46 PROFITABLE BEE-KEEPING 



beta solution, as a deterrent to the attacks of 

 foul-brood. This drug may also be obtained "from 

 appliance dealers in one-ounce packets, along with 

 directions for the use of it. 



Where Isle of Wight disease is prevalent, sub- 

 stitute " Bacterol " for napthol beta as a medicating 

 agent, and on no account omit adding it to 

 syrup. Few liberties could be taken in the treat- 

 ment of fouUbrood — none can be taken when this 

 latest pest is in the vicinity. 



Careful attention should be paid to the quality 

 of all sugar syrup fed to bees, and also to the 

 season of the year when it is given. Neglect of 

 these details may set up dysentery in the colonies. 

 This trouble is often caused by the feeding of low- 

 quality sugar, and also by feeding it so late in the 

 autumn that the bees are unable to seal it down. 

 Fermentation then takes place, and is accentuated 

 if syrup of thin consistency is used. The symptoms 

 of dysentery consist of a great weakness of the 

 bees, and a quick decrease in their numbers, com- 

 bined with much soiling of the hives with excreta, 

 both internally and externally. The treatment 

 consists of shaking the bees into a clean hive, with 

 fresh combs of good stores, or, failing these, candy 

 should be used. Pack the bees up warmly, closing 

 the hive up with a division board to the number of 

 frames covered, and give ample ventilation. By 

 such means the lowered vitality of the colony will 

 be raised to the normal. Undue disturbance of the 

 bees in winter also tends to set up this malady. ■ 



