Chap. 444.—An ACT for the protection and promotion of the bee industry; to segre-
gate bees for State taxation only; to levy a tax on bees, and to provide for the
disposition of the revenue raised by the same. [H B 5]

Approved March 21, 1924.

1. Beit enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That the State
board of crop pest commissioners is hereby authorized and directed in
such manner as in its judgment may be best to promote the science of
bee culture, to eradicate foul brood and other diseases of bees, and to
protect bees of this State from all contagious and infectious diseases of
a malignant character, whether such diseases exist in the State or else-
where, and for this purpose, it is hereby authorized and empowered to
establish, maintain, and enforce such quarantine lines and sanitary
rules and regulations as it may deem necessary. It shall also be the
duty of said board to co-operate with similar boards, commissioners and
officers of the other States and of the United States in establishing such
interstate quarantine lines, rules and regulations as shall best protect
the bee growing industry of this State against foul brood and all other
diseases of bees. The said State board of crop pest commissioners, their
agents or employees are hereby vested with authority to enter upon
any premises and examine all colonies of bees and the equipment used
in any way in connection therewith in the discharge of the duties pre-
scribed in this act. Any person, firm or corporation who shall obstruct
or hinder them or their agents in the discharge of their duty, shall be
deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be
fined not less than two dollars and fifty cents or more than fifty dollars
for each offense.