183 
STRENGTHENING WEAK COLONIES. 
Colonies that are reduced in number, either by loss 
of queen or otherwise, should be strengthened, so that 
all colonies in the apiary are of almost equal strength. 
Take combs containing bees just hatching, from a strong 
colony, brush back all the bees with a feather, and in- 
sert the combs in the weak colony. Weak colonies in 
common hives may be strengthened by setting the weak 
colony on the stand of a strong stock ; this should 
only be performed when forage is abundant, or the bees, 
thrown into a strange hive, may be inclined to quarrel. 
DISEASES OF BEES. 
The honey-bee is subject to but few diseases, compa- 
red with any other living creature ; there are actually 
but two distinct forms of disease known to which bees 
in this country are subject, viz : dysentery and foul 
brood. 
Dysentery may be found in some hives during the 
latter part of winter, and in the spring ; the usual 
signs are : the bees discharge their excrements over 
their combs, over the hives, and in fact at any place 
where they chance to be ; its color soon changes from 
its natural yellow to a darker, muddy appearance, pro- 
ducing a peculiar offensive smell. 1 he movements of 
the bees are slow, and they appear weak, have a dark, 
soiled color and decrease unusually fast. Sour honey, 
