CHAPTER VI 



PRELIMINARIES 



WHEN the estimate is approved, and sufficient money 

 for the start has been found, the first preliminary is 

 to state publicly the nature of the work the reason 

 why it is to be adopted, the method to be followed, 

 and the result it is hoped to obtain. This is best done 

 in the local newspapers. It should be advertised that 

 the intention is to reduce the number of mosquitos, 

 and with them the incidence of fevers. Ask for the 

 general co-operation of the public. Then write again 

 and describe how the work is to be carried on con- 

 tinuously. Relate how mosquitos breed, and pass 

 their larval lives in dirty water ; how it is proposed 

 to reduce the numbers of the insects by attacking 

 them during their lives in the water. Describe the 

 methods. There must be no mystery about it. Ask 

 boldly for permission to enter every house in the town 

 once every week for the purpose of killing mosquito 

 larvae. State the estimated cost. Mention where the 

 money is coming from. Remind the readers of suc- 

 cesses elsewhere. The editor of the newspaper should 

 welcome this as good " copy " ; and if a correspon- 

 dence is started concerning the project, so much the 

 better. 



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