122 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



become a decided check to the promotion of beekeeping in- 

 terests, even if it does not entirely destroy the industry in 

 certain locaHties. 



Misuse of Sprays by Contractors. 



In business, ambition is admirable, yet there is such a thing 

 as too much zeal. Complaint is general that the contracting 

 sprayman is not too discriminating, in his efforts to complete 

 his work, as to what trees and when he sprays. One bee- 

 keeper speaks of "contractors who want to spray every day, 

 regardless of conditions." 



It is also suggested that injustice to the fruit tree owner may 

 often result from the contractor who sprays in full bloom, in 

 that the sexual organs of the flowers may be injured. More- 

 over, these early applications doubtless are of slight service in 

 reaching the codling moth, as is emphasized elsewhere. 



It has been further suggested that in justice to the beekeeper, 

 fruit owner and contractor the contracting sprayman should be 

 licensed, it being argued that thereby some status would be 

 accorded him. It should tend, moreover, to control both the 

 grade of his spraying formulae and practices. 



Case of Error by Spraying Contractor. 



"Mr. S. had his trees sprayed with poison the day before I 

 wrote you [May 20, 1914]. He hired this party to spray 

 earlier, as we did, but for some reason the contractor didn't 

 get around to do it. We canceled our order, when he did not 

 come in time." The contracting sprayer referred to was re- 

 ported as spraying the apple orchards when "the trees were 

 heavy with blossoms and the bees working them," and the bee- 

 keeper commented, ''It does seem as though he ought to be 

 prevented from doing it," whereupon he appealed to the secre- 

 tary of the State Board of Agriculture and the State Inspector 

 of Apiaries. 



From Waltham, May 24, 1914, a similar appeal came: — 



Year before last my colonies were practically wiped out, and not until 

 this spring were they built up to any degree. Now my bees are in fair 

 condition. A man who takes contracts to spray has done so to two or- 

 chards [in bloom] in my neighborhood. As a beekeeper I address you 



