Xo. 4.] INSPECTOR OF APIARIES. 211 



13reted as a spread of the disease, it shows rather, that 

 inspection coutirnis what has been maiutaiued for several 

 years, — that this malady is widespread. 



The Probable Spread of European Foul Brood. — Euro- 

 pean fonl brood, formerly known only in Worcester County 

 and west, has apparenth' spread east to the coast, having 

 been found late in the season in Boston and adjoining 

 towns. Thus it now occurs from boundary to boundary of 

 the State. This is, perhaps, the most alarming feature of 

 the present situation. Its gi-adual march from west to east 

 has been watched for several years. Inasmuch as it spreads 

 more rapidly and is perhaps the more disastrous of the two 

 diseases the greatest precaution is warranted. 



Berhsliire County and Vicinity. — Berkshire County and 

 vicinity is one of the most promising apicultural localities 

 in the northeastern United States, one beekeeper having re- 

 marked that there is a continual flow of nectar from frost 

 until frost. Wild thyme (TJiymus serpyllum L.), here- 

 tofore not supposed to occur in America, but highly valued 

 in England for its honey, was found hy hundreds of acres ; 

 it is said to yield a surplus in the Berkshire district. Clover, 

 basswood, raspberry, sumac, l)uckwheat and other plants 

 give crops. Were it not for these su]ierior conditions there 

 is doubt if a colony of bees could have survived the inroads 

 of disease. The situation is so grave that it was found 

 impracticable to undertake treatment until at least six 

 or eight weeks could be devoted to it. Yet it is in this 

 locality that the most evident demand for inspection has 

 been manifested by the self-appointed inspectors already 

 referred to. 



The Conneci'icui Valley. — That the situation is espe- 

 cially bad in part of the Connecticut valley has been known 

 for several years. The focus is around Springfield, but 

 tbe extent was found too great to warrant systematic control 

 this year. However, in a few isolated localities it is pos- 

 sible to do something preparatory to another season. Great 

 numbers of bees have been lost in this section. 



Vi'orcester County and Vicinity. — Two of the worst foci 

 of infection were placed under control. Southborough was 



