No. 4.] INSPECTOR OF APIARIES. 219 



an agreeable surprise, at which beekeepers have frequently ex- 

 pressed their satisfaction. Thus, during the latter part of August 

 it was possible to release from quarantine apiaries in which con- 

 ditions had been exceedingly bad during the forepart of the 

 season. The lack of success in those apiaries which were ex- 

 amined early has been traceable usually to a failure to carry 

 out fully the instructions issued and precautions suggested by 

 the inspectors. 



Demonstrations. 

 Practicing that fundamental educational principle, outlined 

 in the previous report, — the personal contact with the bee- 

 keeper, giving him insight into the modern methods and showing 

 him "short cuts," as well as demonstrating methods of treat- 

 ment, — has been thoroughly tested. The wi-iter has in mind 

 one instance of a demonstrational meeting of this sort at which 

 every beekeeper in the town, excepting one who could not be 

 reached, was present to observe the treatment of disease. 

 Colonies were shaken and the apiary cleaned up. Those bee- 

 keepers present, including one from New Hampshire, of course 

 went back to their homes and communicated to their beekeeping 

 acquaintances what they had learned. In some instances, how- 

 ever, the demonstrations have been attended by only one or 

 two. As an index to how extensively this instruction has been 

 practiced, it may be said that in Worcester and Middlesex 

 counties 191 demonstrations were held in 1911. What hap- 

 pened there holds throughout the State, the writer having 

 demonstrated in a mill town in Berkshire County as late as 

 half-past seven to 8 o'clock in the evening, in order that the 

 mill operatives who were beekeepers might attend. 



The Process of Inspection. 

 Methods as outlined previously have been tried and proved. 

 The greatest benefit-s can best be obtained by a systematic and 

 concentrated effort ; thus considerable areas have been thor- 

 oughly covered by a canvass from apiary to apiary. Scattering 

 inspection, as has been tried in other States, can hardly be as 

 satisfactory. When the State has been covered, its status, in 

 relation to other States, will be fixed. The aim now is to com- 

 plete the survey as soon as possible. 



