THE DUCK SICKNESS IN UTAH. 19 
INCREASE OF SUMMER WATER IN STREAMS. 
Though an increase in the midsummer water supply in the marshes 
would go far to alleviate the mortality among the waterfowl, it is 
ohvious that it is difficult to increase the stream flow in the lower 
courses of the rivers at this season under present methods of cultiva- 
tion by irrigation. At the time when relief is needed in the marshes 
the demand for water in the fields and orchards of the uplands is at 
its maximum. Water is then at a premium, and it is difficult to find 
any surplus. Only by storing water higher up, in the mountains, 
and releasing it when needed, could the proper result be obtained. 
And were this done there might be trouble in passing this extra 
supply through the irrigation dams below, especially in seasons 
when the general supply is scanty. More land is being reclaimed 
and put under water each year, so that the demands made upon the 
midsummer flow in the rivers are constantly increasing. On Bear 
River the increased demand is gradually extending to the lower 
courses of the stream, as pumping stations are being established to 
raise the water where it is not possible to draw it out directly through 
canals. While suggested here, this method of meeting conditions is 
hardly considered feasible, and under such conditions recourse must 
be had to other means. 
DRAINAGE OF AFFECTED AREAS. 
Areas where the birds may become poisoned are frequently small 
or local, and some of them, as pools or channels, may be drained 
with little effort, and in this way opportunity for affection may be 
removed. This method has been utilized with success in some small 
areas. In the Jordan River marshes controlled by the New State 
Gun Club this means of meeting the situation is particularly appli- 
cable. The shooting grounds here have been formed artificially in 
large part by diverting water from the Jordan River through canals 
and controlling its flow and direction through the channels by means 
of well-constructed dams, levees, and head gates. The larger part 
of this marsh may be dried with little difficulty, and this should be 
done whenever sick ducks appear, in order to drive the birds out to 
more favorable localities. In general, it will be found that it is 
necessary to drain the marshes about July 15, though it may be 
necessary to draw the water from certain pools during June. When 
the water used in irrigation is returned to the river, usually about 
September 20, the marshes may again be allowed to fill. Some areas 
will remain along the lake front where sick birds may occur, but 
these are small compared with the entire marsh. 
Serious objection has been offered to this plan on the ground that 
it kills off the duck foods in the marsh and that shooting in the fall 
is poor in consequence. After examining the marshes here it is con- 
sidered that this objection is not entirely valid. The main food 
