THE ITALIAN BEE AS A FACTOR IN THE EXTERMINATION OF 



EUROPEAN FOUL BROOD* 



W. D. Wright, Altamont, N. Y. 



For ten years past, I have strenuously advocated the Italian- 

 ization of all black or hybrid bees, located in or near any locality 

 where European foul brood was epidemic. This has been attended 

 with more or less success, depending upon the action of the 

 parties directly interested. Some beekeepers were incredulous of 

 the claims made by me, and seemed to regard them as extravagant, 

 or thought that the purchasing of Italian queens was an unneces- 

 sary expense, or perchance, that I was interested in the sale of 

 queens, etc., thus accounting for my insistence on this point be- 

 lieving there must be some profit accruing to me through the 

 transaction. On the other hand, many practical apiarists have 

 gladly heeded my advice, and, acting promptly, have averted dis- 

 aster. A certain York State beekeeper, who a few years since, 

 when I talked with him of this matter, ridiculed the idea of com- 

 bating foul brood by the agency of Italian bees, now loses no 

 opportunity of lauding them to the sky for this purpose, in fact, 

 so enthusiastic has he become in this respect, that he pales my own 

 eiforts ; thus, many are being converted on this point, after giving 

 it a trial. 



Many ask, " Why are the Italians more nearly exempt, than the 

 other races ? " I wish I knew, but, not knowing, I am unable to 

 give the desired information, therefore shall leave that point for 

 some expert investigator to determine. For our purpose, it is 

 sufficient to know the facts as stated. 



We shall consider the importance, efficiency and economy in 

 keeping only the Italian race, when combating this disease. 



IMPORTANCE 



When we consider that there is no other race or variety of bees 

 that is so nearly exempt or immune to the ravages of this disease, 



* Delivered at the New England, United States and Canada Bee Inspectora' 

 Convention at Amherst, Mass., Fohruary 7, 1912, 



[14931 



