Show STUDIES THE MOSQUITO mrs ed th ricker holds a un que government pos tion mrs edith ricker of burlington la has tor three years enjoyed the dis unction ot being the only woman em aloyed by the united states govern ment as a field assistant in entomology mrs kickers work is to col elect lect study and make scientific reports to dr L A howard of the habits of the mosquito in montana in corn pany with her husband prof maurice ricker and little daughter mrs rick er has been located two seasons on the banks of swan river in montana at its outlet into flathead lake the biological station of the university 0 montana is also situated on flathead lake flathead lal e and the vicinity was selected b the government as an ideal location tor the study ot the mosquito within walking distance of the rid er camp Is the bewan moun tain range while the mission range comes abruptly to the water s edge and slopes from swan river on the north to the high peaks feet at the southern end the scenery is wild and rugged suggestive of alpine views mrs ricker begins collecting about the middle of june going into swamps and ravines to catch the brou trou insect necessitates a regula alon costume for protection against their painful bites the costume con fists of leather leggings bloomers of heavy cloth a blouse head net of fine netting and gauntlet gloves the camping party lives in the open air sleeping out of doors and enjoys outdoor life it Is a queer but true fact that with the exception of a few hours last summer the campers en joyed absolute freedom from the an boyance ot mosquitoes when they did arrive however tor that few hours visit one evening they came suddenly myriads ot them besieged the party and kept them busy fighting for protection for four hours then they disappeared as suddenly as they had come this visit was attributed to a severe windstorm from the land tour miles away blowing them in that direction mrs ricker sas a single uncovered tain barrel will breed mosquitoes to torment the entire neighborhood five hundred and thirty five different sped mens have been developed in a few days at the station from six dip ot rainwater but a tablespoonful ot kerosene in the barrel soon stifled the insects |