284 COMB. 



been subject to partial melt, decomposition again 

 takes place, and the combs are soon rotten ; this is 

 known by mold collecting. On examining them, they 

 are found to pulverize easily, even when warm ; the 

 bees avoid it as long as there is other room in which 

 to build comb and store honey. 



It matters not at what age the combs are, when thus 

 damaged ; if bad, they are practically worthless. 



Bees should not be located where excessive dust is 

 blown to the entrance, as the bees in passing in carry 

 it, and incorporate it with the comb. 



HOW TO DETECT HALF-MELT AND COMB ROT. 



This can be done by the smell. On opening the 

 hive that is affected, a disagreeable odor will be per- 

 ceived, resembling slightly that of carrion. The ex- 

 tent of the damage may be judged by the intensity 

 of the smell ; this can only be discovered at a time 

 when there is empty comb in the hive, as the smell 

 disappears after the bees refill their hive, but to re- 

 appear the next spring. It can also be detected if 

 bad, by breaking the comb ; the waxen walls are 

 partly melted, but the lining cocoons retain it in 

 shape. Comb, when good, has a slightly sharp and 

 pungent smell, which is agreeable. 



A hive so affected will frequently live three or four 

 years without swarming, but appearing strong in num- 

 bers. If the season be a good one, they may make 

 a small amount of spare honey, but soon they dwindle 

 away, till all disappear. 



