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fore less liable to clog. The only apparent disadvantage is that 

 the machine ditches are not absolutely straight, as the cutter 

 sometimes swings six inches or a foot off the direct line. This 

 in no> way impairs the efficiency of the ditch for drainage, the 

 only disadvantage being that it is less pleasing to' the eye. 



Atlantic County has been estimated as containing about 50,000 

 acres of salt marsh, including waterways less than 100 yards 

 wide. Of this amount we find that up to December 1st, 191 5, 

 12,000 acres have been drained. We estimate that 20,000 acres 

 will not need drainage on account of its low elevation and fre- 

 quent submergence by tides. This leaves us an area of 18,000 

 acres still to be drained. From all indications this amount can 

 be completed in two' years. We will then find ourselves with all 

 our own marshes adequately drained for mosquito control, but 

 we will still be subject to the invasions of mosquitoes from the 

 marshes to the north and south of us belonging to< adjacent 

 counties and separated from us only by the width of the rivers 

 forming the boundaries. For our own protection, therefore, we 

 must meddle with our neighbors' affairs so that the drainage of 

 the adjacent marshes will be assured. 



As I have stated, about 40 per cent, of the Atlantic County 

 marshes are safe from breeding on account of natural conditions. 

 In determining the cost of the balance of the drainage necessary 

 m the State, I believe it can be safely assumed that similar con- 

 ditions exist in nearly all the counties of South Jersey, but to 

 avoid being too optimistic, I have placed the estimate as 20 

 per cent, not requiring drainage. We then find that as the cost 

 of ditching is tending to decrease in price rather than increase, 

 it seems probable that the price of ditching will not exceed iy 2 

 cents per lineal foot. At this figure, the estimate of $3.50 per 

 acre for salt-marsh drainage is reasonable. The results that can 

 be obtained will more than repay the State for the expenditure. 

 The efforts of this Association should be directed toward secur- 

 ing an appropriation of $750,000 to be expended within two 

 years, or three years at the most, for the completion of the salt- 

 marsh drainage in the State of New Jersey. 



