PREFACE. 



THE commodious rooms of the Board of Trade and 

 Transportation, by courtesy, were opened to the 

 convention, which begun with about one hundred 

 persons present and was increased by others, so that including 

 those who stayed only part of the time there were in all about 

 150 in attendance. 



In the preparatory correspondence it was universally con- 

 ceded that such a convention was desirable, but some thought 

 it doubtful whether enough interest could be awakened to get 

 any number together, considering the time of year, the hour 

 of day, and all. The convention adjourned at 5 P. M. 



Engineering Neivs, one of the most progressive publica- 

 tions issued, had a long summary of the addresses and the fol- 

 lowing is taken from its editorial page : 



From ridicule to respect has been the changing attitude of the 

 public on the recent proposals to exterminate mosquitoes. Such tan- 

 gible results have now been achieved and the hearty co-operation of 

 such a large number of property owners, entomologists, engineers, 

 sanitarians and public-spirited citizens generally has been secured as 

 to make possible a well-attended conference of representative men, 

 at which papers on various aspects of the mosquito problem were read 

 and steps taken to form a permanent national organization to combat 

 the mosquito nuisance and menace. As a conference the gathering 

 was notable for its many brief and forceful addresses, and the character 

 of the men who presented them. As a discussion of vital, economic 

 and sanitary questions, affecting the comfort, prosperity and health 

 of millions of people, the remarks were of a distinctly practical, rather 

 than theoretical character. Prominent New York men of affairs told 

 of the satisfaction they had derived from money and time expended in 

 exterminating mosquitoes on their Long Island, Staten Island and 

 New Jersey estates. Engineers and entomologists told of their part 

 in the study of the problem and in its successful solution. No one 

 questioned the possibility and feasibility of reclaiming any mosquito- 

 infected section and of suppressing both malaria and yellow fever, 

 if individuals and municipalities would co-operate, and, in case of 

 large areas, if State and perhaps National governments would join 

 in the work. Except for preliminary studies, however, local action 

 alone will generally be sufificient. Once the biological side of the ques- 

 tion has been determined, funds raised, and private and public co- 

 operation secured, the work of mosquito extermination generally re- 

 solves itself into the engineering problems of drainage, filling, and, 

 in some cases, the construction of dams or tide gates to control 

 water levels. Quite aside from the advantages of mosquito extermina- 

 tion, great as they may be, are the possible commercial profits due 

 tc the reclamation of vast areas of rich swamp and marsh lands, now 

 serving as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. 



