74 N. J. Mosquito Extermination Association 



Mosquito Control as Prerequisite to the Urban, Agricultural 

 and Industrial Development of New Jersey 



BY AI^I^RED GASKII.I., DIRE:CT0R 01^ THi: STATE DEPARTMENT 01^ 

 CONSERVATION AND DEVEI.OPMENT OE NEW JERSEY 



Mr. President, one ventures with a great deal of ciiffidence to 

 bring forward this extremely material phase of the mosquito 

 problem after listening to that really inspiring discussion of the 

 malarial question by Dr. Hoffman. It is inspiring in many 

 ways. I like to think that in a sense it may also be prophetic of 

 what the state will accomplish within another brief period in 

 respect to controlling the other forms of mosquitoes, as he has 

 told us it has controlled this one that means so much to the 

 health of the community. 



I have ventured to consider, as I have at times before with 

 you, the question of what the control of the mosquitoes in this 

 state might mean to our general welfare — our material well- 

 being, that is; and in preparing for this session I remembered 

 the remark of an old-time college professor of mine who said 

 that one can get well along towards the solution of any problem 

 by inquiring, ''How much?" I therefore have inquired how 

 much there is involved for us in the maintenance of this mos- 

 quito pest in New Jersey, and how much there is for us in its 

 control or practical elimination. 



To one who knows the whole state there are many indications 

 that it is growing smaller; that is, that the greater part of the 

 population and their interests are aggregated more and more in 

 two or three centers, and that the rest of our territory is left 

 largely out of consideration. This shrinking process has been 

 going on for years, until now 75 per cent of the population is 

 massed upon less than 6 per cent of the state's area. 



It is easily understandable that we should grow industrially, 

 should attract home-makers and holiday seekers, because the 

 advantages to be found in all of these lines are exceptional. It 

 is not so readily determined why our territory, outside the 

 favored sections, is stagnant, or actually retrograde, because 

 the very conditions that make cities and suburban towns and 



