16 P.D. 123 



It is fair to assume that the infestation of Japanese Beetle in Massachu- 

 setts will increase, but we believe that with our present knowledge of control 

 measures, and with the aid of parasites, we will be able to cope with this pest 

 without serious loss to our agricultural interests. 



Distribution of Bees on Increase 

 The use of bees in fruit orchards during the blooming season, as has been 

 outlined in the two previous annual reports, continues. Without available 

 figures it appears that an even greater number of packages of bees were 

 bought in 1931 by orehardists. It has been variously estimated that in 

 excess of a half ton of bees are brought north for orchard purposes. These 

 package bees are obtained exclusively from southern apiaries, being unob- 

 tainable in May from northern sources. By some orehardists, they are 

 preferred to colonies of bees. There seems to be a growing interest, how- 

 ever, in the use of colony bees. But the local supply is sufficient in most 

 orchard regions; hence, package bees will doubtless be needed for some 

 years to come. There is a definite trend with the active beekeepers to pre- 

 pare apiaries for rentals to orehardists. Some apiarists rent first to orehard- 

 ists in early season and then to cranberry growers at a later season. The 

 interest in this phase of beekeeping seems to be growing, but must be greatly 

 expanded in order to meet fully fruit growers' requirements. 



Inspection of Apiaries 



The center of intensive apiary inspection in 1931 was Middlesex and Essex 

 counties. An extra appropriation of S500 was available to assist particu- 

 larly in the work in Essex County. Excepting in a few towns in Middlesex 

 County, which could not be reached before the appropriation was exhausted, 

 practically every apiary known to the Department was visited, and all col- 

 onies examined. Many apiaries, heretofore not recorded, were located. 

 This intensive inspection had the sanction of the beekeepers' societies, 

 county agents and farm bureaus of Middlesex and Essex Counties, who co- 

 operated to their utmost. Throughout the area, a letter of warning, re- 

 questing co-operation, was sent out in May to each known beekeeper. In 

 late May and early June the inspectors went into the field. Each inspector 

 worked under prescribed and uniform instructions. The procedure was 

 essentially the same as reported in 1930 and as used in the Worcester County 

 area. 



As is annually anticipated, American foulbrood was the chief bee disease 

 encountered. So little European foulbrood is now found in Massachusetts, 

 that it may be considered almost negligible. This is due in part to a better 

 understanding by the beekeepers and in part to the more general use of good 

 Italian stock, which, of course, is highly resistant to European foulbrood. 

 American foulbrood cannot so easily be disposed of. Its t^enaeity is more 

 baffling to the beekeepers. Its prevalence was unmistakably pronounced 

 in Essex County, where less eradication work has heretofore been done. 

 Through the splendid co-operation of the beekeepers, however, the situation 

 in this county and in Middlesex County would appear to be well in hand. 

 Improvement should be noticed in 1932. when it is hoped that it will be 

 possible to still further suppress the disease in these counties. Then, they 

 should more nearly approach in freedom from disease, the counties westward, 

 in the State. The Department has been voluntarily and repeatedly praised 

 for its work in IMiddlesex and Essex Counties. 



Consistent with the large area under intensive clean-up check was main- 

 tained on conditions in other parts of the State. No serious situations were 

 encountered nor new outbreaks discovered. The improved condition of 

 the western counties, previously reported, appears to have been maintained. 

 Conditions found south of Boston, with the exception of one limited area on 

 Cape Cod, showed no new developments. The Cape Cod outbreak appears 

 under control and confined. The next area which should receive intensive 

 work by the Department, as soon as funds can be procured, includes Norfolk, 

 Bristol and Plymouth Counties. These may be worked to advantage as a 



