> used just 100 mg or less of vitamin C and proclaim to the world it does nothing. Quite so Pauling (who has some credability with me) recommended 10-20gm/day (of course even double Nobel winners can be wrong,probably not this time) >in large doses to hold the virus down while.... Yes in acute, critical viral caused disease can be very helpful (20-40gm/d). Other treatment should not be neglected, but is there one? Back to bees >><1gm to 3-4gm (dependant on strength), ideally /day >>In reality, weekly >This amount of C to what amount of feed? You missed the keyword "drench" (sadly in this day & age most only 'skim' -- sigh) 8 gm disolved in minimum H2O, added to 1 l HFCS or honey, in squeeze bottle. Don't use honey on stronger hives -->robbing Apply bead to top of all frames, repeat (~250 ml/hive or less) >>No? I get the sense that they (dimly) realize that this is 'better' >Did you notice any reluctance on the part of the bees to take up the feed laced with vitamin C? Only if I thought X was starting to increase Generally No reluctance >Did you have the luxury to check the vitamin C perfomance vs. control colonies on placebo? No. What would I measure? As I said a ramp inspection/count is crude, not very accurate I WOULDN'T BOTHER IF I DIDN'T THINK IT IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE. It's extra work & $ after all >Did dwindling colonies treated with vit. C make a turn around? Yes, so far. (Who knows what the fall will bring?) Here's a message to the nay-sayers I had 5 nucs, sick most likely with X They did not dwindle or go ccd They did lose 1 month or more to thier 'health crisis' They are now in full sized hives, 8-10 fr brood They were treated twice with formic & 15-25 times with C Fist formic was little pads 5x, 2nd formic full size pad(3 weeks) (alas formic makes them 'cranky', I have to run for veil) Of course if you don't have it your criticism is nearly useless If you do (have it) WRITE about how you are copeing dave ****************************************************** * Full guidelines for BEE-L posting are at: * * http://www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/guidelines.htm * ******************************************************