68 MONTANA EXPEEIMENT STATION Bui. 112 



soon after this disease came into the State but at that time the 

 infection was confined to a small locality. At the present time it 

 is known to be present not only in the Yellowstone Valley, where 

 it first appeared, but as far west as the Bitter Root Valley. Both 

 in the Gallatin Valley and in the Bitter Root Valley it is known 

 to be rather common. No canvass or survey of the State has been 

 made, but it is almost certain that this highly destructive disease 

 of bees is now general in its distribution wherever bees are kept in 

 Montana. We know of numerous beekeepers who are fighting a 

 losing battle because they do not know how to combat the disease. 

 Many have been driven from the industry already and it is as certain 

 as can be that others will follow unless adequate statewide means 

 of control are adopted. 



Beekeeping is a natural and profitable part of diversified agri- 

 culture. Properly protected, the industry will annually yield a large 

 profit to rural Montana. Experience has shown that the general 

 run of beekeepers cannot control this disease unaided. The usual 

 method is to have a law on the statutes providing for an inspector 

 who has authority to examine all bees and instruct how to eradicate 

 the disease. He has authority to destroy bees that are not treated 

 in accordance with his instructions, but he does not have to use 

 this authority often. Beekeepers who wish to continue in the indus- 

 try generally are glad of the assistance given by the State expert. 

 The inspector, being a well informed man, naturally gives much 

 valuable instruction in beekeeping. He becomes to a considerable 

 extent a traveling instructor and his influence toward building up 

 the bee industry is distinctly felt. Such a law further provides for 

 defense against the introduction into the State of diseased bees or 

 contaminated materials from other States. 



The duties of an inspector of apiaries probably connect up 

 with the State Entomologist's office more closely than with any 

 other department of the State's service. The duties could be assigned 

 to the State Entomologist provided sufficient funds were appro- 

 priated to employ a deputy for this particular duty. The inspection 

 work alone would not be sufficient to employ the full time of a 

 man. A part of his time might be employed in inspection and the 

 remainder paid for by the Agricultural College for instruction of 

 students in beekeeping or by the Experiment Station for research 

 work, or a man might be temporarily employed during each summer. 



