THE DUCK SICKNESS IN UTAH. 19 



INCREASE OF SUMMER WATER IN STREAMS. 



Though an increase in the midsummer water supply in the marshes 

 would go far to alleviate the mortality among the waterfowl, il is 

 obvious that it is difficult to increase the stream flow in the lower 

 courses of the rivers at this season under present methods of cultiva- 

 tion by irrigation. At the time when relief is needed in the marshes 

 the demand for water in the fields and orchards of the uplands is at 

 its maximum. Water is then at a premium, and it is difficult to find 

 any surplus. Only by storing water higher up, in the mountains, 

 and releasing it when needed, could the proper result be obtained. 

 And were this done there might be trouble in passing this extra 

 supply through the irrigation dams below, especially in seasons 

 when the general supply is scanty. More land is being reclaimed 

 and put under water each year, so that the demands made upon the 

 midsummer flow in the rivers are constantly increasing. On Bear 

 River the increased demand is gradually extending to the lower 

 courses of the stream, as pumping stations are being established to 

 raise the water where it is not possible to draw it out directly through 

 canals. While suggested here, this method of meeting conditions is 

 hardly considered feasible, and under such conditions recourse must 

 be had to other means. 



DRAINAGE OF AFFECTED AREAS. 



Areas where the birds may become poisoned are frequently small 

 or local, and some of them, as pools or channels, may be drained 

 with little effort, and in this way opportunity for affection may be 

 removed. This method has been utilized with success in some small 

 areas. In the Jordan River marshes controlled by the New State 

 Gun Club this means of meeting the situation is particularly appli- 

 cable. The shooting grounds here have been formed artificially in 

 large part by diverting water from the Jordan River through canals 

 and controlling its flow and direction through the channels by means 

 of well-constructed dams, levees, and head gates. The larger part 

 of this marsh may be dried with little difficulty, and this should be 

 done whenever sick ducks appear, in order to drive the birds out to 

 more favorable localities. In general, it will be found that it is 

 necessary to drain the marshes about July 15, though it may be 

 necessary to draw the water from certain pools during June. When 

 the water used in irrigation is returned to the river, usually about 

 September 20, the marshes may again be allowed to fill. Some areas 

 will remain along the lake front where sick birds may occur, but 

 these are small compared with the entire marsh. 



Serious objection has been offered to this plan on the ground that 

 it kills off the duck foods in the marsh and that shooting in the fall 

 is poor in consequence. After examining the marshes here it is con- 

 sidered that this objection is not entirely valid. The main food 



