408 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



in this locality than had been supposed. Furthermore, he 

 brought to light the fact that the section in question is as well 

 adapted for beekeeping as any other part of the State, and 

 found honey crops which rival those of the most prosperous 

 apicultural territory in the eastern United States. Not only is 

 a large number of bees kept there and large quantities of 

 honey produced, but its quality is high. Notwithstanding poor 

 management in some cases, it has been found that particu- 

 larly fine crops have been obtained. The superb comb of white 

 clover honey in the illustration was from this locality. This 

 part of the State, therefore, is especially encouraging, but the 

 first thing to do is to rid it of disease. The writer feels certain 

 from the success in Berkshire County and other quarters of the 

 State that it is possible. 



There is another cheerful side to the outcome of inspection 

 thus far. It had been feared that possibly disease had so re- 

 duced the number of colonies in some localities, or had so dis- 

 couraged beekeeping, that it might not be taken up again. 

 Figures are now at hand, however, which prove the contrary, 

 and in localities where disease has been brought under control, 

 beekeeping is regaining its rightful proportions. Furthermore, 

 beekeepers are tending to become more proficient and expert 

 every year. Consequently there has been a healthy growth in 

 the industry. Even more encouraging results may be expected 

 when climatic and seasonal conditions will favor the honey 

 crop, which was not the case during the season of 1914. In 

 most territory east of the Mississippi River, there has been a 

 total failure in honey production this year, as well as for two 

 or three years past. Such conditions cannot prevail indefinitely; 

 beekeepers are hoping for a change in 1915. 



Berkshire County is approaching Disease-free Con- 

 dition. 

 In 1911, when the first serious effort toward the general 

 control and suppression of infectious bee diseases was made in 

 the westernmost county of Massachusetts, 45 per cent of the 

 apiaries were found diseased. Moreover, one-half, or nearly 

 so (43 per cent), of the colonies in these apiaries were infected 

 with European foul brood. It is generally supposed that this 



