no BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [P. D. 4. 



American Foul Brood. 

 American foul brood is, as was previously reported, gradually 

 retreating into the background. The relatively constant de- 

 cline previously reported is continuing. 



European Foul Brood. 

 The infection of European foul brood this year has not been 

 serious. Consistent progress in its suppression is being made 

 (172 colonies being found). Beekeepers should realize that this 

 is a persistent disease and needs to be watched with particular 

 care. The Italianization of the stock, however, is proving an 

 important factor in resisting the infection. Not all Italians 

 are equally resistant. Hence, it is being urged that resisting 

 strains of Italians be utilized in so far as possible. This is 

 a policy which was outlined in the writer's report of last year. 

 This disease can be controlled and honey cropped, especially 

 if extracted honey be produced. 



Sacbrood. 

 There seems to have been a considerable amount of sacbrood 

 this year. Perhaps this is due to a keen search on the part of 

 the inspectors. Sacbrood, however, is not regarded as serious 

 in Massachusetts; usually requeening the colony will check the 

 disease. Nevertheless, the beekeepers should not allow sac- 

 brood to persist in their colonies, as it does deplete the working 

 force. 



Disease of the Adult Bee. 



In 1916 the writer reported the visit of the eminent English 

 specialist on diseases of the adult bee. As in 1916 isolated 

 cases of adult mortality were found, so in 1917 there were 

 reported cases in which colonies died from an unknown cause, 

 or were depleted by what has been spoken of as "shaking" or 

 "semi-paralytic" bees. 



Colonies which were observed to have these abnormal bees — 

 the so-called "creepers," reported as having been observed in 

 May, 1916 — have been kept under constant observation at 



