168 
THE EARHEr’S HANUAt. 
entrance of the hives, in spots, like linseed, nearly 
black, and of an insupportable smell, and that this 
malady is contagious. The Bees, when afflicted with 
this disease, destroy each other by contaminating 
their wings with this excrement, and thus stop the 
organs of perspiration. The cause of this disease is 
by some ascribed to new honey, when eat in winter ; 
by some to the deficiency of propolis, or bee-bread ; 
and by others, to the flowers of the elm and lime, from 
which they extract their honey. These, and several 
other causes, have been named by various writers; 
but they do not appear to be agreed in any one ge- 
neral cause of the dysentery. Many remedies have 
been prescribed by various authors, for the dysente- 
ry ; but, adds Mr. Huish, I consider it incurable ; al- 
though its prevention may be effected. As soon, 
therefore, as I perceive any of my hives affected with 
it, I give them a little of the following composition, 
which has invariably checked the malady, when 
given in the early stages. Rule. To a quart of white 
wine, add a pint of honey and two pounds of loaf su- 
gar; put the whole into a tin sauce-pan, and let it boil 
gently over a slow fire, skimming it at different times, 
until it is reduced to the consistency of syrup. It 
may then be bottled, and put into the cellar, and 
kept cool for use. Whenever it is used, if must be 
gently heated, until it partakes of the consistency of 
honey. Mr. Ranconi, an Italian author, recommends 
fresh urine, placed on j)latcs near the hives, for the/ 
use of the Bees. He also recommends white wine 
boiled with an equal quantity lof loaf sugar, with an 
addition of cloves and nutmegs, as doing well. Also 
the bark of pomegranates, pounded and mixed, with 
honey and sweet wine, as being conducive to the 
health of the Bee. 
Mr. Duchet recommends good old port wine, mix- 
ed with honey. 
Mr. Wildman recommends fine salt, as a remc<]y, to 
be placed on the bee-stand where they may eat it at 
pleasure. 
