Astrophysics Research Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, Egerton Wharf, Birkenhead, CH41 1LD, United Kingdom

We present infrared (JHK) photometry of 52 isolated Be stars of spectral types O9--B9 and luminosity classes III--V. We describe a new method of reduction, enabling separation of interstellar reddening and circumstellar excess. Using this technique we find that the disc emission makes a maximum contribution to the optical (B-V) colour of a few tenths of a magnitude. We find strong correlations between a range of emission lines (H, Br, Br11, and Br18) from the Be stars' discs, and the circumstellar continuum excesses. We also find that stellar rotation and disc excess are correlated.

Accepted by Astronomy & Astrophysics
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