WINTER MANAGEMENT. 269 
combs with the solution of which I send you the 
recipe. I found generally in mild cases one applica- 
tion was sufficient, but in more severe ones two or 
three doses produced a complete cure. I found that 
if the cells were uncapped before they were punctured, 
and sprayed with the solution, injecting a larger 
quantity into the affected cell so as to eject the 
viscid mass, there was no fear of the disease ap- 
pearing again. In this state the viscid fluid in the 
cells is of a light brown, and is not permeated with 
spores to such an extent as when it is allowed to 
remain until it becomes highly coloured and the 
covering much depressed. I doubt very much if in 
this stage it is very contagious. I have no doubt 
the acid acts on the spores and destroys their vita- 
lity. So far so good. Now, as regards the honey 
that is in the hive, and which is supposed to contain 
the spores (although I must say I have never been 
able to detect any by the microscope), how are we 
to ensure their being destroyed? Simply by uncap- 
ping it and feeding the bees on syrup containing the 
acid, which they will store with the uncapped honey; 
or uncap it and give it a good spraying with the 
acid solution. I have done both, but cannot say if 
it was really required; but as I think prevention is 
better than cure, and as it is not much trouble, there 
can be no harm done. 
“All my hives are scalded, and so is everything 
that has had anything to do with the hive, and after- 
wards everything is washed over with the solution. 
I believe the germs of the disease are carried in the 
air, and we can never feel safe; I therefore always 
