168 THB FARMERS MANUAL, 



entrance of the hives, in spots, like linseed, nearly 

 black, and of an insupportable smell, and that this 

 malady is contagious. The Bees when afflicted with 

 this disease, destroy each other by contaminating 

 their wings with this excrement, and thus stop the 

 organs of perspiration. The cause of this disease is 

 by some ascribed to new honey, when eat in winter ; 

 by some to the deficiency of propolis, or bea-bread ; 

 and brothers, to the flowers of the elm and lime, from 

 which they extract their honey. These, and several 

 other causes, have been named by various writers ; 

 but they do not appear to be agreed in any one ge- 

 neral cause of the dysentery. Many remedies have 

 been prescribed by various authors, for the dysente- 

 ry ; but, adds Mr. Huish, I consider it incurable ; al- 

 though its prevention may be effected. As soon, 

 therefore, as I perceive any of my hives affected witb 

 it, I give them a little of the following composition, 

 which has invariably checked the malady, when 

 given in the early stages. Rule. To a quart of white- 

 wine, add a pint of honey and two pounds of loaf su- 

 gar ; put the whole into a tin sauce-pan, and let it boil 

 gently over a slow fire, skimming it at different times, 

 until it is reduced to the consistency of syrup. It 

 may then be bottled, and put into the cellar, and 

 kept cool for use. Whenever it is used, it must be 

 gently heated, until it partakes of the consistency of 

 honey. Mr. Ranconi, an Italian author, recommends 

 fresh urine, placed on plates near the hives, for the 

 use of the Bees. He also recommends white wine 

 boiled with an equal quantity of loaf sugar, with an 

 addition of cloves and nutmegs, as doing well. Also 

 the bark of pomegranates, pounded and mixed with 

 honey and sweet wine, as being conducive to the 

 health of the Bee. 



Mr. Duchet recommends good old port wine, mix- 

 ed with honey. 



Mr. Wildman recommends fine salt, as a remedy, 

 to be placed on the bee-stand where they may eat if 

 at pleasure. 



