THIRD ANNUAL REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF 

 APIARIES. 



To the State Board of Agriculture. 



I respectfully present the third annual report of the State 

 Inspector of Apiaries for the year 1912. 



The current year for beekeepers has been materially better 

 than the two preceding. Colonies have responded more 

 quickly to treatment than previously. There has been, as 

 might be expected, a reduction in the general prevalence of 

 disease. A few new outbreaks were discovered. Some of the 

 territory previously visited it was impossible to revisit this 

 year, in an effort promised the beekeepers to penetrate new 

 territory. It was found necessary to quarantine slightly 

 over half as many apiaries as during the previous year, dis- 

 ease being found in 144 apiaries against 234 in 1911. 

 This speaks well for the improved conditions. A larger 

 number of apiaries were under observation, the total being 

 1,596. Those receiving a second visit numbered 195, so that 

 the total number of visits to apiaries amounts to 1,791. 



Improved Conditions in the Apiaries. — As an index of 

 the improvement which is general among thrifty beekeepers, 

 the apiary illustrated in the first annual report may be cited 

 as an example of what can easily be accomplished with a 

 little pains. This apiary in the spring of 1910 contained 

 8 colonies, 7 of which had American foul brood. These were 

 successfully treated and used as a demonstration to neigh- 

 boring beekeepers. On visiting this same apiary in August, 

 1912, it was found to have increased materially. Some 

 colonies have been sold, and there remain 20 colonies of 

 superior bees in a fine state of health. The apiarist, besides 

 increasing his stock this year and without special effort, took 

 approximately one-quarter of a ton of honey. It should be 



