The Wild-Fowlers 75 



that the water is rendered unfit to drink 

 by the time it reaches the crowded dis- 

 tricts. These ponds are n't like the 

 made-to-order tanks we have in Central 

 Park on Manhattan Island. These little 

 lakes are as nature made them, and they 

 are as clean as they are clear. No malaria 

 or fever emanates from these beautiful 

 waters. If the disease germ reaches the 

 drinking-cups of the city, it comes from 

 the rotten city pipes or the filthy town 

 reservoirs never from these properly 

 cared-for waters/' 



"They look fine/' said Seth; " as if 

 the men who cared for them were honest 

 and practical not merely favored poli- 

 ticians, given positions whether their 

 ability made 'em fit or unfit for the work. 

 The condition of this drinking-water is 

 certainly commendable," he continued, 

 " and so is the drinking-water of New 

 York in general. As you say, Doctor, 

 any disease caused by this particular sub- 

 stance comes from the foul condition of 



