RECLAIMIlSrG OVERFLOWED LANDS IN MISSISSIPPI. 35 



MAmTENANCE. 



The most successful operation of any drainage system requires that it 

 be maintained in the highest possible degree of efhciency . Where levees 

 are involved, neglect may result not only in their destruction, but in 

 great damage to crops, stock, and other property, and even in loss of 

 human life. Each levee district should maintain an organization for 

 systematic inspection and repairs. The levees should be periodically 

 inspected in order that minor defects may be discovered and repaired. 



To facilitate examination the levees should, where practicable, be 

 kept in grass. Under no circumstances should their slopes be per- 

 mitted to become covered with rank growths of vegetation that might 

 obscure their weaknesses and the operations of burrowing animals.. 



Ordinarily, if minor defects be attended to promptly, levees will 

 not require a heavy expense for maintenance. Floodgates should 

 be examined after each heavy rain and great care taken to see that 

 they are always in perfect condition and are unobstructed by debris 

 or vegetation. 



The maintenance of ditches consists largely in keeping them clear 

 of vegetation and debris, so that the full, unobstructed channel will 

 always be available. No bridges, fences, fish traps, or other struc- 

 tures should be permitted to interfere with the free flow of water. 



The efficiency of the floodway will depend upon the degree to 



which they are kept clear of vegetation. This is especially true of 



the river floodway where the fall is slight. Periodical clearing will be 



necessary to prevent this waterway from reverting to its present 



obstructed condition. 



SUMMARY. 



The lowlands along the Big Black River, Miss., represent a con- 

 dition that each year becomes more prominent in the South. For- 

 merly, heavy growths of valuable timber afforded a revenue from the 

 swamp and overflowed land; with the cutting of this timber, however, 

 the land becomes valueless unless drained and put under cultivation. 



Under present conditions from 75 to 100 per cent of the Big Black 

 Kiver bottoms are overflowed to a depth of from 3 to 8 feet by each 

 heavy rainstorm that lasts from 2 to 3 days and covers the entire 

 watershed. The problem is to restrict the area flooded and to 

 reduce the durations of the overflows by promoting a quick passage 

 of the flood water through the valley. 



Tlie phiii for ultiinat(! reclamation involves the excavation of 

 a main ditch and laterals in Ihe uppia- portioji of the valley, ajid tiio 

 construction of a l(!v<!e(l Hood way throughout the remaining portion. 

 Provision for tributary streams and for interior drainage is also 

 made. To cairy out this work, 3(3 drainage districts are planjicd, 

 having a total area of 90,088 acres. The estimated cost of this 



