The Dawn of a New Constructive Era 83 



tion of North Carolina. While on this inspection I chanced to 



meet an old lady at a farm house. During the conversation I 



inquired regarding the health of the community. To my inquiry 



she replied with much satisfaction that for the past two or three 



years they had practically no sickness, but that prior to that Drainage 



time every summer and fall they and all their neighbors suf- Sanitary 



fered much with "chills and fevers."- When I recalled when the Conditions 



drainage was completed, I found that the sickness to which the 



old lady referred abated just after the time the improvements 



were completed. The experience related is only in common with 



that experienced by many in other sections where cut-over lands 



were drained. 



From the benefits which I have enumerated as being re- 

 ceived in certain sections I do not wish it to be inferred that 

 the drainage of any and all cut-over lands is to be encouraged. 

 The soil in the sections to which I refer was of unquestioned 

 agricultural value and the lands seemed to combine in unusual 

 degree all the factors which I have previously indicated must 

 receive careful preliminary consideration before drainage is un- 

 dertaken. 



In conclusion let me leave with you this parting word: 

 If it is the purpose of this association to encourage and promote 

 the drainage of the cut-over lands in the South, see to it that 

 projects are undertaken only after careful, discriminating con- 

 sideration is given to the various factors I have endeavored to 

 impress upon you. Remember after all, if the drainage of these 

 lands is undertaken on anything other than a sound business 

 basis in the end it must prove a disappointment if not a failure. 



