and its Economic Management. 55 



CHAPTER IX. 

 ENEMIES AND DISEASES OF BEES. 



ALONG list is frequently given under this head, but so far as 

 I am aware, if all colonies are strong there is not a single 

 enemy that can make any impression upon our stocks ; and as to 

 birds, the injury caused by them is more fanciful than real. They do 

 occasionally take bees, but according to my own observation 

 nothing but drones and dead workers are consumed. 



Of the diseases too, there is but one which requires any serious 

 consideration and that is 



FOUL BROOD, 



so called until lately, but now designated Bacillus Alvei by 

 Mr. Cheshire, who has made most exhaustive experiments, and 

 investigations in regard to this matter, and now tells us that the 

 disease affects not only the brood but the adult bees and queen 

 as well. 



It has so frequently been stated that the disease can be dis- 

 covered by the foul smell emitted by the stock which may have it, 

 that I consider it necessary to warn the uninitiated not to wait for 

 such a rude awakening. At that stage it is very infectious indeed, 

 and it will be a saving to burn the hive and contents at once . 

 With a colony in such a state the novice is certain to do only harm 

 by attempting a cure and it is well to be clear of it. 



