HARRISON, FEBRUARY 28, 1903. 57 
If Dr. Lambotte’s theory that Bacillus mesentericus vulgatus and Bacillus alvei are 
identical is true, we should naturally expect to find cases of foul brood arising spon- 
taneously in countries which never import bees or material from infected localities. 
This assertion could be admitted as evidence if Bacillus alvei were 
known to have as important an etiological relation to foul brood as 
Harrison supposed that it had (p. 48). One of the facts which 
prompted Lambotte’s investigation was that the disease seemed to 
break out independently of any source of infection. If any casual 
relation does exist between Bacillus alvei and any form of foul brood, 
and if his theory concerning the identity of Bacillus alvet and Bacillus 
mesentericus vulgaris can be established, Lambotte offered a very 
clever explanation for the existence of the apparently sporadic cases 
of the disease. . 
It is not likely that Lambotte produced foul brood with either 
Bacillus alvet or Bacillus mesentericus vulgaris. The two species are 
most likely different species, but the evidence advanced by Harrison 
to prove that the two are different is inferior to that which Lambotte 
produced to establish their identity. Lambotte made his greatest 
error apparently in faulty observations. 
In the opinion of the writers, both Harrison and Lambotte were 
probably describing their experiences with American foul brood, and 
the spores which they saw in such large numbers were those of 
Bacillus larve. ‘The growth which they obtained was not a growth 
from these spores, but a growth of Bacillus alvet or a member of the 
group to which Bacillus mesentericus vulgaris (Bacillus A, p. 76) 
belongs. Hither of these species may be present but occur most 
always in small numbers. 
Another point of considerable interest might be mentioned here. 
In a paper by Harrison! presented to the Bee Keepers’ Association 
of the Province of Ontario in November, 1904, the following is found: 
Two years ago I remember there was some talk of black brood, and I think a com- 
mittee was appointed to send samples tome. Whether they did not meet with any 
cases of black brood or no I don’t know, but I know I have received no samples, * * * . 
This statement tends to confirm the suspicion already expressed 
that Harrison was working with American foul brood. 
In an address? delivered in November, 1905, before the Bee 
Keepers’ Association of the Province of Ontario, Harrison announced 
to the association that he was leaving his position as director of the 
association and representative of the agricultural college. Since that 
time we have not learned of any work on bee diseases published by 
1 Harrison, F.C., 1905. Diseases of bee larvee. Annual Report of the Bee Keepers’ Association of the 
Province of Ontario, 1904. Toronto, pp. 27-36. 
2 Harrison, F. C.,1906. Diffusing apicultural knowledge. Annual Report of the Bee Keepers’ Associa- 
tion of the Province of Ontario, 1905, pp. 8-10. Toronto. 
