DISEASES AND ENEMIES OF BEES. 183 



solution of salicylic acid, also with carbolic acid, 

 and then painted ; but even then the " snake was only 

 scotched," not killed, for in one hive, being short of new 

 frames, I used two or three of the old ones previously 

 boiled, and in this hive the disease again appeared, which 

 was immediately stamped out by destruction. A much- 

 vaunted cure for foul brood is salicylic acid ; several 

 eminent Bee-masters have spoken very favourably of it 

 as having been by them successfully used. I give the 

 recipe, but in my own case it was utterly useless ; although 

 I used it lavishly in the most thorough manner, I was 

 unable to find the least good result. Herr Hilbert 

 reports that he cured 25 badly infected stocks by the 

 following process : Dissolve 50 grammes (not quite if 

 ounces) of salicylic acid in 14 ounces of spirit of wine, 

 which will be found sufficient for 12 stocks; loO drops of 

 this solution should be added to one pint of soft water 

 lukewarm, with which the combs and hive should be 

 well sprinkled, having first thoroughly shaken the 

 mixture. The combs are to be replaced in their hives 

 as soon as the operation is completed, and if no un- 

 necessary delay is made the brood will not be injured. 

 A little of the Salicylic Acid solution is also given 

 to their bees in all food supplied. I do not in the 

 least doubt Herr Hilbert's veracity, but I think it 

 possible the quarantine after the treatment had not 

 been long enough to determine whether the reputed 

 cure was fallacious or not. In my own case I several 

 times congratulated myself on a cure, only, as after 

 events proved, to be disappointed. Where an Apiary is 

 found infected, I am confident the wisest course is to 

 destroy combs, frames, hives, and honey, as well as all 

 tools and litter about the place that has been in contact 

 with the stocks. The destruction as advised should be 



