20 BULLETIN 1098, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
from the regular pastures could visit the impounded water. The 
impounding was effective 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 
live 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 mil] 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” 
(Ictiobus 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 very 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 
