36 



ohitin covering. Sour brood is seldom found by itself, but is 

 usually associated with the strong-smelHng form of foul brood. 

 It should be noted that " chilled brood " must not be mis- 

 taken, as it very frequently is, for foul brood. The dead larv» 

 of " chilled brood " turn first grey, and afterwards become 

 nearly black, whereas in foul brood the la.rYee turn at first pale 

 yellow and then brown, except in "sour brood," when they 

 turn from grey to yellow. The larvae in " chilled brood " are 

 also generally removed by the bees, which seldom attempt to 

 carry away larves which have died from disease, unless dis- 

 infectants to arrest decomposition are used. 



Sources of Infection. — Experience has plainly shown that 

 with foul brood — as in all epidemic diseases — ^the weak, sickly, 

 and badly nourished colonies are specially liable to take the 

 disease, and become centres of infection. 



1 . — A diseased colony becomes too weak to defend its stores ; 

 robbers from healthy neighbouring colonies then descend upon 

 it and probably steal the honey, and in doing so carry away 

 the seeds of disease and death, which are thus spread, until all 

 the colonies of a neighbourhood may be fatally affected. Unless 

 a disinfectant is used the bees do' not seem to have the power 

 to clean out the foul cells, which consequently remain as 

 centres of infection within the hive. 



2. — Anoiher very important point is that the bee-keeper may 

 him.self be the means of spreading the disease by indiscrimi- 

 nately manipulating, first diseased, and then healthy colonies 

 without taking proper precautions to disinfect both himself and 

 the appliances used. 



3. — Gombs which have contained foul brood retain the spores. 

 The queen lays eggs in the cells or the workers deposit their 

 honey and pollen in them. The honey and pollen in this 

 way become vehicles for the transmission of the disease to the 

 larvae in the process of feeding by the nurse bees. Under no 

 consideration should infected hives or combs' be exposed to the 

 visits of bees. Carelessness in this respect may work immense 

 mischief to neighbouring colonies and apiaries. 



Prevention and Remedies — 1. The hives should be placed 



in suitable positions, and be kept clean, well ventilated, ard 

 weather-proof. 



2.; — In endeavouring to get rid of foul brood, efforts must 

 be made to raise to a high standard the lowered vitality of 

 the bees, which first enables the germs of the disease to 

 develop. Strong colonies only, with young and prolific queens 

 should be kept, while good wholesome food, and freedom from 

 dampness are also important. The combs in the brood 

 chamber should be frequently renewed. At least two frames 

 fitted with full sheets of wired worker base foundation should 

 be inserted in each colony, every spring. 



