166 Journal of the JMitchell Society [M'arch 



where malaria seriously prevails. If a community cannot prosper 

 when malaria prevails, the importance of com])attin<>' such a disease 

 bj^ every known means is evident. The use of top minnows for this 

 purpose, although comparatively new, as alread}' stated, has been 

 adopted by many health officers in nearly all of the southern states 

 wherever practical anti-malaria work is being- conducted. ]\Iueh wider 

 use, however, should be made of this comparatively inexpensive agent. 

 Nature has been kind in the distribution of the top minnow, as al- 

 readj^ shown, but still natural bodies of water remain in some local- 

 ities which have not become stocked with Gamhusia. The artificial 

 waters usuall}^ are inaccessable to the minnows and, since they nearly 

 always are near residences, it is especially important to prevent mos- 

 quito production in them. Certainly much good can be accomplished 

 by the judicious distribution of the top minnow, and the results will 

 be doubly effective if it is given aid by clearing vegetation from 

 the water wherever necessary. 



Bureau of Fisheries, 

 Washington, D. C. 



