RECLAIMING OVERFLOWED LANDS IN MISSISSIPPI. 35 
MAINTENANCE. 
The most successful operation of Riry drainage system requires that it 
be maintained in the highest possible degree of efficiency. Where levees 
are involved, neglect may result not onh' in their destruction, but in 
great damage to crops, stock, and other property, and even in loss of 
human life. Each levee district should maintain an organization for 
systematic inspection and repairs. The levees should be periodically 
inspected in order that minor defects may be discovered and repaired. 
To facilitate examination the levees should, where practicable, be 
kept in grass. Under no circumstances should their slopes be per- 
mitted to become covered with rank growths of vegetation that might 
obscure their wealvnesses and the operations of burrowing animals. 
Ordinarily, if minor defects be attended to promptly, levees will 
not require a heavy expense for maintenance. Floodgates should 
be examined after each heavy rain and great care taken to see that 
they are always in perfect condition and are unobstructed by debris 
or vegetation. 
The maintenance of ditches consists largely in keeping them clear 
of vegetation and debris, so that the full, unobstructed channel will 
always be available. No bridges, fences, fish traps, or other struc- 
tures should be permitted to interfere with the free flow of water. 
The efficiency of the floodway will depend upon the degree to 
which they are kept clear of vegetation. This is especially true of 
the river floodway where the fall is slight. Periodical clearing will be 
necessary to prevent this waterway from reverting to its present 
obstructed condition. 
SUMMARY. 
The lowlands along the Big Black River, Miss., represent a con- 
dition that each year becomes more prominent in the South. For- 
merly, heavy growths of valuable timber afforded a revenue from the 
swam.p and overflowed land ; \vith the cutting of this timber, however, 
the land becomes valueless unless drained and put imder cultivation. 
Under present conditions from 75 to 100 per cent of the Big Black 
River bottoms are overflowed to a depth of from 3 to 8 feet by each 
heavy rainstorm that lasts from 2 to 3 days and covers the entire 
watershed. The problem is to restrict the area flooded and to 
reduce the dui'ations of the overflows by promoting a quick passage 
of the flood water through the valley. 
The plan for ultimate reclamation involves the excavation of 
a main ditch and laterals in the upper portion of the valley, and the 
construction of a leveed floodway throughout the remaining portion. 
Provision for tributary streams and for interior drainage is also 
made. To carry out this work, 36 drainage districts are planned, 
having a total area of 96,088 acres. The estimated cost of this 
