194 American Fisheries Society 



given them to check this evil. But, already in the State 

 of New Jersey experiments in irrigation are being made, 

 as a result of recurring severe spring and summer 

 droughts affecting the crops. 



Would not it then be the part of wisdom to increase by 

 impounding, instead of decreasing by excessive drainage, 

 the extent of our water areas ? 



It is probable that most of the swamp or marsh land 

 recovered by drainage will never be available for cultiva- 

 tion, or only at excessive cost, while if made into ponds 

 and lakes wherever economically possible, it would pro- 

 vide increased means of adding to our fish food supply 

 as well as additional opportunity for pleasurable recrea- 

 tion and sport. 



It is v/ell known that mosquitos are not bred in the 

 larger bodies of water where there are numerous fishes to 

 destroy their larvae. It is the insignificant puddles and 

 pools — the rain pool in particular — ^that supply them. 

 And this is the case even on the salt marshes. And these 

 insignificant places are very difficult to destroy. In a 

 swampy, boggy place small quantities of water are al- 

 ways present no matter how much draining is done. It 

 will bubble up from springs, the tracks of a cow, horse, 

 or a man will fill, especially after heavy rains, and as it 

 requires only five days to produce a crop of mosquitos the 

 chance of absolutely exterminating them is small, and the 

 work of keeping them in check must, under such condi- 

 tions, go on continuously and permanently. 



These are questions that might profitably be discussed 

 by the American Fisheries Society, for if it is desired to 

 add to its importance and popularity it must necessarily 

 interest itself in whatever practical questions arise, with 

 regard to the waters, that may have a bearing on the 

 general welfare. 



Otherwise other societies will arise to promote such 

 work, working perhaps at cross purposes with those in- 

 terested in fish culture. Sooner or later these questions 

 will have to be considered. The question of efficiency as 

 well as utility in public work is growing in importance. 



