N. J. Mosquito Extermination Association 29 



until we are able to rouse the average citizen from his lethargy 

 and stimulate him to activity. The mosquito breeds where? On 

 the salt marsh — in pool, pond, salt hole, swale, rat-run, ditch, etc. 

 On the upland — along stream edges, pond edges, in gutters, 

 drains, puddles, etc. Around houses — in rain barrels, tubs, cis- 

 terns, cesspools, sewer catch basins, roof gutters, etc. Around 

 factories in vats, tanks, barrels, etc., and so on ad infinitum. 

 Now for economic mosquito control these places must not only 

 be found, but permanently done away with. Can any county 

 commission with a mere handful of inspectors hope to find all 

 these places? And granted that they find them all, with the 

 average appropriation how long would it take to drain or other- 

 wise abate those places that present a practical problem for 

 elimination? To most organizations who have asked themselves 

 these questions the answers have been obvious and they have not 

 hesitated to seek support locally for the eradication of certain 

 known breeding places or extensive area by pointing out to 

 the municipality in which such areas lie the immediate benefit 

 to be derived by the carrying out of drainage measures on a 

 co-operative basis. And the response in most cases where such 

 aid has been sought has been prompt and effective. In seeking 

 local support the most essential thing needed is a clear-cut, 

 well-devised plan of action with a frank statement of cost 

 attached. Your city father does not take a kindly attitude 

 toward vague and ethereal suggestions with an elastic cost esti- 

 mate. He likes to know what he will have tO' pay and how 

 much he will have for pay for it. And there is no reason why 

 a man experienced in mosquito work should not be able to pre- 

 pare a map and cost estimate with sufficient accuracy to give 

 an outside cost figure to the municipality with a guarantee as 

 to the elimination of all mosquito breeding in the place under 

 consideration. Such a plan means a considerable amount of 

 engineering and preliminary work but tends to do away with 

 hasty inefficient endeavors and to bring about comprehensive, 

 well-executed drainage plans. 



Drainage of the large places in this manner is one way then 

 in which the burden can be lightened from the shoulders of the 

 county commission. Another plan and one which has been 

 used to good advantage is to reverse the above process. That 

 is, under the plan just stated, the town pays part of the cost 

 of the drainage in order that the county organization may have 

 more money to devote to intensive inspection. The second plan 

 is to have the community take over the actual inspection and 

 oiling campaign under county supervision, thus lessening the 



