74 N. J. Mosquito Extermination Association 



as possible with the force available. It must be borne in mind that 

 tide covered areas require no drainage. 



The area of activities is gradually decreasing, because of fills com- 

 pleted, and in progress, public improvements by private interests, and 

 pump fills, covering large areas of what was formerly salt marshes, 

 prolific breeding places for mosquitoes. 



From the foregoing it must not be inferred that our progression 

 has been without let or hindrance. In many cases we find our 

 work wholly or partly nullified by artificial conditions, created by 

 commercial interests, which, however, are only temporary, and which 

 eventually will be abated. Physical conditions occur through human 

 agency, which can only be overcome by persistent effort. 



With a few exceptions we have no hesitation in stating that as a 

 whole the salt marsh area in Greater New York is practically immune 

 from the breeding of mosquitoes. The exceptions are due to the 

 filling in of creek beds intentionally or otherwise, which necessitates 

 the grading of ditches; and obstructions caused by commercial 

 interests which are being corrected as expeditiously as possible. 



We have endeavored to anticipate the change in physical condi- 

 tions, and find that our efforts in this direction have been worth 

 while. Excellent results have been obtained by early spring work, 

 opening outlets, even though drainage ditches remain frozen, thereby 

 permitting the ditches to flush thoroughly, when released from the 

 clutch of winter. During an open winter there are very few days, , 

 either on the salt marshes, inland swamps, or water courses, when 

 we cannot work to advantage. 



It is impossible to estimate the resulting improvement in the 

 health and comfort of our 6,000,000 population. Large sections of 

 land, at one time under water, are now thriving farms. Home sites 

 are now available that were formerly inaccessible, permitting the 

 settlement of sections otherwise impossible without drainage and the 

 elimination of the mosquito pest. 



The original costs and maintenance of the work is very small in 

 comparison with the increased revenue derived from taxes and 

 other valuations of marketable value, which have increased in pro- 

 portion. 



The days of experimentation are past, and the finish of the mos- 

 quito, as an economic factor is in sight. It has been a long and 

 bitter struggle against natural forces, and until recent years, the 

 hostility and indifference of mankind. However, until we have 

 eliminated the mosquito as a factor in our lives, we cannot afford 



