Gunnison news-champion., 1917-07-27

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the water would be in constant mo-
ton and thus furnish no place for the
mosquito to breed
Third-During the four or hve
weeks Of the breeding season the ditch
banks should be kept moved very
close-in park style. There would
then be no hiding and feeding places
for the adults, which are to lay the
eggs for the next weeks Matching.
The wind could then assist us by blow
ing the adults in the streets and
other places away from the water.
By so doing many females would die
without laying their eggs on the wa
ter.
Fourth-Although l am not posted
|, on this point, see no reason why the
water should not be cut on from our
bitches, say two days out Of every
week during the breeding season. II
every citizen clearly understood the
days when there was to be no water,
he could plan to that effect and GER
tainly would mot suffer. In fact, l
have mentioned this to q number Of
citizens and not one has indicated OBJ
jections. OF course, il would not be
wise to cut of all lateral bitches at
the same time; as that would food the
main, but certain streets could be
dried at one time and others at other
times. Assuming that the banks are
smooth and the grass is all cut close
along the banks to admit the direct
sunlight to the bottom Of the ditch. it
is needless to say that two days sum
shine after the water had been turned
off, would entirely dry the ditch and
thus all forms of baby mosquito life
would be killed.
Four-Oiling. In addition to the
oiling of all the unnecessary pools Of
water about the premises Of the citi-
zens whom we might call "shirkers,
oil would be added to the first small
amount of water which was turned
into each dry dich. This would give
US double assurance that all mo-
squito life was gone.
Five-As director of nature study
in the Normal and grade schools,
will see that some two thousand bird
boxes are erected in our city in case
the. citizens care to take this matter
up. You say, "what has this to dc
with our problem?" There are many
birds which live almost entirely upon
flies and mosquitoes and we have
found that certain type of bird boxes
can be constructed which will attract
certain birds. Although the birds
could not effect the present host Of
mosquitoes, we would all appreciate
their "bit." If one should count the
feeds that a nest of young birds re.
ceive in day, it would be agreed that
their "bit" would not be q small af.
fair.
i A number of other minor points
might be suggested but the above will
suffice to give q general outline of the
method of procedure. As the work
developed, many other things would
suggest themselves.
Permit me to call your attention to
the fact that in our ideal battles we
have not left our city in ruins but
rather have greatly beautified it.
Who can appreciate the beautiful
court house lawn when all the beauty
is bordered with twenty-foot frame
of weeds and grass almost waist high
through which runs sluggish half
blocked stream wiggling with "wig-
glers" who are fattening on the filth
and preparing to sip the life blood Of
those who attempt to rest on the rus
tic seats? Who cares for q beautiful
home in Sunny Colorado when the
beauty is shut in by high weeds and
mosquito ponds? Would you not rath-
er live in . hovel or a tent and be able
to sit ont and enjoy the balmy al,
and sparkling sunshine? What tour.
ist would pitch his tent the second
time in city Of weeds and mosqui.
toes? Can our visitors from the eas,
raise their heads high enough to en-.
joy the snow-capped peaks and the
beautiful ranges and fight the mo.
squitoes 1T the same time? Who car
blame the beautiful Normal girl wht
last week was heard to remark, Il an
not coming back to this mosquito der
| again"
| Think citizensl Our city is not th'
ordinary town stuck away in some
secluded valley. but city for show
This very week our town was pictured
in over $50 other localities in Colo
RADIO and other states, by the home
ward bound students. This does no
take into consideration the man!
| visitors to the Normal, the tourists
| Cattlemen's day sight-seers and man.
others who are advertising our rea
situation. After all, II the battle:
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