Disease of Bees. 



[JUNE, 



only eventually to lose their stock. Importation of new 

 swarms from the mainland has not been attended with any 

 success. Syrup medicated with naphthol beta, izal, and with 

 sulphur have all been experimented with, and also alcohol. 

 Dusting with sulphur has also been tried, and also dusting and 

 medicated feeding combined. No permanent success has 

 attended any of these measures. 



Remedial Measures Suggested. — I would suggest that all the 

 remaining diseased stocks be destroyed and the hives be 

 thoroughly charred inside and out and afterwards repainted. 

 All instruments used in connection with bee-keeping should 

 be well disinfected. During the coming winter all fresh and 

 already existing healthy stocks should be well looked after and 

 kept warm, dry, and well ventilated, and every care taken that 

 no chilling or damping takes place. Whenever possible on 

 warm days the bees should be allowed to take cleansing flights 

 and be confined as little as possible. The tendency of the bees 

 to distend themselves with pollen should be prevented as far 

 as possible by removing the greater bulk of the stored pollen, 

 and such nourishment as is obtained from the latter should be 

 supplied to them in a liquid form mixed with the artificial food. 

 The bee-keepers are advised to experiment with beef jelly or a 

 meat extract of a similar nature. This should be mixed with 

 enough water to make it fluid and then strained through very 

 fine muslin and mixed thoroughly with honey or a suitable sugar 

 syrup (both methods should be tried). Several pounds of the 

 mixture should be given at a time in the early autumn and placed 

 in the top story of the colony to be fed, just about night-time. 

 This will give the bees a chance of storing it away quickly, and 

 care should be taken that they have plenty of the food. 



This course of treatment is suggested as worthy of a trial, 

 but it has not yet been possible to test its value experimentally. 



A number of bee-keepers have been visited on the island 

 and have supplied information. The writer is especially 

 indebted to the following among others : — Mr. H. M. Cooper, 

 of Thorley; Messrs. F. Rigby and J. W. Cooper, of Shanklin ; 

 Dr. R. Conyingham Brown, of Parkhurst ; Rev. R. L. Morris, 

 of Brook ; Captain Fane, of Ryde ; and Mr. C. Collister, of 

 Bern bridge. 



April, 1907. A, D. Imms, 



