No. 4.] INSPECTOR OF APIARIES. 205 



In the cranberry industry $1,500,000 represents the product 

 of upwards of 2,000 growers. This industry increased 182 

 ])er cent between 1895 and 1905, and is still gaining, Dr. 

 Franklin figuring that at least 2,000 acres have been added 

 within the last few years. Here again is a branch of horti- 

 culture, placing dependence on bees, which should have 

 absolutely healthy stock. 



This statement of the uses to which bees are put, aside 

 from the apicultural i)liase. indicates the diversity, scope 

 and far-reaching complexity of the bee-disease situation. In- 

 stead of being a minor industry, beekeeping is fundamental 

 to agricultural interests and occupations involving millions 

 of dollars. Instead of being a condition that will right 

 itself, it is evidently retarding the progress not only of 

 the beekeeper, but also of the fruit grower, the market 

 gardener, the hot-house cucumber grower and other agri- 

 cultural industries. 



Concern of the Beekeeper. 



The beekeepers who have had inspection are anxious that 

 it should continue, fearing reinfection of restored areas. 

 Others foresee the annihilation of the industry, disaster to 

 market gardening, seed production, orcharding and the like. 

 At least what ground has been gained should be held. From 

 other parts of the State there have been requests for help, 

 and these still continue. It has been physically impossi- 

 ble to respond to some of the most urgent calls from areas 

 where the diseases are in the worst stages, in Berkshire and 

 about Springfield, for instance. In these localities the 

 disease is so prevalent that at least six weeks in each will 

 be required to make any headway. 



The beginner in beekeeping and the one who wishes to 

 increase his apiary are at a loss to know where they can 

 buy, with certainty, bees which they can depend upon. 

 The horticulturist is in a similar situation. This is the 

 graver situation, because the growers of cucumbers under 

 glass use upward of 2.000 oolonies of bees annually in 

 their houses. IMoreovor, tlioy ni-e seldom practical apiarists 

 and have to trust the bookee])ei'. who. if not informed in tho 

 matter of disease. ni;iy sell cdldiiies whir-li will go to pieces 



