148 PLEASURABLE BEE-KEEPING. 



is now very generally believed to be a medium by 

 which the disease is carried. Bee-keepers cannot, 

 therefore, be too careful when introducing low-priced 

 honey into their apiaries for feeding purposes. 



The disease is due to the presence and propagation 

 of a particular microscopic germ, to the bacillus of 

 which the name alvei has been given by Mr. Cheshire. 

 The presence of the germ is absolutely necessary to 

 account for the outbreak of the disease. It has 

 frequently been stated that chilled brood will cause 

 foul brood, but this is an error. It will, however, 

 afford a resting-place for the germs, should they be 

 in a district, and therefore we must avoid, as far as 

 possible, providing the germs with a propagating 

 medium. The germ has great vitality and is most 

 difficult to destroy. When it enters a proper medium 

 it develops into a bacillus, which multiplies at a 

 remarkably rapid rate, until the nourishing matter 

 upon which the bacilli feed is exhausted, and then 

 spores or germs are produced, which, when the oppor- 

 tunity occurs, germinate and produce the disease. 



Being of a microscopic character the germs are 

 easily transmitted from one district to another, or 

 from a diseased to a healthy hive. When examining 

 hives supposed to be infected every precaution against 

 spreading the disease must be taken. A cake of 

 Calvert's carbolic soap should always be within 

 reach, so that the hands may be washed after each 

 manipulation. As a further precaution the manipulator 

 should stand with his back to the wind. 



Symptoms of foul brood. The first symptom usually 

 noticed by the novice is a very unpleasant odour arising 



