io6 N. J. Mosquito Extermination Association 



two places mentioned in the Borough of Brooklyn was due to the 

 shortage of labor, thereby making it impossible for us to reach these 

 places since the installation of the drainage system, until this year. 

 However, we were enabled within the past year to maintain all of 

 the salt-marsh area in the five boroughs, all of which had been 

 previously drained. 



In my opinion, despite unfavorable climatic conditions, we have 

 had a very successful year, and anticipate even less trouble this 

 year than in any previous year since the inception of the work. 



Our annual force consists of 21 employees, holding different posi- 

 tions, and our activities are varied in their character. Although we 

 confine ourselves as far as possible to mosquito-extermination work^ 

 work can always be found throughout all the four seasons of the 

 year. As a matter of fact, the men are now employed in removing 

 obstructions; cleaning and redigging water courses, rebuilding cul- 

 verts, sluiceways, etc., in the Borough of Richmond. The above 

 force is augmented by per diem laborers who are employed from 

 March to December 31 of each year. This force consists of from 

 25 to 30 laborers and foremen. We were unable to get as early a 

 start as was desired because of the lateness with which funds were 

 released. Per diem work was commenced about April 15 and con- 

 tinued during the year. Through the efficiency of our staff and field 

 force the area maintained was covered in a very thorough manner, 

 • and no section was slighted where mosquito breeding could possibly 

 occur. We made it a point not to require a certain quantity of 

 work but we do require that the quality of what is done shall be the 

 highest. It has been our experience that a report submitted with 

 "good enough" as its basis, upon investigation has proven very 

 unsatisfactory. Therefore, in order to qualify and retain a posi- 

 tion with the division engaged in this work, our first requisites are, 

 obedience to instructions from superiors and the quality of work 

 performed. 



Our drainage system is the same as in this and other states, as far 

 as the width and depth of ditches are concerned, changes, of course, 

 being made as conditions require. Our average ditch is 10 inches 

 wide and 24 to 30 inches deep, supplemented by canals, when neces- 

 sary to take care of the major part of the water. We believe in and 

 strictly adhere to the marginal ditch contiguous to the high ground 

 and the connecting system. In other words, we try to avoid inde- 

 pendent drains. 



