 27 was known and advertised as ''mosquito week" 

 or "donation week" and was a definite time set aside for raising funds 

 to finance the work of controlling the mosquito nuisance. Not only 

 individuals, but men's clubs in churches, civic and improvement 

 organizations, and business men's associations all worked together 

 toward the end in view. 



Many lectures and informal talks illustrated by lantern slides, charts 

 and specimens were given by the State Entomologist or his assistant 

 or some member of the committee. Notwithstanding the effort made 

 we were somewhat disappointed that the total amount raised did 

 not exceed S5,000. The amount needed was S25,000. This money 

 was all expended for draining and oiling around New Haven, beginning 

 with the most important breeding places. The superintendent of 

 parks oiled the principal breeding places in the public parks but other- 

 wise no municipal funds were available for the object of the campaign. 



The largest area drained was at Morris Cove and South End east of 

 the harbor. This had been a notorious breeding place for years. 

 Certain small areas were also drained in the West River marsh. The 

 results were satisfactory as far as the work was carried, but much 

 more draining needs to be done. 



