42 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [P. D. 4. 



very few good men were obtainable. The white pine bhster rust 

 work also drew heavily on our supply of trained men. Stock 

 from abroad came over in about the usual amount, although a 

 great reduction was looked for. 



The work has progressed satisfactorily, and has the support of 

 our nurserymen. 



The increase in the number of nurseries and a larger planting 

 has made more demands upon our force. 



Apiaey Inspection. 



The very small amount allowed by the Legislature for carry- 

 ing on this work makes it exceedingly diflBcult to cover the State 

 properly for the suppression of bee diseases. Our inspectors 

 are, however, giving much thought to the work, and are cover- 

 ing a great deal of territory for the amount of money available. 

 Every once in a while the cry is taken up by certain persons 

 against continuing the disease control work among bees. Little 

 do these persons appreciate the value of bees to this State. 

 We are developing large fruit orchards as well as fruits of other 

 kinds for which the bee is very necessary in fertilizing the 

 blooms; also, the greenhouse cucumber industry is demanding 

 each year more and more bees. 



All of these demands for bees cannot be met at the present 

 time from .this State, and every time we bring new bees here we 

 increase the danger from diseases. The honey output could 

 undoubtedly be largely increased by the control of bee diseases, 

 and in some sections of the State where there is an abundance 

 of honey-producing plants bees kept for honey would un- 

 doubtedly be most profitable. Along with this apiary work it 

 would be advisable at this time for the State to take up the 

 rearing of queen bees in large enough quantities to supply the 

 demand within the State, as no doubt in some cases foul brood 

 and other diseases have been brought into the State with 

 queens, practically all of which are produced in other States. 



A disease known as bee paralysis has apparently made its 

 appearance in some sections of the State this year, and while 

 very little is known about its origin and control, we do know 

 that this disease killed over 80 per cent of the bees in England. 



An English expert on bee diseases has been in the State a 



