1494 Department of Agriculture 



as the pure Italian ; and that large or small apiaries of this race 

 often pass through an epidemic of European foul brood of several 

 years' duration almost unscathed, and furnish their owners a good 

 profit at the same time : While contrariwise, all black and hybrid 

 bees in the vicinity suffer heavy losses, ajid frequently total 

 annihilation, we begin to realize somewhat, the important position 

 held by these bees. There are numerous remedies and treatments 

 recommended for the relief and cure of this malady, but where 

 is there one that will compare with Italianization as a preventive 

 measure before the colony has been exposed, or after treatment, to 

 prevent reinfection ? 



I consider this item, Italianization, of more importance than 

 any other one and perhaps, than all others combined, in the fight 

 against this arch enemy of beekeepers. 



In view of the foregoing facts, it is a pity we have not legisla- 

 tion making Italianization of all bees, where necessary for pro- 

 tection, compulsory. However, I presume such a law would be 

 considered unconstitutional. 



EFFICIENCY 



We have an abundance of proof from many beekeepers, of the 

 efficiency of this practice. They know by experience how easy it 

 is to control and keep this disease in check, which is certainly 

 reassuring to one who has had the destruction of his apiary and 

 business staring him in the face. After such experience, most 

 beekeepers feel somewhat independent, and greatly relieved of the 

 anxiety which they formerly experienced. 



In recommending the Italians, I always try to make myself 

 understood on this point, namely; I do not claim that they are 

 absolutely exempt from the disease, but only in the main, as a 

 race. 



Beekeepers who have their apiaries thoroughly Italianized in 

 advance of the epidemic can scarcely realize what they have 

 escaped by thus taking time by the forelock. 



I shall repeat a statement which I have made before, that if 

 I desired to locate an apiary in a certain locality, the presence of 

 European foul brood there would not deter me from doing so. 

 Given the right kind of bees and a good season, I should willingly 

 take ray chances of success. 



