36 



collected during the late fall and winter mionths, and in addi- 

 tion to this every meadow was carefully studied in order that 

 a proper circulation, and free movemtent of the water in the 

 ditches might be maintained. It is always necessary to- inspect 

 the low places and depressions containing water caused by the 

 high tides and heavy rains, and either connect them up to the 

 nearest ditch in order that they may drain properly, or spread 

 oil over them about every eight days. Many times the water 

 will suffijciently evaporate or drain away, but it is always best 

 to give these places attention often enough to be sure that breed- 

 ing will not develop. 



In my short experience of the practical side of the work, 

 these kinds of places have been the most obstinate to overcome, 

 and at times have caused much annoyance, particularly on 

 m,eadows where cattle are allowed to graze, and leave deep 

 depressions in the soft sod with their hoofs. Prolific breedings 

 was found on the Manasquan meadow last year as a result of 

 these conditions, and it will be necessary tO' cut many more feet 

 of new ditches next season than was first estimated. 



In order to obtain a proper maintenance of the drainage sys- 

 tems it is essential tO' have the ditches and their outlets inspected 

 often enough — that is, about eight or ten days^ — to locate and 

 remove any obstructions that have collected. I am, convinced 

 that a sufficient number of inspectors should be employed who 

 are ambitious and have some practical knowledge of the work 

 which is necessary in order to produce the best results. 



Monmouth County is geographically located between Middle- 

 sex and Ocean Counties, and has a seacoast reaching from the 

 point of Sandy Hook on the north to the Manasquan River on 

 the south, a distance of i6 miles. Continuing from Sandy 

 Hook in a westerly direction a part of its north boundary line 

 lies along the south shore of Raritan B^ay and extending tO' the 

 town of Keyport, a distance of 12 miles. The largest mieadows 

 are located along this bayshore section, and up to the time the 

 Monmouth County Commission became actively engaged in the 

 extermination and control work twO' years ago, this district 

 suffered to a large extent by the annoyance of mosquitoes in 



