P.D. 123. 33 



A significant feature of the towns visited south of Boston, where inspection had 

 not been possible for several years, was that about as many new beekeepers were 

 discovered as there were old beekeepers who had discontinued business. Thus, 

 the industry apparently maintains the same number of beekeepers despite the 

 fact that there have been a great many discontinuances during the period of 

 three to five years. 



The extended work south as well as north of Boston did not in any way 

 hinder the progress in other sections of the state. In Berkshire County the 

 usual territory was covered. In the Connecticut Valley, fully as many towns 

 if not more Avere visited, as in any previous year. Worcester County and terri- 

 tory to the east where considerable disease has been found were thoroughly 

 canvassed, as has been done in previous years. Some of these districts which 

 heretofore were badly infected show great improvement. In very few instances 

 were bad occurrences of disease found. It cannot be said that either American 

 foulbrood or European foulbrood has gained any headway or broken out in 

 any new district or occurs to any unexpected extent in any quarter of the State; 

 rather, these diseases are a lingering result of ancient or deeprooted infections, 

 most difficult to eradicate totally and permanently, but which it is quite possible 

 to suppress or to hold in check. 



Mr. Ivan Rawson inspected in Berkshire County; Mr. Fred Challet served 

 in the Connecticut Valley Counties; Mr. Edwards Thorne travelled Worcester 

 County, Middlesex, and to the east; Mr. C. N. Ellis took the towns north and 

 south of Boston; and Mr. 0. F. Fuller worked southern Worcester County 

 and the southeastern territory. 



The beekeeping season has been profitable in many localities. Altho there 

 was an unprecedented drought in much of the State this seems to have favored 

 nectar production, both in quality and quantity. Some beekeepers procured 

 exceptional crops. Most beekeepers averaged well. The honey exhibit at fairs 

 this past fall was of a noticeably high grade. The juvenile competitive 

 display judged by Dr. Gates at the Eastern States Exposition deserves particular 

 mention and unstinted praise. A senior exhibit of equal worth would have 

 been a doubtful possibility in Massachusetts ten years ago. These meritorious 

 exhibits perhaps more than anything else measure the achievement and success 

 of apieultural promotion and supervision. 



The beekeepers in and about Attleboro, feeling that there is an unnecessary 

 number of box hives in their district, have proposed legislation similar to that 

 of New York and Pennsylvania restricting the use of any hive which shall not 

 be capable of thorough inspection, enabled by the free removal of the combs. 

 Similar legislation in New York State went into effect in 1923. As yet the 

 results of this measure are not certain. It should be borne in mind, however, 

 that thru the general educational policies of the department, beekeepers have 

 been urged and assisted during the past ten years to do away Avith box-hive 

 beekeeping. Thus to a certain extent, the aims of this legislation in a 

 measure, have been fulfilled. It must be admitted however, that there are and 

 probably will be for some time those who thru ignorance or tradition persist 

 in maintaining bees in hives from which the combs cannot be removed. At 

 the present writing it is yet too early to make any definite comments or 

 recommendation for or against legislation requiring bees to be kept in hives 

 with removable combs. 



The beekeepers thru their several beekeeper societies have expressed repeatedly 

 their satisfaction in the increased appropriation for apiary inspection in 1923. 

 The same feeling prevails this year among the beekeepers. They desire that 

 the app'ropriation for inspection work should be continued at $2,500. 



The apiary inspection was carried on under the direction of Dr. Burton N. 

 Gates and his experience and thoroughness have been evident in the work 

 accomplished. 



