114 AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 



CHAPTER II. 

 REMEDIAL MEASURES IN GENERAL. 



Broadly speaking, there are two methods of dealing- with the 

 mosquito subject. Destructive, reaching the insects in some 

 stage of their life cycle; and preventive, making it impossible for 

 the insects to breed. , The object of this investigation was to as- 

 certain so far as might be in what manner permanent improve- 

 ment in conditions favoring mosquito breeding might be 

 achieved. It was realized that breeding areas were so extensive 

 and so widely distributed that any suggestion of a method look- 

 ing to the destruction of larvse, that would have to be repeated 

 several times annually, would stand no possible chance of ac- 

 ceptance. The popular idea of mosquito destruction is a cover- 

 ing of oil or some other material on pools and ponds where mos- 

 quitoes breed and, based upon this view, the current disbelief in 

 the possibility of satisfactory results is justified. 



The results of the studies as given in the general reviews form- 

 ing Part I, and in the specific descriptions in Part III, demon- 

 strate beyond all reasonable doubt that, while the mosquito fauna 

 of the State is a fairly rich one, there are really only five species 

 of Culcx and the species of Anopheles that need attention from 

 the practical standpoint. Of the five species of Culcx three 

 breed on the salt marshes and may be dealt with as one; one 

 breeds in fresh water swamps and in the more permanent pools 

 generally, and one breeds anywhere; preferably in temporary 

 pools or stagnant bodies large or small, clean or foul. The salt 

 marsh species are all migrants and cannot be controlled by any 

 sort of work done in localities inland, no matter how badly they 

 may be infested. Culcx syhestris, the swamp species, must be 

 dealt with at some little distance from the local point to be 

 cleared, for it flies a mile or two at least and perhaps more. 

 Culcx pipieus is practically a local proposition and, out of range 

 of the salt marsh species, is the chief pest. The species of 

 Anopheles occur with all the others and whatever local measures 

 are adopted for them will be of influence on the malaria carriers 

 as well. 



It has been emphasized wherever possible, that water is needed 

 T-o produce mosquito broods and that the great bulk of the in- 

 secrs came from small temporary bodies while large ponds or 



