N. J. Mosquito Extermination Association 



93 



We have also demonstrated to our satisfaction that ditches 

 completely frozen, and remaining so during the winter months, 

 are of great assistance in the spring cleanup, provided the outlets 

 are kept open. When the spring thaw arrives nature assists 

 materially, flushing the ditches, with few exceptions, with such 

 force as to remove all foreign material. 



We have proven the benefit derived from the removal of the 

 excavated material taken from ditches on salt marsh areas, 

 thereby preventing it from being carried to and fro by tides and 

 deposited in such manner as to obstruct ditches and outlets in 

 many instances. These conditions occur on every perigee tide, 

 and should be considered in every initial contract. Fortunately 

 we have no further trouble from this source, as the material 

 excavated in our salt marshes has been practically disposed of in 

 various ways, and by its removal maintenance has been consid- 

 erably simplified. 



By this statement I do not mean to infer that all excavated 

 material is moved around at every perigee tide. To a great extent 

 these conditions occur during initial drainage operations and 

 before, if the work is done in the growing season, it has time to 

 adhere to the surface of the meadow. I merely wish to empha- 

 size the fact that considerable annoyance and further expense 

 could be spared if due consideration were given to this matter 

 and provided for in contracts. 



In reference to initial drainage work, Ave find the necessity for 

 a study of the area in question with a view to preventing the 

 installation of ditches in areas which are tide-covered. We have 

 found this condition not only in our own meadows, but in other 

 places. It seems to me that this factor is vitally important, and 

 should be considered in order to prevent useless expense. 



The question as to the use of lavicides in place of oil, for the 

 immediate elimination of mosquito breeding, pending permanent 

 improvements, became so urgent, due to scarcity and cost of fuel 

 oil, as to demand consideration. Tests were made in co-operation 

 with representatives of some of the principal companies who were 

 anxious to promote the use of their products. Results were 

 found to be unsatisfactory, both as to efficiency and cost, which 

 was prohibitive. 



It is with a sense of satisfaction that we note the increasing 

 tendency on the part of builders and home-seekers to crawl in on 

 the edges and areas of salt marshes on which drainage has been 

 completed for a period of years, and in which in many instances 

 farms are flourishing where formerly the property was valueless, 

 thereby increasing revenue to the city in increased tax returns. 



