6 The Control of Mosquitoes 



arranged so that areas were not treated at regular 

 intervals, but when Anopheles and other mosquito 

 larvae were present. 



The system of inspection was well carried out, 

 and inspections were independently checked at 

 proper intervals. The result of Anopheles eradi- 

 cation by use of oil was fairly good, and better 

 results were obtained than expected under the 

 climatic and topographical conditions on the 

 Isthmus. Very few topographical changes were 

 being made in the vicinity of Havana. The class of 

 labor available was very good, and fairly intelli- 

 gent. The wages paid to the men in the Anoph- 

 eles brigade were a little above average laborer's 

 wages; this enabled the sanitary department to 

 obtain the best class of labor and to retain it. The 

 men used their heads as well as their hands, and 

 worked with interest. The unit cost of ditching 

 and of oil application was very low, and much was 

 saved by the proper selection and payment of 

 labor. Poor labor on anti-malaria work is most 

 unsatisfactory, and no saving has ever been made 

 by its employment. 



It was soon found that there were disadvantages 

 in using oil, as well as much repetition of work that 

 could be eliminated. As rapidly as the limited 

 appropriation would allow, the pools costing most 



