Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1916-04-12

II RI, Il, .9lb
done, the area should be oiled regul-
arly as soon as br-sSing is observed.
In the absence of complete drainage
or correction of the condition by fill
ing, all vegetation should be cut away
to allow as much evaporation as pos
sible and remove the protection afford
ed to adult mosquitoes. If this place
as continued as a dump, the refuse
containers should be covered over
as they are deposited, keeping the
top of the fill above the standing
iWater and level so that further de-
pressions are not provided by IT.
regular dumping. The general SAM
tary condition of this immediate part
of the city of Alexandria will need
attention as regards refuse contain
ers, surface drains, street cutters,
vacant lots, etc.
"Hooff's Run and the streams en-
tering into it are of special impor-
lance, especially in view OF its use
as an outlet for sewage. The main
stream in itself should not prove TO
be the origin of any number OF
mosquitoes unless the present height
and flow of water is seasonal.
Throughout its winding course, how
ever, are numerous locations adJoin-
ing or immediate to the stream where
conditions are ideal for breeding. A
good example is offered between the
lump of Alexandria and Rosemont
along King street. On either side of
Hooff's Run are two low areas where
drainage into the stream is inter-
cepted. The water collected on the
north side at this po.nt is the more
permanent one being fed from Il
| spring, and offers a breeding place
| for the malaria as we'll as the COM
mon mosquitoes. Both of these places
could be drained by bitches into the
| Run. The whole course of the stream
with all of it tributaries will need to
| oe surveyed, the i.ea being to train
| The banks Of the main stream and its
| branches so that the water will flow
evenly and not become locked at the
margins at any point OF remain at
est in the bed at any place. This
work should include ditching to pro-
Tide drainage for detached collec-
ions of water wherever the fall per-
nit. In the area between the electric
abroad and the embankment of the
steam railroad, there are some de-
,ressions where drainage may not
!e practicable and these can be treat
d, if they persist in retaining water
the breeding season, by filing
II oiling. Oiling in all instances where
breeding is found should be under
aiken at once and continued until
he breeding place can be dealt with
n a more permanent manner.
at remains TO consider the terri
+ory to the west including Washing
ION Park and the open area as far as
the old site of Fort Ellsworth, the
reservoir and Long View Farm. The
:ess-pools, surface drains, and dis
carded rufuse in Washington Park,
while not extensive as regards gen.
aral breeding, will no doubt contri-
butte to the mosquito density of Rose
mont if not included in the control
scheme. The refuse containers, COM
paratively few found here and there
should be collected and disposed Of,
and if the cess-pools are not pro-
vided with absolutely tight covers the
same should be supplied and the vents
should be screened. The deprcssions
IN the open land beyond, both natur-
al and artificial, can be corrected by
providing drainage, except possibly
where fed from springs. Regular oil
ing may be necessary in some loca-
TONS"