THE DISEASES OF BEES. 81 



Formic Acid. 



Formic acid was introduced as a cure for foul brood 

 some years ago by Mr. Sproule, since which time it has been 

 largely used with great success ; considering its simplicity of 

 application and the rapid cures it effects, it would appear to be 

 a very valuable addition to the list of remedies for foul brood. 

 The form of formic acid used for foul brood is known chemically 

 as a ten per cent, solution of anhydrous formic acid having a 

 specific gravity of 1'06. Be sure to get this kind of formic 

 acid, as absolute formic acid, or in fact any solution of it 

 stronger than that named, is quite unfit for use with bees, and 

 moreover is very dangerous to handle, causing very painful, 

 ulcerous sores when even the smallest drop is spilt on the hand. 

 We now come to the way in which formic acid is used : the 

 best method is to pour it into one side of a clean, empty comb, 

 which should be placed at the back of the hive, as far away 

 from the entrance as possible ; the acid then by evaporation 

 diffuses itself throughout the hive, destroying the germs of 

 disease. The above is abridged from Mr. Sproule's directions 

 in the British Bee Journal for October 2nd, 1890 (which also 

 appeared in Gleanings). 



Naphthol Beta. 



With naphthol beta I propose to close this list of remedies 

 for foul brood. Naphthol beta has only been used for foul 

 brood a very short time; nevertheless, during this period 

 it has proved highly satisfactory, and very excellent results 

 have been obtained by its use. It is a white, crystalline 

 powder, possesses very little smell, and, though insoluble 

 in cold water, it dissolves readily in alcohol ; when dissolved 

 in this, it should be added to the syrup while the latter is 

 still hot, and it will then remain in solution. 



To medicate 18 lbs. of sugar, made into syrup, § oz. naphthol 

 beta is required, while | oz. (avoirdupois) will medicate 36 lbs., 

 and J oz. is required for 72 lbs. Just enough alcohol (rectified 

 spirits of wine) should be added to dissolve the naphthol 

 beta, and the two must be shaken up together ; when all the 

 naphthol is dissolved, no more alcohol should be put with it. 

 Candy may be treated in a similar manner, the same amount 

 of naphthol being added to the same quantity of sugar used in 

 making the candy. 



