DRAINAGE OF AMANA EAKE 
19 
be selected by himself without publicity. If this method requires 
action by the Academy, such action should be taken. 
Respectfully submitted, 
H^nry S. Conard, Chairman, 
F. M. Baldwin 
R. B. WYLm 
The report of the committee was adopted. 
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE THE 
DRAINAGE OF AMANA LAKE. 
To the Iowa Academy of Science: 
Your special committee, appointed to investigate the report of 
the contemplated drainage of the lake at Amana, widely known 
for its bed of American Lotus, or Nelumho lutea (Wild.) Pers. 
presents the following report: 
Information was received from prominent members of the 
Amana Community, in the summer of 1920, that the immediate 
drainage of the lake was not contemplated, and nothing further 
was done until recently, when additional information was received 
from W. F. Moerschel, Secretary of the Amana Community, and 
other prominent members, and a brief statement of the situation 
is here presented: 
Complaint is made that for five or six weeks each summer, 
during the flowering season of the Lotus, great numbers of visit- 
ors come to this lake, and that all too frequently these visitors do 
not respect the rights of the Community, but cut wires, trample 
upon cultivated ground, and otherwise trespass upon the property 
of the Community. 
Furthermore it is declared that the Sunday crowds are espe- 
cially large and troublesome, and that their presence disturbs the 
peace and quiet of the Sabbath day, and has a demoralizing effect 
on their young people. The privilege of erecting refreshment 
booths near the lake was denied by the Community, but use was 
made of the nearby highway for that purpose by outsiders, and 
this added to the annoyance caused by the crowds. 
The Amana people say that they do. not wish to be harsh, that 
they have no objections to visitors . during six days of the week 
if they avoid serious trespass, and that they will gladly preserve 
the lake if the evils herein mentioned are corrected. 
In view of all the circumstances your Committee presents the 
following recommendations : 
