103 
CAUSE OF FOUL BROOD 
is the destruction of the nymph, or pupa of the bee, by 
some derangement which causes it to putrefy in the 
cells. 
But at what particular state or age of the nymph it 
is most susceptible to this disease, we are unable to 
determine. When it makes its appearance in a colony 
it seems to spread over the sealed portion of the brood 
combs. The caps of the cells appear indented, and 
slightly shrivelled, emitting a disagreeable stenclf that is 
often perceptible in passing a hive several feet off. 
Upon dissection, the cells, instead of finding young 
bees in them, are filled with a mass of corruption ; the 
larva in unsealed cells become putrid. It is said to be 
contagious, and whole apiaries have in some instances 
been destroyed by it. It is not of recent origin, as some 
American writers suppose, but dates far back in the 
history of the bee. In this country it has never yet 
assumed an epidemic form, but appears in isolated 
sections as an epidemic, of malignant form. > 
In the Southern States and warmer latitudes, where 
bees throw oil' many swarms in a season, this disease is 
more prevalent than in the more northern sections of 
our country. 
The disease is little known except in isolated 
instances. This would indicate to me, that overswarm- 
ing, thereby exposing the young brood to atmospheric 
changes, will often give rise to it in a single colony ;* 
which may, with favorable conditions, infect other 
colonies ; and, finally, destroy the apiary. Various 
theories exist as to its origin, which my limited space 
will not allow me to recapitulate in the present volume. 
I still retain my former views in regard to its charac- 
