20 BULLETIN" 10&8j U. S. DEPAETMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



from the regular pastures could visit the impounded water. The 

 impounding was eifective for depth, in so far as an abundant and 

 good water supply is concerned, for a distance of nearly 2 miles and 

 thus furnished water for all of the stock of the tenants living along 

 the stream and for the larger portion of the plantation live stock 

 during the dry seasons as well. The clearing served to increase the 

 amount of available pasture, particularly of value to the tenants 

 for their cows and work animals, and the feeding of these animals 

 along the impounded water aided in the suppression of the mar- 

 ginal vegetation. The management of the plantation has stated 

 that the advantage of a permanent supply of good water for the 

 Ha e stock would alone justify the expense of the clearing and the 

 impounding project. 



The owners of Hecla plantation are also operating a lumber mill at 

 Mound. Before impounding the water in Bayou Walnut, the source 

 of water for the boilers at the mill was a driven well. This water 

 proved undesirable for boiler purposes by reason of the salts which 

 were precipitated in the generation of steam. This caused some ex- 

 pense and considerable loss in time at the mill. A pipe line was 

 laid from the bayou to the mill and the impounded water pumped to 

 same for boiler purposes. The management of the mill has stated 

 that the saving in the mill expenses would more than justify an an- 

 nual expense equal to the cost of the project. In fact, the mill 

 management contributed very largely the funds for maintenance at 

 the dam made necessary by the injury from the crawfish. 



A further advantage is gained in that the impounded water offers 

 a source of fish for food. The bass, or " trout," and the crappie, or 

 " white perch," are now present in some numbers. The " buffalo " 

 {Ictiohits cyprinella) has been caught occasionally and will no doubt 

 increase in numbers, and the sunfish {Lepomis spp.), or "bream," 

 are common. The tenants are able to do a considerable amount of 

 line fishing and every catch adds to the supply for their tables, fur- 

 nishing a valuable food and a saving in meat. 



An advantage not to be overlooked is the great improvement in the 

 property which adds to its value. The further value of the im- 

 pounded area of the bayou as a place of recreation for the tenants is 

 a A'ery practical point in plantation economy which should be given 

 consideration. 



SUMMARY. 



The bayous, or streams, of the Delta region flow away from the 

 river, their banks are higher than the surrounding lands, and the 

 fall in their beds is very slight. The shallowness of water in these 

 streams, with prevalent aquatic and overhanging vegetation, favors 

 the development of Anopheles mosquitoes. The peculiar relation 



