Isle of Wight Bee Disease. 



[may, 



able, not only for their own growth", but for that of species 

 planted with it. In middle Europe the chief are the acacia 

 and grey alder, the first on sandy soil, the second on chalky 

 soil. 



Applications of turf and other material containing humus, 

 especially dried turf, have given very satisfactory results 

 under unfavourable conditions. By this method pines are 

 either planted in pits, which are filled up with a mixture of 

 humus and sand, or these materials are placed in trenches 

 between the trees of the existing crop. In the first case cover- 

 ing with small twigs, lupin haulm, potato tops, and similar 

 waste material works well in the first year. Another method 

 of manuring is to mix with the pine those species which shed 

 a large quantity of needles, such as Pinus rigida and Pinus 

 montana. About the tenth year the common pine should 

 overtake and suppress the species mixed with it, but by this 

 time the canopy should be complete. 



The use of other nitrogenous manures, such as nitrate of 

 soda, &c, is, in ordinary circumstances, out of the question, 

 but their use may sometimes be justified on plantations five 

 to ten years old which for some reason or other are not 

 growing well. Such an application of nitrogenous manures 

 causes an excessive growth of weeds, which necessitate con- 

 siderable attention to the young crop. 



For some years past an epidemic disease has attacked bees 

 in the Isle of Wight, and has since reached the mainland, 

 where it appears to be spreading. The 

 Isle of Wight epidemic has been under investigation 

 Bee Disease.* for some time by the Board of Agricul- 

 ture and Fisheries, but though a good 

 deal of information has been accumulated and some progress 

 made with the study of the disease, it is not yet possible to 

 say definitely what is the originating cause of the disease, 

 or how it may be checked, or even prevented. The investi- 

 gation, however, is being continued, and it is hoped that 

 eventually a remedy will be found. 



In the meantime, it is important that bee-keepers should 



* This note is now being issued as a leaflet (No. 253), and copies may be 

 obtained on application to the Secretary, Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, 

 Whitehall Place, London, S.W. 



