No. 4.] INSPECTOR OF APIARIES. 221 



law. The last two or three years, however, have seen radical 

 changes. It is now not only recognized as meritorious, but of 

 vital and fundamental importance in the promotion of agricul- 

 ture and particularly horticulture. The grade of inspection is 

 being improved, and the number of States having this service 

 has recently greatly increased. Now every State in New Eng- 

 land has apiary regulations excepting New Hampshire and 

 Maine. 



Inspectors' methods are becoming more precise, thorough and 

 uniform. With such progress certain problems, common to the 

 several States, have arisen. For illustration, there is the ques- 

 tion of interstate shipment of diseased stock, which interests 

 other States more particularly than Massachusetts; the general 

 hygiene of the apiary; quarantine stations, being suggested for 

 Canada; the disposal of stray swarms in trees and on public 

 lands. Such problems, when settled, should mean better ser- 

 vice. It is proposed to call a meeting of those engaged in in- 

 spection service in northeastern United States at which these 

 important topics will be considered. The project is meeting 

 with decided interest in States as far away as Pennsylvania. 

 Greater co-operation, uniformity and efficiency are anticipated 

 as a result of this meeting. 



By the discovery of disease along the Massachusetts border 

 of New Hampshire, and according to reports from that State, 

 it would seem desirable to further any advance toward in- 

 spection in Maine and New Hampshire which may be made. 

 It is hoped that representatives from these States will be in 

 attendance at the convention of inspectors. 



Financial Statement, Nov. 30, 1911. 



Unexpended balance, appropriation of 1910, . . . $99 96 



Appropriation, 1911, 1,400 00 



From extraordinary expenses, 692 94 



Services of inspectors, $1,190 00 



Travel and necessary expenses of inspectors, 629 39 



Postage, 97 17 



Printing and stationery, 168 37 



Stenographic and clerical assistance, . . 48 36 



Telephone and sundries, 8 62 



Unexpended balance, 50 99 



$2,192 90 $2,192 90 



