DISEASES AND ENEMIES OF BEES, 



223 



scarcely one could at first be discerned. The good results 

 claimed to follow a thorough painting of the hive, within 

 as well as without, may arise from the closing of its pores 

 by the paint, and the 

 consequent exclusion 

 of these insects. Un- 

 der certain circum- 

 stances, however, this 

 gain may be counter- 

 balanced by disadvan- 

 tages otherwise men- 

 tioned. A common 

 seed-glass, such as are 

 sold by opticians (fig. 

 87), for detecting adul- 

 terations or impurities 

 in seeds will answer. 

 Better stiU, as afford- 

 ing a higher power, 

 and being more con- 



Fig. 88.— SIMPLE MICBOSOOPB. 



venient in use, for observing these parasites, is the 

 American Agriculturist Simple Microscope (fig. 88), of- 

 fered by the Orange Judd Company. 



The progressive bee-keeper will here find interesting 

 ground for investigation, which has a more direct bearing 

 upon vital points in his pursuit than may at first be sup- 

 posed. I anticipate that the discoveries of the near fu- 

 ture in this direction will not only be surprising, but en- 

 lighten us materially in regard to many mysteries for 

 which we are as yet unable to furnish a solution. 



BEE-MOTH. 



If we combine into one phalanx all other enemies of the 

 bee, and compare their ability for mischief, with that of 

 the bee-moth, we shall find their powers of destruction 



