101 
that surrounds it, and under favorable conditions these 
floating particles are precipitated to the lower strata of 
the atmosphere ; the leaves of certain trees act as con- 
densers where the particles unite, otten moistening and 
dripping from the leaves. Its appearance upon the 
upper surfaces only, and on leaves most exposed 'to the 
action of the air ; its appearance only in warm, sultry 
weather, with absence of rain or dew, and only at even- 
ing or during the night, the very time when honey is 
deposited in the flowers ; its perfect freedom from all 
aromatic flavor, being purely sweet, a feature that no 
other sweet in nature possesses, argue well for its 
atmospheric origin. The aphis may sport in this aerial 
nectar, but that all of this is a product of an aphis, 
needs much more evidence than we now possess. 
DISEASES OF BEES. ' 
The bee, although an insect, is, like all the animal 
creation, subject to disease ; though fewer types or forms 
seem to manifest themselves here than in most otbei v 
departments of animal life. There seems to be but two 
distinct types of disease that have been noticed by api- 
culturists to which the bee is subject in this country. 
These are dysentery , and foul brood. The first of these 
generally makes its appearance in the spring of the 
year, and may be known by the bees discharging their 
excrements over their combs and interior of the hive, 
or wherever they may be at the time ; and instead of 
this being of a natural yellow color, it exhibits a muddy, 
dark appearance and a sweetish, sickening, offensive 
smell, which becomes intolerable. The bees appear 
weak, have a dark-soiled appearance, and manifest a 
loss of energy ; the numbers gradually decrease until 
