112 



BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



The apparent status in Berkshire County is comparable to that 

 reported last year. 



In a large sense, the results of the inspection work this season 

 have not differed materially from that of last year. The tabu- 

 lation of the inspectors' reports shows approximately the same 

 ratio of new beekeepers, as well as a similar number who have 

 given up the work. It was anticipated, however, since 1915 was 

 a 5'ear of swarming, — as bees swarmed early and continued 

 their inclination late, — that more stray swarms would be 

 picked up, and consequently more new beekeepers would result. 

 It may be that the work of next season will confirm this 

 expectation. 



Winter Loss. 



By the returns to this office, it is possible to calculate the 

 percentage of mortality during the last winter. There were 

 reported among 847 apiaries 4,390 colonies last fall. This 

 number had fallen off in the spring to 3,554 colonies, or a 

 mortality of 836 colonies, which is equivalent to 19 per cent 

 mortality, or winter loss. Comparatively, bees wintered more 

 successfully during the past winter than during the previous 

 one. With additional precaution in the preparation of bees for 

 winter and their care, this mortality should be materially 

 reduced. The beekeeper's attention is therefore being directed 

 to the results of the investigations of the Federal Department 

 of Agriculture, to promote the efficiency of wintering. A bulle- 

 tin on this subject is being sent to the entire mailing list of 

 beekeepers. 



Table 1. — Comparison of Winter Losses. 



» In 756 apiaries. 



= In 729 apiaries. 



' In 847 apiaries. 



