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THE

•>

American ApiculturisTt

A JOURNAL

Devoted to Scientific and Practical

BEEKEEPING

VOLUME III.

FUBLISHED MONTHLY,

Bv S. M. LOCKE & Co., EDITORS and Proprietors.

WENHAM, MASS.
1885.

iQlOSY

CONTENTS OF VOL. III.

A Guide to the best Methods of Beekeeping (By R. F. Holterman, trans-
lator). By J. L. Christ . . lo, 28, 56, 87, 127, 226, 278

Advanced Bee Culture. By L. C. Root 196

Afterswarms, Are they profitable ? By G. W. Demaree . . 51

A Record of Queens and Colonies. By G. A. Deadman . . 150

Bee Culture in the South. By G. W. Demaree . .171, 199, 241

Beekeeping as a Pursuit. By Arthur Todd . . . . 121

Beekeeping for Women. By Sallie E. Sherman . . . 246

Black Bees more disposed to rob, and liable to be robbed than Itahans.

By L. L. Langstroth 197

Book Notices and Reviews . . . . . . . 41, 140

Building up. By C. M. Goodspeed 146

Canadian Department .... 67,102,140,231,257

Convention Notes 20,41,257,285

Correspondence . 16, 32, 63, 98, 136, 162, 184, 205, 233, 255, 282

Does Beekeeping pay ? By G. W. Demaree .... 147

Dry Faeces. By S. Cornell . . . . • . . 174

Editorial . . . 13,30,58,90,134,152,179,201,228,251,281

Exchanges 37> 60, 96, 139, 213, 256

Experimental Bee Farm Notes . . . 134, 157, 182, 230, 254

Feeding Bees and Feeders. By P. R. Russell . . . 244,277
Foreign Notes. By Arthur Todd . . . 169,193,218,272
Foul Brood. By L. Stachelhausen 5

Hints for Beginners. By J. E. Pond, jr. 274

Honey and its Adulterations. By Prof. H. W. Wiley . . 265

How to form Nuclei. By Henry Alley 127

Howes Reversible Frame support. By C. J. F. Howes . . 124

Hybrid Honey Sages of California. By W. A. Pryal (/////J-^m/^-^/.) . 49

Improprieties in Journalism. By S. Cornell • . . .221

Instructions to Beginners 130,159,175,250

Interesting jSfotes 105

(iii)

CONTENTS OF VOL. III.

Is Beekeeping profitable ? By T. F. Arundell . . . .130
Invertible Hives. By J, M. Shuck 249

Letter Box 24, 120, 143, 192, 216, 239, 264

Locality to be considered in the Management of Bees. By Rev. D.

D. Marsh 242

Moses Quinby and his Life-work. By P. H. Elwood ... i

Muscular Strength of Insects (a translation) . By Arthur Todd . 25

New Observations on the Natural History of Bees (reproduced by

A. Todd). By Francis Huber 86, 133, 156, 181, 204, 229, 253
North and South in Bee Culture. By Abbott L. Swinson . . 225

Notes and Queries 19, 39, 68, 102, 141, i6§, 188, 209, 234, 258, 283

Notes from the Bienenzeitung. By J. M. Hicks . . . ' 149

Observations upon Drones. By L. L. Langstroth . . . 217

On the Origin of the Cells of the Hive Bee. By Arthur Todd . 52

Questions and Answers 21, 44, 71, 119, 168, 190, 214, 237, 250, 288

Receptaculum seminis of Bees. By F. R. Cheshire • • • 73
Report of Northeastern Beekeepers' Association . . . 69, 106

Something new from Germany. By L. Stachelhausen ... 83

The Bees of India. By A. Bunker 145

The Best Frame. By G. L. Tinker 247

The Big Drum. By T. O. Peet 172

The New vs. the Old. By T. O. Peet .... 200, 222
The Utility of Feeders. By Henry Alley 223

Which is the most profitable Race of Bees? By D. F. Lashier . 125
Whose Hat (Question Department) is it? By P. H. Elwood • . 85

Why not keep Bees ? By W. G. Phelps 27

Why the bees die. By Prof. A. J. Cook 244

Wintering Bees. By L. C. Root 9, 25, 56, 86

The American Apicultiirist.

% lountal ticbot^b to Sncutrfic anb practical gcrlucprnc[.

ENTEEED AT THE POST-OFFICE, SALEM, AS SECOXD-CLASS MATTER.*

Puljlished Monthly. S. M. LoCKE, Publisher & Trop'r.

VOL. III.

SALEM, MASS., JANUARY, 1885.

No. I.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES.

$1.00 per year, payable in advance. Sent
oii trial three montlis for 35 cts., six months
for BO cts.

Advertising Rates:— Whole page, $12.00.
Oiie-lialfpagc, $7.00. One-fourth page, $1.00.
One-eighth page, $2.00. Card, $IM.

Tliose wishing special rates will please
correspond with the Editor.

All communications sltould be addressed
to S. M. Locke, Salem, Mass.

ME. QUINBY, AND HIS
LIFE- WORK.

By P. H. Elwood.

A SCORE of 3^eavs ought to elapse
between a man's death and any at-
tempt at his biography or estimate
of his life-worlc. After the lapse
of half that time it is plainly too
early to write of Mr. Quinby, for
his most intimate friends are just
beginning to appreciate his merits
as a beekeeper, his rank as an in-
ventor, and his worth as a man ;
while his detractors and usurpers
are just beginning to learn that "it
is hard to kick against the pricks"
of public opinion and have just be-
gun to sink into a well-earned ob-
scurity'. Moses Quinby was born
in North Castle, Westchester Co.,
N. Y., April 15, 1810. At the
age of fifteen he removed to Greene
Co., and three years after bought
1

his first swarm of bees with money
earned by working in a saw-mill.
Here with nothing to aid him but
a common school education, his
wondrous love of nature and his
remarkable observational powers,
he commenced the study of the
honey bee. For the first few years
he had no bee books to aid him or to
lead him astray in his investiga-
tions, and later nothing but seven-
ty-eight pages by John M. Weeks
and Bevan's work. He married
in 1832 at which time himself and
wife, for not complying with the
requirements of their church in
marrying, were "disowned" b}^
the Hicksite society of Friends of
which they were both birthright
members. In 1853 he came to
Montgomery Co., where he resided,
until his death in May, 1875. He
commenced writing his "Mysteries
of Beekeeping" in 1851 and pub-
lished it in 1853.

Taking into consideration his
surroundings with so few helps at
his command, this must be consid-
ered one of the most remarkable
books ever published in this coun-
try. On comparing it witli the
edition of 1865 it is surprising to
find how little had to be rejected.
To show how far he was in advance
of his contemporaries, I may be
permitted to refer to this work
(1)

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

written nearh' a third of a century
ago. I find that at that date he
hud been, acquainted with foul
brood for about twenty years, and
tliat from his own experience he
had discovered a method of curing
the same. This "starvation cure"
has probably not been improved
upon by any of the more modern
methods of curing it. His des-
cription of the disease is perfect
and his ideas about its origin and
spread are proven by recent inves-
tigations to be correct. That he
should have aimed at these con-
clusions so many years ago with
a hitherto unknown disease of so
virulent a type and in box-hives,
shows him to have been a born in-
vestigator.

It is universally admitted that
the most difficult part of beekeep-
ing is successful wintering ; dys-
entery being the usual cause of
death. We will quote what he
says on this subject in his first
book. Remember this was writ-
ten before the most of us kept
bees and even before many of us
were born. " Physiologists tell
us that innumerable pores in the
cuticle of the human body are con-
tinuall}' throwing off waste or worn-
out matter, that every exhalation
of air carries with it a portion of
water from the system in warm
weather unperceived, but con-
densed into particles large, enough
to be seen in a cold atmosphere.
Now if analogy be allowed here,
we will say that the bee throws oflf
waste matter and water in the
same way. Its food being liquid
nearly all will be exhaled — in

moderate weather it will pass off,
but in the cold it is condensed —
the particles lodge on the combs
and accumulate. This water in
the hives is a source of mischief.
The combs are quite certain to
mold. The water mold or damp-
ness on the honey renders it thin
and unhealthy for the bees causing
dysentery, or the accumulation of
faeces that they are unable to re-
tain. There is not sufficient ani-
mal heat generated to exhale the
aqueous portion of their food. The
bees in these circumstances must
retain the water with the excre-
mentitious part which soon dis-
tends their bodies to the utmost,
rendering them unable to endure
it long. In a moderately warm
day more bees will issue from a
hive in this condition than from
others ; it appears that a part of
them are unable to discharge their
burden — their weight prevents
their flying — they get down and
are lost. When cold weather is
long continued they cannot wait
for warm days to leave but con-
tinue to come out at any time, and
not one such can then return.

With the indications attendant
upon such losses, m}'^ own ol^serva-
tions have made me somewhat famil-
iar and I suppose that inattention
with many must be the reason that
it is not discovered in cold weather
at the time that it takes place."

Notice how perfect a description
he gives of this disease. If there
is anywhere else in the English
language as good a statement of
the usual cause of dysentery, I
have failed to find it. If there

THE AMERICAN A PIC UL TURIS T.

3

is any better science in any of
the self-styled scientific works on
bee-culture I have overlooked it.
And as a correct theory leads to a
successful practice, we are not
surprised to learn that for many
years before his death his average
loss in wintering was less than
two per cent, and this with the
most disastrous loss about him.

His summer management was
equally successful, and at an early
date he probably marketed more
honey in glass boxes than all other
producers combined. And as he
was among the very first to use the
glass honey box, so he was first
also in the use of the one-comb
section, having these last in use
several years before the^^ were
given . to the public. He also
proved the superiority of wood over
tin as a separator before the pub-
lic had heard of either. In 1858
he wrote, " There is not the least
dotcbt in my mind that ivhoever
realizes the greatest profit from his
bees ivill have to retain the movable
combs in some form." The italics
are his own. And yet we have ed-
itors and writers who speak of
Mr. Quinby as though he was a
box-hive man. The above quota-
tion was written before ever a bee-
journal was published in the English
language.

Dzierzon has been rightly called
the father of practical beekeep-
ing in Europe and I have been late-
ly much interested in reading his
work on Rational Beekeeping first
published in 1878. On comparing
it with an 1859 edition of Mr.
Quinby's book I find that the great

German is more than a score of
years behind our foremost Ameri-
can. Mr. Quinby has been called
the father of practical bee cul-
ture in this countrj^ but now we
must include the whole world in
the title.

Great honor is justly awarded
Mr. Langstroth for the invention
of so perfect a movable comb hive.
Hanging comb hives of various
patterns had been invented but it
remained for a Langstroth to com-
bine their various merits into one
practical hive and introduce it a-
mong the beekeepers of this coun-
try. Mr. Quinby is entitled to
equal or even greater credit for the
invention of his new hives, for
greater changes were necessary in
order to make the Huber hive
practical. Mr. Quinby quickly ob-
served that bees uid not winter as
well in the Langstroth hives as in
box hives on account of the spaces
at the end of the frames and he set
about to remedy it by making a
closed-end frame. Dzierzon says
on this subject, "These passages
are unnatural, and they carry oflf
the necessary heat and moisture
from the brood-nest and winter
quarters of the bees, so that colonies
generally winter rather badly."

Abbott, late editor of the British
Bee Journal says — "There is noth-
ing more unnatural in hive arrange-
ment than the absurd practice of
making or leaving spaces round the
frame ends." It is not necessary
for me to draw any comparison be-
tween this hive and any other as a
practical working hive for the bee-
keeper, but will content myself with

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

stating that Capt. Hetherington,
probabl)' the largest producer of
comb hone}^ in the world, uses the
New Quinby hive in his extensive
apiaries ; and that Chas. Dadant,
the largest producer of extracted
honej in the West, uses the same.
I call particular attention to the
last named because it has been said
that the hanging frame is far superi-
or for the extractor — a statement
that after another year's experience
I most emphatically deny. Let
those who consider the hanging
frame hive the onl}^ fit domicile for
the honey bee recall this list of
names, — Quinbj^, Dzierzon, Ab-
bott, Hetherington, Dadant, and
then acquaint themselves with the
merits of this new hive before con-
demning it. The invention of the
honey extractor was followed b}-
Quinby's invention and intro-
duction of his upright bellows
smoker. Without the last, we
could hardly use the first,
and if we had to do with-
out either, the most of us would
choose the Quinby smoker. The
upright bellows in combination
with a parallel fire-box, etc., is un-
doubtedly Mr. Quinby's invention,
and we should call all such Quinby
smokers whether made bj' A, B, or
C. No smoker before had this com-
bination and no good smoker since
is without it. Indeed so closely
are all first-class smokers copies of
the first smoker made by Quinby,
that were they all shown to a dis-
interested person he would quickly
pronounce them Quinby smokers
differing but slightly in construc-
tion. He gave us a smoker and

we will call it by his name. Mr.
Thomas, editor of the Beekeepers'
Instructor, a paper too good to live,
speaking of buncombe claims of
originality, says that "had not Mr.
Q. made the first smoker we proba-
bly should never have heard of any
made b}' Mr. B." Any future at-
tempt to rob Mr. Quinby of the
well deserved honor of this inven-
tion will meet with a well deserved
rebuke from the beekeepers of this
countr}'. A quotation ahead}'-
made in his first book, "Its (the
bees) food being liquid nearl^^ all
will be exlialed,"shows how near he
came at that early date to his later
discovery that bees in common with
some other insects may avoid dry
faeces. Any observing beekeeper,
after his bees are well wintered, can
see this on setting them out in the
spring. We know that some of
our entomologists have not spent
time enough to learn the truth of
Mr. Quinby's discover^', but some
of them perhaps might to their own
advantage as well as ours, spend
more time in original investigation
and less in writing "scientific pleas-
antries" and in recommending the
poisoning of our bees for punctur-
ing grapes, when, as Mr. Quinby,
who owned a vineyard, told them
many years ago that the bees were
not the guilty parties, a fact that
the}' have not been able to disprove.
Not one of this class can tell us
anything reliable about the winter
temperature of the bee hive and if
they are as proficient and exact in
their teachings on other insects, it
certainly is time they set about
enlarging the horizonof their know-

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

ledge. Had an entomologist made
the discoveries of Quinby in the
natural history of the bee it would
have conferred immortal honor up-
on himself.

What shall we say of Mr. Quinby
as a man, a man who spent liis
whole life for the benefit of others?
When we read that a few men own
nearly the whole of a country we
know that many are poor that a
few may be rich. And after one
of these monej'' kings or merchant
princes has gathered to himself
many times his share of the world's
wealth, if he may choose to redis-
tribute it in charity, some perhaps
in educating the orphans he has
helped make poor, we call him a
public benefactor, a philanthro-
pist. How much more a public bene-
factor is he who turns a part of the
waste of this world into wealth for
the benefit of his fellows ! This was
Mr. Quinby's life-work, and if he
caused two pounds of honey to be
gathered where but one was gather-
ed before how many million dollars
has he given to his fellow man?
Who will compute it, for it amounts
to more than the gift of a Cooper,
a Peabody, or a Girard. With it
he leaves to the beekeepers of
America the rich legacy of a truly
noble life : an example of that con-
tentment with the comforts and a
few of the luxuries of life which
brings so much more enjoyment
than a tiresome scramble for wealth.
A contentment that gives leisure
for the improvement of the mind,
that gives opportunity to extend
the helping hands to others, and
time for laying up treasures "where

neither moth nor rust doth corrupt
and where thieves do not break
through nor steal."

Thus to summarize our estimate
of Mr. Quinby's life-work we place
him as a practical beekeeper ahead
of Dzierzon : as an inventor ahead
of Langstroth : as a discoverer in
the natural history of the honey
bee,, ahead of the present generation
of entomologists : and as a public
benefactor ahead of those who sim-
ply act as gatherers and redistribu-
tors of wealth already in existence.

Starkville, N. T.,Dec. 23, 1884.

FOUL BROOD.

By L. Stachelhausen.

Distinguished apiarists have of
late so fully treated this subject,
that it appears almost useless to
say any more concerning it : es-
pecially has A. J. Cook, before the
late convention of the Northeastern
Beekeepers' Association^ given a
complete description of the theory
and nature of this disease. Still
more recently, Mr. C. F. Muth has
described a simple method of cure.
Notwithstanding this, I have decid-
ed to contribute my part towards
the solution of this problem.

Before proceeding further I will
touch upon some points in Prof.
Cook's statement.

1. " There is good reason to be-
lieve that the minute spores do not

lOui- readers will find that Vol. 2 of the
"Apiculturist" contains the only complete re-
ports of this conveutiou. Ed.

THE AMEBIC AN APICULTURIST.

adhere to the bees." This is not
so. Schonfeld, in Germany, in
1877, and perhaps, prior to that,
washed with distilled water some
bees taken from a foul-broody col-
ony, and found that this water con-
tained mouldy pieces of the rotten
brood. Further, the intestines of
such bees, from the chylous stomach
to the rectum, were filled with moul-
dy substance and bacteria. In the
rectum were found only developed
bacteria and no spores. Thence,
it follows that a fasting method
alone cannot lead to the cure of
foul brood, but necessarily must be
connected with inner and outer dis-
infection, if a certain cure is to be
obtained. Yes, if a simple fasting
cure would lead to the desired result,
thebacterian theory, now generally
acknowledged as correct, would
thereby be contradicted.

The brood food produced by such
bees will not, in the beginning, by
reason of the fasting cure, contain
bacteria or spores, and therefore
the foul brood will not for some
time come to light ; but, as soon as
the spores, which retain vitality for
years, find again in the larva ground
for their unfolding, the disease will
break out again and most always
with more violence than before.

Von Berlepsch, certainly a thor-
ough bee-master, in the summers
of 1865 and 1867 treated four such
colonies in this manner and, as is
to be expected, and he himself as-
sures us, even with the utmost
precaution, all four colonies be-
came again infected with foul
brood.

Von Dzierzon, also, in 1848,

tried the fasting cure but it proved
insufficient.

I would mention here that there
have been cases in which the real
malignant foul brood has disap-
peared spontaneously. In warm
climates, this seems to be almost
invariably the case.

It has lately been discovered in
Germany, by thorough investiga-
tion that bee poison is a powerful
antiseptic, and that the bees also
use this property to preserve honey.

It is therefore very likely that
this acid, under favorable circum-
stances is sufficient to destroy the
foul-brood bacteria. If we have to
consent to this, and also that the
probability cannot be denied that
under especially favorable circum-
stances the fasting cure can be car-
ried through with success, so also
it is shown in the theory of the
foul brood, as given by Prof. Cook
in such an excellent manner, that
this cure alone is a very uncertain
one. On account of the danger,
which is connected with it, it should
therefore yiever be used ; more es-
pecially, as I shall presently relate,
that we now know of a more simple
and speedier method of cure.

2. Prof. Cook states that the
spores of the foul brood fungus are
especially to be found in the honey
of a foul brood hive. But these
spores keep the vitality also in the
chjdous stomach of the bees and
Schonfeld has proved that the food
which is given to the young larva
contains, in a foul broody hive, a
large quantity of such spores ; that,
consequently, this transplants the
seeds of the disease into the young

THE AMERICAN APIGULTURIST.

larvas. This is also of importance
as bearing upon this theory, as bees
that have been disinfected outward-
ly will produce food containing
spores, and therefore through out-
ward cure alone, the disease cannot
be eradicated.

3. Besides the two methods
given by Messrs. Jones and Muth
(the older manner of treatment)
Prof. Cook advises also, as the sur-
est way, burning or burying of the
affected colonies. Indeed, at the
meeting in Michigan, the law was
passed that even the beekeepers
should be compelled to take the
destruction in hand. But as I shall
soon proceed to show we have now
a speedy, sure and cheap method so
that such a destructive proceeding
can by no means be allowed.

Of still more importance is the
circumstance that every beekeeper
can with little trouble take care
that his colonies are freed from the
disease, even though there are foul
broody colonies in the neighbor-
hood. I would by no means claim
that the individual beekeeper should
not be compelled by law to exter-
minate the disease, but if he cannot
or will not himself undertake the
cure, he should not be obliged to
destroy the entire colonies, but the
cure should be executed or con-
trolled by experts.

In the spring of 1882 I discov-
ered in my apiary several colonies
which were very foul broody. I
used salicine acidification in differ-
ent ways and in the summer the
disease had disappeared, and has
not shown itself since. Such a law
as that to which I referred would

therefore have caused me an un-
necessary and very considerable
damage. I will only briefly refer
to the difficulty of carrying out
such a law.

To-day, we are able to save not
only the queen and the bees of a
foul broody colony, but also their
honey, comb and the still living or
vital larv£e. Of course, the latter
is attended with difficulty, and it is
to be advised to renounce, in many
cases, the preservation of brood and
combs. After examining several
methods, therefore, we have at last
to ask the question, How is foul
brood to be eradicated in the sim-
plest manner?

(a) E. Hilpert, in German^',
has, in his time, described two dif-
ferent methods of curing with sa-
licine acidification, by which,
without doubt, one would be able
to preserve alive all that is still
vital. But these methods are more
or less intricate, and a slight mis-
take makes success doubtful inas-
much as it preserves the disease a
long while, and may likely be trans-
ferred to healthy colonies. At all
events, Mr. Muth's method is to be
preferred, by which however the
comb and brood are supposed to be
lost. A more recent method, which
always meets with success whenever
used is as follows. Instead of sa-
licine acidification, common carbo-
lic acid, which is inexpensive and
easily obtained, is used as a cure.
It is certainly poisonous and has
a very strong odor, but if used in
exact accordance with the direc-
tions, it is harmless to the bees.
It is used outwardly as follows :

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

Put a tablespoonful of carbolic acid
in a quart of water. Now if tlie
foul brood is discovered at its pri-
mary stage, that is, if only a few
colonies show the well known and
often-described sigijs of the disease,
all that is needed is to wash the
bottom board of the hive with a
wet brush with this mixture, and,
as the carbolic acid evaporates,
the bees and combs are disinfected.
But at the same time, an inward
application must be resorted to by
feeding the colonies for several
evenings with liquid food, which is
prepared as follows : To every
quart of sugar syrup or honey food,
add one or two drops of carbolic
acid, stirring it well. These appli-
cations (both inner and outer) are
repeated weekly, until not a sign of
foul brood is to be found. If, how-
ever, a colony is very badly affected,
use the first-mentioned application,
in the meantime caging the queen,
until all the brood is hatched out.
Then remove the bees to a disinfect-
ed hive and liberate the queen. If
several colonies are foul-broody,
all the combs can be given to one
colony, and only the queen belong-
ing to that colony need be impris-
oned, and the other colonies should
be given either empty combs or
comb foundation. When the heal-
thy brood has hatched from these
combs, the latter should be brought
into the bee house and thoroughly
disinfected. This is done by re-
moving the hive caps and placing
the combs in a mixture of carbolic
acid and water. In doing this, it
is necessary that the mixture
should fill every comb. It is there-

fore advisable to inject this water
with a little syringe. If the comb
contains honey, it can be thrown
out and mixed with salicine or
carbolic acid in the above stated
quantity, and again be used as
food.

This new method of treating
foul brood, is taken from "Grav-
enhorst's Praktischer Imker."

All frames and utensils should
be washed repeatedly with carbolic
acid water ; also the bottom boards
of the hives containing healthy
colonies and the bees given repeat-
edly disinfected food, because the
spores of the disease are so easily
transferred through robber bees.

{b) Without doubt, under some
circumstances, it can be done dif-
ferently, and yet a complete cure
be brought about, if one only con-
siders that the bacteria and their
spores everywhere must be killed
by a corresponding disinfectant.
You can put all the bees in any
empty hive which has been washed
out with carbolic acid water and
give them a new disinfected home ;
at the same time feeding them re-
peatedly with sugar and water con-
taining salicylic or carbolic acid,
but the whole hive is to be washed
down at any rate with the addition
of carbolic acid.

Also put salicylic acid to the
honey that was taken out. But al-
so in this case the bottom boards
of the other healthy hives should
be washed from time to time in the
manner previously mentioned, with
carbolic acid water and these re-
ceive disinfected food.

(c) From the above, the pre-

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

vention of the disease is self-evi-
dent ; it consists in that you, as
often as a cleaning of the bottom
boards is necessary, viz., in the
spring, proceed with the above stat-
ed washing, and add to the food as
well as to the drinking water, a
very small quantity of carbolic or
salicylic "acid. There is then al-
ways a means of disinfection to be
found in the hive as is essential to
prevent the spread of the disease.

Just now, as I am about to con-
clude this article, I find in No. 10
of the " Apiculturist" the communi-
cation of Chas. F. Muth, upon
"Foul Brood." He says,"salicylic
acid destroys all spores of foul
brood with which it comes in con-
tact, but does not penetrate the
mummy which resembles ground
coffee when scraped out of the
cells." To judge from this method,
when the combs are wholly im-
mersed in carbolic acid Avater, these
mummies which contain the spores
of the foul brood in great quantity
will soften, and these are destroyed
if the comb remains long enough
in the liquid.

At the end of the article, friend
Muth describes a new method of
cure, without using salicylic acid.
It seems as if through this the pre-
sent bacterian theory were contra-
dicted. But that is not so, for
during a plentiful honey harvest
the bee poison [acid ?] which is a
good disinfectant, is separated in
greater quantity than at other
times, but the same time the brood
is considerably limited. This there-
fore furnishes the most favorable
case where the bees without out-

ward help can be masters of the
disease. But even in these cases,
it appears to me that a washing of
the bottom boards, often repeated,
with carbolic acid water is to be re-
commended.

I do not dispute the possibility,
however, that the disease, in such
favorable cases, can be cured with-
out the means of disinfection. I
have already experienced such
cases myself but I would not place
any dependence upon it, but try
washing with carbolic acid.

The same is to be said concern-
ing Jones' starvation cure. It may
prove all right, if it is followed by
a good honey-flow or by a strong
liberal feeding. But the proceed-
ing offers too little security, re-
quires more time and reduces the
colony more than by the method
which I have described.

To be^ sure, he who fights from
incomprehen,sible reasons against
every application of medicaments
to mankind and animals cannot
employ any different agents for the
foul brood than fire and sulphur ;
but I doubt very much if h6 and
the bees are any better off by that
than by the use of a small quantity
of medicine which would have
saved the life of the whole colony.

Selma, Texas, Nov. 19, 1884.

WINTERING BEES.

BY L. C. ROOT.

I placed my bees in winter quar-
ters, Nov. 19, in the order named

10

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

in my article upon tliis subject in
your December issue.

The first day of December I
weiglied stocks as follows : In room
A-> one stock composed of three
swarms united, No, 1, 52 lbs.;
one single stock, No. 2, b2^ lbs.

In room £, one composed of
five swarms united, No. 3, 76^ lbs. ;
one single stock, No. 4, 95 lbs.
This stock is in a two story eight-
frame, Quinby form of Langstroth
hive. I left it very heavy to com-
pare the effect with those that con-
tained a less amount of honey.

I found one effect was to con-
tinue breeding later in the season
than such as had the usual amount
of honey. This fact I have noticed
during several years past.

One stock in cone-shaped straw
hive. No. 5, weighed 41] lbs.

The four stocks out-of-doors
weigh as follows : one composed
of three swarms united and packed
with chaff. No. 6, 127 lbs.

One single stock packed with
sawdust, No. 7, 134 lbs. ; single
stock packed in cliaff, No, 8, 133
lbs. ; double stock packed with
sawdust, No. 9, 121 lbs. ; one
stock in attic. No. 10, 53 lbs. ; one
stock with empty hive below con-
taining no sealed honey. No. 11,
weighed 49 lbs. After weighing I
gave this stock a comb which I liad
filled with six lbs. of sugar syrup.
This is the stock referred to in pa-
per No. 1, which is to be kept in a
warm place, and fed from time to
time during the winter.

The season so far has been very
mild. Bees flew freely a few days
before they w^ere placed in winter

quarters. Since that date the
mercury has ranged from 20° to 34°
above zero. In room A^ the mer-
cury has stood from 45° to 52.° In
room B, from 42 to 58.

The bees were quite uneasy when
warmest. It will be seen that the
temperature will vary most in room
B. We shall observe the results
of this.

I shall refer to tlie stocks I have
weighed by number hereafter, in
the order above arranged.

Mohaivk, N. T.

A GUIDE TO

THE BEST METHODS OF

BEEKEEPING.

By J. L. Christ.
R. t. Holterman, Translator ,

(Contimied from p. 271, Vol. 11.)
THE LOCATION OF AN APIARY.

In commencing beekeeping, the
location of the apiary is of primary
importance, as regards the abun-
dance or scarcity of pasturage for
the bees, because the honey-dews
are scarce during many seasons.
Those localities where there is an
abundance of heather and buck-
wheaf^ are favorably known ; also
where there are many meadows ;

Un buckwheat or heather localities, a good
colony of bees can in fourteen days (if the
weather at the time of bloom is favorable)
carry in one hundred pounds of honey. It is
however, of importance in such localities,
wliich generally have few other honey plants,
that the weather should be favorable during
the heatlierand buckwheat bloom, wliich gen-
erally only lasts a few weeks; if this season
should be unfavorable and the bloom is lost,
the outlook is gloomy.

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

11

where woods, chestnuts, basswood,
etc., are at hand ; where many-
acres of fall or spring wheat, rape,
field beans, etc., are grown ; or any
of the many honey plants grow, of
which a list is given below. At
the same time, the bees must not
have to gather their honey more
than half an hour's journey from
the hive, as at a great distance too
much time is lost. The nearer the
flowers are to the apiary, the better ;
at the same time it is known that
the bees have scented and even vis-
ited flowers an hour's journey' from
the hive.- [The Germans calculate

^That they frequently fly more tlian an
hour's journey to obtain honey I have had re-
peated instances of knowing. When, at cer-
tain seasons, the better flowers have ceased
blooming-, many bees come in witli yellow
golden lumps on their legs, and their heads and
backs are also covered with a yellow sub-
stance which comes from the Genista, a yellow
flower like the snapdragon ; its seed is a red-
dish-yellow and is only found in a wood which
is a good liour from here. How advantageous
is ittohave near, or at least not too far away,
the plants of wiiich tlie bee is to gather tlie hon-
ey! For not only can it make more frequent
journeys, but it can also take a greater load.
Of this I took careful note, and it impressed
upon me the wisdom and forethouglit of tlie
bee (I must so express myself). I perceived
close to a hive a strong goldwurzel in full
bloom, which tlie bees, particularly the wild
bees, visited quite fi-equently. The highest
sprig witli blossoms reached the alighting
board of tlie skep. A bee from this skep was en-
gaged on tlie flowers in procuring a load for
her legs. She commenced operations on the
most distant sprig and worked towards her
home and ended so that she only required to
fly a hand's width to reach the porch of her
city and there deposit her load. Whether she
was so wise as purposely to commence farther
and get nearer home as her burden increased,
I would.notliketo say and state positively ; but
she gathered such a large quantity of pollen as
I never before saw on a honey bee, and which
she could not have carried fifty paces without
being exhausted. Therefore, the closer the
pasturage to the apiary, the larger loads can
the bees carry, and the more frequent will be
their visits to the flowers.

distance by hours ; one-fourth of
an hour's journey being about a
mile. R. F. H.] Yet they cannot
carry in more than a third each day
and hardly that ; then, too, they
have to encounter many dangers,
such as rain, wind and destruc-
tive birds. But it is still more dan-
gerous if the bees have to cross wide
streams in quest of food as they are
frequently lost, particularly when
returning with a load, by winds
which are more frequent and strong-
er upon water ; but if the bees are
not obliged to fly across it, a stream
in the near vicinity is not detrimen-
tal, especiall}', if it flow in a north-
erly direction. Such an apiary is
located at Offenbach near to
Mainstrom, which does particu-
larly^ well and which the owner
intends to increase to one thou-
sand colonies.

In the forest itself, the bees are
well placed, if any one has oppor-
tunity to put them there. Tlie
bees not only find abundant pas-
turage and close at hand, but they
are also protected from wind and
can fly out and carry in, where oth-
ers in level country must remain in
the hive. They are more aiiy,
more quiet and in a more healthy lo-
cality than if close to houses ; but
they are nearer their enemies par-
ticularly hornets and wasps, and
in the swarming season, when
they cluster, are more diflScult
to reach ; while the advantages
are greater near houses, yet there
are more swallows, sparrows and
other destructive birds about which
capture more bees than in the
forest.

12

THE A3IEBIGAN APICULTURIST.

WHAT SHOULD BE IN THE LOCALITY
AND WHAT SHOULD NOT.

In the vicinity of the apiary
there should be small brooks ; par-
ticularly are manure heaps and
pools useful to the bees, from which
they procure the salt-petre in solu-
tion, which they also obtain from
freshly-upturned soil, from walls,
and oftener from unclean sources
but which is almost a necessity.
Much more unpleasant and des-
tructive is the smoke which comes
from a bakery, brewer}?-, smelting
house or chimney and which can
reach them. Bad odors, jiarticu-
larly from dead and decaying bod-
ies, must not be permitted in the
vicinity of the apiary. Near mills
the bees must be so placed that no
dust can reach them, which woidd
cause the honey to ferment and
spoil.

THE POSITION OF THE COLONY.

The colony itself must be placed
so as to be protected from wind,
especially the north wind, becanse
of cold, and if possible from the
west evening wind to keep the rain
from beating against the hive.
This may be done through shelter
from brick houses, or where the
lay of the place will prevent these
winds, through fences of board or
stone. One, however, must see
that a narrow path is left between
the wall and the hives, so as to per-
mit handling the bees from the
rear which if not imperative is at
least very desirable.

Before all other things, it is how-
ever, necessary in starting an api-
ary, to see that it has a dry and

warm location. This is a matter
whicli has much to do with the suc-
cess of the apiary. This warm lo-
calit}', however, does not depend
upon the sun always shining upon
the skeps during summer, that it
faces the south, etc. This may all
be, and still the location be a win-
tery and damp one, which is very
injurious to the bees. The place
may be situated low and continue
colder in the spring because the
warm air has not access, or because
of buildings, fences, trees, etc. ;
consequently the ground remains
cold and chills the atmosphere for
some distance above it. This is
why the snow remains longer in
such localities than in neighboring
more elevated and open positions.
A colony may be in a cold posi-
tion through being placed on a
bleak hill or where there is a con-
stant draught, or so as to increase
the draught if it comes from the
northeast or east northeast. Thick
large stone walls, immediately be-
hind the bees, give out much cold
air in the spring, cause dampness,
etc.

Such cold locations are very det-
rimental to the success of an api-
ary, and if in addition to this they
are damp they are positively in-
jurious. A friend in the neigh-
borhood some years ago complained
to me that his bees would not
thrive. They would neither give
him swarms or honey and most ab-
sconded. I examined his location
which was very nicely and well ar-
ranged but cold. After changing
it only thirty paces the bees have
done exceedingly well. The warmer

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

13

the location, the earlier will the
bees swarm and the better will they
thrive in every respect.

{To he contiiuied.)
Bodheim, Germany, July 25,1783.

EDITORIAL.

Once more and almost regret-
fnlly we realize that we must for-
ever bid adieu to the old year,
which, while it has brought to us
so many cares, trials and burdens,
has also been fraught with so many
endearing and hallowed associa-
tions, and has developed and rip-
ened so many new and valuable
experiences and friendships.

To-day, as we realize that a cur-
tain has gently fallen between us
and the past, leaving us standing
on the threshold of a new year, the
untried and unknown future, we
are more deeply impressed than
ever Mith the importance of the
mission upon which we have en-
tered and the weight}' responsibil-
it}' which rests ui*)on us as one to
whom thousands of hard-toiling
producers look for counsel and ad-
vice. Thus, it is only after mature
deliberation, aided b}' advanced
experience and a better knowl-
edge of the varied needs of those
in whose interests our journal is
published, that we reach forward
into the beyond, grasp the grand
possibilities that may come to api-
culture through a careful, thorough
and systematic solving of all the
great problems which come to us
for consideration, and present them

in as simple and practical a man-
ner as possible to our readers.

It is not enough that financial
success is crowning our efforts, but
if after all that we have said and
done, we have lightened no bur-
dens, given no counsel or advice
that has benefited our brother bee-
keepers we have accomplished but
little.

As this number of our journal
will reach a large number who have
not been acquainted with the ob-
ject of our mission, ourreaders will
doubtless bear with us patiently if
we repeat some statements that
we have made before.

It is a mistaken idea and one
with which we totally disagree that,
because on account of lack of or-
ganization and unsystematic man-
agement, our honey market has
been glutted, that apiculture has
reached its ultimatum, and hence
no new fields open before us for
investigation or development. On
the contrary, we are free to state,
fearless of contradiction, that when
the great greed for individual gain
and aggrandizement gives way to
the loftier aims of equal rights and
the desire to impart the greatest
good to the largest number, apicul-
ture will become a remunerative
vocation and one in which we can
invest capital with full assurance
of abundant success, opinions of
others to the contrary notwith-
standing. Apiculture is properly
and legitimately a branch of agri-
culture, and until this fact is rec-
ognized and every agricultural
college in our country follows the
example of the Michigan State Ag-

14

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

ric'iiltural college, appointing as
one of its teachers a professor of
scientific and practical beekeeping
and establishing in connection with
it an experimental apiary for the
benefit of its students, we shall not
have completed our work or have
fulfilled our mission.

While in the future as in the
past, the bulk of surplus honey will
be produced by the specialist, who
in order to succeed shotdd become
thoroughly conversant with all the
varied requirements of scientific
apiculture, yet, in order that it
may fulfil its mission properly and
well, simple methods must be
taught to the farmer, horticulturist
and others, whereby they may
keep bees, thereby supplying their
own tables with nature's pure un-
adulterated sweets, and thus in-
creasing their income by saving
from $25 to $100 yearly, which
to the average farmer is no
small item, not to mention the a<l-
vantages which accrue from having
the bees to fertilize the fruits,
grains, clover, etc.

This calls for a far different
method of conducting our associa-
tions, bee-literature, and, in fact,
every means through which one
may obtain an apicultural educa-
tion, than at present exists. This
-i^need has been recognized by such
teachers as Moses Quinby, L. L.
Langstroth, Samuel Wagner and
many others, but has been almost
buried out of sight bj' those, who
in order to further their own in-
terests at the sacrifice of the inter-
ests of others have monopolized,
in fact, almost every means by

which these ends might be accom-
plished ; and while there are those
who will take issue with us on this
point, yet we are free to assert
that many of those who have con-
trolled and conducted our bee-lit-
erature are largely responsible for
the fact that beekeeping in Amer-
ica to-day is in such a disorgan-
ized and unsatisfactory condition,
and are further responsible for a
large portion of the grevious mis-
takes that have come to apicul-
ture.

We do not take this position un-
advisedly, and were it not that the
records of the leading bee-journals
bear us out in this, it would be
simply ridiculous and fool-hardy
for us to make such statements,
nor do we stand alone in this, for
we only reiterate the statements of
the more thoughtful and most
pi-ominent apiarists in America.

There is one association, how-
ever, whose members following in
the footsteps of its founder, the
noble and justly honored Moses
Quinby, have, by speaking always
on the side of right and justice
(and this boldy and zealously in
order to protect the rights of its
members) incurred the wrath of
these monopolists and for this
reason everything possible has
been done to ignore or injure it.

These ai'e but a few of the many
vexing subjects with which we
have to contend, and which can all
be practically and effectually
solved if less attention is paid to
monopoly speculation in the supplj'
business and more thought given
to the advancement of scientific

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

15

and practical apiculture, develop-
ing new markets for hone}^ etc.

After a thorough experience in
every branch of the bee and siqiply
business, we became fully confident
that, until we had an independent
journal and one which was entirely
free from the supply business, and
published in the broadest sense of
the word in the interests of bee-
keepers, every attempt to correct
the evils that threatened beekeep-
ing would prove abortive ; and it
was only after weighing the matter
carefully that we decided to enter
the field and endeavor to give to
the beekeepers of America such a
journal.

We also remembered that while
heretofore others had tried to ac-
complish this, but through lack of
support and overpowering circum-
stance had failed, and also that
every effort would be made to crush
out any attempt that we might
make, yet trusting in One who al-
ways favors and protects right and
justice, and relying upon the intel-
ligent and thoughtful apiarists who
would rally to our support, we
have embarked in this enterprise.
How thoroughly we have laid the
foundation for continued and
effective work, we leave to the
testimony of the hundreds of prom-
inent and successful apiarists from
every quarter of the globe, and the
actions of the two leading beekeep-
ers' associations, all of whom have
pronounced the Apicultuuist one
of the best journals published in
the interests of beekeepers. Now
we do not say this boastingly, for
we are fully aware that had such

an editor as that scholarly and tal-
ented pioneer of America bee jour-
nalism continued at the head of the
journal that he founded until to-
day, tliere would not have existed
this need of reform.

It doubtless is not pleasant to
some to hear tlieir records as pub-
lic teachers rehearsed and criti-
cised, but we are not responsible if
such records will not bear the pure
light of impartial investigation.

Our object is to continue the
publication of the Apiculturist,
giving our readers each month the
richest thoughts and ripest exper-
iences in as simple and practical a
manner as possible, advocate the
proper and thorough systematiza-
tion of our associations as one
great means for advancing and
protecting the interests of beekeep-
ers ; encourage the researches in
scientific and practical apiculture,
whereby we sliall be able to place
our honey in the martsof the world
not alone as a luxury, but also as
an indispensable commodity, and
open up new and better uses and
markets for the same ; devising ef-
fectual methods for obtaining accur-
ate statistics regarding beekeeping,
and protect the rights and pi-ivi-
leges of the individual beekeepers
against injury and wrong, extend-
ing freely to our readers the rights
and privileges which accrue from
an independent expression of
thought through the public press ;
and indeed to devote our time and
attention wholly and solely to the
advancement of the cause of api-
culture in its every branch and de-
partment.

16

THE AMERICAN A PIC UL TUB 1ST.

In order that we ma}- do this
the beekeepers, in whose interests
we are working, must support and
sustain us. Wlien the most promi-
nent apiarists liave freely and
publicly endorsed our position and
not only contributed freely of their
funds but also have given to our
readers some of the richest and
most valuable thoughts and in-
structions ever given to the bee-
keeper, the masses of beekeepers
who are to reap the benefits which
result from such efforts cannot be
so blind to their own interests as
to withhold from us the needed
support. If each beekeeper who
receives a copy of our journal this
month will contribute his dollar
each year (a paltry sura when
compared with what he receives in
return) the work will be accom-
plished and we shall be able to
present if possible a far better
journal and also complete many
plans which we are unable to do
at present.

Just think carefully before you
say that you cannot afford to sul)-
scribe for another paper, because
you can never afford to sacrifice
your own interests to save one
dollar.

We have placed our bound vol-
umes and the journal for 1885, at
the low figures we did in order that
all of our readers might secure
our journal from the beginning,
and if after carefully reading the
Vols. 1 and 2, you do not find that
they contain many times the value
of the money paid for them we will
take it back. There area i'ew who
have not sent in their renewals,

and we have sent them this num-
ber trusting that they will reply at
once ; otherwise, we must discon-
tinue their subscription with this
number. In closing, we wish j'ou
one and all a Happy New Year
and abundant prosperity.

CORRESPONDENCE.

SHIPMENT OF QUEENS TO NEW
ZEALAND.

Dear Sir :

I mentioned in my last the ex-
pected arrival of a shipment of
Italian queens from your part of the
world to the order of two of our
colonial apiarists. I see b^'^ the
press that the}' duly arrived, hy the
last mail steamer from San Fran-
cisco, but unfortunately a large
percentage of them were dead.
They were sent b}^ two of the lead-
ing beekeepers of your country, Mr.
H. Alley of Wenham, Mass., and
Mr. James Heddon, Dowagiac,
Mich. Mr. L. J. Bagnall, of
Tliamcs, had eight from Heddon
and six from Alley, and Dr. Dalziel
of Pukekolie eight from Alle}'.
They were sent by these gentlemen
to Mr. T. G. Newman of Chicago,
who kindly undertook to forward
them to San Francisco, where on
arrival they were taken charge of
by the purser of the Pacific Mail
Co S. S. Zealandia. They left
Chicago on the 18th of Sept. last,
arriving in Auckland on the 18th
of Oct. and at Thames and Puke-
kolie on the 20th. They would
thus be from 33 to 35 days on the
way. On examining his, Mr. Bag-
nall found that of the eight sent
by Mr.Heddon five were dead, while
two of the others wei'e rather weak,
and have since died. One still lives
and is I believe doing well. Mr.
Alley's lot turned out somewhat

THE AMERICAN APIGULTURIST.

17

better, four of the six being alive,
though two of them were so far
gone, that they succumbed the next
day. The remaining two are lay-
ing and do not seem any the worse
for their long imprisonment, at
least so Mr. Bagnall informs me.
Dr. Dalziel was equally unfortu-
nate, receiving only three alive
out of the eight sent him by Mr.
Alley. I have not heard whether
he has managed to keep these three
alive, as one at least was rather
weak when taken from the box.

Mr. Heddon's were packed in a
snug box with eight compartments,
each compartment being furnislied
with a small section of hone^'. The
box was covered with wire gauze
for ventilation. Each queen was
accompanied by a goodly number
of workers, but on arrival these
were nearly all dead. Only in two
divisions were there any living and
in these not more than a dozen al-
together. They had consumed all
the honey in most of the divisions.
This may account for some of the
loss, though in one compartment
in which all the bees and the queen
also were dead, there was a lot of
honey left.

Mr. Alley's were in small boxes
about 9" X 6" X 2^", with a 2 in.
hole covered with wire for ventila-
tion. The six boxes were made
into one parcel. Each box was
furnished with a small frame of
sealed honey. In Dr. Dalziel's lot
there were only three or four work-
ers living, and Mr. B. had not a
solitary worker left with Alley's
queens, but there was no scarcity of
food in any of Mr. Alley's boxes.
In Mr. Bagnall's lot two of the
frames were adrift, through the top
bar breaking away from the ends
of the frame. These boxes were
in a bad state through the shak-
ing about of the frames.

Naturally enough, the Dr. and
Mr. B. are somewhat disappointed
with the result, though I do not

think it will deter themifrom trying
again.

While I am on the subject of
queen importation I will give the
result of a shipment sent from Italy
to the order of Mr. I. Hopkins,
manager of the Matamata apiary.
These were shipped on the 2nd of
August and did not reach Ma-
tamata until the 26th of Sept. being
in confinement some 55 days. Out
of twelve sent six arrived alive
but one was so weak that it died
two days after. These were sent
in larger boxes than those which
came from America, and were fur-
nished with more bees, more honey
and water. It may be that the
want of water was the chief cause
of the death of so many of the
bees sent by Messrs. Alley and
Heddon. The water is supplied
in small tin bottles placed neck
downward in a shallow pan and so
arranged that atmospheric pressure
prevents the water running out
faster than it is taken by the bees,
out of the pan. I have given these
matters some prominence as I feel
sure that with attention to a few
matters of detail, success will yet
be attained in the transport of
queens from America to New Zea-
land or vice versa.

The weather continues moderate-
ly favorable to the bees and swarm-
ing is becoming general. A
Beekeepers' Assoc, has been formed
at Coromandel in the Auckland
province, Mr. J. D. Colebrook be-
ing appointed Secretary. Mr. F.
Cheshire's paper read before the
British Beekeepers' Assoc, on "iJa-
cillus alvei" or foul brood, has at-
tracted much attention in those
districts where this disease exists.
The local journal has given it in full
and the "Cheshire cure" is now
being tried by several. It is to be
hoped that it will prove as effectual
a cure as Mr. Cheshire claims it is.

N. Z. CORKESPONDENT.

JVov. 5, 1884.

18

THE AMERICAN APIGULTUIUST.

a new manual.

Ed. Am. Apiculturist.

The various manuals of beekeep-
ing are, in my judgment, lacking
in one ver}' essential particular,
t.e., thej^ do not give accurate des-
criptions of an^- hive but the one
their prejudice seems to favor.
Tims Mr. A.B. C. does not seem to
think any hive but his "Simplicity"
worth mentioning ; Mr. L. C. Root
thinks the "New Qainby"the7iepZt{S
ultra; Prof. Cook describes minute-
ly his modified "Gallup" and gives
cuts of a couple of others, but as no
descriptions are given, one is at a
loss to decide whether the hive that
is most popular in Canada is in-
tended for a bee hive, a dog kennel,
or a small barn ; Mr. Newman
starts a chapter on "What hive to
use" but apparentl}^ cannot adjust
his spectacles to see any farther
than the Laugstroth ; Mr. Kretch-
mcr describes his hive only, Mr.
Reed the Mitchell ; Mr. Alley can
probably be excused for not des-
cribing any but his "double-walled
and queen-rearing hives" as his
book is intended principally to
teach his method of queen-rearing.
I might go on mentioning other
manuals, but so far as I have read
they are nearly alike in this partic-
ular, and unless the beginner is
possessed of all of them he may
choose a hive not at all adapted to
his wants. There are a great many
very valuable hives in use in Amer-
ica, each one containing some fea-
ture peculiar to itself and it seems
to me if a book were written des-
cribing minutely those in use that
arc found to give excellent results,
with a few lines detailing special
management, such a work would
certainly have a largo sale. Each
manufacturer or supply agent
would, no doubt (for the better
advertisement of his wares), con-
tribute the necessary cuts des-

criptive of his favorite. By all
means Mr. Editor, let us have the
book. Who seconds the motion ?

Apis Canadensis.

Kingston^ Canada^ Dec. 5, 1884.

NEW YOKK AND FLOUIDA.

Dear Sir : On the twentieth of
November I packed sixty colonies
of selected Italians for Sanford,
Fla., the remotest southern point
where we have steamers daily from
Jacksonville, a distance of two hun-
dred miles north, and owing to
poor management did not succeed
in getting them here until sixteen
days after shipment. Have them
pleasantly situated, without any
loss, in a fine orange grove, three
and one-half miles southwest of
Sanford and they are in a prosper-
ous condition. Have brood in all
stages in some, and all have started
brood-rearing nicel}' so far. Bees
swarm in this vicinity in March
and April under ordinary circum-
stances, but think by stimulating
can divide the last of February or
the first of March. Our principal
honey-producing plants in this vi-
cinity are palmettoes, magnolia,
and orange, and several swamp
varieties of which I cannot give
the name at this date. Bees are
not bringing in much of any honey
but are carrying pollen freely. No
one in this vicinity pays beekeeping
much attention, but all say the bees
do well. Don't think there are anj'^
Italians in Orange county and if
mine continue to display tlie same
energy tliey have since I arrived no
flower will bloom unvisited b}' them
as they are the first I hear as I a-
wake and the last to give it up at
night. The mercury rose to-day
to ninety-six, and ranges from
eighty to ninety'. Weather very
fine at present.

C. G. Ferris.

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

One year ago Mr. Ferris of Herkimer
Co., N. Y., made atrip to Florida talv-
ing with iiim one colony of bees. The
object of the visit was to investigate
the advantages of that state for bees
during the "cold season at the north.
The results of his observations were,
as will be seen by the above, that he
has taken sixty colonies of Italian bees
and gone to Florida for the present
winter.

Throuah the kindness of Mr. L. C.
Root of^Mohawk, N. Y., Mr. Ferris
who was in Mr. Root's employ for sev-
eral years (and has furthermore had
ten years' practical experience with
bees, which with him is an exclusive
business), has kindly agreed to furnish
the "Apiculturist" with monthly re-
ports (under the above heading) of
his experiment. Ed.]

. NOTES AND QUERIES.

■ — AVe are pleased to inform our
readers that just before going to
press we received a very pleasant
communication from Mr. W. A.
Pryral of North Temescal, Cal.,
who was the founder of the "Cali-
fornia Apiculturist," and who is
now conducting the beekeeping de-
partment in the Rural Pacific
Press, stating that he will furnish
each month for our journal commuur
ications from California under the
heading " California Notes and
Gleanings." These notes will be
of great interest to our readers.

— We would call the attention
of our readers to the fact that the
Northeastern Beekeepers' Associa-
tion will hold its convention in the
City Hall at vSyracuse, N. Y., Jan.
21-23, 1885.

We would urge all who can do
so to attend ; the meetings will be
both interesting and instructive
and it is well to remember that the
majority of those who will take
part in the discussions are among
the most prominent a^nd successful

honey producers. We \expect xtb
be present and should be fileased to
meet there many of our brothcf bee-
keepers.

— We had intended to have
journal out on time this month
but the death of the foreman i^i our
office, together with other circum-
stances unforeseen and uncontroll-
able, rendered this impossible, but
we think that the value of this num-
ber will more than make up for the
delay. There are as yet a few who
have not renewed their subscrip-
tions, and we have sent them this
number trusting they will find it
for their interest to renew at once.
We are aware that times are hard,
but you cannot afford to give up
the "Apiculturist" to save one dol-
lar. We must, however, drop with
this number all subscriptions that
have expired.

— The matter of a new work on
apiculture, as referred to by " Apis
canadensis" opens up a broad field
of inquiry, and we would refer our
readers to the questions and ans-
wers, and especially to those given
by Mr. L. C. Root, as valuable in
that they touch upon this matter.

While we favor invention and
improvement yet we are heartily
sick of the almost endless and vex-
ing variety of hives and fixtures,
many of them worthless except as
advertisements to one's own busi-
ness. We are in favor of im-
provement in bee literature but
would not lose sight of the fact
that we cannot afford to sacrifice
practical and valuable instruction
in beekeeping for the sake of illus-
trating too great a variety of fix-
tures. If both can be practically
combined all will be well.

— Will all those who wish Vols.
1 and 2 reply soon? AVe hope'
soon to dispose of the lirst edition
of 1000 copies so as to issue an-
other. It is as cheap, and yet as

20

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

valuable, an amount of bee litera-
ture as one ever purchased for the
sum for which we offer it, and we
cannot hold it at this reduced rate
long.

— Will our Canadian friends
and tlie Secretaries of Canadian
associations kindly assist Mr. Hol-
terman in the work that he has un-
dertaken by sending to him sucli
reports and other items as will
make his department in our journ-
al interesting and valuable.

— Mr. Frank Benedict of Perry

Centre, N. Y., at the late conven-
tion at Rochester, was unfortunate
enough to lose a small account
book containing the names of par-
ties who had paid for photographs
taken there. If any of our read-
ers were fortunate enough to find
it, they will oblige Mr. Benedict
very much by returning it to him.

— We have just received from
Mr. Wm. W. Cary, jr., the sad in-
telligence that his father, who was
probably one of the oldest bee-
keepers living in America (hav-
ing been engaged in the business
for fift^^-two years), has fallen
asleep.

In his decease, we have led to
his rest one of the pioneers of Am-
erican apiculture, and one with
whom L. L. Langstroth associated
in conducting many of his early
experiments. His loss will be
deeply felt by the dear ones left to
mourn, and we extend to them
our heartfelt sympathy during
these hours of trial.

His son, Mr. Wm. W. Cary, Jr.,
who for a long time has been a mem-
ber of the firm of Wm. W. Cary &
Son, will continue to conduct the
business, and he has only to fol-
low in the footsteps of his father in
order to retain the regard of the bee-
keepers and meet with abundant
success.

— We have just received from
Mr. Holterman, but too late for
publication, the reports of the H.al-
dimand association.

CONVENTION NOTES.

— The Cortland Union Beekeepers'
Association will hold their next meet-
ing in Cortland, N. Y., Jan. 27, 18.sr).

M. G. DoRBY, Sec'y.

INTERNATIONAL BEE-KEKPERS' CONVEN-
TION.

It is proposed to hold an Internation-
al Beekeepers' Congress on the Ex-
position Grounds during the 24th, 2oth,
and 26th of February, 1885.

An interesting programme of subjects
will be presented and discussed of great
importance to every beekeeper in
America.

The disposition of our honey pro-
duct with a view to secure better prices
will be fully considered.

At the same time there will be an ex-
hibit of bees and apiarian supplies.

Fuller particulars will be given here-
after.

At the time selected, the Exposition
will be at its best, and excursion rates
low. The beekeepers of our country
should lay aside business for a week or
two, and made every exertion to at-
tend this Convention.

Come prepared with facts and statis-
tics, and ideas arranged, to take part
in its deliberations.

Dr. N. P. Allen, Smith's Grove, Ky.
W. Williamson, Lexington, Ky.
Dr.O.M.BLANTON, Greenville, Miss.
P. L. ViALLON, Bayou Goula, La.
Judge W. H. Andrews, McKinney,
Tex.

W. S. Hart, New Smyrna, Florida.
S. C. BoYLSTON, Charleston, S. C.
Dr. J. P. H. Brown, Augusta, Ga.
II. C. Austin, Austin's Springs,
Teun.

K. C. Taylor, Wilmington, N. C.
J. W. Porter, Charlottesville, Va.
S. Valentine, Ilagerstown, Md.
Mr. J. P. H. Brown, of Augusta, Ga.,

THE AMERICAN' APlCULTURISt.

21

extends to us a very cordial invitation
to be present at the convention at
New Orleans, and it is with deep re-
gi'et that we replied that it would be
impossible. Our brother beekeepers
however, have our best wishes. Noth-
ing pleases us more than to see the
growing- interest in association work.
We are looking forward for grand pos-
sibilities in this regard in the near fu-
ture.

We but here repeat the call and urge
all who can possibly do so to take a
trip to New Orleans and help to make
the convention a grand success. Ed.]

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.

QUESTIONS BY THE EDITOR.

1. It is a fact that the country is
flooded with so great a variety of hives
and sections that the beginner is puz-
zled to know which to choose.

Now do you consider this state of
aflairs beueticial to the best interests
of Apiculture, and why is itso? Also
do you think that it is possible to de-
vise a simple hive and one that can be,
easily constructed that is worthy of
general adoption by the beekeepers
both of the North and South ?

2. What do you consider, in the
light of your own experience, the duty
of the beekeepers regarding any and
all kinds of adulteration?

3. How can the small beekeeper,
who owns only a few colonies, secure
his honey in the simplest manner pos-
sible and dispose of his surplus so as
not to conflict with the general honey
market to its injury.

4 Some of the best beekeepers of the
world are opposed to conventions and
such publications as tend to increase
the number of beekeepers and encour-
age the production of honey. Is their
position well taken?

5. How can we best call the atten-
tion of the public generally to the value
of honey as food and medicine, thereby
creating a greater demand for the
most natural and desirable sweet known
to the world?

6. What is the most important ques-
tion of the day in relation to our pur-
suit?

ANSWERS BY J. E. POND, JR.

1. I have for a long time been of
the opinion that a standard frame
would prove decidedly advantageous ;
in fact I can hardly conceive of any
disadvantage that can arise from the
adoption of such frame. I can however
see no way in or l)y which a unity of
ideas can be brought about, to focus up-
on any one form of frame that can be
devised.

A standard frame should and must
be a compromise; such compromise
must retain the good points and drop
the poor ones. So long as there is so
great feeling upon the subject, and ap-
parent belief that upon this or that par-
ticular form of frame depends the suc-
cess of the upholder thereof, just so
long shall we be obliged to take things
as they now are, and make the most we
can of them.

2. The duty of every honest man is
to set his face hard against any and all
adulteration. Policy should have no
place in the matter. Exposure should
follow every known attempt, and every
man should be shown that disgrace
would attend any attempt on his part
to adulterate even in the least degree
any of our products.

3. By working up his home market
thoroughly ; the great trouble has been
that every one is anxious to work ofl'
his goods too speedily.

It may be a little trouble so to do,
but there is no question but that large
quantities of honey might be sold with-
in a stone's throw of one's own dwell-
ing if pains only were taken to develop
the trade. Instead then of rushing off
at once to some commission house let
the producer inform his neighbors and
the near public that he can supply them
with a choice article of pure honey,
and it must needs be a very thinly set-
tled locality that will not make a mar-
ket for the yield of quite a large
apiary.

4. The only arguments that I have
yet seen are based on selfishness. No
position in my mind is well taken, that
does not tend to broaden and deepen
one's mind, and give him wiser and
better views in regard to the world at
large. Conventions and special bee
literature willhave sucheflect; no one
can for a moment doubt this. The
laws of supply and demand, produc-
tion and consumption, are the only
means by which the production of hon-
ey as well as other productions can be
controlled, and the sooner the would-
be specialist in this direction finds this

22

THE AMERICAN AFICULTURIST.

out, the sooner will he grow contented
to take things as they come, especially
when lie can do nothing that will make
them diflerent.

5. By agitation. Comparatively few
to-day know the great value of honey
both as a food and medicine. Were its
value as a medicine thoroughly known
it would displace in thousands of famil-
ies, the domestic remedies, or quack
compounds now depended upon by
them as cure-alls.

If every beekeeper in the country
would write a series of articles for his
local weekly newspapers upon the val-
ue of honey, etc., it would soon create
a demand to supply which would re-
quire a much larger quantity than is
now produced.

G, The marketing our honey. The
law of supply and demand regulates
itself as a rule ; still a demand can be
created, at any time by a little eflbrt.
Honey is now looked upon as a luxury ;
Its value as a remedial agent in many
diseases is unknown. All that is re-
quired on the part of the public is to
know its value and an immense demand
will be found to arise for it. There is
no reason why judicious advertising
should not cause a demand for a pro-
duct of the value of honey, when it will
set the world crazy over some humbug
quackpoison.

If the beekeepers of every section
would associate themselves together
with a community of purpose and in-
terest, they would soon become a pow-
er that would be felt ; so long as they
undertake to work apart, they will be
like the bundle of twigs, weak wlien
separated ; strong as_^a steel cable when
united in harmony.

Foxboro, Mass.

ANSWERS BY G. AV. DEMAREE.

1. I think the great variety in
hives, sections, etc., a misfortune to be-
ginners. I call to mind this minute
beekeepers who are doing poor work
in their apiaries from year to year
simply because they adopted an infe-
rior hive and implements at a time
when they did not know any better.
The facts show that the standard
Langstroth hive is in use by success-
ful beekeepers in every state in the
union, and perhaps the same may be
said of some other hives. This indi-
cates that it is possible to construct a
hive that will answer every purpose
in every section of the north and the
south.

The whims of beekeepers are a great-
er barrier in the way of adopting a
standard hive than all the difficulties in
the way of its construction. This lilve
business has nearly ruined the bee in-
terest. The meaner the hive, the
more blowing is resorted to, to induce
the ignorant to buy it.

2. In view of the fact that the adul-
terators of the present time are under-
mining the health and the morals of the
people, we should have no doubt as to
what our duty is. We should expose
the thieving business at all times, and
on all suitable occasions. Much has
already been done in this direction. A
few years ago, glucose honey was sold
openly in the .stores here, and people
talked about recipes to make honey.

Glucose sugar and glucose syrup
were as connnon as our daily bread.
Well, the few first articles I wrote in
our local papers, exposing the fraud,
brought out some opposition and some
attempt at ridicule, but I battei'ed
away at the sneaking business till it
slunk its dirty self away out of sight.
The great masses of the people have
no sympathy for the sly craftsmen,
hence, all that is necessary is to edu-
cate them. I have about as much pa-
tience with the conceited wise man,
who proposes to kill the adulterators
by " letting them alone," as I would
have with the farmer who proposed to
kill the weeds in his cornfields by "let-
ting them alone."

;>. Anything that is Avorth doing at
all should be done well. There is no
reason why the small honey producer
.should not put his honey, which he de-
sires for the market, in as good shape
as the larger producers do. If he
does this he is not in the way.

4. I think they set their colter too
deep. Conventions in our state have
helped the honey mai-ket. I used to
sell a little honey at a big price, and
that was all that I could do. My bees
would not pay me now in that way, as
we must sell honey by the tons. We
accept "demands" for large lots of
honey at lower prices, rather than lit-
tle or no demand at high prices. The
greatest enemy the honey producer has
is., those publications which are pub-
lished in the interests of the proprie-
tors whose business it is to collect
money from other people to pay their
advertising bills, and to allure a lot of
blockheads into the "bee business" in
order that they may sell them a lot of
supplies. The only remedy is to "take
off the feed" and let such fellows run
their own shebangs.

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

23

5. Build up your home market.
More can be done by letting the people
see and taste your honey tlian in any
other Avay.

G. The best method of counteract-
ing the evil inlUiences of monopoly and
rings.

Christianshurg, Ky.

ANSWEUS BY J. B. HALL.

1. Most of the various hives now in
use liave been got up by parties that are
not practical apiarists, and could not
make a living by producing honey, so
have constructed various fancy models,
based upon theory only, and promise
them A 1 extra, it being only necessary
to own about a dozen of such, and put
bees into them, and all will go well, and
the owner will be able to reap large,
yes, very large, yields of honey, and
that without so much as getting a sting.

I cannot understand the reason that
the beginner should not expect to be
puzzled. If he enter any of the profes-
sions or trades of life, he does not ex-
pect to be perfect at the start, but on
the contrary, to expend time, labor and
money, to accomplish his desires.

If by apiculture it is meant (if it is
possible) to teach every person the suc-
cessful method of keeping bees profit-
ably, my answer would be no ! but if by
apiculture it is meant those already en-
gaged in and those intending entering
the profession for a living, my answer
would be emphaticalltj yes, and the why
so, that a practical man in a good loca-
tion for honey, can make a success with
any kindor shape of hive with movable
comb frames, and soon find what his
special field demands, and will act ac-
cordingly.

There is nothing impossible in the
improvement in hives, but uniformity
in hives for the far south and northern
extremes, and all the intermediates, I
think not desirable, any more then uni-
formity in dwellings, stables, vehicles,
clothing, etc.

2. To put his name and address on
every package of honey, no matter to
whom sold, and here in Ontario, enforce
the good law we have against adultera-
tion of food. The first otfence for mak-
ing or selling is $100 fine and the third
ofl*euce imprisonment I think.

3. This is a sticker to me as I ex-
pect to all specialists. The small men,
as you call them, will not take honey in
good shape, and if they by chance get a
few hundred pounds more than the fam-
ily will be likely to use, it is rushed on
the market in July (I have known it to

be in town five hours after it is extract-
ed) and disposed of for any price, and
for any trick, or trade, thus breaking
the home market. One of my neighbors
in July called to ask if I woukrfiU an
order that he had taken, expecting to
have lots of honey to supply. He found
that he would have to feed his bees,
and buy honey for the family use. This
same man retailed honey 5 cts. per
pound less than even sold by me. I
cannot give them advice as they will do
as they please, living in a free country.

4. I am of the opinion tliat the best
beekeepers are not opposed to conven-
tions and publications but tliey are in-
difl'erent to them, and take no part, be-
cause to them they are one-sided^ they
gain nothing for the time and money ex-
pended, also that they wish the produc-
tion of honey to be increased but are
disgusted at the way the novice acts
when he has honey to sell.

5. Cannot say.

G. The stamping out of foul brood,
so called. Condemn and contradict
the following statements :

The gush about large yields of honey
with little capital and labor.

That it is very pleasant and profitable
for weak ladies and gentlemen to keep
bees.

That there is" no hard work in the
apiary.

That it is all profit as bees work for
nothing and board themselves.

That the pure Italian bees are the
best.

That clipping the wings of the queen
hurt her or the colony in any way.

That properly reared (artificially)
queens without the swarming fever or
impulse are not as good and in no case
better than those raised at swarming.

Woodstock, Ontario.

ANSWEKS BY L. C. TwOOT.

1. I consider this great variation in
the forms of hives very objectionable.
There are many reasons why a stand-
ard hive and section would prove of
great advantage. Bees could be pur-
chased more advantageously. If one
desired to sell his bees, hives or sec-
tions, his chances of doing so to advan-
tage would be much greater. Surplus
combs, empty, or filled with honey,
would often be a desirable purchase, in
fact the general confusion incident to
this great variety of hives would be re-
moved. This diversity has arisen
largely from the selfishness of individ-

24

THE AMERICAN APTCULTURIST.

ual beekeepers and supply dealers,
through their desire to use or sell some-
thing different from others. Doubtless
each was devised in the belief that it
was an improvement. We shall never
establish a desirable standard in bee-
keeping fixtures so long as the majority
of supplies are manufactured and sold
by dealers who have their own text
book which illustrates and describes
their owu style of hives and sections,
and who publish their own bee journals
to educate the public and recommend
their own goods. There must be less
selfishness, and more of a broad and
generous spirit, before the greatest
good conies to the greatest number.
The outlook is brightening, and I think
the tendency of the future will be iu
the direction of a reduction and simpli-
fication of the forms of hives, until the
hive indicated in the question will be-
come a possibility.

2. I think that adulteration in con-
nection with our pursuit is practised
very little if at all by beekeepers. The
greatest need is, that we talk and write
less about it.

3. This is an important question
and one to which I have given much
thought. I am inclined at present to
advise such to use a hive that will con-
tain about 14 frames, lOX 15, and allow
their surplus to be stored in frames at
the outside of the brood nest. This
honey can be cut from the frames and
sold directly to the consumer.

4. The history of the past during all
ages proves the position of such per-
sons incorrectly taken, when viewed
from a broad and helpful standpoint.
To argue otherwise would be to hold in
ungrateful remembrance the names of
so many noble, self-sacrificing men who
have worked with such untiring zeal
that we of to-day may enjoy the fruits
of their labors. Would space admit I
should be glad to mention the names of
some of our honored dead and refer to
their unselfishness.

5. My first suggestion would be
that in our conventions and bee liter-
ature we call attention more frequently
to pure honey and less to the reverse.
We have done far too much advertising
which has unnecessarily done us great
harm. I would urge losing no oppor-
tunity of displaying the most hois'Ey,
where it would attract the attention of
the greatest number possible. We
should endeavor to prepare our pack-
ages iu neat and attractive form.
Above all it must be produced in
such a way that it will not be sticky
and disagreeable to handle ; showy

labels and striking placards are also
valuable.

Properly printed slips well-worded
explaining the value of this pure and
natural sweet should be furnished with
each package. If such slips could be
very generally distributed they would
be valuable educators. We should see
to it that no department at our fairs
make a better display than our own.

In short it simply means hard work.
If we are equal^to the emergency, suc-
cess is ours.

6. Were I to answer this question
in the broadest and most unselfish way
I should say that the most important
question would be, How can we save
the millions of pounds of honey which
are annually going to waste, and create
a demand for the same at reasonable
prices?

In Switzerland honey is as common an
article of food as is butter in America.

If we can educate the American pub-
lic up to this standard the problem is
solved.

3Iohaivk, N. Y.

LETTEB BOX.

Mohaiok, N. Y.
Dear Sir:

I have been examining your club and
premium list given in the Dec. number
and it seems to me that many of your
readers will avail themselves of your
very liberal ofiers.

Your offer of all of the back numbers
(Vols. 1 and 2) consisting of twenty
copies bound in one volume in cloth
for five new subscribers is one that
should induce many to strive for the
prize. I shall be surprised if your very
generous offers are not largely taken
advantage of. L. C. Koot.

Poxighkeepsie, N. Y., Dec. 11, 1884.

It is with pleasure that I renew my
subscription to the "Apiculturist" for
it has been of great value to me during
the past year ; and I could not do with-
out it. I shall try to send you at least
one new name. S. E. Wiley.

Clockville, N. Y., Dec. 5, 1884.

Please find inclosed $5.00 for my
subscription for the "Apiculturist" for
1885 to help it along on its onward
march. W. V. Boswokth.

The American Apiculturist

^ Ifournal htboiti) to Strcnttfic mxb ^ractrtal §edufptng.

EXTEKED AT THE POST-OFFICE, SALEM, AS SECOXD-CLASS MATTER.

Published Monthly. S. M. Locke, Publisher & Trop'r

SALEM, MASS., FEBRUARY, 1885.

VOL. III.

No. 2.

SUBSCRIPTION KATES.
$1.00 per year-, payable in adyance. Sent
on trial three months for 35 cts., six months
for 60 cts.

Advertising Rates :— Whole page, $12.00.
One-half page, $7.00. One-fourth page, $4.00.
One-eighth page, $2.00. Card, $1.50.

Those wishing special rates will please
correspond with the Editor.

All communications should be addressed
to S. M. Locke, Salem, Mass.

MUSCULAR STRENGTH OF

INSECTS.

By Arthur Todd.i

The muscular system among
the insects yields in no point so
important a power as that of the
Vertebrata ; we may even atHrm
that it is capable of developing a
force infinitely more considerable.

To make this fact more under-
stood, Mr. Felix Plateau has under-
taken a series of experiments of a
most positive character. He has
caused little carriages filled with
heavy weights to be dragged along
by heavy beetles thus transformed
into miniature oxen. Insects with
good flying powers he has changed
into imitation birds of prey by load-
ing them, and he has established the
grand fact that the muscular power
is in a ratio contrary to size, the

lA translation.

smallest insects being capable of
putting forth the greatest eflTort ;
He has established the fact that a
beetle is infinitely stronger than a
horse, that it is even twenty-one
times stronger ; that a bee is thirtj'-
times more vigorous. In fact that
a horse can only exert a force
equal to the sixty-seventh of its
weight, and a beetle draws easily
a load equal to fourteen times its
weight, whilst a bee fastened to a
little carriage, can easily put in
movement a weight twenty times
that of itself.

In other words a beetle can easi-
ly draw or pull fourteen of its com-
panions and a bee twenty.

Pldlaclelphia^ Pa.

WINTERING BEES.

Br L. C. Root.

During the month of December
the weather here has been very
changeable. The month as a whole
has been much milder than is
usual.

At one time during the week be-
fore Christmas it was very cold,
the mercury falling as low as 35°
below zero.

The highest point indicated dur-
(25)

26

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

ing the month was 48° above zero.
Mercury in room A fell as low as
40° during the coldest weather. 1
was absent from home, and room
B was not tested. During the
warmest weather mercury in room
A was as high as 55° and in room
B 62°.

The first day of January I
weighed stocks as follows : No.

I, 35 1bs.,No.2,511bs.,No. 3, 67
lbs., No 4, 92^ lbs., No. 5, 39 lbs..
No. 6, 117 lbs., No. 10, 50 lbs., No.

II, 52 lbs.

It will be noticed that the results
during the first month do not seem
to prove very favorable to doubling
several stocks together. It is very
evident that No. l,No. 3, and No.
6, have not been "hibernating."
No. 1 has consumed 17 lbs., No.
3, 91 lbs., and No. 6, 10 lbs., while
No. 2 consumed but 1^ lbs. No.
1 was set on top of No. 2 and it
is possible that honey might have
been carried from No. 1 to No. 2.

A more certain test of the amount
of honey consumed by the stocks
doubled together and a single one
is given in No. 3 which consumed
9^ lbs. and No. 4 which consumed
only 2i lbs. No. 11 weighed 49
lbs. Dec. 1, and at that time was
fed 6 lbs., making 55 lbs. It will be
seen that this stock has consumed
but 3 lbs. of liquid honey. After
weighing it Jan. 1, I gave it 4 lbs.
of liquid honey making it weigh
56 lbs. No. 1 had consumed so
much that I filled 8 hanging frames
with liquid honey and placed them
in a hive and set it upon the top of
the stock. The hive, combs and
honey weigh 61 lbs. This added

to the weight Jan. 1 makes all
weigh 96 lbs.

Many will remember that the
season of 1869 was one of the
poorest if not the poorest season
known b}' any beekeeper.

From experience gained during
that season I decided never to feed
bees to any extent at the close of
such a poor season when the bees
were all old, from brooding being
discontinued so early. This year I
found bees in about the same con-
dition as regards brood and as a
result I doubled many of my stocks.

I do not anticipate any marked
success in wintering under the cir-
cumstances. When I give the re-
sults in loss of bees from Nov. 19
to Jan. 11 many will predict for me
entire failure.

From room A, I took about one
bushel of dead bees, and from room
B about three pecks.

Colony No. 6 has worked out
quite a large quantity of bees. It
is impossible to estimate the quan-
tity accurately. I notice by an
oversight, I omitted to weigh any
of the stocks in 12 Quinby frames.
I regret this as I desire to call
particular attention to the winter-
ing of these stocks. Many will
consider this far too many frames
for successful wintering, and it
certainly would prove so with any
other than the closed end Quinby
frame. I make this experiment
hoping to prove that one may be
successful in wintering with this
frame even with this number of
combs.

Miss Lucy A. Wilkins, of Michi-
gan, asks if I am making observation

THE AMEBIC AN APICULTURIST.

27

as to the time the bees commence
breeding, in my experiments in
wintering. There is no doubt but
that this question is important in
connection with successful winter-
ing. From the fact that one of the
necessary requirements for success-
ful wintering is that bees be left
comparatively quiet and undis-
turbed, it will be seen that it is a
very diflScult matter to ascertain
without harming the bees.

Every time the bees were dis-
turbed it would tend to induce brood
rearing. When I notice two stocks
standing in the same room each of
which was prepared for winter as
nearly alike as was possible, one
of which remains quiet, and the
other uneasy, I feel inclined to ex-
amine both and ascertain their
condition as to brood, etc. If there
are those who have stocks of na-
tive bees to which they introduced
Italian queens late in the season,
they may be able to give us some
light upon this subject by giving
their success in wintering and the
facts as to how many Italian bees
have been reared during the winter,
and which have wintered best, those
which have most or fewest of Ital-
ians.

Mohaiok. N. Y.

WHY NOT KEEP BEES?

By W. G. Phelps.

This is a question arising in the
minds of some, who in tight times
like the present are casting about

for opportunities "to turn an honest
penn3^" There is no doubt but
that the energies of such, if turned
in the direction indicated, might
be put to profitable use and excel-
lent results accomplished. Though
bee culture is now ranked among
the special avocations of many,
throughout this broad land, yet
this fact need not deter any from
engaging in it even as a supplemen-
tary means of livelihood. Preemi-
nently does it commend itself,
coupled with truck raising, fruit
growing, poultry breeding, and
kindred pursuits and may add, in
fact has added, to the support of
many a family in America. As an
auxiliary source of revenue, cer-
tainly no rural home should despise
it. Keeping bees, when the pro-
portionate attention is paid them
that is devoted to other branches
of rural industry pays^ and pays
well. To this fact hundreds en-
gaged therein can testify. A
popular idea, and one that has led
to many a failure with bees, is that
bees can be purchased, surplus
boxes clapped on (or worse yet a
"cap") and the bees left to work
wonders. Thus managed with no
attention, save to "rob" them in
the fall, it is little to be wondered
at that "beekeeping don't pay."
They cannot be let thus "severely
alone" and made a profitable source
of income or pleasure. Pleasure
did we say? Is it possible, some
reader asks, that those irascible
"critters" can become a source of
pleasure to one? Ah ! my friends,
you do not know them. Not least
among the pleasures of country

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

life is the joy experienced in caring
for the apiary. To watch and con-
trol the work incidental to a live
beekeeper's occupation is not only
healthful but pleasurable. With
the first natural dread overcome in
handling bees (a dread easily con-
quered) no one, who in the least
enjoys investigating the wonders
of nature, can fail of enjoying the
study of what some term '■'Beeolo-
gy." Of course it would be impos-
sible to go into details in so short
an article. The principles of the
pursuit are well laid down in works
like Langstroth's "Hive and the
Honey Bee," Quinby's "Mysteries
of Beekeeping," the "A B C of
Beekeeping," Cook's Manual,"
etc. These well read, the manipu-
lation of bees practised in the pro-
per season, and a start has really
been made. Progress and success
in the occupation depend largely
upon the individual's skill and in-
telligent management. A loose or
spasmodic attention to your "pets"
will result in poor returns and per-
haps put yours in the catalogue of
"blasted hopes." While a pe?--
petual "fussing with bees" is not
commended, prompt, intelligent,
and systematic management at
special seasons must certainly be
observed if we are to look for satis-
factory results. Like all other
farm commodities the price of hon-
ey rules low, but the demand for
it is constantly increasing. Those
largely engaged in bee culture are
compelled to admit that there is
little danger of over-production.
On this point the Messrs. Dadant
(extensive honey producers of cen-

tral 111.) says," The production of
honey has not been, and cannot be,
overdone. Extracted honey can
be produced at 6 cts. per lb. (half
its usual price) and pay its produ-
cer. The consumption increases
as fast as the production, and honey
will alioays be the highest priced of
all sweets."

With man}' such testimonies in
favor of the increased production
of so healthful a sweet as pure hon-
ey, let no one be afraid to venture.
There is room for all.

A GUIDE TO

THE BEST METHODS OF

BEEKEEPING.

By J. L. Christ.

R. F. Holterman, Translator.
(Continued from p. 13, Vol. III.)

Regaeding the space in front of
the hive for flight although it is well
to have as great a distance as pos-
sible, or at least twenty to thirty
paces free for flight to and from
the hive, yet if tlie locality will
not admit of a perfectly free access
it will do no great injury if the
bees do have to fly over high walls
and buildings to procure their nour-
ishment ; they frequently do this
of their own free will and without
being compelled. My bees are sur-
rounded b}' buildings and fly over
the church without any disadvant-
age. The only thing is that they
are at a greater elevation more easi-
ly caught by swallows or overtaken
by a sudden thunder-storm and are
lost.

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

29

bell does not affect them in the
least, though their sense of hearing
is not at all deficient as they can
in the hive make each other under-
stand through the different kinds of
humming. The concussion of the
■atmosphere has little effect on them,
but so far as their dwelling, or the
ground upon which it stands, is
concerned, they are extremely sen-
sitive to this and the tread of a
man alongside of a hive is felt by
them ; therefore colonies are not
vrell placed if near a paved street
over which many wagons pass
especiall}^ in winter, and another
disadvantage is the dust in the sum-
mer when blowing towards the hive.
Therefore all places should be avoid-
ed for an apiary where one must
expect strong concussions, viz. :
where the platform touches a shed,
where through threshing of grain
in the winter the bees would be
disturbed and irritated and caused
to eat more. The same thing hap-
pens if the platform touches a smith's
shop where the blows and jars can
be communicated to the platform.
At the same time if the platform is
isolated it is sufficient that the
sound itself has no impression on
the bees.

High trees about the bees are
well if they do not hinder the
morning sun, but the noon sun is
weakening and at that time the bees
require shade, and they have the
advantage that the swallows do not
fly so much under them ; but if one
does not increase colonies by divid-
ing and lets them swarm, high trees
are sometimes very inconvenient,

as the swarms like to attach them-
selves to them, and they are pro-
cured with difficulty and danger.
Low trees, shrubs, and grape vines,
etc., simplify procuring swarms and
make the surroundings pleasant.

I would particularly advise
lovers of bees to plant quince trees
in front of their hives. I have fre-
quently remarked that swarms like
to attach themselves to these and
prefer these to other fruit trees.
The natural cause may be this, that
these trees are dense with branches
and foliage, consequently give the
clustering bees shelter and protec-
tion from the hot sun, which they
look for and sometimes find neces-
sary to procure. Then, too, perhaps
many bees belonging to the hive
may be accustomed to fly to the
quince tree as during its bloom
the}^ find much nectar in its flowers ;
it blooms almost every year and
generally yields much honey,
making the road to the tree a well
known one. The bees easil}^ follow
it, and the first ones show the queen
and remainder of the swarm the
way to it and thus cause their clus-
tering there. These trees (the
quince) are otherwise the best and
most serviceable before a colony in
the garden as partly they do not
grow high and the swarms are more
easily secured and partly because
they can be pruned and cut to any
shape so as not to injure the growth
of vegetables under them by much
shade. The fruit, too, in the fall,
can be of economic and medicinal
use, and is excellent for food be-
sides being a refreshing and invig-
orating drink. The juice is healing

30

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

for a sore throat, and the quince
sliced and baked, mixed with otlier
baked fruit is very palatable. The
quince kernels are an excellent
mitigation for pains when arising
from burns, and how excellent they
are applied to sore breasts.

Next, a good beekeeper will keep
the ground clean, free from high
grass and bushes, and either put un-
der and about the hive cement so one
can clean well, or put down boards
or sand of a coarse quality. This
order and cleanliness about the
hive have this particular use during
the swarming time ; one can find
the queen more readily if she, in
coming out through absence of
wings, or of deficiency, drops in
front of it, which causes many
swarms to return to their hive ; and
if the queen were not found, it
would be two or three weeks before
another queen could be reared and
during which time so many bees
are idle and the new swarm comes
so much later.

THE SITUATION OF THE APIARY AS
REGARDS SUN.

The localit}' will perhaps have
to decide the position of the apiarj^
as regards sun, but the entrance
and back of the hive should not
face the evening sun nor towards
the southwest much less facing the
north, but their entrance should be
to the southeast or, best, between
the morning and noon sun. Where
they have to be placed facing the
noon sun it is well to be shaded from
the heat, for the bees are not only
hindered by the heat from their la-
bors, while those in the shade are

busily at work, but it will sometimes
liappen in a 3'oung colon}' wliicli has
the combs veiy tender and some-
times not fastened securely that the
combs and honey will break down
and the bees become suffocated. If
the combs should break down one
should at once put wet bags about
the hive and place the hive upon an-
other stand. Particularly are young
swarms often driven from their
hives the second or third day by
the sun when they have combs a
hand's width in breadth with honey
and brood in them, and their owners
say the bees had another locality
in view. All this can be prevented
by a covered and well arranged
bee-stand and where the roof in
front projects so far that the hive
is fully shaded by half of the pro-
jection when the sun is at its high-
est. The morning sun is valuable
for the bees especially in summer,
especially the weak colonies also
the noon sun in spring, the robbers
appear to be the worst before col-
onies upon which the sun shines
much.

To be co7itinued.']

EDITORIAL.

Apiculture in America is now
passing through a most trying or-
deal and one from which it will
come forth in better condition, and
founded on a more solid basis, than
ever before even in more favored
times.

A glutted honey market and de-
preciation in the prices of honey
are powerful factors that are awak-

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

31

ening the more thoughtful among
the beemasters to a sense of their
duty and the necessity for immedi-
ate action and concentrated effort.

Far too much time has been de-
voted to the discussion of pet theo-
ries and individual hobbies which
even were the}' solved to the en-
tire satisfaction of their origina-
tors would do but little towards
advancing the best interests of the
practical honey producers.

What we most need is, better
and more sj^stematic and thorougli
methods of introducing our honey
to the masses whereby they may
become familiar with its value and
uses, and when once such methods
are established and put into prac-
tice, the difficulty is solved and the
questions of overstocking and a
glutted honey market will be no
longer "bugbears" or barriers to
the aspiring apiarist.

We have but little sympathy
with the idea so often expressed
by some, that we should discourage
the broad and benevolent spirit of
love for our neighbor so prominent
in the lives and teachings of Moses
Quinby and L. L. Langstroth.

We are free to state that the dif-
ficult}'- arises not from teaching api-
culture to our brother man, but in
neglecting to teach him the proper
course to pursue.

When we debar others from the
same privileges that we love to en-
jo}' ourselves, we at once create a
dangerous monopoly and monopo-
lies are the curse of every country
and nation.

There are and always will be two
classes of beekeepers. The one,

the specialist, who devotes his time
and attention largely to this indus-
try as a means of support .; the
other those who keep but a few
colonies whereby they may furnish
their own tables with pure unadul-
terated sweets and indeed the best
sweets prepared by the Creator as
an article of food, or take it up as
a recreation or study.

How to establish satisfactory' re-
lations between these two classes
and the consumers should at pres-
ent engage more of our attention
than any other subject. This can
only be accomplished by the plan
which for more than two years we
have kept prominent before our
readers. While individual effort
with abundant means will work
wonders we must have the united
effort of the entire beekeeping fra-
ternity. This, and this alone, will
produce the desired results.

The beekeepers of New York
state are awake to this fact and
when, during their last convention
they made the Northeastern Bee-
keepers' Association a state asso-
ciation, elected a vice-president for
each county urging upon the
beekeepers the importance of form-
ing an association in their respec-
tive counties, and appointed dele-
gates who should represent the in-
terests of New York State at the
North American convention to be
held in Detroit next winter, they
struck the key note of success.
This must become universal and
when this example is followed by
every state and section of our coun-
try, and competent and practical
beemasters, who will represent the

32

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

combined interests of the producers
and consumers, are sent eacli year
to our North American convention
we can hope for unselfish and sat-
isfactory results.

In order to establish a stable de-
mand for honey, the masses mtfsi be
educated as to its value and uses.
To do this there must be a beekeep-
ers xhibit connected with every
agricultural fair in the country con-
sisting of displays and sales of
honey, wax, and in fact all that
pertains to beekeeping together
with exhibitions of the practical
management of bees in the pro-
duction of honey, so that the
people may become familiar with
the methods by which comb and
extracted honey are produced.
This may seem a hard task ; and
indeed some of our teachers will
suggest innumerable difficulties,
but those who take abroad, liberal
view of these matters will agree
with us in saying that when we are
willing to attend conventions for
the worthy and commendable pur-
pose of enacting such measures as
will bring the most good to the
largest number, and forever banish
sectional strife and selfish aims, it
will be an easy matter to adopt a
course by which these matters may
be satisfactorily solved. Indeed
we think, and experience has taught
us, that the masses of beekeepers
are ready for advanced ideas and
that the reason that we have made
no more progress in this regard has
been because we have lacked vvion
and cooperative effort.

We would urge the importar ' o of
reform in association work as the

only means through or by which we
can solve all the great questions
that are A'^exing us at present. Let
the beekeepers in every state and
section awake to the importance of
this matter at once.

CORRESPONDENCE.

NOTES FROM NORWAY.

Mr. Editor :

I am in receipt of your kind let-
ter of Nov. 24, as well as the
numbers for 1884 of your excel-
lent journal.

With regard to your journal it
is, according to my conception,
the best bee-journal I know. I
receive 2 American, 1 English, 1
French, 1 German, 1 Danish and 1
Swedish bee-journal, but none of
these can be compared to yours.

As to sending you communica-
tions about apiculture in Norway, I
will do that Avith pleasure, though I
believe that it will hardly be of anj'
value for your journal, which has
so many eminent apiarists as
correspondents.

As I am somewhat inexi)erienced,
I can only send you communications
about the Norwegian beekeepers'
efforts to imitate the first apicultur-
ists of the world — the Americans.

Apiculture here has only been
carried on with skeps ; some bee-
keepers have however tried a kind
of frame-hive, called the Einnes,
which however has been found less
suitable and too small. There
have been used also some twin-hives
but this hive-form though frequent-
ly tried, has not shown itself ad-
vantageous. The heath beekeeping
may therefore be considered as the
only one that has had any progress
here : skeps with slaughtering in

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

33

the harvest and some few wintering
hiA'Cs.

There was in 1883 constructed
by rae a hive-form, now generall}'^
known as "Young's hive." It has
16X1 and 16X2 standard frames,
German standard measure, and
this form of hive seems here to be
very suitable.

In the brood-room there are 16X1
standard-frames ; beyond the same
in the super 16X2. Here we only
use extracted honey.

With the introduction of "Young's
hive," beekeeping seems to have
made a very good progress and also
therewith that we in June, 1884,
formed "The Norwegian beekeep-
ers' association." This meets with
general sympathy, and its aim is
to promote an apiculture suitable
for the circumstances. We had
no bee-literature here, only some
antiquated small work. I there-
fore published, in the beginning
of this year, a small guidance :
Praktisk lommebog i tidsmassig
biskjotsel" (Practical Guide for
Beekeepers) which I published,
using "The Modern Beekeeping."
This book has found a very kind
acceptation here, and will as I
hope promote apiculture here. I
take the liberty to send you, Mr.
Editor, a copy of my book, in which
you will find an explanatory engrav-
ing of "Young's hive," which is un-
doubtedly a very good wintering
hive.

On the pages 45 and 46 you will
also find skeps with" Young's side-
supers" behind and beyond. This
small side-super is a quite thin bag
wherein are 6X1 standard-frames.
In these side-supers behind, the
bees enter by means of a
tunnel in the bottom-board, into
the super beyond, through a 3 inch
hole in the top of the skeps and the
super bottom-board beyond the
same. This hole is provided with
perforated metal. These side-su-
pers have shown themselves very

suitable and advantageous, and I
have found them suitable as transi-
tion to frame-hives.

This winter I try, for the first
time, to winter in these and shall
be glad, in the coming spring, to
let you know the result. We al-
ways winter bees on the summer-
stands. To preserve the bees
against the winter's cold, I use for
my small supers double bags of
duppel or another thick substance.

I think your readers have for
this time got enough concerning
the beekeeping here and I must ask
you to be indulgent with the lan-
guage.

Should you after this wish any
more, I shall be glad to write you
more about our beekeeping.

IvAR S. Young.

Christiana, Norioay.

foul brood in AUSTRALIA.

Engineer-in- Chief's Office.
Mr. S. M. Locke :

I have received your letter of
Aug.l, and am exceedingly obliged
to you for the information respect-
ing the cause of "foul brood."
The answers given in the American
Apiculturist were of deep interest
to me. Your wish "that Australia
may escape the curse of foul brood"
cannot be fulfilled, as the disease
is prevalent around Adelaide and
threatens to seriously injure the
beekeeping industry. My hives
were attacked at the end of last
winter and I attempted to effect a
cure by spraj'ing the combs with a
solution of salicylic acid. This
had little effect and the disease
spread rapidly through my apiary.
I then adopted Mr. Muth's method
of cure, viz., removing the combs
and feeding with honey medicated
with salicylic acid, and am pleased
to say that this was most successful.

34

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

In the midst of these operations I
received a, copy of the British Bee
Journal containing Mr. Cheshire's
able paper on"foul brood" and its
cure, b}^ the use of phenol. I at
once commenced feeding, as di-
rected, two diseased colonies and
a decided improvement was soon
apparent. However, I prefer Mr.
Muth's method because the disease
is at once stamped out, whereas
with Mr. Cheshire's plan a cure is
not effected for many weelfs. In
cold climates the loss of combs
and brood may be a serious thing,
but here where brood-rearing is car-
ried on all through the year it is a
small matter.

I am curious to see what the
American writers on bee culture
think of Mr. Cheshire's discovery ;
it appears to me to be very valuable.
Foul brood has been the cause of
the destruction of many colonies in
this country, but at the present
time, the disease has assumed an
epidemic form and is raging in all
directions.

Last September I received direct
from Italy a package containing
eight Italian queens. On opening
the boxes all the queens were found
alive, although one died next day.
They were cleverly packed and had
received no attention from the time
of leaving Bologna until I received
them (35 days).

With kind regards, believe me,
Yours very truly,

A. E. Bonnet.

Adelaide, South Australia,
Nov. 15, 1884.

report from milledgeville, ill.
Dear Sir :

I have taken your excellent jour-
nal commencing with the first No.
and am well pleased with it. I
admire very much your fair way of
dealing with all practical questions.

You also have an excellent corps
of contributors who do not have
nonsensical hobbies to ride but deal
with facts in a practical way. One
other matter of great importance
that I admire is the gentlemanly
way that the discussions are con-
ducted. Wrangling discussions and
personalities are unpleasant and
out of place in any Journal,
and the "Apiculturist" has thus far
been quite free from such, I am
pleased to sa}-.

We commenced the season after
filling spring orders with 80 col-
onies of Italian bees (we tolerate
no others) and have now 115 colo-
nies in winter quarters in good
condition. We winter mostly in
the cellar which we prefer to any
other place after an experience of
twenty-four j^ears in this climate,
having tried, during that time, all
the different modes that looked at
all practicable to us. Our crop of
surplus honey amounted to 5,200
lbs., 2,200 lbs. of which was comb.
A few of our colonies were used
in rearing queens. The season
was below the average with us. I
wish you a happy and prosperous
New Year.

Yours,

F. A. Snell.

beekeeping in the south.

Dear Sir :

Not having time to answer so
many individual inquiries regard-
ing apiculture in this locality, I
thought it best to answer at once
to all through the "Apiculturist"
(with thy permission). Black bees
can be obtained in middle Fla. in
cvpressgums also in southern Geor-
gia at from $2.00 to $4.00. Fal-
coner's or Root's Langstroth hive,
with Simplicity upper, costs $3.25
complete, at this place. They can
be transferred during February.

THE AMERICAN APICULTUBIST.

35

Natural swarming varies as in most
locations according to the condition
of 3'our stocks and the amount of
spring honey flow, cold and wet
weather, etc. ; sa_y alternate years,
this being the off year, next will
probably be one for swarms during
March and April. The first honey
flow ceases about April 1, for a-
bout, say to May 1 to 10, continu-
ing about two or three weeks to
June 1, ceasing again to June 15
to 20 and continuing until about
July 25 to August 10 ceasing again
until Oct., then a light flow until
Dec. 1. Artificial increase may be
safely practised during the second
and third honey flow in any j^ear ;
hazarded in the first, and extra
hazardous in the fourth. Few large
apiaries are without drones any
month in the year except Dec. and
January. The large red ant is the
"unknown quantity" during the
times noted : I have succeeded then
onl}^ by eternal vigilance, and
having my hives placed on benches
standing in water with a film of
kerosene on its surface ; then again,
for mating early queens, the mos-
quito hawk often gets five out
of six, which occurs during last of
March and through April ; last of
Feb. and first of March being bet-
ter than the former for queen-rear-
ing. No surplus to any amount is
taken only from the second and
third flow, although in some seasons
and localities it might be taken
from the first and the last flow, but
you cannot depend upon it. Rob-
bing is also another factor to be
taken into account as there is hard-
ly a day in the year that bees can-
not fly, and woe be to the orphans
where mother is gone ! for then they
will fight neither robbers nor moths
which are always with us, but to
him or her that will do as I have,
success will come at last and it will
consist in close attention to all the
little details; and their sum, when
from one hundred or more stocks,

is then considerable. This waj'', my
friend ! We'll get up and wash our-
selves before the sun, the dew drip-
ping from the live oaks covering
the apiary. The red and mocking
birds are singing. We will walk
out. I will take this stick with a bit
of wire cloth on the end. What for?
To rake down all cobwebs built over
night, and this brush with which,
after first examining any rubbish
on the alighting board, we will brush
aw\ay all dirt, or the small oak
leaves that may have fallen on the
hives, for all must be clean. Look
sharp after wings ! Wings? Yes, my
dear sir, bees' wings. They show
that the ants gave them a tilt last
night and will be back tonight in
full force and finish up the job, when
you must be on hand with your
lantern, kerosene and matches, or
5'our stock is annihilated before
the sun rises ! By the time we have
looked at everyone carefully, there's
the breakfast call, and often I have
waited in the apiar}^ for all to etit
before I could leave until one of
the boys or my wife could take my
place. Then just before retiring
walk around through them without
a light, and listen for the cry of
distress, which if present you will
surely detect after losing fifteen or
twenty colonies ; and so on day by
day through the year and with close
attention and the downright per-
severance and hard work needed
to keep 100 or more stocks in the
best shape, with a heavy crop of
surplus to care for, and low prices
to cheer 3"ou, then only can j'ou be-
gin to comprehend the life of a
successful apiarist. His time for
visiting and attending conventions
etc., do not begin to equal yours of
the north. You can lock yours up
in the earth and then crawl in be-
tween the buffalo robes and after
the cold jingle of bells hie off to
the convention and there coolly dis-
cuss them, while we in our shirt
sleeves are busy with smoker and

THE AMERICAN APTCULTURIST.

veil. Now, friends, you tliat have
written to me for information and
all others desiring it can, I think,
from the above draw 3^our own con-
clusions as to Avhat you can do in
the way of managing bees so as to
build them here in fall and spring
and carry them north for the clover
crop. Ten years ago I would have
thought it would paj?^ to do so, but,
as now I am past forty years, I
hardly think it will.

A. J. Goodwin, M. D.

Neio Smyrna, Florida, Nov., 1884.

the safe vtintering of bees.

Dear Sir :

This is one of the most impor-
tant topics with which we as bee-
keepers have to cope and my success
in this regard has been such that
it may benefit your readers to con-
sider carefully the following.

Tn this communication I shall
hope to supply some needed inform-
ation regarding a properly con-
structed hive and healthful food for
bees as these are inseparaljly con-
nected with success in wintering
and no art or skill can remedy the
defect or mistakes in this particu-
lar.

The hive that I use is called the
New England No. 7 hive and one
upon which I have been employed
for a number of years and embodies
many and oft-repeated experiments.
The hive is constructed in sections ;
the cap, two sections and the base.
The brood-nest is disconnected
from the hive being separated there-

from both beneath and at the sides
so that it can be removed by hand
without any disturbance of the outer
case. The space between the brood-
nest and the hive is packed during
the entire year with buckwheat or
India-wheat or dry sawdust or any
material that is dry and fine. The
object of this packing is to protect
the bees from the extremes of both
heat and cold. The packing be-
neath the brood-nest is serviceable
during winter in that it inclines
the bees to seek the bottom of the
hive (which is the warmest part of
it) instead of at the top. In this
case when the bees drop from the
combs they do not die of exposure
but finding a place among the clus-
ter are warmed and revived. It is
also an advantage to have bees at
the bottom of the hive in spring as
their being there protects the brood
above from the draughts of air.

In my locality tlie last harvest
of honey is gathered'from basswood.
As soon as my surplus from bass-
wood is properl}' sealed, I remove
it and put a set of extra combs in
its place. I then feed strictly pure
granulated sugar food (in the pro-
portions of four pounds of sugar to
one quart of water) until the combs
are filled therewith. In preparing
this food I pour the water in a boil-
ing state upon the sugar and stir it
until it is dissolved. Having these
combs filled at this time in the sea-
son serves the double purpose of
stimulating bees to rear j'^oung
brood for winter use and also to
thoroughly ripen the sugar syrup
food which is of the utmost import-
ance. On no account should au}^ but
an expert attemptlate feeding which
as a rule is unadvisable and a det-
riment to the bees.

Before the fall harvest of honey
is gathered, I remove these combs
filled with sugar syrup food to the
storehouse and also lift out of the
brood-nest all of tlie frames of hon-
ey that are not filled with brood,

THE AMERICAN APIGULTURIST.

37

replacing them in the centre of the
brood-nest with empty combs or
frames filled with foundation. If
the bees gather a large quantity of
fall honey the bee-master must use
his judgment in the matter, supply-
ing room for surplus.

After the colonies have finished
storing fall honey and the brood is
all hatched out, I remove the fall
honey to the storehouse keeping it
for another season for the young
swarms to use while rearing their
brood. In place of this fall honey
thus removed I give combs filled
with sugar syrup food. Upon this
the colonies will feed during the
winter. As a final arrangement I
lay two one inch square sticks cross-
wise over the frames to enable the
bees to pass from one comb to the
other, then cover with two thick-
nesses of burlap or porous cloth
and cover the whole with packing
such as has been described to the
depth of four inches except over
the centre of the brood-nest. Thus
fed and packed on the summer
stands no colonies need be lost dur-
ing winter.

In 1882 I went into winter quar-
ters with sixty colonies. In 1883,
I had eighty-four colonies and I
did not lose one of them. Nov. ] 5,
1882, I put into the cellar a num-
ber of colonies of bees in old hives
with movable frames, fed on su-
gar S3'rup food (as by my former
description). By some mistake one
colony was left in the cellar until
June 29, 1883, when my little
girl informed me there were bees in
the cellar ; and upon examination I
was wonderfully astonished to find
the colony in a perfectly healthy
condition, lively and no traces of
dysentery which was remarkable as
the colony which was a small one,
had been confined about 224 days
and was removed from the cellar
when my other bees were nearly
through with swarming. It was
amusing to see what a grand fly

they had after their long winter's
repose. 1

In this connection I would give
my method of transferring bees.
I do not transfer until late in the
fall when the hive is the most free
from brood and when I am prepar-
ing them for winter. I then drum
out the bees running them into a
hive containing a set of combs filled
with sugar syrup food.

Now, if there be any brood, I cut
it out and transfer it into frames
placing it in the centre of the
brood-nest after which I pack and
prepare the bees for winter. There
are valuable features in this method.
First, you are not obliged to stop
during the busy season to attend
to this work. Second, as all bee-
keepers are aware, if the bees are
transferred in the spring and the
season proves a poor one, while
the expert may overcome this and
build up in time for winter, yet
with the beginner disastrous re-
sults are almost certain to follow
on account of the bees not properly
building up in time for winter.

While I consider strictly pure ^
sugar syrup food, properly sealed,
the best thing for winter stores
(pure clover and bass wood honey
free from fall honey are good, but
more expensive), yet I would cau-
tion my brother beekeepers never
on any account to allow one ounce
of it to be placed in with the surplus
honey.

I trust that these few hints may
prove beneficial to your readers.

HiLAs D. Davis.

EXCHANGES.

Apiculture and Agriculture,
BY T. J. M. (continued). — That
the nutritive qualit}' of the plants
in anj^ growing crop is not dimin-
ished by the abstraction of honey

1 Perhaps those bees hibernated ( ?) EdJ

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

from their blossoms would appear
to be evident from the fact already
referred to, that those plants have
actually thrown off the honey from
the sujyerfiuity of their saccharine
juices, as a matter which they
could no longer assimilate. There
would appear, on the other hand, to
be good reason to believe that the
plants themselves become daily
more nutritive during the period of
their giving off hone}^, that is, from
the time of flowering to that of rip-
ening their seeds. This is a point
upon which, I believe, all agricul-
tural chemists are not quite agreed,
but the testimony of Sir H. Davy
is very strong in favor of it. In
the appendix to his work already
quoted, he gives the results of ex-
periments made conjointly by him-
self and Mr. Sinclair, the gardener
to the Duke of Bedford, upon near-
ly 100 different varieties of grasses
and clovers. These were grown
carefully in small plots of ground
as nearly as possible equal in size
and quality ; equal weights of the
dried produce of each, cut at differ-
ent periods, especially at the time
of flowering and at that of ripened
seeds, were " acted upon by hot
water till all their soluble parts
were dissolved ; the solution was
then evaporated to dryness by a
gentle heat in a proper stove, and
the matter obtained carefully
weighed, and the dry extract, sup-
posed to contain the nutritive mat-
ter of the plants, was sent for
chemical analysis." Sir H. Davy
adds his opinion that this " mode
of determining the nutritive power
of grasses, is sufficiently accurate
for all the purposes of agricultural
investigation." Further on he re-
ports, " In comparing the composi-
tions of the soluble products af-
forded by different crops from the
same grass, I found, in all the
trials 1 made, the largest quantity
of truly nutritive matter in the crop
cut wiien the seed was ripe, and

the least bitter extract and saline
matter — and the most saccharine
matter, in proportion to the other
ingredients, in the crop cut at the
time of flowering." In the instance
which he then gives, as an example,
the crop cut when the seed had rip-
ened, showed nine per cent, less of
sugar, but eighteen per cent, more
of mucilage and what he terms
" truly nutritive matter" than the
crop cut at the time of flowering.
From this it would follow, that dur-
ing the time a plant is in blossom
and throwing oS a superfluity of
saccharine matter in the shape of
honey, the assimilation of true nu-
tritive matter in the plant itself is
progressing most favorably. In
any case it is clear that the honey,
being once exuded, may be taken
away by bees or any otlier insects
(as it is evidently intended to be
taken) without any injury to the
plant, by which it certainly cannot
be again taken up, but must be
evaporated if left exposed to the
sun's heat.

There is, however, a plea put in
by the agriculturist on behalf of
his grazing stock, and one which he
generally seems to consider unan-
swerable ; he says, " even if it be
admitted that the removal of the
honey from my farm is neither ex-
hausting to the soil nor injurious to
the plants of the standing crops,
still it is so much fattening matter,
which might be consumed by my
stock, if it had not been pilfered by
the bees." Now it may at once be
admitted that hone}^ consists, to a
great extent of fattening matter,
though it may be allowable to
doubt whether, in that particular
form, it is exactl}^ suitable as food
for grazing cattle. Although it is
quite true that the saccharine mat-
ter assimilated in the body of a plant
tends to the formation of fat in the
animal which eats and digests that
plant, still one may question the
propriety of feeding the same ani-

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

39

mal on pure honey or sugar. "We
may, however, waive that view of
the subject, as we shall shortly see
that it is only a question of such
homoeopathically small doses as
would not be likely to interfere
with the digestion of the most deli-
cate grazing animal, any more than
they would considerably increase
his weight. Admitting, therefore,
that every pound of hone}' of which
the grazing stock are deprived by
bees, is a loss to the farmer, and
therefore to be looked upon as a
set-off, to that extent, against the
benefits conferred by the bees in
other ways, it will be necessary to
consider to what extent it is possi-
ble that such loss may be occa-
sioned. In the first place it must
be recollected that a large propor-
tion— in some cases the great
bulk — of the honey gathered by
bees is obtained from trees, as, for
instance, the linden in Europe, the
basswood and maple in America,
and in this country the forest trees,
nearly all of which supply rich for-
age for the bee, and everywhere
from fruit trees in orchards ; a large
quantity is gathered from flowers
and flowering shrubs reared in gar-
dens— from clover and other plants
grown for ha}' and not for pasture
— and even in the field there are
man}' shrubs and flowering plants
which yield honey, but which are
never eaten by cattle. Pastures
therefore form but a small part of
the sources from which honey is
obtained, and in dealing with this
grazing question we have to confine
our enquiries to clovers and other
flowering plants grown in open pas-
tures, and such as constitute the
ordinary food of grazing stock. In
order to meet the question in the
most direct manner, however, let
us assume the extreme case of a
large apiary being placed in a dis-
trict where there is nothing else but
such open pastures, and growing
only such flowering plants as are

generally eaten by stock. Now,
the ordinary working range of the
bee may be taken at a mile and a
half from the apiary on all sides,
which gives an area of about 4,500
acres for the supply of the apiary,
and if the latter consists of 100
hives, producing an average of 100
lbs. of honey, there would be a lit-
tle more than 2 lbs. of honey col-
lected off" each acre in the year.
Or, if we suppose so many as 200
hives to be kept at one place, and
to produce so much as ten tons of
honey in the season, the quantity
collected from each acre would be
4 to 5 lbs. — The JSfeiv Zealand and
Australkm Bee Journal.
(To be continued.)

NOTES AND QUERIES,

— The Cure of Diphtheria by use
of Honey : a translation by Arthur
Todd.

It is now some time since the
malady in a certain region in
France carried off" many poor chil-
dren, who had neither doctor nor
medicine.

Now, as soon as the first symp-
toms appear, recourse is had to
honey. A good layer of honey is
spread upon a piece of thick wrap-
ping paper, and this plaster applied
to the throat.

This remedy has had the great-
est success ; so much so that, in the
villages where it is difficult to call
in a doctor, it may be said no more
children die of this dread disease.

Philadelphia, Pa.

— At the last meeting of the
Northwestern beekeepers' associa-
tion, a special committee was ap-
pointed for the purpose of securing
by legislation, laws for the sup-
pression of foul brood, and for
securing statistical reports of ap-
iarian products. We would urge

40

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

all our readers who can render our
western friends the least possible
assistance in this matter to take
bold with a will, and use such in-
fluence as they possess in further-
ing so worthy an object. T. L.
Von Dorn, 820 S. Ave., Omaha,
Neb., is the secretary of said com-
mittee.

— Just as we go to press the fol-
lowing sad and painful intelligence
has come to us from Mr. Chas.
Lake of Baltimore, Md.

Died, in Bait., Md., Jan. 23,1885,
Elenora, only and beloved daugh-
ter of Chas. and Susan Lake, aged
12 years, 2 mos. and 6 days.

A few brief words, but what fath-
er or mother can read them without
mingling their tears of true sym-
pathy with the bereaved parents.

Elenora was beloved by all who
knew her and her loss will be deep-
ly felt not alone at home but among
her acquaintances in the Sunday
School and its associations where
she was a general favorite.

We would also add that Mr.
Lake has been prostrated with
pneumonia and has been unable to
attend to the correspondence that
has come to him of late, but he is
improving and as soon as he is able,
he will reply. Bear with him pa-
tiently ; his burden is heavy.

— We are pleased to state that
Mr. Arthur Todd of Germantown,
Phila., Pa., is prepared to furnish
those who need a remedy for foul-
brood, with the absolute phenol used
in the experiments described by Mr.
Frank Cheshire. Please write to
Mr. Todd for further information.

— The following communication
from Mr. P. H. Elwood is so con-
clusive as to need no comment from
us.

Starkville, N. Y. Jan. 30, 1885.
Dear Sir :

1 congratulate you on the high
compliment paid by the oldest to

the youngest American Bee Jour-
nal. I refer to the adoption by
the A. B. J. of the original and
very valuable question department
of the "American Apiculturist."
This is for publication.

P. H. Elw^ood.

— Remember that the interna-
tional Beekeepers' Convention will
be held at New Orleans Feb. 24,
25, and 26. A very interesting
and profitable time may be ex-
pected and all those who can pos-
sibly attend should do so.

— Ever}^ person who will send
five new subscriptions at $1 .00 each
will receive a queen worth ^1.50.
How many will secure a queen and
thus extend the circulation of the
"Apiculturist."

— Do not be too hasty in adopt-
ing new methods and ideas ; test
them thoroughly on a small scale
before entering into them largely.
Heavy investments sometimes give
large returns but only too often
failure follows unless one makes
haste slowly.

— Do not delay preparations for
spring and summer work until the
season is upon you. It does not
pay. Order your supplies earlj^,
and remember that if you want
good honest work and first-class
material, you should hnoio with
whom you deal. Cheap prices of-
ten mean cheap and unsatisfactory
goods.

— Never ship to a distant market
any honey that you can find a mar-
ket for near liome and use every
endeavor to educate those in your
immediate neighborhood, as to the
value of honey as a food and med-
icine.

— One of the best preventives
of spring dwindling is to keep your
bees warm and not permit them to

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

41

fly when the weather is unfavorable.
If you take them from the cellars
early and leave them on the summer
st^ds, they should be protected
as much as possible from sudden
changes in temperature.

Doctors in beekeeping disagree
in regard to the advisability of
stimulative feeding in early spring ;
but we think that if a proper style
of feeder is used and the bees are
supplied with just what thin syrup
food they will consume daily,
good results will follow, but care
should be taken that the bees are
not induced thereby to breed too
rapidly until warm weather has
come.

This advice may be considered
premature but our readers in the
north will remember that we have
subscribers in every state in the
Union.

— To be able to ascertain the
condition of your colonies without
disturbing them too much and too
often is a valuable feature in prac-
tical and successful beekeeping and
something that we too often neglect
to learn.

— Some of the pages of our
Journal for 1884 were destroyed
and had to be reset, hence we have
been unavoidably Tdelayed in com-
pleting the bound volumes.

— We have justj received from
Messrs. Chas. Dadant & Son some
very fine samples of comb founda-
tion. The heavy for wood comb
has a very thin base with high and
heavy side wall and the light (or
thin) for use in surplus boxes has
a base that is thin enough to suit
the most critical and there is not
an over abundance of wax in the
side walls.

— Every beekeeper should re-
member that if we ever have a sta-
ple honey market and fair prices
for our honey it will be because each
one has performed the duty that

devolves upon him as a member of
the beekeeping fraternity ; and
when each one recognizing this fact
instead of leaving it for others to
do takes hold with a will, there will
be a grand union of effort that will
make itself felt through our land.

—We learn that Mr. D. A.
Jones is preparing for a gathering
of beekeepers at his home and
Island apiaries some time next
summer. Having spent one season
with Mr. Jones we can assure those
who attend that they may look for-
ward to a pleasant and profitable
visit.

BOOK NOTICES AND
REVIEWS.

Mr. Ivar S. Young of Christi-
ania, Norway, has kindly sent us a
copy of his work on apiculture, the
Praktisk lommebog i tidsmassig
biskjotsel (A Practical Guide for
Beekeepers) . We have, as yet, been
too busy to review it, but the gen-
eral make-up of the work is com-
mendable and the illustrations are
fine.

We have just received from
Rev. Wm. Ballantine, Sago, Ohio,
his work entitled "A Practical
Treatise on Bee Culture for Pleas-
ure and Profit." This is an inter-
esting and instructive little manual
and is fully illustrated. For fur-
ther information address the au-
thor.

CONVENTION NOTES.

NORTH AMERICAN BEEKEEPERS' CON-
VENTION.
{ContintKdfromp.'iS^, Vol.11.)
Wednesday, Oct. 29.
Convention called to order at about
9.30 with President Root in the chair.
The first business was the enroll-

42

THE AMERICAN APICULTUBIST.

ment of members and it was decided to
accept 50 cents as the membership fee
for the current year. (The list of
members appeared in last numbei'.)

On recommendation of the program
committee the paper of Thomas G.
Newman, editor of the "American Bee
Journal " on " Marketing Honey " was
read by the Secretary.

Mr. President and Members of the
North American Beekeepers' Society.

I am requested to send you a short
article on the above subject, but I shall
not attempt to go over the well-defined
and oft-repeated rudimentary rules for
the management and preparing honey
for the markets of the world. These
items have been fully discussed at pre-
vious meetings, and I have nothing fur-
ther to add to the views already
expressed. But there is one thing that
it will be well to discuss, and not leave
it there, but to appoint a committee
whose duty it shall be to address the
railroad companies of America and de-
mand in the name of this society re-
dress in the matter of the classification
of bees and honey. Hives of bees are
classed at double first-class rates which
is very unjust, making the charges
equal to those for sending by express.
Then by the mistaken use of the word
" hive " for colony, empty hives are by
many railroads classed the same as
those containing bees greatly to the
detriment of those who buy hives from
manufacturers. They should go as emp-
ty boxes at about one-eighth of the
cost now demanded for freight by some
railroads.

In the matter of shipping honey to
market the classification is so high that
it amounts to almost a robbery ; and to
seek relief some beekeepers ship ex-
tracted honey as "syrup" at less than
half the rates demanded for honey.
Tariflfs ought to be revised and liquid
honey should be rated the same as sy-
rup. Those beekeepers who have a
desire to be exactly right and feel deli-
cate about the matter of shipping
honey as syrup are therefore compelled
to pay double the amount which their
less scrupulous neighbors have to pay
for freight to the large marts of the
world.

Some grades of syrup sell as high as
honey and there is no reason why both
should not be graded alike when one
is as easily and cheaply handled as the
other.

Eegretting my inability to be pres-
ent allow me to suggest that you ap-
point a committee to confer with the
different railroad companies and in-

struct them to endeavor to get these
things adjusted on an equitable and
reasonable basis.

Mr. Pettit in opening the discussion
upon this subject, urged the importance
of taking more trouble to induce gro-
cers and others to keep honey for sale,
as much more honey would be sold by
so doing, and that, in Ontario, honey is
put into boxes and glassed on one side,
and tissue paper is put on the bottom to
prevent leakage.

Mr. Dodge thought that we did not
ask a sufficiently high price for extract-
ed honey as compared with comb
honey.

Mr. W. E. Clark claimed that the
beekeepers were more to blame for
the condition of the honey market
than the dealers or consumers, and ex-
plained that the local market in Oneida
County could have been kept at 20 cts.
had not a neighbor of his, who had a
good crop of honey, rushed it on the
market early in the season at 16 cents
per pound and broke the market. He
had rather sell his extracted honey
at 15 cents than his comb at 20 cents,
if the honey is extracted before being
capped. He advocated holding on to
our honey and advised that holders
should not all endeavor to undersell
each other, thus glutting the market
and lowering the prices.

Mr. Betsinger advocated making an
eflbrt to secure reduced freight rates,
and ui"ged that we take care not to
overload the local markets. Last year
he saved one-half of freight in ship-
ping honey.

Comb honey will always be a lux-
ury and never come into general use.
He would urge the production of ex-
tracted honey to take the place of
butter, etc.

Mr. Bacon believed that the trouble
in marketing honey is that the people
are not properly educated and do not
understand why comb honey should
bring a better price than extracted.
He never sold his honey less than 18
cents, but this season another party
came in and sold honey for 15 cents,
while he was selling at 18 cents.

Mr. Dodge agreed with Mr. Clark
that local markets could be built up to
a certain extent, but where a bee-
keeper has 150 colonies of bees and
produces 8,000 to 10,000 pounds of
honey, he must ship it to the large
cities.

Mr. T. O. Peet claimed that ex-
tracted honey was not as good as comb
honey, unless extracted after it was
capped.

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

43

Mr. Hall said that the price of honey
was beyoDd the control of the large
dealers. He never sold his honey less
than 12i cents wholesale, and 15 cents
retail, the purchaser paying for the
package. This year he was obliged
to cut down to 9.i cents at the door in
order to compete with a party who
peddled honey for 10 cents, taking pay
in potatoes, etc. ; but after the party
sold out he placed it at 10 cents. Par-
ties who will go wild with the honey
should be treated with contempt, as
they can neither be controlled or edu-
cated.

Mr. Will Ellis said, that the great
cause of the fall in prices is that the
producers instead of the consumers
manage to cut prices by competition.

Mr. Pierce said that he put up his
honey in as inviting a manner as pos-
sible, and tried to hold the prices at a
fair standard.

Mr. Locke then showed ajar having
upon it a label " Thurber's best white
comb honey, from H. K. c& F. B. Thur-
ber & Co., New York." The jar had
a glass cover which was so grained
that it was impossible to read through
it, and upon removal of this was found
a notice explaining the contents of
the jar which was in all probability
placed there for the purpose of satis-
fying the law. He claimed that the
jar contained adulterated honey, and
that the label was an evident misrep-
resentation of the contents of the jar.

As Mr. N. E. Dodge of Fredonia,
N. Y., had handed in the question
" How and when shall we market our
extracted honey?" bearing on the same
subject, it was agreed to consider it
in connection therewith.

It was moved by Mr. Peet and sec-
onded by Mr. Hall :

Besolved, That this convention rec-
ommend to beekeepers the desirable-
ness of taking more pains in placing
their honey on the market in the most
attractive manner, both extracted and
comb honey, and attaching their names
thereto, and that they discountenance
all efforts to bear down the market by
slovenly beekeepers and dealers who
adulterate it.

Mr. L. C. Root considered the point
made by Mr. Newman regarding rail-
road rates on honey as well taken, and
thought that it would be well to ap-
point a committee as suggested.

After some talk it was decided to
make the vice presidents of the asso-
ciation a committee to consult with
the railroad authorities regarding
rates.

The meeting then adjourned and as-
sembled on the front steps of the City
Hall, where the group was photo-
graphed.

FOURTH SESSION.

The convention was called to order
at 2 p. M., Mr. L. C. Eoot in the chair;
and at the suggestion of the committee
on programmes, reports from the vice
presidents were read as follows : O. O.
Poppleton, Iowa, Dr. J. P. H. Brown,
Georgia, and W. S. Hart, Florida. Mr.
W. F. Clark then read his paper on
"Wintering Bees." He claimed that
at present there was no safe and relia-
ble method of wintering bees, and that
we are bee-learners ; while every other
branch of beekeeping has made won-
derful progress during the last twenty
years, wintering has been at a stand-
still. We should pay more attention
to the hibernation of bees as, if bees
are well provided with shelter and
food and can hibei-nate, they will win-
ter well. He asserted that if we were
to give bees a domicile impervious at
the top, having side walls, so that the
frost will not strike through and con-
dense vapor inside, give them food and
supply a perpendicular air column be-
neath, we shall solve the winter prob-
lem. The great desideratum is pure
air and plenty of it in a receptacle not
too large for them to regulate the
temperature. The bees generate their
own heat, and if it is wasted they
must consume too much food and then
they become distended with faeces and
cannot sink into perfect quiet which is
their normal condition in winter.

Mr. Clark described a hive -stand, a
model of which he exhibited. It was
so constructed as to give the bees a
vertical air-shaft under the hive. He
requested each beekeeper present to
give his method a trial with at least
one colony of bees the coming winter.

Quite a spirited discussion followed
the reading of this paper. Mr. Isham
asked Mr. Clark if he had ever put his
theory into practice and admitted that
he had not, but was going to try it this
winter.

Mr. Ira Barber gave his plan of win-
tering as given on page 60, Vol. II,
" Am. Api." He also stated that he
thought that if bees are fed on coffee
A sugar or one kind of food, they
will keep quiet ; but if they have two
or more kinds or a change of food
there is a stimulating change produced
in the bees which arouses them to their
detriment. Sugar food is by all means
the best. Allow the bees about twenty-

44

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

five pounds of winter stores. Bees do
not hibernate wlien tlie temperature
is above 50°. Bees do not breed ex-
tensively wlien wintered in a warm
temperature.

Mr. Hall corroborated Mr. Barber's
statements. His cellar is 12 ft. X 12
ft. X 6 ft., and holds 115 colonies of
bees. The temperature was not less
than 48° nor more than 62°, and the
bees were quiet at from 48° to 60°.
Last winter he only lost three colonies
in that cellar.

Last winter he had another reposi-
tory under a workshop or dwelling,
ventilated through a tube running
150 feet under ground, put in 112 col-
onies and took out 102 colonies. Nine
of the number starved ; temperature
never under 48° or over 52°.

He had another repository on the
" Jones' plan," but could not keep it at
an even temperature ; sudden changes
of temperature make the bees uneasy.
He said that Mr. Doolittle in copying
Mr. Barber's plan made a failure in
using a coal oil stove, which poisoned
the bees. Give them a good egress of
ventilation instead of an ingress. His
bees were put into winter quarters
just as they set on the summer stands,
excepting that before he places them
in the cellar he removes the cushions
from the tops of the hives. He allows
the colonies about twenty pounds of
winter stores.

Mr. C. C "Van Deusen. Bees with
me hibernate when considerably warm,
but I do not know the temperature.

The next topic considered was the
place of meeting, and Detroit, Mich.,
was chosen by a large majority, and
then made unanimous by the conven-
tion, after which followed the election
of officers as given last month. It was
voted that a committee be appointed
to fill vacancies in the list of vice
presidents, and Messi's. Peet, Vander-
vort and C. C. Van Deusen were so
appointed.

The President, fli'st Vice President,
Secretary, Treasurer, and Miss Lucy

A. Wilkins of Farwell, Mich., were
chosen to be the executive committee
for the ensuing year.

A committee of arrangements was
then appointed, consisting of Mr. A.

B. Weed of Detroit, Mich., Prof. A. J.
Cook of Lansing, Mich., James Hed-
deu of Dowagiac, Mich., and H. D.
Cutting of Clinton, Mich.

It was then announced that copies
of the photograph taken at the door
could be had for $2.00 each.

The meeting then adjourned.

THK NORTH AMEKICAN BEEKEEPERS
ASSOCIATION.

The executive committee of •ihis as-
association has decided to hold the next
annual meeting at Detroit, Mich., Dec.
8, 9, and 10, 1885.

If there is any reason why this date
is undesirable it should at once be made
known, that the commitlce may be gov-
erned accordingly.

L. C. Root, Pres.

W. Z. Hutchinson, Sec.

northeastern
beekeepers' association.

Our experience at the late conven-
tion of the Northeastern Beekeepers'
Association, held at Syi'acuse, was
most pleasant and instructive. It is
gratifying to see that great and impor-
tant changes are coming over our old
system of conducting couventiorjs.
One would hardly judge from the pleas-
ant faces and cheerful greetings that
beekeeping last season gave poor re-
turns or that the honey market was
glutted.

Those present seemed determined
to grapple with the difficulties and
overcome them and the result will be
that hereafter we shall be more united
in our efi"orts.

It has been impossible for us to pre-
pare the reports in time for this num-
ber but they will appear next month
and here we would state that if, at any
time any of our readers should fail to
receive their journal, or if they wish
other sample copies of any particular
number to use, remember that we
will, as in the past, most willingly fur-
nish them if you will drop us a postal
card to that efl'ect.

ANSWEB8 TO QUESTIONS IN
DEC. NO.

BY A. P. COWAN.

As I take much interest in the short
acquaintance I have had with the Ques-
tion and Answer column,! will answer
your questions.

1. 93.

2. Mostly Italians.

3. Doolittle hive with side and top
storage and Gallup frame.

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

45

4. On summer stand packed in chaflf.
In Oct. I pack the 5 in. space in each
end of the hive, also tlie 8 in. cap, first
putting 3 or 4^ in. square sticks over
frames to afford passage for bees from
one frame to the other. Usually have
covered these sticks with cotton batting
quilts or other porous substances.

This winter am trying enamelled
cloth closely fitted in as an experiment
on a number of colonies. In Nov., I
place a box 4 inches larger than the
hive, all around over each and pack in
and over with chaff", leaving entrance
fX14 in. for fiight and air.

5. 20 to 30 lbs. I think about J
clover; the rest gathered during buck-
wheat bloom.

6. 3 per cent, latter part of winter
and early spring.

7. Plenty of well ripened honey or
sugar syrup and so prepared as to keep
quiet ; pollen does not scare me.

8. Answered in No. 4.

9. No confinement. My bees con-
sume about 25 lbs. as I stimulate quite
early by the mixing brood system.

If I have taken too much space in
giving answers, cut short, if you see fit
to give them a place at all. I make
these remarks as I have sent in ray re-
port to what is generally termed two of
the leading Journals, viz., "Gleanings"
and the "A. B. Journal", and have not
been able to see them again after sealing
rayletteraud Ihave read them both pret-
ty closely for the past six years. Per-
haps it is because I do not use the
Laugstroth hive.

Cirattan, Kent Co., Mich.

ANSWEB8 TO QUESTIONS IN
JAN. NO.

ANSWERS BY E. E. HASTY.

1. The great variety of hives in
use is an evil ; but the evil is a neces-
sary one, and arises from the laudable
desire for improvement. The attempt
to use the public opinion of beekeep-
ers into a despotic power, and ordain
a hive that must be used anyhow, can
result in nothing but mischief. Grad-
ually the undesirable forms will perish
until nothing remains but the last new
novelties and a few tried and excellent
standard hives.

2. To tell the honest truth on the
subject, both to their customers and to

all mankind. Here goes a decayed
turnip at the head of the man who
would have us all put our fingers on
our lips and say "S — h !" for fear some-
body might be frightened out of pur-
chasing. The most practical remedy
is to cultivate direct acquaintance be-
tween honest producers and honest
retailers. Be enterprising and obliging
as well as honest, and nearly every
apiary will come to have a large retail
trade at its own door.

3. Let him eat it up. Should he
decline, I still think it would hardly
pay to send him a missionary. Just
let liim alone. If our craft cannot sur-
vive the competition of 20 lb. caps and
tin milk pans it must be in a pretty bad
way.

4. This question rather mixes me.
I hate conventions bad enough, but
not for any such reason as here indicat-
ed. The Chinese-wall policy of some
honey kings may be all right, as far as
financial tactics go ; but something
within me pleads against it. The Journ-
als have been careless and done mis-
chief in the past; but they are doing
better now, and should have a rest.

5. Not by overstating its medical
properties, or by denying that it some-
times causes aches and pains. A little
handbill giving a fair statement of the
case, and correctly pointing out the
adulterated state of other forms of
sweet might serve the turn. Distribute
abundantly ; and give a copy with each
package of honey sold. The delicious
flavor of honey, and its dainty beauty
must do most of the work, by direct
appeal to the senses of sight and taste.
Get people to notice honey and taste of
it, and they will soon want to buy.
Let the price be moderate, and you may
hope that they will become habitual
users.

6. The most important question
is. What kind of a bee is the coming bee
to be?

We greatly need an impartal testing
apiary where diflerent races and strains
could be subjected to an even test in
the hands of a competent, non- interest-
ed, salaried keeper. And without fear
or favor — every year, and for every
strain of bees — a full report should be
made, hiding nothing.

ANSWERS BY A. J. COOK.

1. People difi'er so greatly in taste
and judgment, that we cannot greatly

46

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

lessen the variety of hives, etc., though
there can be no doubt but that a re-
duction to one or at most to two or
three standai'd sizes and forms would
be an immense gain.

That it is possible to devise such a
hive as indicated there cau be no doubt ;
that we can prevail upon all to adopt it
is a question big with doubt.

2. To do all in their power by pre-
cept and example — as 1 think nearly
all now do — to prevent it. Also to se-
cure such legislation as will throttle
this ubiquitous demon.

3. Easily ; by securing his honey in
the nicest shape, and demanding the
highest price in the market for it.

4. In ray judgment they are all
wrong. The whole history of civiliza-
tion and all progress in every art re-
fute their position. Even sewing
machines and reapers had to meet just
such an outcry. Apicultural progress
is wonderful. It is largely due to what
is denounced.

5. By getting it on to every table
and in every household in the land.

6. The question of how we may ob-
tain full and accurate statistics in re-
gard to our business. The good of
our art calls loudly for such knowledge.
Like any other great need, we must
and will soon obtain it.

QUESTIONS BY A NOVICE.

1. For successful wintering, why
should frames be any deeper than the
perpendicular diameter of the cluster
occupying them ?

2. Can anyone give a scientific (not
theoretical) reason, why bees will not
winter as well on frames 9^ inches deep
as on deeper ones, all other points be-
ing the same?

3. Does the depth of a frame have
any bearing whatever upon the matter
of wintering ; if so, what and why ?

4. In preparing our bees for winter-
ing on summer stands do we gain any-
thing by removing frames of comb, and
putting division boards in their place ;
if so, why?

5. Taking the bees alone into con-
sideration, is a frame hive any safer
for wintering on summer stands, than
the old box hive; if so, why?

6. Do the expert beekeepers of to-
day really kiiow any more about winter-
ing, than did those of forty years ago r

ANSWERS BY G. W, DEMAREE.

1. I have never been able to see
any reasons, either in theory or in fact,
why the depth of a hive for any pur-
pose should be greater than its diame-
ter.

2. In my judgment, no one has
ever yet given a scientific or a sound
theoretic reason why bees will not win-
ter as well on frames 9| inches deep
as on deeper ones. I believe that the
facts show that bees winter better on
the shallow frames.

3. I really believe it does. On the
same principle that a room with a low
ceiling is more easily warmed than the
same with a higher ceiling, a shallow
hive is more easily warmed by the bees
than a deeper one. Besides, a shallow
brood chamber necessitates a greater
length of frame, and this enables the
bees to get at their stores by moving
with the openings between the frames
rather than to have to cross over the
frames to get their feed.

4. In this climate nothing is gained
by removing combs and substituting
them witli division boards. A comb
makes a better division board than
wood. I have never found my bees
clustered next to the wood in winter.

5. The old idea that a "bee gum"
has no other signification than a mere
domicile for bees to live in, still clings
to modern apiarists. The idea ought
to be exploded. Movable frames in
the beehive are implements by means
of which the apiarist manipulates and
controls his bees. Hence they are not
put into the hive for the "bees alone"
Looking at the matter in this light I
claim no superiority for the frame hive
over a well made box, so far as win-
tering bees is concerned.

6. Modei-n apiarists have learned
how to feed bees when short of stores
in winter, and by reason of this knowl-
edge, thousands of colonies are saved
now, that would have perished under
the care of our fathei's forty years ago.
Outside of this, little knowledge has
been gained so far as the science of
wintering is concerned.

In my opinion more bees are coddled
to death by the theorists and chafl"
stuflers, than would die if left to shift
for themselves, after the fashion of our
fathers of forty years ago.

Christianshurg , Ky.

THE AMEBIC AN APICULTURIST.

47

ANSWERS BY A.

COOK.

1. Ill cellar vvinteriug, which I
think mucli the most desirable in our
cold climate the form of the frame is
immaterial. In the cold spring, when
set on summer stands, a square frame
like Gallup form, gives most compact
brood chamber. Then there are few
bees, and must l)e rapid brood rearing.
This requires a warm brood chamber,
and I have found it best secured in the
square frame.

2, 3. Answered above.

4. Yes, for reasons stated above.
We make brood chambers smaller and
so the space to be kept warm is les-
sened. Nothing so prevents spring
dwindling as a small close brood cham-
ber.

5. Yes, as we can contract brood
chamber.

6. I think very much more.

ANSWERS BY E. E. HASTY.

1. The objects of tall frames are to
get the bees well above the level of the
entrance, and so out of the way of di-
rect draughts of air; also to get the
store of honey directly over the bees,
so that they can always have sure ac-
cess to food during long cold spells.
Practically, however, the first of these
seems to be of very slight advantage
if any al all ; and the second appears
to bring with it a very decided disad-
vantage.

2. Reasons can be given on both
sides ; but my experience is that bees
on Langstroth frames winter best.

3. Yes, in too many ways to recount
in an answer like this. To mention
one, if there are three or four inches of
solid honey above the cluster frost will
collect there heavily during severe
weather; and every mild spell this
frost will melt and run down among
the bees.

4. I have doubts. As there is much
less honey to keep in order, the bees
do not have to make slop-buckets of
their stomachs in so much "mopping
up." The extra combs of honey keep
much better in the comb-closet.

5. Probably not.

6. Yes. Forty years ago people
thought bees became dormant by cold,
and ceased to eat. The apiarists of
to-day generally know that there is

much yet to learn — a very great ad-
vance. Those of forty years ago
strongly inclined to think they knew
it all. Although much of our experi-
mental knowledge is in rather a cha-
otic state just now, order and truth
will come out of it. The insinuation
that all is nonsense, tit only to be
dumped overboard, is a very foolish
and mischievous one.

QUESTION BY J. B. HALL.

I would like to ask through the "Api.
culturist" of any that have had any ex-
perience with Caucasian bees, if they
find the queen prolific and the bees as
good honey gatherers as other races
tried by them."

questions by w. .j. rasin.
Dear Sir:

I have had a rather strange expe-
rience with one of my colonies, the
cause of the trouble being a mystery to
me, but hope through the medium of
your paper and your assistance, to have
some light tlirown on the subject.
The facts of the case are as follows :

1. About the middle of last Octo-
ber, I obtained an Italian queen from
Mr. Alley, and introduced her to a col-
ony which had been queenless about a
week. There being no brood left by the
old queen, there had been no cells
started; but, to be sure of that, I care-
fully examined every comb at time of
introducing the new queen.

2. New queen was apparently ac-
cepted as many eggs were found upon
next examination, about one week af-
terwards ; the eggs were evenly dis-
tributed, one in a cell, so that I am
satisfied they were not laid by fertile
workers.

3. On January 31, the thermometer
stood at 40° Fahr. in the shade, at
noon, and 68° on the slope of the hill
where the sun shines on my apiary;
but did not notice any bees flying from
any of my chafl" hives, in one of which
this particular colony is (No. 8). Hav-
ing looked at them all at that hour,
later in the day about 3 o'clock I hap-
pened to see, on the large alighting
board in front of No. 8, the queen
nearly dead, but apparently from the
effect of the cold, the sun having then
ceased to shine there, the general tem-
perature of the air being about 40°.

4. Alter taking the queen into the

48

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

house with a few other chilled bees,
she, as well as the others, revived so as
to be quite lively, but it then being
quite late in the day, I concluded to
keep them in the house until the warm-
est part of the following day, when I
expected to carefully open the hive and
let them run down from the top of
cluster.

5. Much to regret the queen and
one worker were dead in the cage next
morning, which I now believe to have
been the result of becoming daubed
with some honey I had given them (I
have learned one lesson).

6. The queen either came out or
was brought out alive by the workers ;
she certainly was not dead when I found
her, so that she could not have died in
the hive and been brought out dead.

7. The question now becomes. Is
this queen the one I introduced last
fall, or is she a virgin queen, raised
from the Alley queen which the bees
may have after all superseded?

" This question I hope you will con-
sider of enough importance to have
settled by dissection by an expert. I
accordingly send the dead queen here-
with enclosed. If she was the old
queen it may throw some light on the
subject of colonies being sometimes
found queenless in the spring of the
year.

[These questions are interesting and
important. We have learned of one
other case quite similar to this, but
the queen was dead. We have been
too busy to make a microscopic exam-
ination of the queen as yet ; but will
answer in our next number. — Ed.

g^^The following convention report
came to hand just as the Journal
was going to press.

SECKETAllY'S OFFICE,
NEBRASKA BEEKEEPERS' ASSOCIATION.

Johnson, Neb., Jan. 28, 1885.

KD. APICULTURIST, SALEM, MASS.
DEAR SIR,

I am authorized to send you a report
of the meeting of the Nebraska State
Beekeepers'Association held at Tecum-
seh, Neb., Jan. 14, 15 and 16, '85.

Announced by the state papers gen-
erally, yet, on account of the extreme
cold and stormy weather, but few of
the members were present the first day

of the session. More came in the sec-
ond day and with the addition of new
members a very interesting meeting
was had.

T. L. Van Dorn of Omaha and L. L.
Thomas of Plattsmouth were re-elected
President and Vice President; W. F.
Wright of Johnson, Neb., Secretary,
and K. E. Leach of York, Treasurer.

The report made by President Van
Dorn aud Ex-Secretary, M. L. Trester,
of Lincoln, to the Association as dele-
gates to the Beekeepers' Convention at
Chicago last fall elicited general dis-
cussion.

Mr. Trester read a very interesting
paper on an experiment made by him
1 he past year to ascertain at what age
(lees commence to work. Mr. Trester's
paper brought out many facts that were
new to most of those present and by
resolution he was requested to publish
his experiment in the papers of the
state.

The form of bill to be presented to
the Legislature now in session for their
action was drafted expressing the
wishes of the Association for a more
thorough organization, and for the pro-
tection of the beekeepers of the state.

A feeling seemed to exist among the
members for such an organization to
more fully represent the bee interests
of the state, aud will without doubt re-
sult in the formation ere long of an
organization the good effects of which
will be felt all over the state, and rank
second to none in the "United States"
in their line of work.

In regard to the "Hunt Honey Fraud"
the executive connnittee was fully sus-
tained by the association in their oppo-
sition to the introduction of adultera-
ted honey into the state by F. H. Hunt
of Central Point, Iowa, which has re-
sulted in the removal of such honey
from the state.

Honorable M. L. Margraves of Hia-
watha, Kansas, was found to be present
and on motion was elected Honorary
members.

The topics discussed were generally
led by G. M. Hawley aud M. L. Tres-
ter of Lincoln, R. V. Muir of Browns-
ville, T. L. Whitbeck of Wahoo, J.
N. Grant of Beatrice, T. L. Corbett
and L. L. Thomas of Plattsmouth, and
Mrs. Heuter of Columbus, all old vet-
erans in the manipulation of bees.

By resolution the next annual meet-
ing will be held at Lincoln the second
Wednesday of January, 1886.

W. F. Wright,

Secretary

The American Apiculturist

§. lournal ^tbottH ia BtmxMc mxH Uratliral gnkwphtg.

ENTERED AT THE POST-OFFICE, SALEM, AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER.

Published Monthly. S. M. Locke, Publisher & Prop'r.

VOL. III.

SALEM, MASS., MARCH, il

No. 3.

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All communications should be addressed
to S. M. Locke, Salem, Mass.

HYBRID HONEY SAGES OF
CALIFORNIA.

By W. A. Pryal.

A writer in the Kansas Beekeep-
er claims that the plant figured and
described in several magazines and
papers, including some of the bee
journals, as the "white sage" is
not the white sage, at all ; that in-
stead it is a hybrid, being a cross
between the black sage and the
white sage. The former is the chief
honey sage of California, comes into
bloom long before the white, and
furnishes a good share of the honey
crop before the bees work on the
latter kind. Comb made of the
honey from it is perfectly white
and the honey is as clear as it is
possible for honey to be.

The leaves of the black variety
are of a dark green hue and are
rather narrow when compared with
the white. On account of the dark

color of the leaves it is called the
"black sage." It is also called
"ball" or "button" sage for the
reason that its flowers "ball" round
the stalk.

The title "the white sage of Cal-
ifornia" is known the world around
and has so impressed itself because
of the famous honey gathered there-
from and which honey takes its
name as is apparent from the name

White Sage.
of the plant. Considerable of the
honey thus designated is really
not white sage honey but, in a good
measure, black sage honey. Still,
the distinction does not matter
much to the consumer, both are
excellent and are "California sage
honey."

The flowers of the white sage
(49)

50

THE AMERICAN APICULTUBIST.

plant, says the writer above allud-
ed to, stand out separate and alone
on its stem although there are many
of them. The plant itself "is
magnificent and stately," to quote
the same writer again, "and shoots
up its tall stems every season,
straight as an arrow from the root
and growing from 5 to'lO ft. high.
Two leaves appear on the stalk
exactly opposite each other."

Besides these two distinct kinds
there are, we learn from Rev. J. C.
Nevin, of Los Angeles, in the
California Apiculturist, that there
are one-half dozen species to be
found on the coast.

The hybrid kinds are destined to
be much better than the parents.
Those that are now to be found
wild throughout the southern part
of the state are fine specimens of
sage growth, and no doubt, by
cultivation and artificial crossing
with special plants of other varie-
ties which show remarkable and
good qualities, some new varieties
may be originated which may yet
far excel any of the wild ones
now found' in the sage region.

Exceedingly fine varieties of
fruits and flowers have been ob-
tained in this manner and there is
not the possibility of a doubt that
the same results would lead to some
varieties of sage that would not
only be a bonanza to the apiarist
but also a novelt}^ to the florist.

A short time since I wrote to a
gentleman who has manifested
much interest in the flora of this
state and who has been studying
up the class to which the Califor-
nia honey sages belong. Here, let

me say that the white sage seed,
from which the plant was grown
which furnished the subject for the
engraving used in VicJc's Magazine
and in Gleanings in Bee Culture,
was sent to the writer at his in-
stance and request by one of the
most intelligent beekeepers in Ven-
tura Co. ; that he also obtained
seed from another beekeeper of
large experience and whose knowl-
edge of flowers was no mean one ;
that both these persons sent the
seed as that of the genuine Cali-
fornia white honey sage .; that the
drawing was made by an artist
who understood his work and cop-
ied true to nature ; that the
sketch sent the engraver was cor-
rect ; that the engraver in transfer-
ring it to wood did deviate a little,
but not enough to change ma-
terially the nature of the plant ;
that the flower is as near like the
natural flower as the engraver's
art could well make it.

The writer sent seeds obtained
from plants grown from seed he
obtained from his Ventura corres-
pondent to the gentleman, Mr. A.
Norton, already alluded to, and
that gentlemen writes as follows :
" I did not see the article you re-
fer to in the Kansas Beekeeper. I
am familiar with white sage, both
practically and botanically. Have
observed it and all other Audiber-
tias closely. Have not seen the
plants from ?/o?<r seed bloom. But
I have several plants a foot high
from seed I got of you last year,
and can assure you beyond a-doubt
that yours is genuine Audihertia
polystachya, or white sage.

THE AMERICAN APIGULTURIST.

51

Furthermore, white sage belongs
to a generic section by itself and
is too far botanically different from
any other Audibertia to hybridize.
Also, if it had or would do so any-
where, it would be in the southern
counties where three or four species
grow together. But no such hy-
brid, sport or variety is noticed in
the ' Geological Survey : Botany,'
which is very minute in its way of
noticing,"

Now, this reliable information
upsets a pet notion of the writers ;
that is, crossing the several kinds
of honey sages to produce a new
variety. Still, there is a chance
of obtaining a sport that may be
of merit.

Until the Beekeeper's corres-
pondent can produce better evi-
dence than he has, the cut in Vick's
Magazine must be accepted as a
representation of the true white
sage.

No. Temescal, Cal.

AFTER-SWARMS, ARE
THEY PROFITABLE ?

By G. W. Demakee.

Perhaps much depends on lo-
calit}^ honey resources, etc., as to
whether after-swarms can be made
profitable even when increase is
desirable. In a location like my
own, "after swarms" have always
cost me in way of foundation, win-
ter stores, etc., as much as they are
worth. I think, however, if we are
willing to buy increase, we may as
well obtain it in this way.

I commenced at this place with
just one colony of Italian bees, and
by allowing but one prime swarm
as a general thing, I built up an
apiary of fifty colonies and made
them pay a profit on the investment
all the time. I found out when it
was too late to profit by it, that I
should have found it more profitable
to go more slowly, by suppress-
ing all but first, or prime, swarms.
When my apiary was built up to
fifty colonies, I began to see the
necessity of suppressing inci'ease,
and I began to test all the plans
given to the public by experienced
bee masters.

One season I "cut out queen
cells" till I was positively sick of
the job, and got a lot of inferior
queens as the results. Next, I
tried the plan of giving the parent
colony a mature queen cell, after
removing the cells which had caused
the swarm. This did not prevent
other cells from being started,
hence the after-swarms,as a general
rule, would come a little in advance
of the natural time, that is all.

Well, I next commenced to weak-
en the swarming colonies by re-
moving frames of brood from time
to time, and substituting therefor
frames filled with foundation. This
suppressed the swarming fever,
and "suppressed" my honey crop
also, and I dropped it.

Other methods were tried with
unsatisfactory results, till along
came the "Heddon plan of pre-
venting after-swai-ms." I took to
it quite naturally, as a drowning
man will catch at straws, and
after trying it, I found that in my

52

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

location it would give about the
following results : one colony out
of ten will cast an after-swarm in
the usual way, except that the
swarm will be smaller than usual ;
one-fifth of the swarms will"swarm"
by reason of the relay of bees
from the parent colony. One colony
out often will "lay out" and "sulk"
away the best of the honey season,
while nearly all of the parent col-
onies are too nearly exhausted to
do any good in way of surplus
honey.

The rest of the swarms will
"work like a charm," and the work
we had to do, to perform the divers
manipulations to carry out the
schedule, was any thing but"charm-
ing." Well, the Heddon plan in
our location, like the others, was
found a "vain hope."

By this time my apiary exceeded
one hundred colonies, and I began
to get desperate, and to have
visions of the brimstone pits.

If my judgment is not seriously
at fault not one honey producer in
ten can find sale for his surplus
bees at a price that will cover
the cost of hive foundation and
winter stores. As long as this
state of things exists, some reliable
method to suppress increase will
be a great desideratum.

After trying many experiments,
I believe the cheapest and most
satisfactory way of preventing after-
swarms is to pinch the cells which
cause the swarming, immediately
after the swarm issues, and turn
loose among the bees a virgin queen
from one to four days old. This
plan is not "new," it is only the

application of a little sound phi-
losophy. Bees never start queen
cells in the presence of a virgin
queen over one day old, if they
have accepted her. It is this start-
ing of queen cells that does all the
mischief.

To prevent swarming altogether,
my new system of dividing the
colony in two divisions, employing
the queenless divisions to produce
the surplus honey, and the parent
division to produce bees, reuniting
them as soon as the swarming sea-
son is mainly past,will answer the
purpose to perfection. But more
time is needed to ascertain if the
plan is altogether practicable.

Christiansbwy, Ky.

ON THE ORIGIN OF THE
CELLS OF THE HIVE BEE.

By Arthur Todd.

The cell of the hive bee has for
many centuries called forth the
wonder of naturalists and indeed
of all observers.

Why should, or how should, so
comparatively humble a creature,
in the construction of its comb,
select that precise form which of-
fers the greatest economy of form
and material?

Granting that the bee possesses
no inconsiderable share of intelli-
gence, we can scarcely conceive of
her having made sufficient progress
in the higher mathematics to select
knowingly the precise angles which
arc best adapted to the object in

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

53

view. Hence, not a few writers,
even to the present day, maintain
that we have here a typical case of
"instinct" in the old acceptation of
the word — that is, of blind uncon-
scious, untaught action, producing
results which man can only reach
by dint of highly cultivated reason.

So many of these so-called in-
stincts have lately found a scien-
tific explanation that naturalists of
the old school have recognized the
cell of the bee as one of their last
entrenchments.

It is therefore very satisfactory
that Herr K. Mullenhoff has found
a quite simple and satisfactory
solution of the question, which
neither admits of any mysterious
instinct nor, on the other hand,
credits the bee with the knowledge
of the differential calculus.

Taking first a preliminary view
of the case, we find that Pappus
fifteen hundred years ago, noted
that bees constructed their cells in
the form of regular six-sided col-
umns, and proved mathematically
the superiority of this shape to
any other.

In the last century Maraldi, and
after him Reaumur, examined the
form of the middle plate of the
entire comb, ^.e., the bottoms of
the cells, formed each of three
rhombs.

At the instigation of Reaumur
the mathematician Konig, in 1739,
found hy calculation the most suit-
able, i.e., the most economical, of
all possible forms for the middle
plate, and ascertained that it must
consist of pyramids formed by three
rhombs having at the apex the

angle 109° 28'. Maraldi had found
this as the very angle actually em-
ployed by the bees.

These investigators show that '
each cell represents a six-sided
column bounded at the middle
plate of the comb by a three-sided
pja'amid. The edges meeting at the
deepest point of the cell form angles
of 109° 28' ; other angles of the
same magnitude are enclosed by
the short side of the hexagonal
column and the two adjacent sides
of the rhombs. In the terminal
points of the long sides of the prism
there meet therefore, four edges at
angles of 70° 32'.

The arrangement of the wax
plates which compose the entire
comb may therefore be formulated
as follows :

1. On one edge there intersect
each other each time, three films,
and these form with each other
equal angles of 120°.

2. At the terminal points of the
short sides of the prism meet in
each case four edges at angles of
109° 28'.

3. In the terminal points of the
long sides of the prism four edges
cut each other at 70° 32'.

These properties correspond al-
most exactly with the laws which
Plateau has discovered for his
equilibrium figures, namely : at a
liquid edge there intersect each
other never more than three films,
and these form with each other
equal angles,and when liquid edges
intersect each other in the interior
of the figure they are always four
in number, and form with each
other equal angles.

54

THE AMERICAN APTCULTURIST.

Cells of exactly the same ar-
rangement and the same angles as
the cells of bees are obtained if
numerous soap bubbles of equal
size are suspended in two parallel
frames, and if the two systems of
bubbles are approached until they
touch each other.

The soap-bubbles flatten them-
selves, and form hexagonal prisms,
terminating in Maraldi's pyramids
at the meeting-points of the two
systems. The uppermost row of
bubbles(that attached to the frame)
would take the form of five-sided
pyramids, ?'.e., the exact form of
the cells which are attached to the
wood work.

The conclusion is, therefore, very
natural that this absolu^-o agree-
ment in the respective forms of the
soap-bubbles and of the bees' cells
depends on similar physical condi-
tions in the construction of both.

If we observe the bees when
building their comb, we find that,
underneath the board to which it
is attached, at least a dozen bees
are clinging on each side, in such
ar manner that the heads of the bees
on one side of the comb are exactly
opposite to those on the other. As
each bee, holding a ball of wax in
its jaws, presses as far as possible
upwards and forwards, the ball is
converted into a plate by the press-
ure from both sides. At first this
plate is not level, but is bent up
and down corresponding to the
pressure of the numerous heads of
the bees. As the bees press for-
wards, the heads, as they meet,
must always make way for each
other in the direction of the least

resistance : that is, in a newly begun
comb a bee on one side is pressed
downwards by its two competitors
so as to come with its head exactly
in the middle between three who
stand opposite.

As each bee on the one side
presses with its head into the space
between the three coming to meet
her, there is formed, by the press-
ure to which the soft wax is ex-
posed, the middle plate so much
admired on account of its "highest
purposiveness."

The pyramids of Maraldi are
merely Plateau's equilibrium fig-
ures extended between the termi-
nations of the sides of the [ visms
just commenced.

The "instinct" that the bees
display is very simple ; they press
on with their wax upwards and for-
wards in two perpendicular layers ;
of a skilful treatment of the wax
there is no trace.

The Maraldi pyramids are formed
purely on physical principles, not
by the conscious activity of the
architects.

The form of the head of the bee
has no meaning as far as the shape of
the bottom of the cell is concerned,
since, in consequence of the high
tempe?-ature produced by the res-
piration of the bees, and the con-
tinual pressure, the wax is plastic
in a high degree.

In an analogous manner the sides
of the prism are also produced by
the pressure wliich tbe cylindrical
body of each bee undergoes from
the six bees arranged around her
on the same side of the comb.

The process is exactly as when

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

55

cylinders of equal thickness are
formed into six-sided prisms by an
equal pressure.

It appears that the procedure of
each single bee is exactly the same
as if she wished to construct a
hollow cylinder. In fact if we
give them a thick cake of wax they
bite, ^nd press in it round holes.

When they work with an excess
of m.^.terial, as is often the case in
the cells of drones, each single cell
is a cylinder with a hemispherical
bottom. If, in such cells, which
resemble test-tubes, the excessive
substance is removed, the walls,
both of the prisms and the pyra-
mids,gradually take the usual form.

On an examination of a royal
cell it appears, also, that the in-
dividual bee understands merely
how to construct a hollow cylinder
with a hemispherical depression at
the end.

The fact that the bees frequently
and without any perceptible order
gnaw holes into the outer wall of
the thick mass of wax of a royal
cell which naturally turns out hem-
ispherical as the counter-pressure
on the opposite side is wanting,
shows that their artistic skill does
not take a high rank.

When the cells are filled with
honey or with full-grown larvae,
they are hermetically closed with a
lid of wax. The covered cell has
then, as appears from numerous
measurements, the exact form of
the soap-bubbles above mentioned.

The cells of the ^'Melipona"
and those of single combs, are also
quite similar to soap-bubbles.

The detached "honey-pots" of

the Melipona are globular, like a
freely suspended bubble.

If two such cells touch each other
they become flattened at the point
of contact.

Three such cells, if sufficiently
close together, take such a form
that their planes of contact inter-
sect each other at an angle of 120°.

If numerous soap-bubbles of
equal magnitude are arranged in
a single plane they approach the
form of wasps' cells.

The phenomena of cohesion in
the paper of wasps' nests differ
entirely from those of water and
of wax, and produce a dome-shaped
cell-bottom and cover.

If a stratum of soap-bubbles is
suspended vertically, and is brought
in contact with a second similar
stratum, the form of the ordinary
double comb of the hive bee is
produced.

The agency in the fonnation of
these kinds of cells is to be sought
not in a skilful movement of the
jaws of the insects but exclusively
in physical causes.

These are, in the case of wax,
that the plastic and viscous mater-
ial— just as is the case in soap-
bubbles — gives way until a given
space is enclosed by a minimum of
surface.

Hence planes are formed like
those of Plateau's equilibrium fig-
ures. The shape of the cells can
no more be sought in the bodily
structure of the bees than in their
architectural skill.

In view of the plastic character
of the material, and the manifold
impulse to change of form connect-

56

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

ed with life in the hive, the cells
must soon, if equally arranged,
take the form of six-sided prisms
terminated by Maraldi's pyramids,
even if the bees had globular or
conical bodies.

Here Mullenhoff is rather in-
clined to assume that the general
bodily form of the Melipona, the
bee and the wasp,has been modified
by the arrangement of their cells.

Note In connection with the soap-bubble
experiment to demonstrate the origin of the
cell of the hive bee, as exhibited at Syracuse,
I send you this paper as it appeared in the
"Journal of Science" for 1883 as deserving the
attention of your readers.— A. T.

WINTERING BEES.

By L. C. Root.

The month of January has been
very changeable. The first half of
the month averages much milder
than is usual in this latitude. Such
seasons, I find very unfavorable for
successful wintering of bees, par-
ticularly in rooms above ground
which are subject to greater changes
of temperature with the variations
of atmosphere outside.

I have never had bees leave the
hives as much during the month of
January as they have this season.

From room A, I took three pecks,
and from room B, one half bushel.
The stocks weighed, Feb. 1st as
follows: No. 1, 79i lbs., No. 2,
49flbs.,No. 3, 601 lbs.. No. 4, 90
lbs.. No. 5, 37 lbs.. No. 6,106i lbs.,
No. 10, 48 lbs., No. 11, 53 lbs.

Temperature in room A varies
from 40° to 50°. In room B, from
35° to 55°.

Mohaivk, N. T.

A GUIDE TO

THE BEST METHODS OF

BEEKEEPING.

By J. L. Christ.

R. F. Holterman, Translator.
(Continued from p. 30, Vol. III.)

Whether THE bees are situated

THE better high OR LOW.

The question suggest itself if the
bees are situated better high or
low? For manipulation of the
hive, placing under, dividing, etc.,
it is certainly more convenient
when they are situated near the
ground, but they should not be less
than two feet from the ground.
High up, the bees are also, very
well placed ; and one may, if he has
otherwise no appropriate place,
let them fly from the roof of a
house or the upper story, if one
wishes to arrange it for that pur-
pose. They must then not be al-
lowed to swarm ; there must also
be no jarring work done in the
house.

OP THE COVERED HIVE-STAND AND
ITS USE.

I am now about to treat of the
bee-stand itself, which sliould be
particularly taken into considera-
tion ; a well arranged bee-stand is
of great use and profit for the bees
themselves as for their dwellings.
One can, of course, let these stand
separate, and for that purpose
oaken or cedar posts, particularly
the latter, should be charred at the
end which is to be put in the
ground so they will not rot so soon.
These posts put in the ground
should have upon them two boards

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

57

grooved, or one broad board ;
then also each colony must have
a separate roof, which will keep
all water from the bees. If care
is not taken about this, the violent
rains cannot be kept off, which not
only flood it, but dampen the
alighting board, which latter board
every colony should have. The
sun shining upon the damp board
warps it and it requires to be re-
painted oftener, and in vrinter it
easily becomes mouldy ; also the
hives and stands cannot last nearly
as long as if they were entirely
sheltered and always remained dry.
Irrespective of these, if the bees
stand in the open, they will in the
height of the summer, at noon, be
hindered in their work ; even if
they do not work with full zeal at
this time in the field owing to the
strong rays of the sun. One can
always notice a difference between
those sheltered and those not at
this time ; the former work with
greater energy. Again, the weaker
colonies, if on isolated stands in
the winter, have less shelter from
the extreme cold than as if they
were in an enclosed bee-stand. I
speak only of colonies somewhat
weak (as they are not always alike
in strength, the cause for which
we cannot always give the reason
but can only surmise) for a col-
ony strong in bees and with a suf-
ficient store of honey can stand
the severest cold of our climate
without injury.

Honey is well known to be of a
heating nature, for which reason
it can also not freeze ; and the bees,

which cluster more towards the
centre of the hive as the tempera-
ture falls, make during the sever-
est cold, partly through radiation,
partly by their hum (for the
greater the cold the more a strong
colony will hum), such a warmth
and moisture that in a glass bee-
hive the upper glass, with which it
is covered, will be full of large
drops of moisture. The four glass
walls will have the moisture frozen
over like the windows of a dwell-
ing house and this will do the
bees no injury.

Yes, I have even in the middle
of winter, in January, with various
honeys and strength of colonies,
found honey running'^ out of un-
sealed cells and out of the hives
so that I have placed small vessels
to gather it. This happened as early
as September in the year 1777
when a strong honey dew came,
from which the bees carried in
much but did not seal it over,
partly because they could ^not
build any more so late in the sea-
son, but partly and mainly because
the cells were not quite filled.
Their custom is to put in the upper
cells first and so on downwards
putting a little in each and seal-
ing only as they fill which they do
at the top first. As this honey
from the September honey dew
was not sealed it fell out in drops
as large as pease owing to the heat
and moisture from the bees.

Although the cold affects the
honey and strong colony so little,
it is important that the weak should
be protected from extreme cold.

58

THE AMERICAN APIGULTURIST.

To carry such, however, into
houses, chambers or rooms, is not
only troublesome, tedious and dan-
gerous but not advisable, but they
are best on covered stands made
as before described.
EodJieim, Germany, July 25,1783.
(To be continued.)

EDITORIAL.

"Coming events cast their shad-
ows before," and the warm sunshine
with which the month (Feb.) closes
reminds us that soon our little pets
and industrious workers will sally
forth into pleasant fields ; and, by
their merry hum, remind us that
their wants must be attended to.
All of the supplies should have
been ordered ere this ; but if not,
no delay should be made now, if
you want to take full advantage of
the honey flows, as they come.

While it is true that the past
season was not, as a rule, a profit-
able one, the honey market being
glutted, and prices for honey depre-
ciated, yet this should not discour-
age you to the extent that you
neglect to take full advantage of
the coming season.

The beekeepers have learned one
lesson that will prove a valuable
one ; that is, not to depend too
much on commission men. While
many of them do their part faith-
fully and well, yet they cannot find
markets for the honey from the
entire country, in the few centres
to which it is all sliipped.

When the beekeepers realize this

full}', and see that through our
county, state and national beekeep-
ers' associations, together wath
their own individual efforts, they
can easily dispose of many times
the honey that they now produce,
and at far better prices, one of the
great problems will be solved.

One great trouble is the lack of
individual and collective interest,
and cooperation in this work. We
are far too liable to leave to onr
neighbor the work that we should
do ourselves, and in neady every
instance where this is done but
little is accomplished.

It is our candid opinion that,
within the next few years, great and
beneficial changes will come to bee-
keeping. Stubborn facts have
shown us that the overdrawn, and
too highly colored pictures of the
profits of beekeeping that have
been painted, in order that the bee-
keepers might be induced to pur-
chase goods, are being destroyed
and we of to-day realize that,
while beekeeping as an agricul-
tural pursuit will yield good
returns for the amount invest-
ed (provided the apiarist is a
thorough bee-master, and willing
to work hard), yet it is entirely
unjust to the community to urge
those, who arealwajfs looking about
for some more easy and speedy
method of "getting rich," to em-
bark in beekeeping with the ex-
pectation of large profits and small
outlay. Our endeavors always
have been, and always will be, to
urge the importance of paying
more attention to the proper method
of teachiugapieulture to the masses.

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

59

and our motives have been too often
misjudged because we claimed that
we could not depend upon the
dealer in supplies, who published
journals, to give these matters
proper attention.

If those of our readers who are
acquainted with tbe literature of
apiculture, will look back and re-
view its history, they will find, in
far too many instances, that the
great object has been to dispose of
beekeeping supplies, regardless of
other and greater interests.

Can we justly ask those who are
dependent upon the sale of those
supplies, to state facts through
these journals that would curtail,
and perhaps injure their supply
business ?

No! and in view of this, it is
plain and conclusive that the good
times, and the relief that comes to
apiculture, must come through a me-
dium that is free to speak frankly
and openly any truths, that should
be made public.

In order that such a medium
exist, each beekeeper must become
individually interested in it. It
cannot stand alone, and must be
supported by the united efforts of
the entire beekeeping fraternity.

For over two years we have
shown through the" Apiculturist,"
that there could be a journal pub-
lished, that would fully represent
the welfare of those whose interests
are involved.

The work for which this journal
was instituted is only just com-
menced. We have rich treats in
store for our readers, and valuable
plans to put in operation ; but this

takes funds, and while our sub-
scription list is steadily increasing,
yet we want our readers to take
hold just as though they realized
that the work was their own, and
help to increase our list.

In order that you may be remu-
nerated for this, we have made
some very liberal offers and if you
wish, we will send you some of our
little "Companions," for distribu-
tion among your neighbors.

We feel at liberty to urge you to
help us in our work (by obtaining
subscriptions), because we, in re-
turn, are devoting our whole time
and attention to your interests.

But we would not neglect to ad-
vise our readers, regarding the
coming season's work. Remember
that the less you handle your bees,
and yet accomplish all that is nec-
essary, the better will be the re-
sults.

While it is advantageous to stim-
ulate bees at a proper time, and in
a proper way, yet it is not advisa-
ble to force them to breed too rap-
idl}^, before they can fly without
too much loss ; also we are liable
to have extreme changes in early
spring ; and if there is more brood
than the bees can care for, it is li-
able to be deserted and chilled,
which is disastrous.

In all the management of our
colonies, we should follow as nearly
as possible the natural laws which
govern the bees, and their habits,
a,nd only diverge from them, when
'absolutely necessary.

Just as soon as convenient, clear
up around your colonies (if they
are on the summer stands) and

60

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

see that they do not become damp
or mouldy.

When it becomes warm enough
to examine your bees, every comb
that cannot be covered and util-
ized, should be removed ; and after
the brood chamber is arranged
properly, the bees should be so
snugly packed that they will keep
warm and dry.

Where you are obliged to remove
colonies from the cellars, remem-
ber, that after having a good %,
they must either be returned to the
bee-house, or cellar, or else snugly
packed on the summer stands ; be-
cause if this is not done you will,
as a rule, experience severe spring
dwindling.

Do not disturb the bees that are
in the bee-house, or cellars, so long
as they remain quiet, and do not
appear uneasy, even though the
temperature rises some in the cel-
lars.

The strength of your colonies,
when the working season comes
depends largely on your care, in
their management, at this season
of the year. When purchasing sup-
plies remember that the best goods
bring the best results, and first-
class goods, as a rule, come from
those who try to sustain a fair price
for them. Do not suppose for a
moment, that those who advertise
to do the cheapest work will give
the best attention to your orders.

It is better to unite all weak col-
onies, and keep a smaller number,
having them all strong, than to at-
tempt to doctor and nurse up a
number of weak ones.

Attention to the smallest details

of any business will insure success,
when loss will surely follow, if
these are neglected. We would
urge our readers to come to us
with all their difficulties, in the
management of their apiaries. It
is our greatest desire that you
may learn to look upon the "Api-
cuLTURisT," as your Journal, and a
part of your property — for it is only
when you do this, that we shall be
enabled to carry out the many in-
teresting plans that we have formed,
and intend to carry out.

We have been unavoidably de-
layed in completing Vols. 1 and 2,
but shall send them out soon. If
you could realize how arduous our
duties have been, and how many
difficulties and perplexities we
have had to surmount in order to
give you the journal that we have,
you would become even more deeply
interested in its welfare than you
have been. Whatever of success
comes to us brings great good to
you. The only reward that we
ask in return is, that you put your
shoulder to the wheel, and stand by
us in our efforts.

EXCHANGES.

Holman's New Illustration
OF Cell formation, bt John M.
Child, A. M.— Mr. D. S. Holman
has devised a new illustration of
great simplicity and beauty, where-
by the method of the formation
of cells in vegetable structure
may be conveniently shown to
an audience. The apparatus con-
sists merely of a tank, which is
formed by two pieces of plate-
glass, held apart at the bottom

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

61

and sides by a rubber strip and
kept in place by four clamps. In
this tank is placed a portion of a
soap solution, which is raised in
bubbles by a current of air blown
into it through a fine glass tube.
As the bubbles are formed, their
tendency to become spheres in vir-
tue of the force of cohesion in their

the soap films at such a large in-
cident angle that they are almost
entir^y reflected, and so are tinged
with the rich colors resulting from
the interference of rays that fall
on thin films.

We thus have before us a proof
of the tenuity of a layer which is

between the limits of

and

liquid walls is overcome by the
capillary attraction of the sides
of the tank. By consequence
the films extend across the tank
perpendicular to the walls, and the
pressure of one bubble upon another
causes the formation of polygonal
forms, analogous to those that
we see in cross sections of wood
fibre. The accompanying figure
gives an idea of the appearance that
the tank presents when thus filled
with bubbles, but does not and can-
not portray the beauty of the pro-
jection of it which may be made
upon a screen. The pencil of rays
passing from the condensing lens of
a stereopticon is convergent ; and as
a consequence many rays fall upon

TTeVff^of an inch, the latter limit
being reached when the color of
the film disappears.

The same illusti'ation also aflTords
us an exemplification of the prin-
ciple, shown in nature in the
structure of the honeycomb,that the
pressure on each other of equal
circles produces an hexagonal struc-
ture. Where, in consequence of
the regularity of the current of air,
we have produced bubbles nearly
uniform in size, we notice that the
polygons formed are six-sided, and
that those of a difl^erent number of
sides exist where there is a diversi-
ty in the size of the air masses.

Friends' Cetitral School, Phila-
delpliia.

62

THE AMERICAN APICULTUEIST.

NEW OBSERVATIONS ON

THE NATURAL HISTORY

OF BEE S.^

By Francis Hcbek.

The translator's preface states :
"The whole of Ruber's memoirs
are here presented somewhat in
an abbreviated form, particularly
the portion relative to anatomical
details, the theory 'of respiration
and the architecture of bees.

All the substance however is
preserved and the narrative is ren-
dered as explicit and concise as
the subject admits.

Edinburgh, 1821.

PART I.

LETTER 1.

ON THE IMPREGNATION OF THE QUEEN
BEE.

Sir : as you desired me to trans-
mit a written detail of my principal
experiments on bees, when I gave
you an account of them at Genthod,
I hasten to extract the following
observations from my Journal,

Nothing can be more flattering
than the interest you take in my
researches ; therefore permit me to
remind you of your promise to
suggest new subjects for investiga-
tion. 1

Glass hives, constructed after
M. de Reaumur's principles, are of
a form unfavorable to the observer ;
because their width allowing the
bees to build two combs parallel,
whatever passes between them, is
concealed from his view.

Long experience of this has in-
duced 3^ou to recommend hives
much flatter or thinner ; the panes

' All the letters in the first portion of the
work are addressed to the celebrated natural-
ist M. Bonnet, whose labors in this department
of science are well known, and justly appreci-
ated.

His decease in 179S during the prosecution
of the author's experiments explains the rea-
son for dividing the volume into two parts.— T.

of which should be separated by
so small an interval that only a
single row of combs could be erect-
ed between them.

From having felt the same in-
convenience I have profited by your
counsel in providing hives reduced
to an inch and a half in width,
wherein swarms have been estab-
lished without any difficult}'. Here,
however, the charge of constructing
a single comb must not be commit-
ted to the bees ; they are taught by
nature to make more than one,
and all parallel to each other — a
law from which thej' never dero-
gate, unless when constrained by
some particular arrangement.

Therefore, if left to themselves in
these flat hives which cannot ad-
rait of two combs parallel to the
plane of the sides, they will form
several small ones perpendicular
to it ; and in that case all will be
equally lost to the observer.

Thus previous dispositions be-
come essential for the direction of
the combs. I so contrived that,
while they were built perpendicular
to the horizon, the lateral surfaces
should be three or four lines from
the panes constituting the sides of
the hive. 2

This distance, in allowing suflSc-
ient latitude for the motions of the
bees, prevented them from collect-
ing in too large clusters on the
surface of the comb.

By such precautions, they were
easily established in very thin
hives where they pursued their
labors with the same assiduity and
regularity ; and every cell being
exposed to view, none of their
proceedings could be concealed.

It is true, that by compelling
these insects to live in a habitation
where they could construct only a
single row of combs, I had, in a

=Tlie diflfereut measurements are expressed
in lines, of which 12 are in an inch.

(To he continued.')

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

63

CORRESPONDENCE.

new york and florida.

Dear Sir :

There is no one thing in the
science of apiculture that has de-
manded more attention than that
of successfully wintering our bees.
What we should call successful win-
tering is to have them come out in
the spring with brood in all stages
in two combs at least and no less
in the number of colonies.

Colonies in such condition will
withstand the sudden changes of
spring with no apparent loss.

This is our ideal of successful
wintering which, as yet, very few if
any have ever been able to attain.

Our experience in New York
State in wintering bees has been
accompanied with a yearly loss of
from five to fifty per cent, besides
the poor weak things we are obliged
to call "colonies" to keep up ap-
pearances. One great reason for
this loss is the very short season
we have in which to prepare our
bees for the coming fall and winter.
The early part of the season is
spent in building up our colonies
preparatory to the honey harvest,
regardless of our queens and only
too soon fall comes on finding us
with poor queens in our colonies :
the result being poor wintering
and worse springing.

It is a very natural conclusion
of the apiarist that if he could
move his bees, before cold vs^eather
came, to some warm climate and
there prepare them for the abun-
dant honey flows that we have in
New York, by superseding old and
poor queens with young and vigor-
ous ones, he could double his num-
ber of colonies if successful and
get surplus enough honey to pay.
Certainly a fascinating theory which
remains to be put into practice.

Our bees here in southern Florida
during the month of January have

been almost idle as we have had a
very wet month of it. I have taken
three observations daily of the
temperature during the month at
7 A. M., 1 p. M. and 8 p. m. Aver-
age temperature at 7 a. m., is 55°,
at 1 p. M., 78°, and at 8 p. m., 54°,
greatest variation during the day,
38°.

It was so damp and cold that I
could do nothing with the bees ex-
cept to see that they had honey,
and keep them as quiet as possible.

At this date old bees are nearly
all gone (taking up land for or-
anges probably) and the queen is
reluctant in spreading brood over
more than the two combs which
were occupied in December.

I think that in my former com-
munication I spoke of the surplus
pollen that was being stored ; they
have used it up during the past
month and now gather about what
they use. It seems surprising
that so little is known of advanced
beekeeping in a country where there
are so many natural advantages.
I transferred a colony from a cy-
press log on February first, and
found the comb so full of honey
and pollen that the queen could
not do justice in keeping up the
numbers of the colony.

That is one great diflaculty here
with bees in log-gums and the tall
box-hives which are used extensive-
ly. The bees crowd the brood nest
with honey so that the queen is
found to occupy small patches of
comb, when if the honey was re-
moved they could cast much larger
swarms.

The natives in removing the
honey pry off the top ; cut out what
can be reached handily and fasten
on the top leaving the bees to build
up again. It is no wonder that
the southern bee has the name of
being indolent or idle, but it is not
the fault of the bees.

Orange trees, under the more
favorable circumstances, are com-

64

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

ing into bloom. The general bloom
will not appear until the last of
February or first of March. Our
saw palmetto, which promised so
favorably in January, has come to a
standstill owing to the continued
damp spell. Its huge brother, the
cabbage palmetto, blooms later
and furnishes the most abundant
and the finest honey produced in
the state..

I hope to be able to give some
information in regard to the value
of orange blossoms as a honey-
producer. I have fed a few colo-
nies in order to see if there is any
marked difference in brood rearing
which at this date is in their favor.

Feb. 1, 1885.

C. G. Ferris.

is beekeeping profitable.''
Ed, Am. Apictjltdrist :

In most of the works on "Bees" "
that I have read, beekeeping is
represented as being "a fair busi-
ness in which to embark. You
cannot mention any business that
is so convenient and desirable as
an occupation, etc."

The usual history of bees, de-
scriptions of queen, drone and
worker, the author's reversible, sin-
gle, duplex and quadruplex hive
(from one of which an enormous
yield was taken in 18 — ) and G.
M. Doolittle's report for '77 are
innocently dovetailed in. Then the
question "Who should keep bees?"
is asked and echo answers "Every-
body." In estimates of profits I
fail to note any charge for services
of the owner or his assistants or
for the depreciation in value of
utensils, etc. In other occupa-
tions before any profits are arrived
at, the salaries of the various offi-
cials are charged as is also the es-
timated amount of depreciation in
value of stock, tools, etc. For

instance, let a man purchase a
schooner say for $20,000. This ves-
sel will rot down say in ten years.
Should she net the owner $2000
per annum over her expenses, then
at the end of ten years he would
■ have his $20,000 back but no prof-
its on the investment and he would
be out a large amount of interest.
Bee houses, clamps, hives, frames,
extractors, foundation mills, etc.,
also depreciate in value and as this
point is not generally touched upon
I would beg leave to ask through
the "Apiculturist" : —

1. Charging fair salaries for
work done, for necessary expenses,
and for depreciation in the value
of accessories, does beekeeping
pay?

2. If yes, then suppose a spe-
cialist having a fair field for opera-
tions where basswood is fairly plen-
tiful, say on some line of railroad
where his apiaries could be located
about every four miles and running
them say for extracted honey at 10
cts. per pound, how many colonies
would he require to have to ensure
him an average salar3' of a first-
class clerk or say from $1000 to
$1200 per annum over and above
expenses and depreciation ?

3. How many assistants would
he I'equire to have during the honey
yield to operate these colonies suc-
cessfully ?

4. Given a first-class hive and
fixtures, how many colonies could
one man examine and extract
honey from in a day of ten hours
hard work?

5. With proper assistants how
many colonies run for extracted
honey could one apiarist success-
fully oversee ?^

Apistically yours.
Apis Canadensis.

Kingston, Canada, Jan. 24, 1884.

1 Will some of tliose who have had experi-
ence in these mattei-s please send answers to
tliese questions for our next number ?— Ed.

THE A3IERICAN APICULTURIST.

65

notes from california.
Ed. Am. Apiculturist :
Dear Sir,

It is now an established fact tliat
California is always going to have
control of the honey markets of
the Pacific slope and the islands of
the Pacific. Possibly, during an
occasional dry year she may not
be able to place sufficient honey
in some cities, and consequently
some may have to be brought
from elsewhere. Still, on account
of the cold climate and excessive
rainfall in Oregon and Washington
Territory, these places will never
make any great strides apicultur-
ally. Those who have tried bee-
keeping for profit in the Web-foot
state and in the Territory are, in
the majority of cases, and in the
remainder are well nigh, fit subjects
for the column of despondents.
The apiculturists of California have
good reason to ■ feel grateful for
their success financially and other-
wise although during the past
year they had to battle against low
prices. Prices will not always be
low. The wheat-growers of the
Golden State were well nigh on
thepointof abandoningthe plough,
reaper and thresher ; for, as is well
known, wheat took a tumble and
quite nearly if not really broke up
many of the farmers who devoted
all their land to wheat-growing.

The culture of fruit seems to be
the main stay with those who wish
to make anj'thing out of the soil ;
thus many farmers who see a gloomy
future for wheat-growers have be-
gun to devote some of their land
to such use and intend to extend
the limits of their orchards every
year.

The climate of the state is ad-
mirably adapted to fruit culture
and all fruits are to be found flour-
ishing here.

The prices range at a figure that
7

warrants the fruit culturists to
know that as the population and
demand increase, the price will
never fall below a pajdng basis.

THE horticultural APICULTURIST.

The beekeepers of the State have
their eyes open, and they, too, are
not to be found napping. They
know the excellence of the soil and
climate. Many of them are locat-
ed in cosey little valleys where
warmth and good soil produce
trees as it were by magic and
where fruit comes in earlier than
in many places to be found else-
where. They, as we were going
to say, are planting trees for the
fruit they will yield, notwithstand-
ing that they keep bees and that
bees are said to do great damage to
such crops.

It bids fair that every apiary in
the land, no matter where located,
will have its fruit trees growing in
close proximity to the hives.
Where a sufficient acreage will
warrant,many trees will be set out ;
the fruit, if raised too far from city
markets, will be dried on the prem-
ises, or sent to the nearest fruit
cannery or canned by a new process
now being much used in the states
right at home. Thus it will be seen
the California apiarist is not going
to starve. He can, in a dry year,
irrigate his trees, for he generally
lives where water can be easily
conveyed in ditches to any desired
spot. If at any time the bees
make a raid on the fruit, as many
fruit men claim they do, then away
he can send them to the moun-
tains, further up their sides, till
the fruit season is over, which
is not, by the way, a long season
for stable kinds. The raising of
honey and fruit in a practical way
by our apiarists is something that
is hoped will be a success. It will
add materially to the prosperity of
the commonwealth to say nothing

66

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

of the financial condition of tlie
cultivator ; which is the earnest
wish of the writer,

W. A. Prtal.
No. Teviescal, Col.

notes from new zealand.
Ed. Am. Apictjlturist :

While 3'our bees are taking their
winter rest, ours are in the height
of their summer activity. Though
the season up to the present has
been only moderately good for bees,
a good quantity of honey has been
secured in most districts, and
should this month and next con-
tinue as good, or better, the sea-
son's results will be satisfactory.

New honey is now being placed
in the market and fair prices are
being obtained. The N. Z. B.
Association has made an attempt
to regulate the prices of honey, so
as to maintain a fair rate, and pre-
vent the market being glutted by
persons anxious to sell their crop
at once. The retail dealers, I un-
derstand, resent this interference
on the part of the association, and
as there are a good many produ-
cers who are not members of the
association, it is likely to be a dif-
ficult question for the committee to
deal with. Hitherto there has
been no regular supplies or mar-
ket rates or anything satisfactory
to guide either the seller or the
buyer. A woman from the coun-
try was recently in Auckland sell-
ing her new season's honey in 1 lb.
sections to the dealer at a sixpence
per lb. Imagine her disgust at
finding that others had been selling
theirs at nine to ten pence.

Now that persons who have for
some time been keeping bees be-
gin to understand the nature of foul
brood it is being found in many
parts of the colony , and an ellbrt will
be made to obtain legislation for the
purpose of exterminating it if pos-
sible. I fear but little practical

good will result from this. Tlie
numerous cures which are now be-
ing published and tried may do
more. I have an idea that it will
have its periods like those infec-
tious diseases which attack cattle,
iiorses, and sheep, but which pass
away. The injurious efl'ects may
be greatly reduced by care and the
use of those remedies which expe-
rience and science suggest.

Our second Auckland annual
show is in course of preparation and
will probably take place sometime
in March next. A liberal prize list
is being arranged, which will no
doubt induce a good display both of
honey and the various appliances
of the apiarj'.

In New South "Wales, Victoria
and South Australia rapid strides
are being made in beekeepino. In
a few years if the progress contin-
ues it will have grown into a very
considerable industr}^ and honey
will form one of the regular arti-
cles of diet ; a position which it
has not, by any means j-et attained
in these colonies, but is looked
upon more as a luxur}- , beyond the
reach of the masses.

As the demand for hives and
other appliances increases, greater
effoits are being made hy the man-
ufacturers to supply it. Some of
the colonial makers are, however,
adopting a questionable mode of
securing, or trying to secure, the
monopoly of certain well-known
and valued articles, by taking out
patent rights for these as inven-
tions of their own. Most of these
articles are from your countr}- and
not patented there, such as the
Langstroth frame and hive. Such
proceedings are very reprehensible,
and of no legal force if contested,
as only genuine inventions can be
patented, but they serve to frighten
those who know no better.

N. Z. Correspondent.

Jan. 2, 1885.

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

67

CANADIAN DEPARTMENT.

B. H. HOLTERMANN, EDITOR.

— There is a rumor afloat that a
leading beekeeper and advocate of
the deep frame in Canada is about
to start a bee journal here. There
is no doubt that a party not inter-
ested in the supply business, or so
strong an advocate of a particular
frame, would meet with a heartier
support both by contributions in
writing and by subscriptions.

It is a difficult matter for any
man to take a neutral ground in one
department of his business when
he knows it will act detrimentally
upon another.

— In consequence of the flow of
honey being early last season, and
there being very little honey after
clover bloom, man}^ bees were de-
ficient in stores in the fall ; then
too, the unusual changes of atmos-
phere seemed to cause a large con-
sumption of stores. Inconsequence,
unless the apiarist has been careful
to see to the wants of his bees,
and understands bee-feeding, they
are likely to come to grief. Many
are, in fact, now complaining that
their colonies are too light ; some
parties are already feeding, and un-
less this is done cautiously the loss
will be serious.

We are aware that all feeding
should be done in the fall of the
year, and the bees remain undis-
turbed in winter, but if the stores
become exhausted during winter,
they certainly should not be neg-
lected, as with proper precautions
the chances of success are very
probable. Those requiring to feed
their bees in the winter are gener-
ally those who know least about
the proper method of doing it.

Syrup or honey should never be
fed at a time when the bees are un-
able to leave the hive, as it causes

too much excitement, and often
dj'sentery, debility and death.
Probably the manner of giving
food with the least exciting effects
is on top of the frames where the
bees can naturally have easy ac-
cess to it, and it can be placed
without the least disturbance to
the bees. Perhaps the experience
of some older beekeepers would be
valuable, but a good food is con-
sidered as follows : pure granulated
sugar mixed with water and
brought to a boil of a consistency
that, when about 90°, it will be
very slightly soft. Or, as follows :
granulated sugar three parts, water
one part, boil to the consistency of
ripe honey, pour out upon a mar-
ble or other cold slab ; when cool
enough to handle, knead a little
and pull over a hook until the mass
becomes white, roll into sticks the
desired thickness, and when nearly
cool break off into the desired
length. This latter above the clus-
ter will soften enough to enable the
bees to work it readily, but will not
become sticky. The candy does
not enable the bees to get too much
at a time.

— In Canada we want a grand
convention where will be discussed
mainly the various forms of hives
and the experience and reasons for
adopting certain frames, etc. There
certainly is a reason for everything
and we want to hear fully the rea-
sons for the superiority of any one
hive. Having full reports of such
a convention circulated much good
would be done and not only those
attending would be benefited but
also those reading the reports.
This is a very important subject.
Beginners are very apt to take the
advice of the man who is dealing in
supplies best known to them, when
the name may be obtained through
advertising or a knack of bringing
one's self into prominence irre-
spective of merifbf the hive. "We

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

should not accept the views of
any man but judge for ourselves
if there is reason in his statements.

— Reports from leading beekeep-
ers state that bees are wintering
well. One having over 200 colo-
nies, and a very old beekeeper, in
calling upon ns, stated he believed
the indications had not been more
favorable for many years. Another,
a possessor of 12 colonies in Lang-
stroth hive, reported upon looking
at them Jan. 2, that ten were
starved and the remaining two were
without stores ; it was 6° below zero.
He transferred them to full combs
and so far they are doing well. This
represents well the two sides of
the picture : the former managed
properly last fall ; the latter had
given little care. Many of the
latter will lose heavily.

— Oi-ders are coming in fast to
supply dealers. Inquiries for foun-
dation have been made for some
time and indicate that orders will
be given early to secure a supply,
as last season's experience has
taught them that it is far better to
order early.

NOTES AND QUERIES.

— Prof. Cook kindly sends us the
following note of congratulation.

"I wish to add my congratulation
on your invention of questions
and answers from various apiarists.
It is one of the best devices ever
conceived and executed by an
editor. One of our ablest bee-
keepers, who is about to start a
bee paper, wrote me not long since
for suggestions. I replied that the
question scheme devised by S. M.
Locke, and liberal contributions
from the ablest beekeepers, would be
the vehicle to success." A.J. Cook.

— The first thing bees get honey
from in the spring is skunk cab-
bage, followed by yellow willow.
Then come the blossoms of fruit,
hard maple, white clover, small
fruits, basswood, sumach, winding
up with golden-rod, aster, Spanish
needle and smartweed.

— There are so many beekeepers
who would like to read "Huber's
work, that we have decided to re-
produce an English edition of it
in the "Apiculturist," giving one
page each month. Mr. Arthur
Todd, of Philadelphia, Pa., who
had in his possession an English
edition, has kindly agreed to fur-
nish the manuscript.

— A short time since we pub-
lished the first edition of our "Bee
Keepers' Companion," a little
pamphlet, filled with valuable hints
and information, and now those to
whom they have been sent are
calling for packages of them, for
distribution among their beekeep-
ing neighbors. Now, if any of
our readers wish to assist us, and
also become our agents, and ob-
tain either cash or other premiums,
we will send free of charge, a pack-
age of the " Companions." Just
send your address, and try a few.
You can obtain a valuable pre-
mium, just as well as not. We
are working for you, and you
should assist us.

— The glutted honey market
and depreciated panics in honey
come not from an over-production,
but because the beekeepers have
left to the coniuiissiou men in our
large cities too much of the work
of creating a demand for honey.
United and cooperative association
work will build up a demand that
will many times exceed the present
supply, but it depends on the bee-
keepers ; if their own individual
duties. in this matter are neglected,

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

or disregai'ded, we shall have
trouble.

— "Rural, jr.," thinks it about
time everybody knew that "bees
are as deaf as a post," and that the
beating of all the tin pans in two
counties would not restrain a de-
parting swarm. His way is to
throw among the flying mass water,
or the sun's rays b}' means of a
mirror. The latter plan he has
never known to fail.

— We have received from Bag-
nail Bros.,Tura Thames, New Zea-
land a fine photograph of one of
their apiaries. With the tempera-
ture here below zero, and snow and
ice all about, it makes one almost
homesick, as he in his imagination
realizes that it is summer there, and
the bees are merrily humming about
as they flit to and fro, in the warm
sunshine.

— A. S.Wilson, an Englisli scien-
tist, has made an elaborate calcula-
tion to show the marvellous
industry of bees. Starting with
the ascertained fact that 125 heads
of clover yield approximately
15,432 grains of sugar, and that
the proportion of sugar in honey
may be roughly estimated at 75
per cent, he finds that 2,500,000
clover flowers must be visited by
bees to obtain one pound of honey
from that source.

— Hilas D. Davis of Bradfor(\,
Vt., has lately suffered a great loss
in the burning of his supply factory
vrith a large stock of lumber and
his entire outfit of new machinery,
a loss of about S3000. He has
just visited us and he proposes to
rebuild his factory and continue
his business. He has just ordered
a new lot of machinery. His cour-
age and enterprise are commend-
able.

NOBTH EASTEBN BEEKEEPERS^

ASSOCIATION.

The sixteeuth annual convention of

the N. E. B. A., was held in the City

Hall at Syracuse, N.Y.,Jau. 21-23,1885.

FIRST SESSION.

The convention was called to order
at 1.30 p. M., Pres. Root in the chair,
Sec'y Geo. W. House at tlie desk.

After the calling of the roll, the
Sec'y read the minutes of the last
meeting, which were adopted and
placed on file.

Treasurer Bacon made his annual
report, showing a balance on hand of
$43.39. On motion, this report was
accepted and placed on file.

On motion of Sec'v House, it was
agreed that the Standing Committees,
and all other committees, report on the
morning of the 23rd.

Sec'y House, at this point, appointed
Silas M. Locke as reading clerk. An
address on "The coming Bee," by Mr.
James Heddon, was then read and dis-
cussed.

The next topic for discussion was,
"Is stimulative feeding profitable and
practical?"

Messrs. Root, Bacon, Snow, Vander-
vort, Locke, Clark, Betsinger and
others took part in tlie discussion ; and
it was the geuei'al opinion, that bees
should not be stimulated to undue ac-
tivity in early spring, as it causes them
to breed too rapidly and waste while
on wing, in search of water, etc.

Different methods of feeding were
described, all of which are well known.
The convention seemed to favor plac-
ing the food inside of the hive, in pref-
rence to feeding in the open air.

All agreed that it was beneficial to
feed the bees between fruit-bloom and
white clover.

The topic "Will it pay to sow or plant
for honey?" was next taken up for dis-
cussion, Messrs. Root, King, Bacon,
Vandervort, Locke and others, taking
part. °

It was generally concluded, that it
would pay, especially on poor land, to
sow for bee-pasturage; and abundant
evidence was given to prove, that
alsyke clover not only yielded well as
a honey plant, but also made a
fine quality of hay. Mr. Root preferred
one-third of this clover, and two-thirds
timotiiy, to any other quality of hay.
It was advised by one member, that
the alyske clover be cut early, as the
second crop was very valuable for
honey.

70

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

It was stated that England was much
in advance of us on this matter; and
that much of the honey produced
there was gathered from artificial
pasturage. Utah stands high as re-
gards the quality of honey produced,
and it was stated that 100 colonies of
bees had been supported, for a time, on
one acre of mignonette.

Considerable was said regarding the
worth of Bokhara as a honey plant.
It was said that Mr. D. A. Jones stated,
that Bokhara clover, sown as a honey
plant, paid him better than any other
crop raised on the same land. It was
good land and capable of returning
him $50.00 per acre.

The beekeepers were advised to set
out as many basswood trees as possi-
ble, as it will pay, and pay well. They
will thrive best by streams of water,
or in a somewhat moist soil, but will
grow in almost any good soil. They
should be set out almost 10 ft. apart.
One of the members spoke in favor of
the yellow locust as it comes into
bloom between fruit and clover bloom,
and also was very valuable for posts.

Mr. Vandervort said that he was
getting more honey from the pea
vine or white clover. The farmers
in his locality pronounce it excellent
for hay.

The nest question for discussion
was, "Spring dwindling — cause and
prevention." Messrs. Root, Snow,
Locke, King, Hetherington, Clark,
Vandervort, Betsinger and others,
taking part. A number of causes
were suggested, such as poor wintering,
which caused diseased bees; a poor
quality of honey for winter food : a lack
of suflicient winter stores, properly
placed ; an undue consumption of food,
during winter; dampness during win-
ter; unusual activity in early spring,
caused by disturbing the bees (which
was considered detrimental) and too
much fall honey. Capt.E. J. Hethering-
ton thought that spring dwindling was
the result of constitutional weakness
caused by poor wintering, conditions
that impair their vitality.

He also thought that the conditions
that governed beekeeping had materi-
ally altered within the last fifteen or
twenty years, bringing atmospheric
changes. As a prevention, it was ad-
vised that a good quality of honey or
sugar syrup food, well sealed, be given
the bees for winter stores, and not fed
too late in the fall, 25 to 30 lbs. being
sullicient. Keep the bees warm, snug
and dry, and do not disturb them so

as to create undue excitement too early
in the spring.

On motion of Mr. Clark, the follow-
ing resolution was unanimously adopt-
ed.

Resolved, That the chair appoint a
committee of three, — before whom,
all questions of whatever nature, com-
ing before this convention, and not on
the programme, shall be submitted,
before such question shall be brought
before this convention. The following
were appointed as such committee: —

Mr. Arthur Todd, Mr. C. G. Dickin-
son and Mr. G. H. Knickerbocker.

After receiving memljership dues, the
convention adjourned to meet at
7 o'clock p. M.

SECOND SESSION WEDNESDAY EVENING.

After the opening of the convention,
Mr. Arthur Todd of Phila., Pa., read
a communication that he had received
from Mr. Frank Cheshire, of London,
England, who has made "Foul Brood"
a study. Mr. Cheshire wrote as fol-
lows :

Dear Mr. Todp,

I send you one slide Bacillus alvei
and one spermatozoa (you will proba-
bly have read my articles on Egg Or-
gans of Queens before this reaches
you). Kindly give my fraternal greet-
ing to American beekeepers at the
Convention and tell them that the cure
of Bacillus alvei by phenol is abso-
lutely positive but that I have recently
found a difierent bacillus causing nearly
identical symptoms with B. alvei about
which I am as yet uncertain as to
cure. B. alvei is the common one
here, the other rarer. How it may be
in America I do not know, but I can
microscopically distinguish them. I
should regard the submission of some
specimens (single infected cells) to me
for examination as a mark of friendly
sympathy between the older and the
younger nation, the small and the great
country and the two great peoples,
which would be very gratifying.

1 write on New Year's Day and so
conclude with wishes of the heartiest
kind for every success to you in the
West and to ourselves in the East and
for eternal friendship in both.

Believe me, very truly yours,

F. Chkshirk.

P. S. The bacillus is about one fifty-
thousandth inch in thickness and one
eight-thousandth or one six-thotisandth
long so that it requires a good micro-
scope.

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

71

The slides are my own mouuting and
so not finished highly. The sperma-
tozoa are stained as well as the bacilli.

Mr. Cheshire was then made an hon-
orary member of the association. Mr.
Todd announced that he would have
bacilhts and spermatozoa in shape for
microscopical examination on Thurs-
day.

[To be continued.']

QUESTIONS AND ANSWEBS.

ANSWER TO QUERY OF J. B. HALL, IN

FEB. NO. *' APICULTURIST," PAGE

47, BY EDITOR.

" Caucasian Bees." Eefer to page
122 in October No. of " Apiculturist "
for 1883, an ai'ticle written by Julius
Hoflman.

"Caucasian Bees." Refer to page
169 "Apiculturist," December, 1883,
an article by Arthur Todd.

QUESTION BY THE EDITOR.

There seems to be a diversity of opin-
ion among our most prominent and
successful apiarists and teachers in
apiculture, regarding the advisability
of stimulative feeding during the
spring. Will you give your ideas re-
specting this subject, as it is a matter
of considerable importance ? We trust
that those, to whom this question is
sent, will give our readers a careful and
thorough description of the matter, as
it appears to them, in the light of their
experience.

In answering, please state when feed-
ing should be commenced ; what kind
of food should be used; what kind of
feeder (if any), is used; in what quan-
tities the food should be supplied;
what eflect is produced ; if it in any de-
gree prevents the bees from flying in
search of water ; what the relative con-
dition is, at the time of the first large
yield of honey, between colonies thus
stimulated, and those that were left to
build up without it.

In fact our object is to present our
readers with a brief, but decisive expla-
nation of this matter.

ANSWER BY L. C. ROOT.

I am impressed that our prominent
and most successful apiarists will con-
tinue to investigate and experiment,
no matter what the opinions of others
may be, yet I realize the confusion

that comes to the beginner from the
variation of opinions on this subject.
At present, my advice to beginners is
to disturb the bees as little as is prac-
ticable during April and May, in lati-
tudes as cold as central New York.
Be sure they have plenty of sealed
honey and use every precaution to pre-
vent them from flying, particularly
during cold days.

As the season advances, if there is
a time between the difi'erent classes of
bloom when no honey is aflbrded, all
stocks that ai'e not liberally supplied
with honey should be fed. Feed noth-
ing but pure honey. I am aware that
under experienced management stim-
ulative feeding may be practised to ad-
vantage, but the average person who
has not had experience would not be
benefited.

Mohawk, N. Y.

ANSWER BY PROF. A. J. COOK.

I have long believed that stimulative
feeding at the proper time was very
profitable. This is not a mere theory,
as we have carefully experimented in
spring and summer — when there were
no flowers — and in autumn. We found
by careful comparison that such colo-
nies as were stimulated always in-
creased more rapidly than those not
fed. We feed always in April and
May, use the Smith feeder, which is
described and illustrated in my manual.
Feed not more than a gill to each col-
ony per day, which is done just in the
evening. I feed extracted honey if we
have it, if not, sugar syrup.

Though I am aware that some of
our excellent beekeepers scout this
idea, yet from actual and repeated
tests, I am persuaded that feeding
sparingly, whenever bees are not ac-
tively gathering, will accelerate brood
rearing.

ANSWER BY J. E. POND.

The matter of stimulative feeding
in the spring is one of great import-
ance, and one that should be thor-
oughly understood. In the hands of
an expert it will be conducive of great
good ; but the novice must understand
that it is a "two-edged sword," and
when used indiscriminately may pro-
duce much mischief. Its chief value
consists in using it so to increase a
colony, that a full and eflective army
of workers may be on hand to gather
in the first spring yield, that otherwise
would not have been able so to do. A
few years ago I was an earnest advo-

72

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

cate of stimulative feeding in spring;
of late I am of tlie opinion that more
harm than good is caused by it. If a
colony is lacking in stores it must be
fed of course ; this rule must be strictly
followed, but is a far different matter
from that of urging the production of
brood at too early a date. New Eng-
land weather is capricious ; a few days
of bright warm sunshine are liable to
be followed by a protracted season of
severely cold weather; an excess of
brood at such a time is a positive in-
jury. The bees intent upon their own
preservation, still desirous of protect-
ing their brood, hesitate about forming
that cluster necessary to keep them
alive, and the result is, that the brood
is not only finally chilled past recov-
ery, but a vast number of the workers
lay down their lives, and thus com-
pletely destroy the effectiveness of the
colony for the season, without haviug
accomplished any good whatever.

Beekeepers ought to know almost
to a day, when the first yield of honey
will be found; and knowing this, can
easily, if a colony is worth preserving,
so build it up as a rule, without stimu-
lation, that it will be fully able to take
advantage thereof. Nothing more than
this seems to be needed, and nothing
less will produce the best results.
Each colony, however, must be a " rule
unto itself," and it is only by experi-
mental practice that the best course to
pursue can be learned. Not being an
advocate of stimulative feeding, I shall
not attempt to give any instructions as
to best ways and means, but will say
that a large amount of water is used
during brood rearing, consequently the
food used should be largely diluted
therewith, else many bees will be lost
in the attempt to obtain it from outside
the hive, at a time when the tempera-
ture is too low for them to fly out with
safety.

ANSWER BY G. W. DEMAREK.

I have practised stimulative feeding,
more or less, every spring for several
years past. Doubtless location, as
pertains to earliness or lateness of
honey resources, has much to do with
the question.

1. It has paid me to stimulate weak
colonies, and especially such as are
scarce of stores. 2. It pays to stim-
ulate strong colonies to get early
swarms if they are desirable, or to get
early queen cells if they are wanted.
Otherwise it does not pay.

I feed sweetened water in any good
cheap feeder. The amount fed de-
pends altogether on the size of the
colony. One pint of warm water, in
which two ounces of sugar has been
dissolved, is sufficient for a large col-
ony if fed to them once a day, provided
the colony has some stores in reserve.

I usually commence stimulative feed-
ing as soon as the first natural pollen
begins to come in, which is generally
about the twentieth of March here.

As far as my observation extends,
stimulative feeding increases activity
in bees, and for this reason I defer the
feeding till bees can safely be on the
wing almost daily, at intervals.

A fair experience has led me to be-
lieve that it does not pay to stimulate
full colonies that have plenty of stores,
with the object of obtaining a greater
quantity of honey.

Christiansburg , Eij.

QUESTIONS BY L. E. BURNHAM.

1. If you had colonies in the cellar
which became short of stores before
spring what method would you adopt
to feed such colonies?

2. Would you recommend remov-
ing bees on a fine day to the open air
and returning them again to the cellar
after they have had a purifying fliglit?

3. At what time in the spring would
you advise removing the burlap sheet
which covers the brood nest and .sub-
stituting therefor an enamelled cloth
or any covering to arrest the escape
of heat from the brood chambers?

4. At what time (in our climate)
would you advise removing bees from
cellar to their summer stand?

Essex, Mass.

ANSWERS BY L. C. ROOT.

1. If I had no sealed honey in combs
I would fill a comb with liquid honey
or sugar syrup, and place it in the
hive at the side of the cluster of bees,
and cover it well to keep it warm. Let
the liquid be warm when put into the
comb.

2. If bees are reasonably quiet in
their winter quarters, leave them un-
disturbed.

3. Change them when they are
placed on their summer stands in
spring.

4. About the first of May.

We were unable to give Mr. Rasin's
questions attention this month.— Ed.

The American Apiculturist.

% lountal bffaohb to Sntntific anb practical gwketptng. { \

ENTERED AT THE POST-OFFICE, SALEM, AS SECOXD-CLASS JUTTER. \

Published Monthly. S. M. Locke, Pubhsher & Prop'r.

VOL. III.

WENHAM, MASS., APRIL i, 1885.

No. 4.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES.

$1.00 per year, payable ia advance. Sent
on trial three months Tor 35 cts., six months
for UO cts.

Advertising Rates :— Whole page, $12.00.
One-half page, $7.00. One-fourth i)age, $f.00.
One-eighth page, $-2.00. Card, $1.50.

Those wishing special rates will please
correspond with tlie Editor.

All communications should be addressed
to S. M. Locke & Co., Weuhani, Mass.

EECEPTACULUM SEMINIS
OF BEESA

By F. R. Cheshire.

The labours of Siebold, Ber-
lepsch, Leuckart, and others, have
put the fact of parthenogenesis in
bees altogether be^'ond dispute, but
the argument, as these investiga-
tors have given it, although abun-
dantly sufficient, has lacked that
anatomical contirmation which it
is the object of the present paper to
supply.

iSince the honey bee can be so
readily kept under observation, and
the modern hive which forms its
habitat under domestication can
be so easily and completely manip-
ulated, it will be not only more
useful but more convenient to
concentrate our attention some-
what upon this member of the
family Apidse, although no doubt

Reprinted from the Journal of the Royal
Microscopical Society, London, Eug.

the facts to be introduced will ap-
ply with certain modifications to
every species in it.

It must be remarked by way of
introduction, that it has long been
known that a queen or mother bee
is not doomed to total sterility if
raised at a part of the year wheji
drones (males) do not exist, but
that she, although later than at the
normal period, begins to deposit
eggs, which, however, are in no in-
stance converted into workers, but
invariably produce drones, which
must be of course, in this case at
least, generated parthenogeneti-
cally. Similarly, if a queen of the
Italian race (^pts Ligustica) which
has consorted^ with an Italian
drone be placed in a hive contain-
ing English bees {Apis melUfica)
only, and which is itself located in
a neighborhood where Italians are
unknown, all her progeny, both
workers and drones, will to the
end of her life continue pure, car-
rying their characteristic yellow
abdominal bands and a thousand
other minor distinctive peculiari-
ties ; but should she leave with a
swarm or die, the workers will raise
a successor from one of her eggs.
The queen resulting must of neces-
sity mate with an English drone,
and as a consequence the workers
*A11 bees mate but once.
(73)

74

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

produced by her will partake of
the two races, exhibiting amongst
themselves those variations for
which hj'brids^ are remarkable ;
but her drones, on the contrary,
will be absolutely Italian ; again
showing that although their mother
was impregnated, her impregnation
had in no way influenced their gen-
eration, or that they as before
come from unfertilized eggs. Oc-
casionally in the absence of a
mother-bee one or more of the
workers^ (which from their ana-
tomical structures areincapable^of
coition) will commence ovipositing
and these eggs, from reasons now
clear, develop drones only. Be-
yond these facts and many similar
ones, it has been demonstrated that
the drone produces a vast number
of spermatozoa, and that the
queen after conjugation is found to
contain these stored in a receptacle
to which the names spermatheca
and receptacuhim seminis have
been given, and that these threads
are the active means for possibly
converting an egg that would oth-
erwise have yielded a drone into a
worker, or it may be a queen. But
many problems have had no an-
swer, and most conspicuously those
which asked how these threads were

'The word hybrid is used here rather pop-
ularly than scientifically, and in obedience to
custom. No assertion that Jpismellifica and
Apis Ligustica are specifically distinct is con-
veyed. Tliey may be merely well-marked
varieties.

«Such workers are known as fertile
workeis. They are abundant amongst hive
bees, but amongst some members of tlie
Apidae and Vespida) they pt-rform no unim-
portant part in the regular building up of the
colony.

'One exceptional instance is declared, but
it must be received with reserve.

transferred to the eggs, and how a
mother could after her impregnation
as needed supply eggs either fertil-
ized or unfertilized, and it is to these
especially that I invite attention.

As, however, the investigation
shows beautifully that the queen
after mating becomes most com-
pletely a creature carrying all the
essentials of the two genders within
herself, it will be necessary to con-
sider the organization of the males.

If the abdomen of a queen be
cut open down the sides by fine
scissors and the three first dorsal
plates carefully removed, we dis-
cover two very large organs filling
nearly the whole of the enclosed
space. These are the ovaries, and
consist of from 100 to 120 tubes^
each, all lying side b}^ side and
gathered into a bundle by count-
less small tracheae which act as
connective tissue. These ovarian
tubes are at the upper end very
small, and here each egg is repre-
sented by an initial cell, but dur-
ing development it passes on,
room being made for it by the es-
cape of the mature eggs at the wi-
der lower end. Each tube merges
into the oviduct the commencement
of which is formed by the opened-
out walls of the peripheral ovarian
tubes. '^ The two ovaries are thus
covered below by very delicate but,
as will be presently seen, highly
organized membranous expansions
which may be compared to funnels,

^In counting these tubes, it is needful to
thoroughly dissect, as the ovaries are not
equally active in every part, and some of the
tubes, thin and flat, may otherwise easily es-
cape detection.

'The central tubes unite their lower edges
and complete the covering above.

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

the deliveiy pipes of which (the
oviducts) unite into a single tube,
the common oviduct. If a drone
be now opened in lilfe manner, we
discover in the same relative part
of his body two organs much
smaller in size, containing about
300 tubes, individually minute, but
from which are evolved the thread-
like spermatozoa, much as the
eggs are developed in the queen,
so that the ovaries of the queen
and the testes of the drone are
homologues of one another. A
canal also on each side of the body
couvej's these threads as matured
to the vesicula seminalis which is
much larger than the testis, and
here they await the object of their
development. The horaologue of
this store-chamber is clearly the
spermatheca of the queen. At
the time of mating, spermatozoa
require a medium in which they
ma}^ be floated into their proper
destination, and to supply this a
gland is provided — the glandula
mucosa — into which the vesicula
seminalis opens, and during ejacu-
lation the mucous secretion of the
gland and the spermatozoa are
sent forward together. The mu-
cous gland, we shall presently see
good reason to believe, has also
its homologue in the queen, which
now we had better scrutinize.

Near the commencement of the
common oviduct, which is fastened
by very complicated muscles to
the fifth abdominal ring, we find
the before-mentioned globular
body rather more than 1 mm. in
diameter, glistening like burnished
silver, because densely coated with

the closest and most curiously
felted plexus of tracheas with which
I am acquainted. This spermathe-
ca is in structural communication
with the common oviduct, but the
smallest roughness will break it
from its attachment, and will frus-
trate any endeavour to discover
how it is filled up and used ; but
with it separated, should accident
detach it, we may still study the
exceedingly curious and compli-
cated valvula apparatus with which
it is furnished. Removing it to
the stage of the dissecting micro-
scope,^ and surrounding it with di-
lute glycerin, we get glimpses of
a contained membrane between the
meshes of the investing tracheae.
So far as I know, those who have
studied this matter have failed to
discover that these tracheoe merely
closely embrace the actual sperma-
theca, and that they in no instance
enter its walls ; but such is the
fact, and by very careful teasing
and cutting with needle-knives we
may so separate them that they
may be peeled off as a rind from
an orange. The sac itself is now
seen to have beautifully transpar-
ent sides, giving faint indications
of originating in coalescing cells,
but having no discernible struc-
ture except near its outlet where
it has an epithelial lining. Throuoh
its sides, if the queen is unimpreg-
nated, we discern only a perfectly
clear fluid. 3 If, on the contrary', she

H use a "Stephenson's erecting binocular,"
and hardly think what I am describing could
be accomplished with a simple "dissector."

^Leidy describes the fluid as granular,
which is certainly erroneous. Leuckart says
it is clear. Both of these observers appear to

76

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

has been recently mated, the whole
interior is densely clouded and
semi-opaque, since it is perfectly
filled with spermatozoa ; but as
older and yet older queens are op-
erated upon, the spermatozoa de-
crease in number, but instead of
being generally difi'used are gath-
ered into a tolerably compact
mass which lies near the aperture
of the spermatheca, the remainder
of the latter being filled with a
clear fluid as in virgin queens.

This collection of spermatozoa
is seen by a J- in. objective to be
arranged in large, wavy, floccus-
like masses, the extremities of the
motile threads pointing towards
the aperture, while from its upper
surface spermatozoa are observed
to rise in different spots like mic-
roscopic eels, long and thin, curl-
ing and twisting with much grace
as they hold on by their tails. Af-
ter a few seconds they lapse into
quietude, to be in turn succeeded
by others, and in a warm room this
most curious set of movements
will long be continued, even though
several hours have been occupied
in dissecting the abdomen whence
the spermatheca had been taken.
It has been again and again as-
serted, as an echo of a bold guess
made long since in America, that
the narrower workeri" cell in which
worker bees are raised, by pressing
upon the abdomen of the queen,
was the effective means for the
forcing out of spermatozoa and so

have merely ruptured the sac by pressure,
afterwards examining the expressed matter.
JO Honey comb consists of two-sized cells;
worker cells 4 in. in diameter and drone cells
\ in. in diameter.

causing these eggs to be fertilized.
This notion, so repellent from its
bald crudity, could only be previ-
ously met by negative evidence,
and since there is no confidence
like the confidence of ignorance,
the error has died hard, and it is
worth while in this connection to
note that the closing valve of the
spermatheca, which we are pres-
ently to examine, having been
brought away in situ, holds so very
strongly, that the sac may be
squeezed flat in the compressorium
without driving out a single sper-
matozoon. The pressure increased
the delicate bag at length bursts,
and a true microscopical marvel
awaits us. The spermatozoa es-
cape in tufts, each containing hun-
dreds of thousands. These tufts
have a beautiful arrangement, re-
minding one of a girl's back hair
combed after plaiting ; but each
spermatozoon wriggles to be free,
and quickly they are widely spread,
curling and uncurling with a pecu-
liar snapping movement, and with
an energy that baffles description.
Their powers in a few minutes be-
gin to wane ; then one after the
other they take a form which with
a J- in. or even |- closely resembles
two 8's one over the other, sur-
rounded by a rather larger O.
When all have sunk to rest, this
singular pattern, repeated with
strange regularity, covers the field.
Let us suppose that a complete
spermatheca is now before us ; as
we turn it we get it into such a po-
sition that its outline is not unlike
the back of a man's head carrying
two large and prominent ears.

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

11

These latter are the upper ends of
two glands something less than
200,a in diameter, and which are
held in position by receiving very
numerous twigs from the investing
tracheal plexus. These glands
passing down the opposite sides of
the spermatheca, meet together
and form a junction near the sper-
mathecal duct. They consist of
nucleated gland cells surrounding
a tube which runs from end to end
and enlarges somewhat during its
course^ This tube gives off thous-
ands of tubelets which pass to the
distinct cells, upon the walls of
which they seem to expand ; but
after considerable painstaking I feel
myself uncertain upon this point.
The spermathecal duct which is
short, stiff, and slightl}' rugose,
points towards but does not imme-
diatel}' join the duct of the appen-
dicular^i gland. Attached to these
ducts and valve are five main mus-
cles, two of which are sphincters,
and which are the main instruments
for respectively and independently
closing the spermathecal and ap-
pendicular gland ducts. These
sphincters, which are separated by
an intervening wedge-shaped disk,
lie towards each other at an angle of
from 30° to about 60°, and may be
beautifully shown by polarized
light. The prisms being crossed
the object is so staged that one
sphincter most completely' resolves
the polarized beam, by which every
fibre in it can beperfectly dissocia-

JiThis name appears to me not well cliosen,
but since it has been given it had better be
retained, although "mucous glaiid of the fe-
male" would have been more expressive.

ted from its companion, which is
placed at such angle that it gives
no perceptible twist to the plane of
polarization, and so remains out of
view. The rotation of the stage
plate now darkens the first observed
sphincter, while the second be-
comes brightly illuminated. An
indurated integument, probably a
chitinous plate, is pushed towards
the spermathecal duct by the con-
traction of its proper sphincter, and
in this work it is aided by a muscle
which is one of two, the tendinous
extension of which is only about
25 in diameter, or ^^ of the thick-
ness of a human hair.^^ These
muscles would, no doubt, all re-
main tense the insect being in a
condition of repose ; but should
she be engaged in ovipositing
and spermatozoa be required
for fertilization, the muscle by
contraction^^ would lift the plate
to which by a complex tendon it is
attached. Into the cavity thus
opened spermatozoa would pass.
The two sphincters at the same
moment relaxing, an outflow of
glandular secretion] would be ready
to sweep the spermatozoa towards
their destination in the common ovi-
duct, and all would be at once
driven on by the appendicular
sphincter first contracting, fol-
lowed in order by the second

>2I fully feel the difficulty of interpreting a
mechanism such as this, but very many dis-
sections made with great care and most soru-
pulously examined, will, I hope, be thought
to justify the explanation given, which cer-
tainly seems to me to satisfy fully both tlie
natural liistory and microscopy of the case.
" I am fully satisfied that tliose muscular
changes would be all produced by reflex
action.

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

sphincter and muscles, when the
repose condition would again be
established.

A most remarkable adaptation
here arises. The spermatozoa
yielded by the drone are probably
about 4,000,000 in number; but
these need to be economically
utilized, as, if they were shot out
haphazard, they would be ex-
hausted long before the queen's
death, when she would breed of
course drones only (a circumstance
which does actually, although
somewhat exceptionally, arise when
queens run on without accident to
the ripe old age of four or five
years) ; but the duct through
which they pass, I find to be the cen-
tre of another gland, which seems
to the present to have entirely es-
caped attention. This gland is,
no doubt, excited to secretion by
the presence of the spermatozoa,
just as food excites our salivary
glands to the secretion of saliva,
and the stomach to the secretion
of gastric juice. Spermatozoa
thickly present will cause the ad-
dition of large quantities of fluid
which will dilute and more widely
separate them. Their absence
(for this gland is most richly pro-
vided with nerve-twigs, which send
numerous loops to the muscles
previously described and to the
ganglion seen lying under the
muscle) will yield the action
which will send a new contingent
forward as I have described, and
so the}" come to be paid out with
some regularity. The necessity
for this regularity will be better
appreciated if it be remarked that

a prolific queen will lay 1,500,000
eggs, each about 1-8 mm. long,
0-4 mm. in diameter, and that
these would fill, if systematically
packed, a half-pint measure. De-
ducting a few thousand for drones,
the remainder would each require
an independent fertilization, and
for this work probably not more
than 4,000,000 and often very
many less spermatozoa will be at
command. We shall presently
see that the number of spermatozoa
and the size of the receptaculum
appear to be proportioned to the
laying capabilities of the insect,
and hence in every case some such
mechanism as we have been ex-
amining will be a necessity. In the
common wasp, for example, the fe-
cundity is much less than in the hive
bee, but the spermatheca is much
smaller, the capacity of that of the
latter insect being about forty times
that of the former, while the sper-
matozoa are nearly of the same size.
The channel is fairly wide, and
at first I supposed it tolerably
straight and simple, but upon ex-
amining it with the low-angled front
of a Powell oil 1^ in., I discovered
it to contain a membrane of ex-
treme tenuity and remarkably con-
voluted, reminding me much of the
curious structure of the epididj'uiis
of higher animals. The meaning
of this peculiarity I can in no way
explain. Tracing this channel on-
wards till it perforates the side of
the common oviduct, a bifurcation
is detected, one channel of which
appears wide and indefinite and to
be presently lost in the lower part
of the oviduct, whilst the other

THE A3IERICAN APICULTURIST.

enters a centralis and curiously
folded apparatus which, for a rea-
son to be presently explained, I
shall denominate the fertilizing
pouch. I have strong reasons for
supposing that the path upwards
from the bursa copulat7-ix (where
the male organs of the drone are
retained at the time of copulation)
and thi'ough the pouch aforesaid
to the sperraatheca is so involved
that it would not be possible for
the spermatozoa to enter the latter
by following it, but that in the
early life of the second wider and
straighter channel to which I have
referred is fully open and by it the
spermatozoa, with their inscrutable
power of self-direction, pass up-
wards, avoiding the mazes of the
fertilizing pouch and packing them-
selves for future use. The queen
if still unmated at four or five
weeks old becomes incapable of
copulation, or at least she evinces
no desire for it, and this possibly
marks the time when this lower
passage closes ; this closure in a
mated queen forcing the spermato-
zoa in descending to take their way
to the fertilizing pouch.

If a central comb be lifted from
a hive during the summer months,
eggs in number will be discovered.
If one of these be removed from
either a worker or drone cell by
the wetted point of a camel's-hair
pencil, and then microscopically
examined in water or glycerin, its
surface will be found beautifully

14 The tracing of this channel I found ex-
tremely diflicult in the hive bee. The prob-
lem in the common wasp is far easier, since
in the latter the walls are stronger and more
definite.

netted (the chorion), almost as
though a tiny pearl had been cov-
ered with what the ladies call
"blonde," hundreds of the meshes
of which were required to coat it
completely. Towards one end the
netting makes its cells long and
narrow and pointing towards a
circular spot, just as the cordage
of a balloon points towards the
upper valve by which the gas is
allowed to escape. This circular
spot, I need not here explain, is
really an opening called the micro-
pyle, by which the spermatozoon
enters and unites its material with
the germ cell, so bringing about
fertilization. It will be remem-
bered that it has been already stat-
ed that in bees this fusion of male
and female elements produces the
female (partially developed as to
sex in the worker, and fully so
developed in the queen), which will
possess qualities of both father
and mother, so that the tiny sper-
matozoon not only differentiates
the entire creature, but communi-
cates unerringly differences of
species or mere variety even. The
spermatozoa from Cyprian, Italian,
and English bees are to the most
refined microscopical examination
identical, and yet they contain
differences which determine almost
countless variations in form, color,
size, instinct, capability, and tem-
per.

That the spermatozoon enters
the egg is certain, for it may be
found if the latter be carefully
examined immediately after depo-
sition. (It is my opinion, resting
upon facts which do not fall within

80

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

the scope of this paper, that Sie-
bold^^ has possibly been in error in
imagining that he has noticed more
than one spermatozoon within an
egg. The great length of the
bod3', about 250 ,a, necessitates
man}' convolutions and would make
misconception easy '^^) . The head
of the spermatozoon is very nar-
row in order that the micropylar
aperture may be passed, but to ef-
fect this time must be occupied,
and how is this given ? It is clear
from what I have already said that
the spermatozoa pass not into a
plain tubular cavity to meet the
descending egg, but into a pouch
which I find to be elastic and curi-
ously formed of folds of the lining
membrane of the common oviduct,
and which takes up picric acid from
picro-carmine far more freely than
the oviduct proper, whilst its sur-
face is dotted over with linear
patches of setse from two to six in
a patch and from 1 to 3 /x in length.
Its structure is particularly difficult
to examine, and I should require
to carefully dissect many more ex-
amples of it before I would commit
myself to a drawing, but I am
satisfied that into or against this
pouchi''' ii^Q eggs that are to form
workers are conveyed, and that

J5 siebold "On True Parthenogenesis," p. 85
et seq.

16 1 have not failed to note that possibly the
body of the spermatozoon is very elastic,
measuring much less in the coiled than in the
straight form.

" Is not the pouch described by Mr. Lowne
as the bursa copulatrix of the blow-fly the
same in use as the form now engaging our
atte ition ? The bursa copulatrix of tlie bee
is lower down. It is wortli noting here tliat
thediameterof the pouch is aboutCO/j. greater
than that of the egg.

here the}'^ are brought into contact
with the spermatozoa and fertiliza-
tion is accomplished, while drones
are evolved from eggs which are
carried down by the side of the
pouch to the ovipositor and so es-
cape all contact with the fertilizing
fluid. The oviducts are very high-
ly organized, containing a most
beautiful system of longitudinal
and transverse muscular fibres re-
pletely provided with nerve-twigs,
evidently giving to the oviducts
the most complete control of the
eggs which are to pass through
them, while, as just hinted, they
are not without strong indications
of two specialized but confluent
paths one towards the fertilizing
pouch, and the other to its side.
Near the junction of the oviducts
also there are two thin muscles for
which I can conceive of no pur-
pose, unless it be to so reduce hy
their contraction the opening lying
b}' the side of the fertilizing pouch
that an egg could not, except it be
relaxed, pass in this direction and
so escape fertilization. i^

The nerve structure of these
parts would lead me quite beyond
the intended scope of this paper,
but it should be stated that the last
large abdominal ganglion lies im-
mediately beneath and in contact
with the oviducts and from it
branches of nerves run in abun-
dance into the oviducts, the sper-

is The complicated structure which Mr.
Lowne gives to corresponding parts in blow-
flies and their general simdarity to those I
find in bees, leadnie to ask, whether it is not
at least possible, if indeed not highly prob-
able, from what we know of members of other
orders, that one of the sexes in the blow-fly
may be parthenogetically produced ?

THE AMERICAN APICULTUBIST.

81

mathecal valve muscles, the sting
and ovipositor, while small ganglia
are distributed in profusion, a con-
siderable one Ijnng over the valve,
and sending branches forward into
the fertilizing pouch.

It has been lately noticed by
some American beekeepers that if
a maturing queen, that has still
some days to pass in her cell before
gnawing out, has her cell opened
at the upper end so that into the
aperture a crushed drone larva
may be put, the aperture being
again carefully closed, she will in
due course appear as an imago, but
that she will already be fertilized.
It is stated that in many cases
queens so treated have commenced
la5ang fertile eggs almost directly
after leaving the cell. Incredible
as this might at first appear, it is
well worth the careful attention of
microscopists. The testes are very
early developed in the full-grown
larva of which I have found semi-
niferous tubes and spermatic fila-
ments in active movement (this is
quite in agreement with Mr. Lowne
in his observations on blow-flies),
and this fact will aff^ord a probable
explanation. The larva which is
to be developed into a queen is
provided by the workers with ex-
tremely large quantities of a spec-
ialized food of very nutritive
character. This is inserted into
the upper end of the pendulous
cell, and being somewhat viscous
the growing larva sticks upon its
surface by capillarity. At this
time there is of course no anus and
no genital aperture. When the
chrysalis condition is assumed, the

body still adheres to the pappy
unconsumed food, from which I
have little doubt nutriment is still
received by osmosis. The spei--
matozoa with their marvellous
vitality, still surrounded by drone
juices or nutrient food, would sur-
vive until the developing queen
ruptures the very delicate integu-
ment which is thrown off at the
last moult ; they then would pass
into the vulva and enter the sperm-
atheca, giving us a queen fertil-
ized from the birth, but one which,
no doubt, would carry but few
spermatozoa, and so be practically
useless — a point which the micro-
scope could alone determine. But
in this quaint performance practical
men have given to the embryologist
a method of experimenting, which
may yield good results. Every
scientific investigator would see at
once far better methods of pro-
cedure and possibilities, it may be,
not only of tracing the course of
the spermatozoa, but of producing
hybrids and mules, the study of
which may be of immense interest.
I hope at any rate to institute ex-
periments in this direction in the
coming summer, by which one
doubtful point may at any rate be
made to pass from the region of
speculation to that of knowledge.
It is as follows : —

Although the drones produced
by the fertile workers (to which
reference was previously made) de-
velop spermatozoa exhibiting mi-
croscopically all the appearances
of those obtained from the normal
drone, still the virility of the in-
sect has been questioned, practical

82

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

men supposing that because he
was of doubtful origin he probably
was impotent. This question has
both a practical and scientific
value. Practical, because if the
spermatozoa from these fertile-
worker-drones are equally effective
as those from normal drones, the
apiarist would have at command, by
keeping a fertile worker oviposit-
ing, a stock of drones at a season of
the year when they would not be
obtainable from an impregnated
queen, and hence he would possess
the means of raising and fertilizing
queens either earlier or later in the
season than would otherwise be pos-
sible. The scientific interest centres
about the fact that it is well known
that amongst the higher animals
where a mother has borne offspring
the influence of its father may be
impressed on her progeny after-
wards begotten by a different par-
ent, as in the case of the transmis-
sion of Quagga marks to a
succession of colts both of whose
parents were of the species Horse,
the mare having been impregnated
by a Quagga male ; or in the in-
stance (many cases of which I
have observed amongst our own
poultry) of a pullet being spoiled
for the breeding of fancy stock by
some accidental misalliance. The
explanation of the first given phe-
nomenon, which rests upon the
statement that probably the blood
of the female imbibes from that of
the foetus through the placental
circulation some of the attributes
which the latter derived from the
male parent, does not seem so
directly to apply to the case of the

insect as does that of the fowl, for it
appears to me that it may be argued
that in the queen-produced-drone,
although there is no actual spermatic
fusion, still the fluids of the queen
generally are not uninfluenced by
the constant presence of spermato-
zoa within her body, and that this
influence may in some unknown in-
direct way transfer to the drone
some qualities of the male with
which the mother mated, and it cer-
tainly is evident that these sperma-
tozoa are not cells, in the rest con-
dition. They not only are in partial
movement, but they are abundantly
aerated, which seems at once to
prove that they absorb nutrition
which they subsequently oxidize,
and that they as a consequence
yield products which must pass
into the general blood-current. On
the opposite side it may be urged
that facts known to entomologists
would seem certainly to indicate
that no such slight indirect influ-
ence derived from copulation as is
here suggested is necessary, for
amongst moths at least twenty gen-
erations of females have been pro-
duced without a single male indi-
vidual making its appearance.
The coming season will no doubt
furnish some with an opportunity
of testing the question by inserting
larvae or the testes of drones de-
rived from fertile workers into queen
cells. The marvellous persistence
of the spermatic cell is worthy of
note in passing. One taken from
a que^ four years old is utterly in-
distinguishable from another de-
rived direct from the drone testis,
although the former must have ex-

THE AMERICAN APIGULTURIST.

83

istecl in tlie queen's spermatlieca
the whole of her life, less from five
to ten da^'s, between which ages
queens almost invariably mate.

SOMETHING NEW FROM
GERMANY.

By L. Stachelhausen.

It might be of interest to the
readers of the "Apiculturist" to
learn what discoveries and observa-
tions have been made of late in
Germany regarding beekeeping. I
will here relate, therefore, what
seems to me to be the most impor-
tant.

1. Under certain circumstances
it may be of importance to prevent
the building of drone comb without
the use of too much comb founda-
tion. One prefers to let swarms
build fall combs rather than to fur-
nish them with comb foundation,
because as a rule they build nice
worker comb. But unusually
strong colonies, later on, build more
drone comb. At such times I use
comb foundation, but the partially
completed combs are now finished
with drone comb. The apiarist
must therefore replace this with
comb foundation, which is a very
laborious task consuming much
time. Mr. A. Zimmerman has
recently observed that if he cuts
away drone comb, that has been
commenced, to the worker brood
and then shaves off both sides of
the comb to the edges (V-shaped)

the bees will replace and complete
it with worker comb.

2. The invention of Mr. Z611
(of Everdorf, near Kissingen),who
has succeeded in constructing whole
combs with full-depth cells, is per-
haps of more practical importance.
In the fall of 1880 even, such combs
were to be seen at the exhibition
at Frankfort-on-the Main. They
are said to have been very much
heavier than natural combs ; but
in this the first steps have been
taken which will lead in time doubt-
less to the improvement of the
established method.

What influence the invention will
have in practical beekeeping, I am
unable to judge, and I know nothing
concerning the method of making
such comb.

3. Another invention has been
made by E. von Freyberg, namely,
that of the artificial capping of
natural cells filled with honey. One
can by this method save the bees
the labor of doing this, and late
in the fall such combs can be given
to the bees for winter stores. Very
likely this affords other advan-
tages. The cells of the horizontal-
ly lying comb are filled with warm
honey or sugar syrup ; then a sheet
of white filtering paper, on one side
of which warm wax has been
spread, should be placed wax side
down upon the comb ; on this lay
several sheets of paper and then
over this pass a warm iron lightly.

Upon removing the extra sheets
of paper, you will find that the
waxed paper is stuck fast on the
comb.

By a method recommended sev-

84

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

eral j^ears since by Knoblauch,
liquid honey is blown on the comb
(which has been filled with honey
or syrup), by means of a duster.
This, however, gives but an im-
perfect covering, while the former
method is said to give satisfactory
results.

There have been many valuable
theoretical discoveries lately made
in Germany regarding beekeeping.
To these belong more especially

4. The examination and exact
description of the so-called orifice
of the stomach of the bees, by
Schonfeld (Bee Journal, 1883, Nos.
9-10). This organ of which but
little has been known until lately
is of great importance to the sub-
sistence of the bees, and many
features in the life of the bees which
have been shrouded in darkness
are explained through the critical
and exact examinations of this
organ. I will here mention only
one circumstance.

Several authorities have asserted
that in the large glands on both
sides in the head of the worker bees
(salivary glands) the food sap for
the young larva is prepared and
separated. This was always dis-
puted by Schonfeld and the con-
struction of the orifice of the
stomach seems to show that he is
right and to prove that the food sap
is nothing but chyle from the di-
gestive stomach of the bee, secreted
at will by the help of this orifice
of the stomach.

5. The apparent economy of
space and the saving of material
in the hexagonal form of bee cells
have always been a subject for ad-

miration and it has generally been
supposed that this was due to a
singular instinct on the part of the'
bees, and j^et it was presumed by
some that it was the result of
chemico-physical laws ; but it
seems that only Dr. Mollenhof of
Berlin has succeeded in establish-
ing a satisfactor}^ theory by which
it no longer appears necessary to
attribute this to a high order of
instinct in the bees. It would take
too much space, however, to de-
scribe it here.

6. Another observation of Dr.
Mollenhof is of great importance.
Before a honey cell is capped a
drop of bee poison is mixed with
the honey. As the powerful anti-
septic effect of the bee poison has
been demonstrated, it is not to be
doubted that this addition to the
honey contributes greatly to its
preservation. Through this there
is also given an explanation that
shows how the bees, under favora-
able circumstances, can defend
themselves against the much-to-
be-dreaded foul brood as the bee-
poison is able to destroy the
Bacteria, or germ, if used in suffic-
ient quantities.

7. One observation of the great-
est importance is that of the mat-
ing of the worker bees with a
drone. On July 20, 1883, Mr.
Kreraer found in his garden one
worker bee to which a drone was
banging. The worker tried to free
itself from the already dead drone,
twisting around in a circle, drag-
ging the body of the drone with
her. Kremer caught the couple
and immersed them in spirits.

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

85

The well-known and very expert
Schoufeld examined them and
proved that copulation had actual-
ly taken place and that it was
surely a worker bee and not a small
or imperfect queen with which the
drone had mated, because : 1. The
hind legs were shorter as is the case
with the smallest queens and pro-
vided with the pollen baskets which
are missing in the queens. 2. The
head was absolutely that of a work-
er bee. 3. The sting which was
present was that of a worker. 4.
The ovaries were undeveloped as
is the case with worker bees. 5. A
seminal vessel was nowhere to be
found. 6. The honey stomach and
the orifice which is to be found in
it are different in the queen from
that of the working bee and
showed here the nature of the lat-
ter. 7. Finally, the pollen right
from the great-gut proved that here
was actually a working bee.

Of course this observation proves
nothing against the Dzierzon theo-
ry or parthenogenesis, as an im-
pregnation of the worker bee is
impossible, but goes to show that
bees before they commence to lay
drone eggs can and do become
amorous. In Germany, of course,
this observation has called forth
lively interest and a great inter-
change of opinion.

Selma, Texas.

WHOSE HAT (QUESTION
DEPARTMENT) IS IT?

Evidently the editor of the A.
B. J. does not enjoy being compli-

mented on the improved appear-
ance he makes in Mr. Locke's hat.
It is so much better than his old
one that we are all glad that, before
he attended the World's Fair, he
got a new hat from "down east."
Strange to say he declares it is not
Mr. Locke's hat at all but an old
one of his own and that he can
prove that he wore it once at so
early a date as May, 1879. He has
not worn it since until quite recent-
ly because he has been taking a nap
(Rip Van Winkle) and he does not
wear a hat when he is asleep.
Furthermore, while he was asleep,
Locke stole it and made such a
commotion with it as to awake him.
However he won't complain or
make any fuss about an old hat if
nobody will accuse him of taking
Locke's new one. It is our duty
to remind him, however, that the
punishment, if not the guilt, is
greater for taking a new hat than
for taking an old one. I had hoped
for an amicable settlement, until
just now my eye chanced to rest on
an editorial note in Gleanings that
evidently means war (civil I hope).
As I understand it, he accuses both
parties of being moral pirates or
at least they are guilty of not tak-
ing out "moral patents." He says
the hat they have been wearing
between them is one worn by the
editor of the Beekeeper's Instruc-
tor in 1882. Now I find on taking
measurements that the hat worn
once by Newman in 1879 and worn
once by Thomas in 1882 is entirely
too small for the editor of this
journal, therefore, I conclude Locke
must have a new one. Who shall

86

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

decide when editors disagree?
Prof. Cook? He says (see "Api."
of last month) that Locke lias not
only a new hat but that it is a good
one. So say we all.

The editor of Gleanings says
"In the 'Apicnlturist' for Feb. our
friend P. H. Elvvood takes the A.
B. J. to task for copying (without
credit) the plan of the question
department, claiming this to be
original with the 'Apicnlturist.' "
He (Root) carries the idea farther
in that this plan was a special
feature of the Beekeeper's Instruc-
tor for 1882. I have referred to the
question department of that journal
for 1882 and find it was conducted
after the usual plan with no indica-
tions that the editor had ever a
thought of changing it. I do find
an editorial chiefly made up of the
opinions of the different honey deal-
ers on the subject of marketing
honey ; but this has nothing to do
with the plan of conducting ques-
tion departments, and in the same
and in succeeding issues we find
this department conducted as it
always has been in bee-journals,
until the editor of the "American
Apicnlturist" changed it.

The editor of the A. B. J. refers
us to his journal of May, 1879, and
in making this reference I find an-
other editorial article compiled after
the same fashion as the one already
referred to in the Beekeeper's In-
structor and subject to the same
criticism. The hat does not fit.

The facts are these. Tiie editor
of the " American Apiculturist "
has, ever since the establishment of
his journal, conducted his question

department on a new and original
plan. A carefully selected list of
questions have been submitted to
some of the more experienced
apiculturists for answers and these
answers with the questions have
been printed in each number thus
giving to its readers the result of
the maturest thought and experi-
ence on the many topics presented.
This fact is well known and appre-
ciated by the beekeepers of America,
as is also the additional one that
until the present year no other bee-
journal had a question department
conducted in a similar manner.
Starkville, N. Y. P. H. Elwood.
3farch 20, 1885.

WINTERING BEES.

Br L. C. Root.

The month of Februar}' was a
very uniformly cold month, yet the
bees continued to leave the hives.

From room A, I took one-half
bushel of dead bees ; from room B,
twenty quarts.

The stocks weighed as follows :
Mar. 1, No. 1, 76 lbs.; No. 2,
48 lbs. ; No. 3, 58 lbs. ; No. 4, 84^
lbs. ; No. 5, SU lbs. ; No. 6, 100
lbs.; No. 10, 44 lbs. ; No. 11, 50
lbs. It will be noticed that No. 6
had consumed 27 lbs. This stock
died for want of stores. The
weather was extremely cold, and
as they were under the snow, I left
them undisturbed thinking they
had an abundance of honey.

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

87

The mercury in room A stood
at about 48° during February. In
room B, it varied from 30 to 45°.

April 1, I took from eacli room
about one-half bushel of dead bees.
The stocks weighed then as fol-
lows :

No 1, 73 lbs.; No. 2, 45 lbs.;
No. 3, 55J. lbs. ; No. 4, 78 lbs. ;
No. 5, 33 lbs. ; No. 6, dead ; No.
10, 40 lbs. ; No. 11, 46^ lbs. The
other three stocks that wintered
out of doors, weighed as follows :
No. 7, 112 lbs.; No. 8, 114 lbs.;
No. 9, 98 lbs.

1 set out the bees from room A,
April 17th and from room B, April
18 th.

I neglected to measure the bees
that were swept from the rooms at
this time, but 1 should judge there
were no more than there had been
during the same period previously.

No. 4 weighed at this date 75
lbs., No. 2, 45 lbs. ; No. 5, 30^
lbs. The others I did not weigh.

In room A, I lost two stocks in
twelve combs, Quinby hives, and
three in hanging frame hives. In
room B, I lost two stocks in twelve
comb, and two in seven comb,
Quinby hives. The hive in the
attic was subjected to too much
variation in temperature, particu-
larly to too extreme heat, as the
attic became very warm during
sunny days. I see no advantages
in such a place for wintering.

Considering the condition of
these stocks when they went in Avin-
ter quarters (being composed of
nearly all old bees, and the disturb-
ance caused by the frequent obser-
vations the results are better than

I anticipated. Bees from apiaries
where fall honey was abundant,
and breeding continued late in the
season, wintered much better.

In a future article I shall give
some conclusions formed from these
experiments.

A GUIDE TO

THE BEST METHODS OF

BEEKEEPING.

By J. L. Christ.

R. F. Holterman, Translator.
{Continued from p.5S, Vol. III.)

CARE IN PLACING THE COLONIES.

In placing the colonies care
should be taken that the hives are
somewhat higher at the back than
at the front, say about half an inch,
in order that the water and mois-
ture and particularly that which
during winter evaporates from the
bees, can run out of the hive through
the entrance so that it will not re-
main and cause the combs to be-
come mouldy. The moisture is
also injurious to the bees them-
selves. The gradual descent thus
given to the bottom boards enables
the bees to remove from the hive
more readily their dead bees or any
other foreign bodies that may be in
the hive and it is always well to
make all of the labors of the bees
as light as possible.

REGARDING THE REMOVING OF THE
BEES IN SUMMER AND AVINTER.

If colonies are to be chauged to
other locations or positions in the

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

vicinity of the apiaiy, except in
case of an emergency it should be
done veiy early, say in the latter
part of January or early in Febru-
ary ; because even though they
have flown but twice in the warm
sunshine they mark their location,
and if moved late the change must
be accompanied by loss, as the bees
either attempt to enter some other
hive near by and are largely de-
stroyed beside creating much dis-
turbance, or else return to the old
stand and perish.

Indeed I have noticed that many
bees upon their first flight after a
winter's confinement, returned to
their last season's location which
they had not forgotten.

If the new location is a distant
one or even an hour distant the
change in location can be made
without danger at any time of the
year.' The bees then mark their
new homes at once, fiying about the
hive on the first day in a great cir-
cle until they have become perfectly
familiar with their location, after
which they never forget it ;or if they
should err in finding it, on account
of others being near by, they at
once recognize the strange scent of
the hive and return to their own.

REGARDING THE PURCHASE OF BEES.

In purchasing strange bees with
the intention of establishing an a-
piary,one must be particularly care-
ful, when he cannot obtain them
in his immediate vicinity, not to
select them from a location which
is warmer or where the advantages
as regards honey-gathering, etc.,
are greater than those of the posi-

tion which they are to occupy. As
sheep, cattle and other animals do
far better when taken from a poor
to a better locality, than if they
are changed from a good pasture
and warmer climate to an inferior
pasture and more severe atmos-
phere, so do the bees thrive far
better if taken from a cold to a
warmer location and where honey
plants are more abundant. For, as
small and apparently insignificant
as this little insect is, its body and
its whole nature become hardened
or tender depending upon surround-
ing conditions ; and I have often
found that bees in rather a severe
and trying atmosphere have flown
out and gathered stores when those
from a warmer climate did not
show themselves.

One should select, as much as
possible, young colonies, which
can be known by the whiteness and
tenderness of the combs. Young
colonies are to be preferred not
alone for their combs, but also for
their greater energy and industry.

One should purchase from those
who care for their bees properly,
and who do not experiment with
and doctor them, but keep them
clean. He should choose, too,
colonies that will probably swarm
early. The colonies to be pur-
chased should be well stocked with
bees and weighty as this is a most
essential feature. The heaviest
colonies are good for nothing if
they are not well stocked with bees
and brood, for if the cells are large-
ly filled with honey, the queen is
confined to only a few cells in which
early brood may be reared, and in

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

89

consequence such colonies do not
cast swarms at all in the spring or
very late.

Because of this, unscrupulous
apiarists having straw sleeps act
more wisely when they dispose of
tlieir lightest and heaviest colonies
and keep those of medium weight
for themselves. Of course every
one, when weighing a hive or skep,
will take into account the size of
the same, also the season and the
activity of the bees, as it may be
heavy either with brood or moths.

The time of purchasing bees
varies and we cannot always do as
we would in the matter. To pur-
chase in the latter part of February
or March is the best and surest
but the most expensive, and as a
rule it is generally difficult to pur-
chase bees at such time, as people
seldom keep bees over winter to
sell in the spring. In the fall they
are the cheapest and most plenti-
ful. Purchase when you will, the
colonies should be thoroughly ex-
amined. (This is accomplished
best at noon as at that time, even
in the winter, if the weather is not
too severe, one can lay the hives on
the sides, and if the bees are fly-
ing they will sting less if handled
carefully.)

You should tap the hive with the
fingers and place your ear to its
sides ; if you perceive a short, brok-
en noise and hum within, the colony
is weak in numbers ; the more pro-
longed the noise the stronger the
colonj^ Blow in at the entrance
of each hive when most of the bees
will remove and cluster at the en-
trance. Those that show the lar-

gest number of bees at the entrance
are the most populous, energetic
and the best. You should then
raise the hives or invert them and
examine the interior. Notice if
thej^ are weighty, if the combs are
well built out ; whether they are
not very black and thick, and very
old ; that there are no traces of the
moth worm, nor webs about the
combs nor black excrescences on
the bottom boards of the hives ; or if
perchance there may not be some of
the moths in the pupa stage upon
the sides of the interior of the hives,
especially if you are examining
them in the latter part of February
or early in March. If the purchaser
should have to stand security for the
safet}'^ of the colony until, say, the
time of apple bloom, stipulation
should be made upon which the
price and bargain will depend.

When one has purchased bees
it is more advisable for both parties
that the bees should be taken to
their new home at once. If this
is not done, however, one should
paste a piece of paper over the top
board of the hive or a band with
two seals, one at each end, for there
are dishonest people who will cut
the hone}'- combs at the top and
replace the top board and often
ruin the entire hive in that waj-.

If one purchases young swarms,
(which is the more advisable, if he
desires to purchase bees in his
immediate vicinity), he should
stipulate for the first swarms which
are cast by midsummer and these
are worth a florin more than those
cast later.

One should provide three or four

90

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

•'magazine" boxes (or Live) with
their accompan3-ing glass cover and
entrances and let the bees enter
their hives at once ; where the bees
are very strong, four boxes are
enough ; where not, three will suf-
fice. They should be removed on
the first night and placed upon
the new stands. If, however, the
swarm is in the straw skep and it
has been moved on the first night,
it should, upon being placed on
the new stand, be put upon a
white cloth and the magazine (or
hive) placed upon it and in front
of the straw skep ; a block of wood
should be placed between, then
knock the skep upon it so that the
bees will all drop upon the cloth
and they will enter the hive.

REGARDING THE TRANSPORTATION
AND SHIPMENT OF BEES.

In the transportation of bees one
has to be very careful that thej' do
not meet with any misfortune and
that they are always well supplied
with air. It is especially danger-
ous and requires a great deal of
care to ship them in summer. One
can only ^hip them at night during
that season, and if it is not pos-
sible to complete the journey in
one night they must be deposited
in a convenient place during the
(\a.y and the bees allowed to fly
and the journey continued on the
following night. If the colonies
are well built one can prepare an
affair for carrying them, such as the
salt carriers have and carry upon
their backs. Under the bottom of
the hives is stretched a cloth when
one can march away cautiously

with the hive upon his back. One
should be careful that there are no
holes through which the bees can
escape and even then it is advisable
that he should be provided with a
bee cap and gloves which he can
use in case of necessity. I consider
it a hazardous undertaking to trans-
port bees upon a wagon no matter
how comfortably they are placed,
if only on account of the unavoid-
able jarring. If it is in the sum-
mer the bees become greatly ex-
cited and in winter the wax of
the combs being brittle breaks too
easil)^ so that one cannot insure
against the breaking down of the
combs during transit. When the
bees are in simple straw skeps
which are placed on their crown
(or bottom upward), it is somewhat
easier and more safe, but it is better
to carry them in the manner pre-
viousl}' described.
Rodheim, Germany, July 25,1783.
[To be continued.^

EDITORIAL.

Some explanation is due our
many subscribers and readers for
regarding the delay in sending out
the present number of our journal,
and as during the past month we
have decided upon important
changes in relation to our business,
it may not be out of place to de-
vote this editorial to a brief review
of the past history of our journal
and a prospectus of our future
plans.

Two 3'ears ago we issued the

THE AMERICAN APIGULTURIST.

91

first number of the Apicultdrist,
with the intention to establish, if
possible, an independent bee
journal, and one that was in no
way connected with the supply-
business.

Those with whom we have been
most intimately acquainted will
know that we have spared neither
pains, time nor money in our en-
deavors to carry out our original
designs, and, indeed, up to the
last issue of our journal we have
been true to our trust in the strict-
est sense of the word.

But few of our readers will ever
know how hard and exhausting the
unequal struggle has been, and it
was not enough that we were
obliged to pass through the fierce
and trying ordeal through which
all journals must pass during their
early historj^, but also we have
been compelled to contend with
untold opposition on every hand.

Had we been abundantly sup-
plied with capital at the start, or
had the past two years been less
trying to our brother beekeepers,
our circumstances would have been
materially changed ; but, while all
things considered, the growth of
the Apiculturist since its com-
mencement has been unequalled
by that of any other journal of a
like character, during its early
history, yet circumstances, over
which we have no control, have
compelled us to make the changes
which we submit for your consid-
eration.

In the future as in the past, we
shall endeavor to conduct the
journal in such a manner as to

advance the cause of apiculture,
and further the interest of the pro-
ducers and consumers, for their in-
terests are mutual.

We have learned that a bee-
journal must be either directl}' or
indirectly connected with a well
conducted experimental apiar}^ in
order that it may be well supplied
with a proper amount and variety
of information, valuable alike to
the expert and novice, and that
such apiary be supplied with all
the modern appliances and fixtures
necessary for conducting scientific
and practical experiments and in-
vestigations in apiculture. It is
also of vital importance that this
bee farm be under the personal
supervision of an expert who has
mastered every branch of apicul-
ture.

It has been our object and in-
tention from the first to estab-
lish such an apiary in connection
with the Apicdlturist, but until
the present, this has for many rea-
sons been impossible.

To organize such an enterprise
requires a large investment of cap-
ital and this we lacked ; again, it
must be made self-supporting,
which makes it necessary to dis-
pose of its productions. This has
led us to defer any change until
we had given the experiment of
publishing an independent journal
a fair and thorough trial, which
we have done until we have been
actually compelled to make a
change.

We entered into this work with
a firm resolve to succeed, and
with the assistance of our brother

92

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

beekeepers, to publish a journal
that would fairly represent and pro-
tect their interests. Though there
are those who have kindly written
our epitaph, yet, in spite of this, the
Apiculturist still lives, and as we
shall commence with the June
number to issue 5,000 copies per
month, it gives us great liope that
it will not always remain that
" youthful bee journal," but will
in the near future take its place
among the " more aged ones."

Study and experimental investi-
gation, both scientific and practi-
cal, are the life of any vocation or
industr}', and as during the brief
summer months it is utterly impos-
sible for the honey producer to
devote sufficient time to any ex-
periments, to test them thoroughly
it becomes necessary that we es-
tablish such experimental apiaries
as those to which we have referred.
Lacking these, apiculture in this
country has not advanced as it
should, but we look forward with
great hope and anticipation to
great and grand changes and im-
provements in this as well as in
many other regards within the
next few years. With this object
in view, we have purchased from
Mr. Henry Alley, of Wenham,
Mass., the old "Bay State Apiary,"
established by him twentj'-seven
years ago, together with his entire
bee and queen business, including
his choice and valuable collection
of breeding stock, the result of
twenty-three years careful selec-
tion and breeding.

We have also been very fortu-
nate in securing Mr. Alley's val-

uable services as superintendent
of our queen-breeding department
and while hereafter we shall make
a specialty of the production and
sale of the best bees for honey
producing, yet we propose to con-
fine our advertisements to the ad-
vertising department, giving our
subscribers full benefit of our read-
ing columns.

It is our purpose to test the
value of all the various honey pro-
ducing plants, and in order that
we may do so, we have purchased
in Wenham a fine estate of eight
acres which we shall devote to this
purpose.

We are now putting up a build-
ing which we shall use as an office,
bee house and factory, and as soon
as it is completed and the grounds
are laid out, we shall give our
readers an illustrated description
of it. We propose in the future,
to devote more time to our journal
and to conducting, with Mr. Alley's
assistance, various experiments in
every branch of beekeeping, trust-
ing that we shall be enabled there-
by to solve many of the vexing
problems over which there is at
present so much discussion, and if
our readers will send us careful
descriptions of any experiments
that they wish tested, we shall be
most happy to make such tests,
and report the results in our
journal.

The Apiculturist in the future,
as in the past, will be published
as an impartial and independent
journal, so far as freedom of
thought and expression of opinions
are concerned.

THE AMERICAN APIGULTURIST.

93

Its pages are open to all its
readers, and any communication,
written in a fair, candid and con-
siderate manner, that is intended
to advance the interests of apicul-
ture, will always be welcome even
though it does not concur with our
opinions and ideas.

With the June number, we shall
commence our " Experimental
Farm Notes," which will contain
each month, reports of the results
of the various experiments that
we are conducting, together with
such other items of interest as we
may be able to glean. This will
prove one of the most valuable
features of our journal.

We shall also commence (in
June No.) a series of papers enti-
tled, " Instructions to Beginners,"
and shall commence with the most
simple instructions, illustrating
them as we proceed, and leading
the novice on step by step, until
(if he has carefully put into prac-
tice the teachings presented him)
he has become an expert. These
papers will prove especially valua-
ble, because, as we proceed, we
shall develop new and original
ideas and methods that have never
before appeared in print.

We also have in store for our
readers a number of rich treats,
and can assure them that if the Ap-
icuLTUKisT has in the past proven
instructive or beneficial as an ad-
vocate of their interests, that with
increased capital and facilities we
shall be enabled to make it still
more valuable.

We mean to have an interesting
museum in our building, and trust

that our readers will favor us with
such implements, or other beekeep-
ing fixtures as will prove inter-
esting to those who visit the apiar^^,
and we would here state that we
shall always be pleased to welcome
any of our patrons or beekeeping
friends who may favor us with a visit.

It is due our friends, and those
vrho have so kindly stood shoulder
to shoulder with us through the
heat and burden of the struggle
through which we have passed,
that we show a just appreciation
of their efforts, not alone on our
behalf, but also in the interests of
the great cause of apiculture.

From the commencement of our
enterprise, the articles and papers
that have appeared in the Apicul-
TUKiST have been cheerfully and
freely contributed as an evidence
of the appreciation of our efforts,
and no more instructive and val-
uable a collection of bee-literature
ever appeared in print than can
be found in volumes I and II of
our journal.

We trust that in the future we
shall be able to merit the trust and
confidence that have been conferred
upon us during the past two years,
by our most prominent beemasters.

We enter a new field of labors,
with the same firm and unwavering
determination to live and carry
out the plans that we have formed
even though our idol has been
broken.

Our past experience fits us for
our new duties, and we shall en-
deavor to prove true to the inter-
ests of the beekeepers under all
circumstances.

94

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

To those who may be inclined
to question the propriety of our
undertaking, or doubt the verac-
ity of our first intentions, we
would say "bide a wee " and await
the results of this experiment, ere
you pronounce your decision.

NEW OBSERVATIONS ON

THE NATURAL HISTORY

OF BEES.

By Francis Huber.

(Continued from p. 62, Vol. III.)

certain measure, changed their
natural condition, and this circum-
stance possibly might have af!ected
their instinct.^

Therefore to obviate every ob-
jection, I invented a kind of hive,
which, without losing the advan-
tages of those very thin. at the same
time approached the figure of com-
mon hives where bees form several
rows of combs.

I procured several small fir frames,
a foot square, and an inch and a
quarter broad ; and connecting
them together by hinges, the whole,
like so many divisions, could be
opened and shut as the leaves of a
book. AVhen using a hive of this de-
scription, we previously fixed a
comb in each frame and then in-
troduced all the bees which were
required for the particular experi-
ment.

Opening the different divisions
in succession we daily inspected
both surfaces of every comb ; there
was not a single cell, where we
could not see distinctly whatever
passed at all times, nor a single
bee, I may almost say, with which
we were not particularly acquaint-

5 A single comb of very large dimensions,
attached under the boughs of a tree, is said to
be constructed by a species of bees iu India.—

ed. Indeed this apparatus is noth-
ing more than the union of several
veiy flat hives capable of separa-
tion.

But bees must not be visited, in
such a habitation, before their
combs are fixed securely in the
frames, otherwise the combs by fall-
ing out, may kill or maim the bees,
or excite tliat degree of irritation
as will expose the observer to being
stung, which is always painful, and
sometines dangerous ; but they
soon become accustomed to their
situation, and are in some respect
tamed by it. In three days we
may begin to operate on the hive :
to open it, remove part of the
combs, and substitute others with-
out the bees exhibiting too formid-
able symptoms of displeasure.

You will remember, Sir, that on
visiting my retreat, I showed you
a hive of this kind that had been
a long time in experiment and how
much you were surprised that the
bees so quietly allowed us to open it.

In these hives I have repeated
all my observations, and obtained
exactly the same results as in the
thinnest. Thus I think already to
have obviated any objections that
may arise concerning the supi)osed
inconvenience of flat hives.

Besides, I cannot regret the rep-
etition of my labors ; by going
over the same course several times,
I am much more certain of having
avoided error ; and it also appears,
that some advantages are found in
these which may be called hook or
leaf-hives as they prove extremely
useful in the economical treatment
of bees which shall be afterwards
detailed.

Having now come to the partic-
ular object of this letter, the
fecundation of the queen bee, I
shall, in a few words, examine the
different opinions of naturalists ;
next, I shall state the most remark-
able observations which their con-
jectures have induced me to make,

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

95

and then describe the new experi-
ments by which I think I have
solved the problem.

Swammerdam, who studied bees
with unremitting attention, and
who could never see the real union
of a drone and a queen, was satis-
fied of its being unnecessary for
fecundation of the eggs ; but hav-
ing remarked that at certain times,
the drones exhaled a very strong
odor, he thought it an emanation
which operated fecundation by pen-
etrating the body of the female.
His conjecture was confirmed on
dissecting the male sexual organs,
for he was so much struck with the
disproportion between them and
those of the female that he did not
believe their union possible.

Besides, his opinion concerning
the influence of the odor was plaus-
ible, from affording a good reason
for the prodigious number of males.

There are frequently fifteen hun-
dred, or two thousand in a hive, '
and according to Swammerdam, it
is necessary' they should be numer-
ous that the emanation proceeding
from them may have an intensity
or energ}' sufficient to effect im-
pregnation.

Though M. de Reaumur has
refuted this hypothesis by just and
conclusive reasoning he has failed
to make the sole experiment that
could support or overturn it, which
was confining all the drones of a
hive in a tin case, perforated with
minute apertures that might allow
the emanation of the odor to es-
cape, but prevent transmission of
their organs. The case should
have been then placed in a hive
well peopled, but completely de-
prived of males, both of large and
small size and the consequences
observed.

It is evident, had the queen laid
eggs after matters were thus dis-
posed, that Swammerdam's hy-
pothesis would have acquired
probability ; and on the contrary

it would have been confuted had
she produced no eggs, or only
sterile ones. However, the ex-
periment has been made by us,
and the female remained barren ;
therefore it is undoubted, that the
emanation of the odor of the
males does not impregnate queens.

M. de Reaumur was of a differ-
ent opinion. He thought that
the queen's fecundation followed
actual union. Having confined
several drones in a glass vessel
along with a virgin queen, he saw
the females make many advances
to the males ; but unable to observe
anything so intimate that it could
be denominated their union, he
leaves the question undecided.

We have repeated this experi-
ment also : we have frequently
confined virgin queens with drones
of all ages ; we have done so at
every season, and witnessed all
their advances and solicitations
towards the males ; we have even
believed that we saw a kind of un-
ion between them, but so short and
imperfect that it was unlikely to
eflect impregnation. Yet to neg-
lect nothing, we confined to her
hive a virgin queen that had suf-
fered the approach of the male.

During a month that her impris-
onment continued, she did not lay
a single egg, therefore these mo-
mentary functions do not accom-
plish fecundation.

In the " Contemplation de la
Nature," you have cited the ob-
servations of the English natural-
ist, Mr. Debraw, which, from their
apparent accurac}', seemed at last
to elucidate the mystery. Favored
b)'^ chance, an observer, one day,
perceived at the bottom of cells
containing eggs, a matter appar-
ently prolific, at least very differ-
ent from the substance or jelly
which bees commonly collect
around their newly hatched worms.

\_To he continued.']

96

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

EXCHANGES.

(Continued from p. 39, Vol. III.)

Apiculture and Agriculture,
BY T. J. M. — Let us next con-
sider what proportion of those few
pounds of honey could have found
its wa}^ into the stomachs of the
grazing stock if it had not been
for the bees. It is known that
during the whole time the clover
or other plants remain in blossom,
if the weather be favorable, there
is a daily secretion of fresh honey,
which, if not taken at the proper
time by bees or other insects, is
evaporated during the mid-day
heat of the sun. It has been cal-
culated that a head of clover con-
sists of 50 or 60 separate flowers,
each of which contains a quantity'
not exceeding l-500th part of a
grain in weight, so that the whole
head may be taken to contain one-
tenth of a grain of hone}^ at any
one time. If this head of clover
is allowed to stand until the seeds
are ripened it may be visited on
ten, or even tvvent}' different da3-s
by bees, and they may gather on
the wliole, one, or even two grains
of honey from the same head,
whereas it is plain that the graz-
ing animal can only eat the head
once, and consequently can only
eat one-tenth of a grain of honey
w'ith it. Whether he gets that one-
tenth grain or not depends simply
on the fact, whether or not, the
bees have exhausted that particular
head on the same day just before it
teas eaten. Now, cattle and sheep
graze during the night and early
morning, long before the bees
make their appearance some time
after sunrise ; all the flowering
plants they happen to eat during
that time will contain the honey
secreted in the evening and night
time ; during some hours of the
afternoon the flowers will contain
no honey, whether they may have
been visited b}' bees or not ; and

even during the forenoon when the
bees are most busy, it is by no
means certain that they will fore-
stall the stock in visiting any par-
ticular flower. If a field were so
overstocked that every head of
clover should be devoured as soon
as it blossomed, then, of course,
there would be nothing left for the
bees ; but if, on the other hand, as
is generally the case, there are al-
waj's blossoms left standing in the
pasture, some of them even till
they wither and shed their seeds,
then it must often happen that af-
ter bees shall have visited such
blossoms ten or even twenty times,
and thus collected one or even two
grains of honey from one head, the
grazing animal may, after all, eat
that particular plant and enjoy bis
one-tenth of a grain of honey just
as well as if there had never been
any bees in the field. If all these
chances be taken into account, it
will be evident that out of the four
or five pounds of honey assumed
to be collected by bees from one
acre of pasturage, probably not
one-tenth, and possibl}' not even
one-twentieth, part could, under
any circumstances, have been con-
sumed by the grazing animals — so
that it becomes a question of a feio
ounces of fattening matter, more or
less, for all the stock fed upon an
acre during the whole season ; a
matter so ridiculously trivial in
itself, and so out of all proportion
to the services rendered to the
pasture by the bees, that it may
safel}^ be left out of consideration
altogether.

There is still one point which
may possibly be raised by the ag-
riculturist or land-owner : "If the
working of bees is so beneficial to
my crops, and if such a large quan-
tity of valuable matter may be
taken, in addition to the ordinary
crops, without impoverishing my
land, why should I not take it in-
stead of another person who has

The American Apiculturist.

§. Jfournal bfbohb to Scientific anb practical gfelucpiiig.

EXTERED AT THE POST-OFFICE, SALEM, AS SECOXD-CLASS MATTER.

Fublished Monthly. S. M. LoCKE, Publisher & Prop'r.

VOL. III.

WENHAM, MASS., MAY i, i^

No.

b}^ right, no interest in my crop or
n\v land ?" The answer to this is
obvious. It is, of course, quite
open to the agriculturist to keep
any number of bees he may think
fit ; only he must consider well in
how far it will pay him to add the
care of an apiary to his other duties.
No doubt, everyone farming land
may, with advantage, keep a few
colonies of bees to supply his own
wants in honey ; the care of them
will not take up too much of his
time, or interfere much with his
other labors ; but if he starts a
large apiary with the expectation
that it shall pay for itself, he must
either give up the greater portion
of his own time to it, or employ
skilled labor for that special pur-
pose ; and he must recollect that
the profits of beekeeping are not
generally so large as to afford more
than a fair remuneration for the
capital, skill, and time required to
be devoted to the pursuit. In any
case, he cannot confine the bees to
work exclusively on his own prop-
erty, unless the latter is very ex-
tensive. When such is the case,
he may find it greatly to his ad-
vantage to establish one or more
apiaries to be worked under proper
management, as a separate branch
of his undertaking ; but in every
case, Avhether he may incur or share
the risks of profit and loss in work-
ing an apiary or not, the thiug it-
self can only be a source of unmixed
advantage to his agricultural oper-
ations, and consequently, if he
does not occupy the ground in that
way himself, he should only be

glad to see it done by any other
person.

The position which is here sought
to be maintained, namely, that the
extension of apiculture cannot pos-
sibly be injurious, but must, on the
contrary, be highly advantageous
to agricultural interests, is deserv-
ing of the earnest consideration,
not only of those more directly
interested in the question, but of
the public generally, because, if
taken as established, it disposes
of the only diflaculty that has ever
been raised in the way of an in-
dustry which is one of no trifling
importance to any country, and
which manifestly has had so much
to recommend it in other respects.
Its importance in an economic
point of view must be admitted
when we see what is being done for
its development in other countries.
In the United States, for instance,
in no part of which are the natural
climatic advantages more favora-
ble, and in few parts so favorable
to the industry as here in New
Zealand, the production of honey
is already considerably over 30,000
tons, representing a value of nearly
a million and a half sterling per
annum, and is increasing rapidly
every year. In these islands, even
in the present infant state of their
population and land cultivation,
there is nothing to prevent a pro-
duction of two to three thousand
tons, worth some hundred to hun-
dred and fifty thousand pounds per
annum, being attained as soon as
the work is taken in hand by a
sufficient number of qualified per-
(97)

98

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

sons, and being increased from
year to j^ear in proportion to the
increase of population and cultiva-
tion, until it reaches, in course of
time, at least ten times that amount,
or something like the present pro-
duction in the whole of the United
States. This addition to the
national wealth is made in the most
unobjectionable form, the produc-
tion of a healthful and agreeable
article of consumption, derived
from inexhaustible and constantly
renewing natural sources, and col-
lected through the instrumentality
of an insect endowed with such
wonderful instinct for the purpose.
As an occupation beekeeping is
highly conductive to a healthy
condition, both of mind and body
(the so much desired mens sana in
corpore sano) of those engaged in
it ; and as an industry it does not
look for any Government aid in
theshape of subsidies, bonuses, or
protective duties. In making this
last remark tliere is no intention to
cast any slight upon other branches
of industry which may, admittedly
■with advantage, be fostered by
Government help ; but the fact that
apiculture is independent of any
such assistance is undoubtedly an
additional argument in its favor.
Private enterprise has been found
sufficient to do all that was pro-
posed, at the time of the Colonial
Industrial Commission of 1880, to
be done at Government expense
(and much more beside) in the way
of introducing new races of bees
and doing all that is necessary to
establish the industry on a proper
basis. All this being the case, it
is only right that apiculture should
not be allowed to suffer in public
estimation in consequence of mis-
taken views, or groundless preju-
dices, but that, on the contrary, it
should be viewed, in the liglit of
truth, as an important and most
desirable industry, and at the same

time the serviceable handmaid of
both agriculture and horticulture.

Bay View Apiary, Katikati.

CORRESPONDENCE.

new york and florida.
Dear Sir :

In man}^ sections of New York
state the honey flow ceased during
the month of August, which neces-
saril}^ stopped brood-rearing which,
together with the extreme cold
winter which has just passed, will
prove very disastrous.

The bees in two of the yards in
New York state had access to
buckwheat bloom during the fall
which continued brood-rearing
quite late in the season and to such
we look for only partially success-
ful wintering.

The bees from the south gathered
but little after the month of Au-
gust and no brood was the result.
The bees, when liberated, dwindled
very rapidly and continued to do so
during the months of January aud
February which were unusually
cold and damp for the climate, al-
though brooding was kept up all
winter in two or three combs.

About the first of March the
weather changed making it more
favorable for the working of the
bees on the orange bloom, aud tak-
ing a start at this time the bees
have been booming ever since.

I spoke of observing the orange
bloom for hone}- and our observa-
tions have led us to believe it a
very highly developed flower, hav-
ing rudimentary sepals, five pure
white petals, long upright stamens
which are sectionally united at the

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

99

base and assume a perpendicular
position whicli bring the pollen-
bearing stamens clustering directly
around the sensitive pistil. The
bee, in getting at the honey stored
at the base, pushes its head in the
hollow tube formed by the upright
stamens which brings portions of
its body against both stamens and
pistil and cross fertilization is the
result.

There is no family that is more
sure or successful in securing set-
ting of its fruit than the citron
family depending entirely upon the
bees for cross fertilization.

The bloom has' lasted eight weeks
which is something unusual. Our
cold weather prolonged it several
weeks and "the bloom" will con-
tinue two weeks 3'et, which will
give us ten weeks of orange bloom
for this season. The flow from
this source some days is better
than on others ; the bees will fill
ever}' available cell with honey of
a very light quality and the next
day not quite as good. I don't
think it quite equal to our northern
linden.

Tf the theory of the fragrance in
flowers is true in regard to evapor-
ation of honey which is the fra-
grance in the air, there are tons of
it floating away here. The saw
palmettoes are reviving somewhat
and indicate a more successful
bloom since the weather has mod-
erated.

This plant is very prominent in
Florida vegetation covering, as it
does, two-thirds of all the land in
the state and the blossom when
out is very rich with honey.

Wild grapes of some variety ex-
ist abundantly in swamps and la-
goons, which will be in bloom the
last of the present month and we
all know its value as a honey pro-
ducer.

The botanical names of many
swamp vines which are good honey
producers are unknown here, and

so little notice of beekeeping and
its resources for pasture has been
taken that one can only learn by
personal observation in this vi-
cinity.

The cabbage palmetto, they tell
me, is the linden of the south, but
I cannot find the date of blooming.
As yet it has made no advances in
that direction.

Have taken some samples of fine
white honey gathered in October of
last season ; the flavor is somewhat
like our linden, but do not know
the bloom that produced it. As
my home yard was somewhat re-
duced in strength and being anx-
ious to test the early spring thor-
oughly I secured some colonies a
short distance away and have had
the management of them since
March 20. This yard commenced
working on foundation the first of
March and by the middle had seven
combs of brood.

Have transferred this yard to
shipping cases and divided them
once and think I shall be able to di-
vide again by the first of May. Our
time is so much taken up in pre-
paring to return north that we can-
not investigate as we would like in
swamps and lagoons for honey pro-
ducing plants which one should
know to work with confidence.

C. J. Ferris.

NOTES FROM NEW ZEALAND.

Ed. Am. Apiculturist :

The honey season is now about
on its last legs and reports are
coming in from the country of the
season's work. Generally speaking
the results are favorable and the
yield of honey will be fairly good.
In some places the crop was nearly
all taken in the month of January.
In the South Island I hear of unsat-
isfactory returns from some locali-
ties : no surplus and loss of bees to

100

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

a large extent, but from what cause
I have not been able to ascertain.
I think there is very little doubt
that there is, at this moment, more
honey in New Zealand than there
has ever been before.

I mentioned in ni}' last the difR-
culty the N. Z. Beekeepers' Associ-
ation had experienced regarding the
prices of honey. Tlie retail dealers
resented any attempt to regulate
prices, and refused to buy. The
committee of the Association then
engaged hawkers and sent the hon-
ey to the people's doors, as an ex-
periment, and it has succeeded
very well. A good quantity has
been disposed of at fair rates and
the hawkers have made good wages.
Comb honey in 1-lb. sections has
found the readiest sale in this way.

The first annual meeting of the
N. Z. B. A. takes place at
Auckland on the 20th inst. and the
first item on the programme for
discussion is marketing honey,
including the regulation of prices.
The object which should be aimed
at is to bring the amount paid by
the consumer and tliat received by
the producer closer together. I
do not know how it is in your coun-
try but here the middle-men get
the best of the business. I sold a
case of comb hone}' in sections to
a retailer at ten pence a pound and
he sold it for fifteen pence. Cases
are frequent where extracted honey
was sold by the producer at four
pence and afterward retailed at
eight pence to a shilling. This is
too big a margin, hence the hawking
expedient.

Efforts are still being made to
introduce the humble bee into N.Z.
Twelve boxes containing queens
recently arrived from England, but
all were dead. Another lot is ex-
pected in a few days which, it is
hoped, will turn out better. Mr. J.
C. Firth, the gentleman who is pay-
ing the cost of these experiments,
has done YQiy much to assist the

beekeeping industry in this part
of the world. He is anxious to
secure the fertilization of the red
clover, as up to the present this
has not been eff'ected to any extent
in N. Z. All red clover seed used
here has to be imported in conse-
quence. Tlie matter is really im-
portant and worth accomplishing if
it should cost a good sum of money
and trouble.

New Zealand Correspondent.

HARD VriNTER ON BEES.

Dear Sir :

The present is the hardest win-
ter on bees, of which I have any
recollection . The winter of 1 880-1 ,
notorious as a cold winter in the
southern states, commenced early
and gave us steady cold weather
during December and January,
and began to break up in February.
But this season we have the hard-
est part of the winter in February,
and for this reason our bees are
suffering severely.

It is true m^' bees have had as
many flights in the open air as is
necessary for their health, but the
sudden changes of weather have
wrought severe mischief with un-
protected colonies. The consump-
tion of stores has been very great,
and the weather is too cold to look
after their wants. This morning,
Feb. 19, the mercury went down
to zero for a few hours, and day
after day old hoary winter clasps
the " sunny south" in his icy era-
brace. If there is not a change
soon I am sure that starvation will
reduce the number of my colonies
very materially.

My bees had stores enough to
carry them through an ordinary
winter, but this is not an ordinary
winter by considerable. Feed them,
you say ? Yes, that is good advice ;
but how am I to go through one

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

101

hundred colonies this cold weather
to find out the starving ones ? They
will be fixed up all right when the
weather moderates ; that is, those
that do not succumb to starvation
before the change comes.

G. W. Demaree.

Christiansburg, Ky.

THE DRONE TRAP AND HOW
TO USE IT.

Dear Sir :

In compliance with j'our request,
I have prepared the following de-
scription of my method of using
the "Drone Trap" of which the ac-
companying cut is a good represent-
ation. The "trap" has many uses,
and I find it indispensable in my
own apiaries.

The accompanying cut repre-
sents the drone trap, and shows
the perforated metal entrance, the
tin slide, the perforated metal at
the top, through which the workers,
that enter the trap, pass out, and
also the cone through which the
drones or queens pass into the
trap. The front of the trap, as
will be noticed, is covered with
wire cloth.

In using the trap place the open
side towards the entrance of the
hive ; the tin slide which forms
the top need not be opened except
when a queen is to be released, or
drones are to be removed. Arrange
the entrance so that all the bees
must pass through the zinc.

The trap should be placed at
the entrance several days before

a swarm is expected. In case a
swarm issues and you wish to put
the bees in a new hive, wait until
they begin to cluster upon some
object, then take the trap and place
it near them. It can be held in
place by being fastened with a
strong string and attached to the
limb of the tree. When the bees
are quiet, hive them in the usual
way, releasing the queen as
the bees pass in. In case the
bees miss the queen and return to
the hive without clustering, ]>roceed
as follows : Remove the parent
stock back, or to one side and put
the new hive on the stand in place
of it ; as the bees run in, release the
queen by drawing the slide back.
In case the bees get confused and
attempt to enter the wrong hive
(which I think will hardly ever
occur), remove the trap and there
will be no trouble.

When a swarm has issued, ex-
amine the trap to find the queen.
If she is in it, place the trap as
near the bees as possible while
they are flying, when they will set-
tle upon it and may be hived at
pleasure. The trap need not be
removed from a hive that has cast
a swarm, as the queen before she
has become fertile can pass through
it. B3' this you will see that your
queens can be mated by the drones
of any particular strain in the
apiary.

To those who rear queens the
trapisindispensable. For instance :
suppose one has 100 colonies of
black bees in his apiary and 10
colonies of pure Italians. Now if
several of the Italian colonies have
cast swarms, each one of which
has left a fine lot of cells which
one wishes to save in order to use
the queens that come from them
to replace some inferior ones in
the impure colonies, this can be
easily and quickly accomplished
by the following method : remove
the queens from the colonies and

102

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

at the same time insert the cells
when matured.

Put a trap at the entrance of all
hives excepting those having pure
Italian drones^ and every one of
the young queens will be purely
fertilized, and the apiary rid of
thousands of useless drones.

Then again the trouble and ex-
pense of nucleus hives will be
saved. This is the easiest, sim-
plest and best way to Italianize an
apiary of black bees.

If your neighbors have black
colonies, arrange with them for
placing the traps on their hives,
as there can be no possible objection
to so doing.

Henry Alley.

Wenliam. Mass.

CANADIAN DEPARTMENT.

R. H. HOLTERMANN, EDITOR.

— Reports still coming in of bees
not properly cared for in the fall,
starving and being deficient in
stores. Others appear to be doing
well. Early in the month bees had
an excellent opportunity of having
a cleansingflight, to-day (April 17)
thermometer is 10° below zero. If
a severe winter is followed by a
good honey season our prospects
are excellent.

most primitive character while now
by the use of the movable frame
hive, honey extractor, comb foun-
dation and other modern inven-
tions it has become less hazardous
and the profit can be calculated
with as great certainty as any other
rur ,1 pursuit. He pointed out the
importance of bees as fertilizers of
fruit, clover, etc., and as a source
of wealth to the country. The in-
teresting discussion which followed
was participated in by Rev. W. F.
Clarke, J. Ramsay, Mr. Rennie
and others. The questions of foul
brood, hibernating, spring dwind-
ling, etc., were brought up, but the
talk was shut off to make room for
other papers. The project of a
beekeepers' convention was moved
and may be proceeded with. —
'•''Guelph Daily Mercury."

— The Norfolk beekeepers' con-
vention was held at Lynville, Ont.,
Mar. 7. The attendance was some-
what meagre, but the discussion of
form of hive, weight of foundation,
and other important questions were
entered into. The next meeting
will be at Waterford the first Sat-
urday in June at 10 a. m. A full
day is expected and a profitable
time.

— Martin Emyh of Holbrook,
Ont., attended the beekeepers' con-
vention at New Orleans. We have
not yet interviewed him. Wax is
sellingat39 cts. Extracted honey
per cwt., 10 cts. per lb. Combs 18
cts., lb. sections wholesale.

— Ontario Agricultural and Ex-
perimental Union, Ont. Agricul-
tural College, Guelph, Second Day,
March 13, 1885. Union resumed
at 9.30. Mr. R. F. Holterman
gave a paper on the importance and
growth of beekeeping, showing
how only a few years ago the ap-
pliances for beekeeping were of the

NOTES AND QUERIES.

— With our June number, we
shall cohimence to issue a circula-
tion of 5000 copies per month of
our journal. This will make it a

THE AMERICAN APIGULTURIST.

103

most valuable advertising medium
and it will pay all those who have
goods for sale to correspond with
us as we can offer first-class in-
ducements.

— Promptness in attending to
business correspondence, is a val-
uable feature, and while in the past
we have been overworked, and
sometimes have been obliged even
almost to neglect a portion of our
private correspondence, yet as soon
as we get arrangements completed
this difficulty will be obviated.

— We have now enlarged and
improved our little "Beekeeper's
Companion ;" it also contains
a likeness of Mr. Henry Alley,
superintendent of our queen-rear-
ing department. Please send for
a few copies (sent free) and dis-
tribute them among your beekeep-
ing friends.

— We should be pleased at any
time to receive from our readers
any bee hive, implement or fixture
designed for use in the apiary,
which we will place in our museum,
and also bring to the notice of our
readers any valuable features that
it may contain.

— Do not fail to send us any
questions that you may wish us to
answer through our question and
answer department.

— We are having here in the
north an unusually trying and
backward spring. Keep your col-
onies snug, well packed and warm,
and do not on any account, spread
any of the combs so long as there
is any danger of these sudden
changes in temperature. Bees will
care for more brood, and increase
more rapidly if the size of the
brood nest is adapted to the size
of the colony, so all the brood can

be covered and kept warm, even
during cold nights. At night and
during the cold portion of the day,
allow the bees only a small en-
trance. It will pay to attend to
this. Enlarge the entrance some-
what when it is warm so as not to
bother the bees.

— Our experience during the
past winter only more fully con-
vinces us that bees winter best in
chaff-packed hives, and on summer
stands, and that colonies so win-
tered prove more hardy and endur-
ing, than those wintered in the cel-
lar, and during such a spring as
we are now having, there is less
loss in bees with the former than
with the latter. Where one has
two apiaries some distance apart,
it is well to use hives so constructed
as to take two colonies, the brood
nest being large enough to take
from fourteen to seventeen frames,
and a thin division board should
be placed between the colonies.
In this way, the two colonies form
but one cluster instead of two, and
the heat is economized. For var-
ious reasons, this will prove very
beneficial. We have tested this
very thoroughly and speak from
experience.

— After July 1, 1885, the weight
of a letter which now can be sent
for two cents, will be increased
from one half ounce to anything
under one ounce.

— During the month of Febru-
ary, 1885, $27,000 worth of honey
was imported into Great Britain.

— A short time since we re-
ceived from the Stanley Bros., of
Wyoming, N. Y., one of their new
four comb honey extractors, and
so far as we have been able to test
it, we can truthfully say that it
works like a charm, and if when

104

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

submitted during tlie honey
to severer tests, it prove equally-
satisfactory, it will surpass all
others in value.

— For some time past, Mr. J.
E. Pond of Foxboro, Mass., has
been rather unwell, and we regret
to learn that he is now confined to
his bed by rheumatism and heart
disease.

Still later. "We are pleased to
learn that Mr. Pond is improving
and is able to be about.

— We would acknowledge the re-
ceipt from Mr. A. E. Bonney,
Adelaide, South Australia, of the
fifteenth annual report of the com-
mittee of the South Australian
Chamber of Manufactures, from
which we have taken the report on
bee farming, that appears on an-
other page, together with the report
of the committee on the same sub-
ject, and also the following interest-
ing note from the address of the
chief secretary.

"I am very pleased to find that a
considerable amount of attention is
being paid to the industry of bee-
farming, and I hope that the enter-
prise will be a successful one. I
believe that this is a fine country
for bees, and that the insects thrive
well here. There is a large quanti-
ty of honey to be gathered in the
colony, and v^hen we have an in-
dustry of this kind it is very
desirable that we should encourage
it."

— A London publication has a
paper on "The Emotional Language
of Bees." We had always supposed
the language of bees to be very
humdrum, though we were aware
that there was generally a good deal
of emotion when they began to
gesticulate.

[Yes : and their remarks are gen-
erally pointed and bear consider-
able weight. Ed.]

— Dr.C. Spencer has been prying
into the business secrets of the bee,
and thus tells of what he has
learned : "In ni}-^ observatory hive
one cell was built against the glass,
and that afforded an excellent op-
portunity of seeing how bees
deposit honey in the cell. First,
a bee deposited a thin coating of
honey upon the base of the cell,
making a sort of varnish, as it were,
to the base of the cell. The next
bee that came with honey raised up
the lower edge of this film of honey
and forced its hone}^ beneath ; the
next bee did the same, and this film
acted as a kind of diaphragm, keep-
ing honey in the cell. When the
cell is full enough to be sealed, the
bees commence contracting the
opening with wax until there is
only a small hole left in the cen-
tre, when they appear to take one
little flake of wax and pat it down
over the opening. At any time
during the process of filling the
cell the honey could be withilrawn
with a hypodermic syringe, and the
'diaphragm' left hanging in the
cell." — Transcriin.

— It may be interesting to bee
masters at this season of apiarian
activity to know that M. Jonas de
Gelieu, a pastor at Neufchatel,
Switzerland, in a work translated
into English long ago under the
title of "The Bee Preserver, or
Practical Directions for Preserving
and Renewing Hives," affirms "that
when two or three distinct hives
are united in autumn they are found
to consume together scarcel}'^ more
honey during the winter than each
of them would have consumed
singly if left separate." In i)roof
of this singular result the author
sets fortli a variety of experiments,
all of which led uniformly to the
same conclusion. He shows posi-
tively that of upward of thirty
hives six had their population thus
doubled, and consumed no more

THE AMERICAN APICULTUBIST.

105

provisions during winter than a
single liive, and tliat, so far from
the bees suffering anj^ diminution,
the doubled hives generally sent
forth the earliest and best swarms.
The translator of M. Gelieu's work
states that he practised in Scotland
most of the plans recommended
in the original publication with
the same etfect.

INTERESTING NOTES.

We clip the following from the
Fifteenth Annual Report of the
Committee of the South Australian
Chamber of Manufactures, Ade-
laide, Australia.

Mr. A. E. Bonne}^ under date
of July 17, 1884, writes to the
secretary of the Cliamber of Man-
ufactures:— I am pleased to say
that during the past season a great
impetus has been given to beeiieep-
ing in this colony ; the movable
comb hive and improved systems
of management are rapidly super-
seding the old boxes. There is no
doubt that much of this improve-
ment is due to the Chamber taking
up the subject ; the meeting held
on the 8th February last in con-
nection with this industry appears
to have at once created a large de-
mand for modern hives and appli-
ances. Also, the recently formed
Beekeepers' Association should do
much for the advancement of api-
culture in South Aust)-alia, and it
is expected that the movement will
be well supported.

The Italian bees imported by the
Chamber from Queensland have
done well since they were intrust-
ed to my care last December. The
original colony was divided into
three : two of these in Langstroth
hives were sent to Messrs. Buick
and Turner, of Kangaroo Island,

10

the third remaining in my own
apiary. Pure Italian queens were
given to Mr. Justice Boucaut,
Messrs. J. Robertson and W. Ste-
vens, who successfully intioduced
them to colonies of black bees.
In order to keep the Italians pure
on Kangaroo Island all the black
bees have been removed.

Many persons have entered en-
thusiastically into scientific bee-
keeping, and the nuclei of what are
intended to be extensive apiaries
are already established. At pre-
sent the largest venture of the kind
is at Kent Town, where upwards of
one hundred hives are in use, and
it is expected to more than double
that number during next summer.
This apiar}!- is under the care of
Mr. Filbig, who is a recent arrival
from Europe and a very able bee-
master. He has adopted the Ger-
man hive and Italian bees with
satisfactory results.

I think I am correct in saying
that, while the majority of persons
using ordinary box hives complain
of the bad honey season last sum-
mer, and the consequent loss of
bees, those who have adopted the
movable comb hive are jubilant at
the large amount of surplus honey
they secured. In my own neigh-
borhood there has been an uninter-
rupted flow of honey from the end
of February until the iwesent time,
and after this, my third season's
experience in practical beekeeping,
I am more than ever convinced of
the magnificent honey resources
of South Australia. The extreme
drj'ness of our climate appears to
cause the flowers to secrete a thick
rich honey which for flavor can
hardly be surpassed in any part
of the world.

The valuable report on the ''Bee
Farming Industry," by Mr. A. E.
Bonney, which was presented the
previous year, attracted a large a-
mount of attention, and during the
past twelve months satisfactory

106

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

progress has been made towards
placing this important rural indus-
try on a more satisfactory basis.
A well-attended meeting was held
in the hall of the Chamber, when
a paper on "Modern Beekeeping,"
by Mr. Bonney, was read, and
the new frame hives and other
beekeeping apparatus were ex-
plained by Messrs. Bonney, TVeid-
enhofer, and Robertson, to the
evident interest of the public. The
Chamber has also become a sub-
scriber to the English, American,
and Australasian bee journals, so
that the best current information
relating to beekeeping is now ac-
cessible to the public at the office
of the Chamber. It will no doubt
be remembered that at our last an-
nual meeting the Hon. R . D. Ross,
M.P., drew attention to the import-
ance of introducing the Ligurian
bee, which is not only valuable as
a honey producer but also for
fructifying clover and other deep-
tubed flowers ; and an opportunity
offering to obtain a colony of Lig-
urian bees from Queensland, the
Chamber willingly availed itself of
it. Money was accordingly voted
for the purpose, and the colony ar-
rived safe and was placed in the
care of Mr. Bonney, who has from
month to month reported satisfac-
tory progress. An attempt has
been made,^y the withdrawal of
the black bees from Kangaroo Isl-
and, and the placing of twocolonies
of pure Ligurians there, to thor-
oughly establish these in that
locality, from which it is hoped
supplies may in future be drawn.
Two colonies have been placed, one
in the care of Mt. Buick, of Amer-
ican River, and the other in care
of Mr. Turner, of Smith's Bay ;
and other Ligurian queens, raised
from the original importation, have
been distributed to Mr. Justice
Boucaut, Mr. W. Stevens, and Mr.
J. Robertson, from whom satisfac-
tory reports respecting their in-

teresting charges have been received
to the gratification of the Commit-
tee. Although the queen-rearing
was not quite so successful as Mr.
Bonney could have desired, the
Committee believes that substan-
tial progress has been made in
advancing the industry. The
Chamber has also been glad to as-
sist in the initiation of aBeekeepers'
Association, which has been organ-
ized with a view to secure an
interchange of experience and
opinions of apiarists on matters
of mutual interest.

REPORT OF THE NORTH-
EASTERN BEEKEEPERS'
ASSOCIATION.

(Continued from p. 71, Vol. III.)
KEARIXG QUEENS.

In the absence of Mr. Alley, who
was to deliver au address on "Rearing
Queens," Capt. Hetheriugtou was
called upon. Mr. H. stated that he
had tried the experiment of introduc-
ing j'oung and fertile queens to a colony
in summer, in order to prevent swarm-
ing, but it had utterly failed. He had
also experimented with introducing
queens in cells, protected by a film
of foundation, which was wrapped
ai'ound them, and during the first sea-
son, had succeeded in introducing two
or three hundred successfully; but on
further testing failures resulted.

He did not wish to recommend any-
thing new that had not been tested
more than one season. Usually the
man with the least experience was the
most positive one in these conventions,
or as a writer for the periodicals.

Messrs. Locke, Dickinson, Goodspeed
and others, then discussed the subject
resulting as follows :

To rear good queens, first select
strong populous colonies in the spring,
and take the best of care of colonies
from which, both the brood for cells
and also the drones are to be taken.

The drone mothers should be select-

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

107

ed with as much care as the queen
mothers, and the drones exert fully as
great an influence on the progeny, as
do the queen mothers. Brood from
which the queens are to be reared,
should be given to the bees when just
three days old, from the laying of the
egg. Bees that have been kept queen-
less, and confined without brood for
almost twelve hours, rear the best
queens. Then cells should be cut out
when the queens that are in them are
just twelve days old, and are moving
about in the cells. After cutting them
out, remove them to queen nursery,
and hang them in the brood chamber
of a colony that is queenless.

To separate two cells so built that
they cannot be cut apart without injury
to them, take a warm knife and cut
through the wax between the cells
•on each side down to the cocoons.
And then taking the cells between
the thumb and forefinger of each
hand, gently roll them and the co-
coons will separate when a piece of
foundation can be pasted over the un-
covered portion, so as to protect the
cocoons. This will save cutting into
the cells.

When queens are about to emerge
from the cells, they gnaw a small aper-
ture, and then reach their tongue out
through this aperture, when the attend-
ant bees feed them. This seems to
strengthen the queens and better fit
them for the labor of cutting off the
cap of the cell. In view of this, it is
well when putting the queen cells into
the nursery (not lamp nursery) to put
in the layers, four or five attendant
bees providing food for them.

An article from the Sun was read,
wherein it was stated, that the queens
of a certain beekeeper had laid ferti-
lized eggs, without having left the
hives to meet the drone, the drone
larvae being introduced into the royal
jelly just after the queen cell was
sealed. Mr. Goodspeed had tested
this, but was not sure of the results.
He however protested against tamper-
ing with the cells.

DOLLAR QUEENS — THEIR EFFECT OX THE
STOCK OF THE COUNTRY.

Messrs. King, Goodspeed, Betsin-
ger, Dickinson, Koot and others, dis-
cussed this subject, resulting as
follows :

The cheap queen business is detri-
mental, and has done an immense
amount of harm. Oftentimes they
are not ever worth the price paid for

them ; but are culls sent out, without
any test. No queen breeder can testa
queen properly, unless she has been
kept at least one season.

Dollar queens, so called, were just
as good as higher priced queens, sold
by the same parties; and were more
profitable to the general beekeeper
than higher priced ones. One must
however deal only with those who are
known to be honest and careful breed-
ers.

Queens should produce progeny, with
three-banded workers. The color of
qneens was brighter when bred in-
warmer climates. Queens should be
reared in full colonies. Mr. Betsinger
stated that a queen that would dupli-
cate herself would always produce-
thi'ee-banded workers. A queen that
would not produce a three-banded^
worker was a hybrid.

The workers in almost every instance
take after the mother. Mr. Betsinger's
statements citUed forth quite a dis-
cussion regarding the purity of queens.

BEST ARRANGEMENT FOR COMB-HONEY.

Several parties had brought with
them, for exhibition, various arrange-
ments for securing comb honey ; and
these were described and commented,
upon.

THURSDAY MORNING.

After opening the convention, Pres.
Root announced the following standing
committees :

Besolutions, C. G. Dickinson, Arthur
Todd, and J. Van Deusen.

Exhibits, Ira Barber, I. L. Schofield
and Geo. H. Knickerbocker.

Question Draiver, N. N. Betsinger,
A. J. King and Geo. W. House.

INTRODUCING QUEENS.

S. M. Locke then read the following
paper on the theme of Introducing
Queens."

The introduction of queens is, with
me, a difliculty of the past, as I have
long since become so familiar with
their habits, and also the habits of the
bees, that I no longer experience any
troui)le. We introduce thousands of
virgin queens every year, with no loss
when care is used, and but very few
even when done hurriedly. I have had
a number of virgin queens caged in one
hive, and have liberated one at a time.
The first would usually mate the first
or second day, and as soon as mated I

108

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

would cage her again, and liberate an-
other, and so on. By this means, you
could, in a few days, have five or six
virgin queens all in one hive mated, and
ready to be disposed of as circum-
stances required. Either nuclei or
full colonies can be used; or if there is
a short season when you do not care to
have your old queens lay, cage some of
your virgins in the hive, and before
liberating them, cage the old one, pro-
ceeding as above, thus securing many
fine queens, either for sale or supersed-
ing purposes. A queen should not be
allowed to remain in a colony, till such
time as she is so old and feeble as to
require crutches to get around. Bather
than allow that I would prefer to have
tAVO queens laying in one hive at once.

Young queens just hatched, or hatch-
ing, may be introduced at once into
any colony, or any queen may be in-
troduced at once, by my chloroform
system, which has been fully explained
before. Caged queens should be in-
troduced with care and judgment, and
an expert can tell just when a queen
will be accepted, and can introduce
one successfully, while the novice is
liable to have her destroyed, as he is
liable to liberate her if the bees are
balling the cage as if they were feed-
ing her, not knowing the diflerence.
A queen's actions has much more to do
with her acceptance, or destruction,
than has her peculiar scent. I can
introduce any strange queen success-
fully, totally disregarding her scent, if
I can only get her to behave herself as
she should. Why will bees accept a
young, freshly hatched queen, having a
different scent? Because it has no fear,
and acts accordingly. Instead of try-
ing to invent new ways of introducing
matured queens, learn to make them
act like young ones, and the difficulty
is over.

The subject was then discussed by
Messrs. King, Locke, Salisbury, Todd
and others, resulting in the following :

To introduce queens, both laying and
virgin, calls for a knowledge of the
nature of the insects, and great care
in performing the operation. Bees will
accept a queen much more readily, if
introduced immediately after the old
queen has been removed, and before
the bees recognize their loss.

Queens, and especially virgin queens,
can be more successfully introduced
when the bees are gathering honey,
than in a time of dearth. If one is
obliged to introduce queens when the
bees are gathering no honey, it would

be well to feed the bees, placing the
feeder on the top of the frames.

While virgin queens just hatched
will almost always be readily accepted
by a queenless colony (one that has
been queenless for two days, or more)
yet it is very difficult to introduce one
that is five days old to the same colony.
The proper and careful use of tobacco
smoke in introducing virgin queens
was strongly advocated, as the best
and safest means, whereby it could be
accomplished ; although some of the
most prominent members opposed it
for various reasons. For introducing
laying queens, the majority seemed to
favor the "Betsinger cage." To intro-
duce with this cage, remove the old
queen, and then place the new queen
on a comb containing hatching brood.
After which place the cage (a cage
formed of wire-cloth, in the shape of
the tin cover to an oblong box, say
3X4 inches, with sides I of an inch
deep) over the queen, passing the sides
down into the comb until they reach
the septum or foundation. Then cut
an ^ inch cage from the opposite side,
using for this purpose the small blade
of a penknife, or other small knife,
leaving the plug which is formed, hang-
ing loosely in the opening, so that it
can be easily removed by the bees.
The beauty of this method is, that the
bees on finding that their queen is gone,
will immediately commence to release
the new queen, and after gnawing an
opening around the plug, one bee will
find his way into the cage and is fol-
lowed by others, who at once present
their antennae and tongue, feeding the
queen, and showing their pleasure at
being able to release her. Soon find-
ing herself at liberty, she will quietly
leave the cage, and enter upon her
duties as mother bee. Those who ad-
vocated this method gave the most con-
vincing evidence of success.

MARKETING PRODUCTS.

This subject was thoroughly dis-
cussed, Messrs. King, Pierce, Bacon,
Todd, Root, Locke and others, tak-
ing part.

Unity of action, and the establishing
of proper relations between the pro-
ducer and consumer, whereby a de-
mand may be created, and prices made
staple, were strongly advocated.

INIr. King referred to the British
honey organization for example. The
condition of the honey market was
considered, and it was shown that

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

109

California had been fortunate in secur-
ing an unusually large crop tins sea-
son, which was put on the market at
the same time with our own and at
low prices. This together with the
general hard times has brought about
a glutted honey market. It was gen-
erally conceded that the beekeepers
themselves must work unitedly, in
making up a demand for their own
honey ,'"disposing of as much of it as
possible, in home markets. To do
this, it was suggested that bee and
honey exhibits be held in connection
with our county fair, and every means
used to educate the people as regards
the value and uses of honey, together
with the methods by which it is pro-
duced.

Mr. King spoke at length on the
question of Cuba, its resources as a
honey-producing country, and stated
that while the honey was flue, and the
flora abundant, yet the people there
were so slow in adopting new ideas,
that competition need not be feared
at present.

Some of the members, however, re-
ferred to the introduction into Cuba of
all the modern appliances, and sending
there of experienced apiarists together
with the endeavors that were being-
made to foster and advance beekeep-
ing there. It was also stated by many
of the members, that in their experi-
ence it had proven unprofitable to send
honey to the commission markets, and
that they would have received far bet-
ter prices, had they sold it at home.

Neat packages, labels, etc., had
much to do with the sale of honey.

WHAT CAX BE DONE TO IXCREASE THE
DE.MAND FOR EXTRACTED HOXEY.

Messrs. Ross, Pierce, Van Deusen,
Locke, King, Benedict, Todd, Betsin-
ger and others, discussed this subject,
and the general opinion concurred
with those relating to the sale of comb
honey. Work up a home trade first,
next woi-k your honey into the hands
of those who use sweets in candies,
medicines, cakes, canned fruit, etc.,
and in fact wherever honey can be used
to advantage ; also have some neat
pamphlets printed to give away with
the honey. Mr. Todd said, do not
put honey in tin cans, as the natural
acid will attack the tin as it does in
tomatoes, which has already ruined
the canning of the latter article. Use
only glass.

COMB FOUXDATIOX.

Capt. Hetherington heartily endorsed
the use of comb foundation in brood
nest and in the boxes, in the latter not
more than eleven feet to the pound. Mr.
Doolittle had found that if the bees
were filled with wax secretion, they
used that instead of the foundation.
That made by Mr. Van Deusen, the
flat septum, must be overhauled by
the bees before they could use it. Save
the wax that the bees will inevitably
secrete, and you will not need the
comb foundation. If you give them
both, they must waste one or the
other.

After some further discussion the
matter was dropped.

Mr. Locke read a communication
from Messrs. Thurber & Co. of New
York City, asking the association to
sign a protest against the proposed
''Spanish Treaty."

This subject called forth consider-
able discussion in which Capt. Heth-
erington, Messrs. Locke, King, Todd,
Dickinson and others, took part; the
majority favoring the signing of the
protest.

A motion was made by Mr. Dickinson
that the protest be commended by the
association, and the Secretary be in-
stalled to affix the names of all the
members of the association.

After discussing the matter for some
time, without arriving at any definite
conclusion, the meeting was adjourned
to meet in the afternoon.

Convention called to order at 2 p.m..
President Root in the chair. After
considerable discussion regarding an
objectionable clause, the following res-
olutions were adopted.

To The Honorable, the Senate of the
United States — Whereas, A large-
number of persons have been encour-
aged to engage in the bee business by
the present duty of two cents per pound
or twenty cents per gallon on imported
honey ; and,

Whereas, By the introduction, into
the island of Cuba, of the improved
appliances and methods of modern bee-
keeping, said island, which possesses
the richest honey-producing flora in
the whole world, will shortly become
under the existing tariff a formidable
and successful rival of the United States
in the production of choice comb and
extracted honey; and,

Whereas, The confirmation of that
article in the so-called Spanish- Ameri-
can Treaty which entirely removes all

110

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

duties on Cuban honey imported into
this country, will seriously cripple if
not entirely destroy an industry still in
its infancy (satherin,"- only about fifty
million po'unds yearly) but which under
the same fostering care extended to
other industries is destined to become
a business of immense proportions.

Therefore. We, tlie beekeepers of
the United States, petition our honor-
able representatives in the U. S. Senate
that the article admitting Cuban honey
free into this couutry be stricken out
of the Spanish-American Treaty.

Geo. W. House,
P. H. Elwood.

The following committee was ap-
pointed to present the above resolu-
tions to the beekeepers of the United
States, and also to the Senate and
House of Representatives, viz., Messrs.
Todd, L. C. Root, Vandervort, Betsin-
ger, Locke and Elwood.

The secretary was instructed to have
printed copies of theabove resolutions,
and to send them to beekeepers, and
interested parties throughout the Unit-
ed States, and especially to those who
had previously received another cir-
cular issued by the association.

ELKCTION OF OFFICERS.

An informal ballot was taken for
president, which gave Mr. L. C Root
the majority— 41 votes. Tliis was fol-
lowed by a formal ballot, which gave
Mr. L. C. Root 41 votes and elected
him president.

Mr. L. C. Root was by acclimation
unanimously made president. Secre-
tary House was instructed, and did
cast the vote of the association for
Chas. Dickinson as vice president.

Mr. House stated tliat he should pos-
itively decline reelection as secretary,
as he had served in that capacity for a
long time, and he thought tliere were
others who should share the burden.

A formal vote was then taken, which
resulted in the election of Mr. Frank
I. C. Berick, as secretary. Mr. I. L.
Schofleld was elected treasurer.

President Root then presented his
annual address as follows :

THE HONEY MARKET.

The one great interest which comes
before us most prominently, demanding
the attention of all who are in any way

interested in the production of honey,
is, How shall we create a more general
demand for our products and establish
a permanent and well regulated market
for the same?

It may be well first to notice some
of the causes which have brought
about the present condition of the
market that we may be better able to
work intelligently in placing it upon a
better basis.

Twenty-flve years ago, box honey in
two to eight comb boxes, weighing
from five to ten lbs. each, would whole-
sale readily at from 30 to 40 cts. per
lb. and retail in proportion.

With this advantage, had the minds
of beekeepers generally been fixed
upon the idea of establishing a reliable
and permanent honey market, and had
they worked as faithfully to that end,
as they have in the direction of pro-
ducing a greater quantity of honey,
we should not have the unsettled
market of to-day.

Besides, if we had kept this matter
fully in mind in all of its bearings, we
should have found that by producing
less surplus honey in better shape, we
should have experienced far less loss,
particularly in wintering.

There are many who have lost in
bees during the winter much more than
they have gained by their efibrts to
produce a large amount of surplus.

I do not fail to recognize the grand
progress which has been made during
the past in the production of honey,
and yet I repeat that far too little at-
tention has been given to fostering
and encouraging a demand for honey
which Avould sustain a permanent and
substantial market.

We have had by far too many pet
hobbies and too much selfishness to be
gratified. We have not worked with
enough unity and with enough willing-
ness to make such sacrifice as would
result in the greatest good to the
greatest number.

Our bee-literature has been seriously
at fault as an educator. Books have
been written and journals have been
published from selfish motives. The
tendency has been far too great in the
direction of urging everybody indis-
criminately to engage in beekeeping
without first qualifying themselves as
in any other pursuit.

Beginners have been led to desire to
produce a large amount of honey,
rather than to pursue well-considered
and cautious methods which would
secure a less quantity in better mark-
etable form.

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

Ill

The motto has too frequently been
"cheaper, rather than better, prod-
ucts," one individual even being inju-
dicious enough to assert that we can
afford to produce liquid honey at five
cents per pound. This savors too much
of the teachings of some whose names
are sometimes found uuder the head-
ing of "Humbugs and Swindles."

i need not dwell more at length upon
the mistakes of the past. All who are
informed know of them only too well.
We have been too forcibly reminded
many times of the coufusion from
which we must all suffer.

Now, in the direction of bringing
about a needed reform, let me suggest
that the one thing at which we should
aim in an unselfish, thoughtful and en-
ergetic way is a hiciher standard of our
products. This, I believe, should be
our motto. And our standard should
be high. We should not be satisfied
with anything less than the best. We
should remember, that from the very
earliest history of the world honey has
been considered a desirable article of
food. We should also keep in miud
the fact that it is the only entirely nat-
ural saccharine product that we have
given, us as a food. It is secreted in
the blossom, gathered by the bees, and
stored iu the combs ready for our use,
without undergoing any change or
process of manufacture by man. When
properly cured and kept under favor-
able conditions it will not granulate.

To furnish this natural and desirable
product with its delicious flavor pure
and unchanged, whether in the comb,
or freed from it, is the first and highest
standard which can be placed before
beekeepers at this time, and in my
opinion will do more towards estab-
lishing permanency in a honey market
than any other one thing.

It is very apparent that we have
made great progress during these
years, in neatness and form of pack-
age ; and while this is true, it is also a
fact that we have made many sad mis-
takes which have resulted harmfully.

The box of earlier date was glassed
before it was tilled and, as a rule, was
left upon the hive until late in the
season. The effect of this was, that the
boxes were thoroughly sealed with
propolis. The honey was perfectly
cured, and was covered with an extra
coating over the capping of the cells,
protecting it more entirely from moist-
ure. If any cells were left partly filled
and uncapped, the honey was removed
by the bees.

With such products we should hear

no complaints of honey dripping from
the boxes, souring in the comb, or pre-
senting a watery appearance.

So long as we find honey offered for
sale, partially sealed, produced without
separators, without being glassed, im-
properly cured, and in leaky packages,
we need not expect a substantial
market.

We must conform in some degree to
the earlier methods. We must use
separators to secure straight combs,
be sure it is well sealed and firmly se-
cured to the boxes, have it well cured,
nicely glassed, and cased in a neat and
substantial manner in a stancl^ird pack-
age.

One of the oldest and most reliable
honey dealers in New York told me
recently that much confusion arose
from the irregularity in sizes of cases.
The cases should never contain but one
tier of boxes. Those for two-comb
sections should hold twelve, and for
one lb. sections, twenty boxes to the
case.

I regret the necessity of mentioning
the most unfortunate point in connec-
tion with this subject, namely, that we
have ever heard the name of anything
besides pure honey mentioned in con-
nection with our pursuit. The minor
good that has ever come to producers
of honey by using any food besides
pure honey is as nothing, compared
with the great misfortune which has
resulted from associations connected
with the practice. ^

I have not intended to take up the
miuor points of this subject, which
are being freely discussed in our vari-
ous journals, but rather to offer some
suggestions whicli may stimulate more
full and thorough investigation.

On the question of compelling i-ec-
ognition from our legislatures, and
agricultural societies, several ad-
dresses were made, Messrs. Hether-
ington, Root, Clark, Betsiuger, Locke,
and others, taking part. It was de-
cided that united effort was necessary,
and Capt. Hetherington in corrobora-
tion of this gave his experience in work-
ing up an exhibition at the Centennial.
The beekeepers did not respond and
join him as they should, and which,
had he not worked hard, would have re-
sulted in entire failure. It was decided
that beekeepers' exhibits should be con-
nected with every agricultural fair,
etc. The agricultural societies will
welcome us when we do our part.
There is no need of compelling the
agricultural societies to do their part;
when our associations are so organ-

112

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

izecl that we can act unitedly, then we
can make displays and exhibitions that
will find a welcome anywhere.

Let us do our part, and then we
shall have something to ofler the ag-
ricultural association, when we ap-
peal to them.

FOUL BROOD.

Mr. H. N. Betsiuger opened the dis-
cussion on this question, as follows :

He stated that " atmospheric
changes " were the cause. The cure of
the disease could only be eflected by
carrying out certain laws.

Carbolic acid had been suggested as
a cure; but in his opinion, it was
worse than the disease. Fermented
honey or pollen would cause the dis-
ease. He had learned by experience
that if the fermented honey alone were
fed, in less than ten days foul brood
would appear. Such fermented honey
was oftentimes found in the blossoms.
In the cold, wet seasons, the disease
prevails, because such seasons are fa-
vorable to fermentation.

In dry seasons foul brood is never
found. A complete cure would be
found in simply feeding salt. Make a
strong brine, immerse the combs
over night, and it will positively cure.
As a preventive to the disease, keep a
little weak brine in the yard, where
the bees can get at it. The speaker
fills a nail keg partly with sawdust and
salt and water; and enbugh will ooze
^through the staves for the bees to
get.

The discussion following Mr. Bet-
singer's remarks were extremely ani-
mated, as the idea of treating our col-
onies to brine was considered by many
an original and questionable one.

That the saline or acid properties,
gathered from newly-exposed earth
mine, stagnant pools, etc., had been
utilized by the bees in feeding, freeing
the honey as it came from the flowei's,
of all that was injurious, was taught
by J. L. Christ (author of the old
German work, being translated and
published in the " American Apicultu-
rist") over one hundred years ago.
Also, and recently, the Germans have
discovered that the poison of the bee
is a powerful antiseptic, and will kill
the spores of the Bacteria. Mr. Bet-
singer, nothing daunted by the oppo-
sition, oflfered $25.00 for a case of foul
brood, that he could not cure with salt,
provided the competing party would
give him $25.00, if he did cure it.

^Ir. Dickinson also oUei'ed the Asso-
ciation $25.00 if any person would,

under Mr. Betsinger's instructions,
produce a case of foul bi'ood, by feed-
ing sour pollen or honey.

On motion of Mr. Root, a collection
was taken to defray incidental ex-
penses. Convention then adjourned,
to meet at 7 o'clock.

THURSDAY EVENING SESSION.

THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

OF MAKING COLONIES QUEENLESS

TO PREVENT SWARMING.

This was the first query discussed.
Mr. Doolittle had not attempted mak-
ingcolonies queenless for any such pur-
pose, and did not believe in it as far
as his locality was concerned. He had
taken queens from colonies, and such
queens had worked vigorously storing
honey, and when the queen was put
back, the colony would work vigor-
ously in carrying stored honey into
the boxes, and in bringing in new
honey from the field. The remarks of
Mr. Doolittle seemed to be endorsed
by Messrs. Elwood and Betsinger.

NEW INVENTIONS AND DISCOVERIES.^

Mr Locke presented a very ingen-
iously constructed instrument for
measuring the length of a bee's
tongue called the Bees' Tongue Reg-
ister. He hoped to be able thus to
discover the bees having the longest
tongues and from these it would be
best to rear future stock and thus ob-
tain an improved race that would se-
cure honey from the largest range of
plants. The instrument was most
heartily commended and endorsed
by the convention.

Mr. King of New York presented
a sample of a reversible frame and
another sample of such reversible
frame was shown by Capt. Hether-
ington. Mr. H. had tried the ex-
periment of reversing frames to
induce the bees to carry up honey
from the bottom of the brood frames
into the boxes but had not been as
successful as a Michigan beekeeper.

Mr. Todd of Philadelphia pre-
sented an instrument showing that
liquid spheres of equal size pressing

1 Owing to lack of brevier type, we were
compelled to use a difl'erent letter for the re-
mainder of Convention Notes.

THE AMERICAN APICULTUBIST.

113

against each other with equal pres-
sure would produce hexagonal fig-
ures of mathematical accuracy, the
angles of which will be identical with
those in the honey comb : the instru-
ment was examined with great inter-
est as it seems to show that the bees
in the manufacture of comb only fol-
low a great law of nature.

Mr. Clark presented the report of
the committee on the constitution
and by-laws.

The only important objection that
was made to the revision was found
in Art. i of the constitution which
read as follows : viz. : This associa-
tion shall hereafter be known in re-
membrance of its founder as the
Quinby Beekeepers' Association and
shall include in its jurisdiction the
entire State of New York.

The discussion upon this article
was a long and tedious one, Messrs.
Dickinson, Betsinger and others ob-
jecting to naming the association
after a man deeming it better to
make it simply the New York State
Association.

Messrs. Hetherington, Elwood,
Clark, King, Locke and others, many
of whom had been members from its
organization deemed it only just and
right that the one who had founded
the association and had sacrificed so
much for apiculture should be en-
titled to this small token of respect
and honor from those who have been
reaping the benefit of his labors.

The opposition succeeded in
showing a majority and the consti-
tution and by-laws were adopted as
follows :

Art. I. This association shall be
known as the New York State Bee-
keepers' association founded by
Moses Quinby in 1868.

Art. 2. Each county or district
convention hereafter held in any part
of this state shall be entitled to three
delegates to the State Society.

Art. 3. (Same as in old constitu-
tion.)

Art. 4. The officers of this asso-
ciation shall consist of a President,
Vice President, Secretary and Treas-
urer, who shall constitute the executive
committee and whose duties shall be
those usually assigned to such offi-
cers and their term of office shall be
one year or until their successors
shall be elected.

An honorary Vice President shall
also be appointed from each county
of this State.i

The by-laws were unchanged with
the exception of the following :

Art. 5. The secretary shall re-
ceive ten dollars each year for his
services and he shall have power to
choose an assistant secretary if he
wishes.

Art. 6. The regular meeting"^
shall be held alternately at Roches-
ter, Albany Utica and Syracuse, but
shall be held no two years in succes-
sion at the same place.

FRIDAY MORNING SESSION.

The chair stated that an error had
been inadvertently made on Thurs-
day evening in the adoption of the
first article of the revised constitu-
tion.

By the provisions of the constitu-
tion, a two-thirds vote is required for
its amendment. The revised article
had received a vote of twenty-four
in favor and twenty- one in the nega-
tive. He (the chair) had declared
the article thus revised, when it
really lacked six votes of the neces-
sary two-thirds. The chair wished
to correct his ruling and declare the
vote in favor of the said article
lost.

Mr. Clark, of Oneida, moved that
the first article of the constitution be
revised to read as follows, in accord-

lAs the list of the vice presidents repre-
senting the diflferent comities was foiind un-
reliable and incomplete, we have omitted it,
but will publish the same as soon as we can
secure it.

114

THE AMEBIC AN APICULTURIST.

ance with the wishes of the majority
as expressed Thursday evening.

Art. I. This association shall be
known as the New York State Bee
keepers' Association (founded by
Moses Quinby in 1868). Carried.

BEST INIANAGEMENT OF THE APIARY
FOR COMB HONEY.

Secretary Benedict then read a
paper on the above topic.

Mr. President,

Ladies and Gentlemen
and Fellow Beekeepers :

The question that has been as-
signed me, if I shall speak upon it,
in the full meaning of the topic as it
is given in our programme, I shall
have to assume myself as having a
better method than any that has
been given, by any of our honored
leaders in Bee Culture. And when
I think of such men as the lamented
Quinby, Rev. L. L. Langstroth,
Capt. Hetherington, Elwood, Doo-
little, Heddon, Betsinger and many
others, it little becomes me to as-
sume that I can give to this honora-
ble body of beekeepers " The Best
Management of the Apiary for Comb
Honey !" I hardly think when the
committee gave me the question,
they took into consideration the
varied climate and the different
sources from which we procure our
surplus honey ; that the manage-
ment in one section of the country
would not bring like results in an-
other of a different surplus source.

So I shall confine what I have to
offer, to a section in a latitude where
clover and basswood are the prin-
cipal sources of surplus.

We shall have to start in early
spring, perhaps, before the first nat-
ural pollen is gathered, when we are
letting our bees work upon rye or
Graham flour, as this should be given
to supply until natural pollen comes.
Now, when natural pollen appears,

or better before, on some warm,
pleasant day, look over each colony
and see that they have a good queen
and plenty of honey. And cover
them with enamel cloth or some
material that will keep in the heat
and moisture. In about ten days
look them over again, and you will
find colonies that cannot cover eight
frames, or the full number, to good
advantage. Contract these by using
the division board until they have no
more frames than they can cover
well. Be sure each time to leave
plenty of honey, uncapping a portion
that the bees may move it about in
the combs ; this will have a stimulat-
ing effect and cause the bees to lay
more rapidly. Some may ask, why
contract the brood chamber? For
the reason that one of the great re-
quirements of proHfic brood-rearing
is heat, and if your store is not large
enough to warm your room, then
contract your room to the size of
your store.

Now let them rest about ten days
more, and by this time the young bees
in the hive will begin to be quite nu-
merous, and if you find the queen is
using all the room, add one frame
to the brood nest. But this time
make haste slowly, as you are liable
to sudden changes, and you have
many old bees that have nearly done
their work, whose places will soon
be filled by young bees. Now begin
to feed and stimulate to brood-rearing
as you have a good quantity of young
bees to care for the larvse and gen-
eral work of the hive. This feeding
may be done in the hive from a top
feeder, or from a feeder placed at
the entrance, or any way that you
can easiest feed them a little every
day ; three or four tablespoonfuls is
plenty unless they are very sliort of
stores.

At this season of the year they
use a large quantity of water in pre-
paring the food for the brood, and
if you will supply it by feeding one
part of sugar or honey to three of

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

115

water, it will save thousands of work-
ers that would go out unfavorable
days in search, of water and never
return. You are now not far from
the first of May. Push them as fast
as possible as you only have about
fifty days to white clover bloom. No
one need have any fear of getting
their colonies too populous at this
time, and in this latitude with our
short springtime. During the fifty
days to come, look to each colony
weekly, add combs by spreading
brood and placing empty comb in
the centre, keeping a record of every
colony. Up to this, I have not said
anything about hives. Good results
may be obtained with nearly all of
the movable frame hives. I think
when we get to the honey season,
a rightly arranged top-storing hive
is preferable. But during spring
management a hive, in which you
can extend the brood nest, is of
great advantage. A strong colony
will use more than eight frames and
be crowded, before the honey harv-
est begins. Now, if your hive is
such that you can add extra frames,
they will be quickly filling them with
brood. Some would say draw a
frame of brood and give to a weaker
colony, and replace with an empty
frame. This may be done, but ex-
perience has taught that, as a rule,
better results can be obtained by let-
ting the brood remain in the strong
colonies until about the time you
wish to put on your surplus storage.
Then draw your extra frames, taking
your oldest brood and give to your
lighter colonies, if any still remain.
By this time, they are ready to take
care of it, and it comes when it will
do them much more good than it
would earlier. If you are fortunate
enough to have your colonies on full
frames, these extra combs with a few
bees will make you some fine early
nuclei, that will build themselves into
good colonies if given a young queen
or a queen cell. It is better to have
a few young queens to give them,

as you will want them when the
swarming season comes.

Now we come to the honey sea-
son. We are all ready with sections
filled with light foundation, not less
than ten square feet to the pound,
placed on racks with separators
clamped between. Go to the yard,
and as you pass through, and lift up the
quilts and find that they are whiten-
ing the tops of the combs, we know
that they are storing new honey and
should be given the sections at once.
I think I am safe when I say there
is no way in which the sections can
be given, that has the advantage of
the rack, or clamping case, worked
upon the tiering-up system. When
nicely started raise them up and
place another set under. Continue
this until well in basswood time, then
be careful not to get more started
than the bees will finish on white
honey.

Some of course are prepared to
take issue with me, who are joined to
their idol, the old wide frame, which,
if for no other reason than the saving
of time, should have been laid aside
long since, and any hive that will not
admit of taking the top off to a level
with the tops of the brood combs, be
placed with them and be kept as
reUcs.

Now our dish is ready to catch the
shower of honey. But just here
comes the cry the bees are swarming
just as they had one set of sections
about ready to raise. What shall we
do? I would say, with all strong
swarms that issue up to within one
week of the opening of basswood
bloom, remove the old hive to a new
stand. Place the new hive upon the
old stand, filled with one empty comb,
and seven frames of wired founda-
tion, with the set of partly filled sec-
tions from the old hive placed in
position on the new one. Now hive
your swarm, and they are ready for
business. You have all the working
force of the old hive. You will sel-
dom have any trouble with the new

116

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

is the condition of the old one?
You will find eight frames of brood
in all stages and young bees enough
to care for the eggs and larvae, and
hundreds more hatching every day.
Let them stand six or seven days ;
then open the hive and cut all queen
cells saving the best to be placed in
the nuclei from which you are to take
a laying queen and place in the old
hive and you have a swarm that will
often fill one and two sets of sections
during the basswood flow.' After
much experimenting, I find this al-
lows the bees a chance to be true to
nature, and still we practically con-
trol the swarming. Now we are
within a few days of the basswood
bloom and we must make everything
count. Hive the swarm on the old
stand as before, but do not carry the
old hive to a new stand but place it
beside the new swarm with entrance
at right angles. Let this stand eight
days. Towards night of the eighth
day, open the old hive and you will
find that you have a fair swarm of
bees. Have your comb box ready,
remove the combs, shake the bees at
the entrance of the new hive, place
the combs in the box, shake some of
the bees from the old hive and re-
move to a new stand, and place the
combs in the hive, cutting out all
queen cells but one, or all if you have
a young queen that you can give
them. Now the young bees and what
are yet to hatch will take care of the
work in the hive, and with care will
be in trim to take the last of bass-
wood and store dark honey enough
to winter upon. From the first
swarms you will get more honey than
you would had you tried to keep
them in one hive by hiving, and re-
turning to the old hive, and trying
to suppress the swarming impulse.
Second you get the greater part of
the worker bees when they will do
the most good during the honey flow.
And with the above management you
have doubled the number of colo-

nies that have cast a swarm. Now,
brother beekeepers, what I have said
comes from practical experience, and
if any one has gained a new thought
then I have accomplished what I
hoped I might.

Allow me to discard the subject as
given, and ask you to accept this as
one of the best managements of the
apiary for comb honey.

Mr. King believed that the remov-
ing honey as fast as capped and to
replace them with those that are but
partially filled is the proper way to
secure the largest amount of surplus
honey.

This system did not discourage
the bees but was in exact accordance
with the nature of the little insect.
Mr. Locke spoke in favor of the sys-
tem and said it was that practised by
the ancient Germans who kept at
times a thousand colonies.

CIRCULARS AND PAMPHLETS.

The committee on circulars and
pamphlets reported through Mr.
Locke, and in motion the committee
was continued another year.

THE REVERSIBLE FRAME.

The secretary read an article by
Mr.lTefft on the "Reversible Frame."
The article declared the invention
a great improvement over the old
hanging frame and it was very uni-
versally adopted by the most intelli-
gent apiarists.

The article also referred to the ob-
jects to be gained by use of this
style of frame.

Messrs. King, Betsinger, Root,
Clark, Locke, Benedict, Doolittle and
others, took part in the discussion,
and it was generally admitted that at
certain times in the season and with
judicious management the reversible
frame would prove a success.

Some of the objections offered
were that if care were not taken, poor
honey would be carried in the surplus
boxes, thus injuring the quality of the

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

117

honey stored there, and that inex-
perienced beekeepers would, unless
careful, reverse the frames too late in
the fall.

Some changes were made in the
committees when the question and
answer box was opened and answers
made to the conundrums therein
contained.

On motion of Mr. Clark the exec-
utive committee was given power to
name delegates and issue creden-
tials to those wishing to attend the
International Convention at New
Orleans. On motion of the several
gentlemen, all persons wishing to at-
tend the North American Beekeepers'
convention at Detroit next fall will
receive credentials from the execu-
tive committee.

On motion of Mr. Clark any per-
son inside the State may become a
member of the association by signing
the constitution and paying 50 cts.

Any clause in the constitution
which conflicts with this was re-
scinded.

FRIDAY AFTERNOON SESSION.

After the convention was opened,
Mr. Doolittle, on behalf of the com-
mittee, composed of Messrs. Doolit-
tle, Todd and Locke, offered the fol-
lowing resolutions :

COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS.

Resolved, That a vote of thanks be
hereby tendered to all the essay

for the dignified and able manner in
which he has presided over our meet-
ings.

Resolved, That a vote of thanks
are hereby tendered the mayor and
common council of the city of Syr-
acuse for the use of the City Hall,

Resolved, That this association are
pleased to note the presence ot a
number of ladies during the sessions,
and trust that they will, at our next
convention, favor us with their pres-
ence.

Resolved, That this convention ex-
tend a vote of thanks to Mr. Arthur
Todd, Philadelphia, for the interest-
ing microscopic and scientific ex-
periments given for the benefit of
this convention.

Resolved^ That a vote of thanks
be extended to Silas M. Locke, Sal-
em, Mass., for the scientific registra-
tion of the length of bees' tongues
as connected with scientific queen-
rearing.

Resolved, That a vote of thanks
be extended to our retiring secretary
for the ethcient manner in which he
has performed the arduous duties
devolving upon him.

Resolved, That we as a convention
do urge upon our members to attend
the meeting of the North American
B. A. at Detroit next fall and that
all members so attending shall hereby
be vested with the attributes of dele-

Resolved, That the thanks of this
association are due and are hereby
tendered the representatives of the
" Journal, " " Evening Herald, "
"Morning Standard" and the "Cour-
ier," for their extended notices of this
convention, the publication of our
proceedings and other courtesies
shown us.

Resolved, That the association do
hereby tender a vote of thanks to our
worthy President, Mr. L. C. Root,

All of which is respectfully sub-
mitted.

C. G. Dickinson,
x-Vrthur Todd,
G. M. Doolittle,
S1L.4S M. Locke.

The report of the committee on
questions was made by Mr. King as
follows :

I. What is the best food for win-
ter? Ans. Granulated sugar.

118

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

2. How many colonies of bees
can be kept in one apiary. Ans.
That depends on forage — from 20 to
2000.

3. Which is better for beginners,
natural or artificial swarming ? Ans.
Natural.

4. How shall we prevent honey
from candying ? Ans. Keep it at a
temperature of not less than 75 de-
grees.

5. When the bees hang out is it
best to put on more boxes? Ans.
Only when honey is plentiful outside.

6. How to prevent swarming when
producing box honey ? Ans. Keep
the bees at work.

7. Why are porous cloth covers
for winter use any better than en-
amel cloth? Ans. Because they
permit the escape of moisture.

8. Why not use fine wire-cloth
strung across the section frame in-
stead of tin or wooden separators?
Ans. Wire is too flexible.

9. Does pollen cause the bee
diarrhoea ? Ans. Yes and no.

10. What material is best to gum
labels for glass or tin? Ans. Dex-
trine and hot water.

1 1 . Is dividing preferable to nat-
ural swarming? Ans. Yes, decidedly.

12. Why is chaff packing better
than dead air space ? Ans. Because
it is warmer.

13. Why are deep frames better
for use in securing comb honey than
shallow ones? Ans. Because they
are better adapted to the collateral
system.

14. Why are shallow frames better
for use in securing comb honey than
deep ones? Ans. Because brood
will be necessarily closer to the sec-
tions.

I'he following resolution was read
by Mr. Locke and adopted.

This Association having heard
with great sorrow of the death, dur-
ing the past month, of Mr. W. W.
Gary of Coleraine, Mass., desires by
this minute to put on record its high
appreciation of his services.

A progressive beekeeper of one
half a century's experience, among
the very first to import and breed
the Italian bee, and zealous for its
purity — enthusiastic in every advance
in the direction, both of the econ-
omy and manipulation of the honey
bee, he took a high rank among
those who have helped both by
practice and pen to elevate and per-
petuate the science of apiculture.

With these considerations we do
resolve that as a mark of our appre-
ciation of his services this minute be
entered upon the records of the as-
sociation and a copy sent by the sec-
retary to the family of Mr. Gary.

Resolved, That we extend our sym-
pathies to the afilicted family, and
commend them in their grief to the
God of all consolation and the very
"present help in trouble."

The report of the committee on
implements on exhibition was read,
viz. :

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON EXHIBITS.

GhaffHive, top and side surplus
storing, standing frame, Quinby. Ex-
hibited by W. E. Clark, Oriskany,
N. Y. Awarded first prize.

GhaffHive, top and side surplus
storing, hanging L. frame. Exhibited
by King and Aspinwall, New York
city. Awarded second prize.

Automatic Honey Extractor. Ex-
hibited by G. W. Stanley and Bro.,
Wyoming, N. Y.

For extracting both sides of the
combs, without handling the frames
after being put in the basket, revers-
ing the combs by revolving the bas-
kets in an opposite direction, there-
by saving one-half the time used
by the old method. Awarded first
prize.

THE AMERICAN APIGULTURIST.

119

Comb Foundation Mill. Exhibi-
ted by J. Vandervort, Lacyville,
Pa.

For making thin comb foundation
for surplus boxes. Awarded first
prize.

Quinby Bellows Smoker. Exhib-
ited by W, E. Clark, Oriskany, N. Y.
Awarded first prize.

Bellows Smoker. Exhibited by
King & Aspinwall, N. Y. city.
Awarded second prize.

Inside Feeder. Exhibited by
King & Aspinwall, N. Y. city.
Awarded first prize.

HONORABLE MENTION.

Drone and Queen Catcher. Ex-
hibited by James F. Norton, Win-
sted, Conn.

Honey Knife. Exhibited by W.
E. Clark, Oriskany, N. Y.

One-piece Honey Boxes. Exhib-
ited by Berlin Fruit Box Co., Berlin
Heights, O.

Dovetailed Sections. Exhibited by
H. D. Davis, Bradford, Vt.

Very nice nailed Sections and wood
separators. Exhibited by J. C. New-
man & Son, Peoria, Wyoming Co.,
N. Y.

Very nice nailed Spruce Sections.
Exhibited by W. E. Clark, Oriskany,
N. Y.

Bee Veil. Exhibited by W. E.
Clark, Oriskany, N. Y.

Quinby's New Beekeeping Book.
Exhibited by L. C. Root, Mohawk,
N. Y.

Very fine sample of Extracted
Honey. Exhibited by W. E. Clark,
Oriskany, N. Y.

Sample of Ext. Cuban Honey.
Exhibited by King & Aspinwall, N.
Y. city, in color the best on Exhi-
bition.

Three bottles of Ext. Honey. Ex-
hibited by L. C. Root, Mohawk, N.
Y.

" Bees' tongue Register." Exhib-
ited by Silas M. Locke, Salem,
Mass.

EXHIBITED BY ARTHUR TODD, PHIL-
ADELPHIA, PA.

Microscopical Exhibit of " Bacill-
us alvei" or Foul Brood, and
" Spermatozoa " of Hive Bee,
mounted by Frank Cheshire of Lon-
don, England.

The "Holman" apparatus for
demonstrating the tendency of Liq-
uid or plastic Spheres to assume hex-
agonal forms under pressure.

The " Cheshire " Charts for use
of Lecturers on Bees and Beekeep-
ing.

Extracted Honey from W. S. Hart,
Florida.

Extracted Honey from W. S. Da-
dant & Son, Hamilton, 111.

All of which your committee would
respectfully submit.

I. L. SCHOFIELD.

G. H.

Ira Barber.
Knickerbocker.

On motion of Mr. Todd, local
associations were recommended to
purchase the Cheshire chart for be-
ginners. On motion the convention
adjourned sine die.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.

Owing to the recent rush of busi-
ness and the important changes
that we have made, we have been
obliged to omit the securing of an-
swers for this department this month.
We trust, however, that our read-
ers will send us in lists of practical
questions to be answered, as by so
doing they can secure the opinions
of a number of our most prominent
apiarists. This feature is invaluable
to those who wish to make a success
of apicuhure.

120

THE AMERICAN APIGULTURIST.

QUESTIONS BY J. H. WIRDMAN.
ANSWERS BY THK EDITOR.

1. Do you think it advisable to set
tlie bottom of a liive dii'ectly on tlie
ground, or is it better to set it on a
stand or blocks, leaving au air space
below the hive : and if so, how much
space should be left?

And in leaving the air space, do you
think that it should be enclosed up to
the bottom of the hive?

Ans. Hives should always be so lo-
cated and placed that the bottom boards
will not gather dampuess, but should
not be raised so higli from the ground,
that during cold days, when the wind
is chilly, tne bees returning from the
field will be blown under the hive upon
the cold damp ground from which they
can seldom arise owing to their being
heavily laden and tired out.

It is best if possible to have the spot
where the hives set raised a little in
the shape of a mound above the sur-
roundiug grounds, and then the hives
should be seton rough stands (hemlock
is good) raised about 4 inches from the
ground leaving a free opening under
the hive. A slanting board ou which
the bees may alight should be placed
in front of the hives.

4. What is your opinion of wire iu
frames?

Aus. If the wire is so well embedded
in the wax that it is entirely covered,
and full sheets of foundation are used
and well fastened on the top and bot-
tom to the frames, it is valuable,
especially for use in hives in which
new swarms are to be placed; but if
tlie wires are exposed or left protrud-
ing at the bottom of the foundation,
the bees will sometimes gnaw out.
For general use, however, we have
found the foundation without wire
more handy and equally good; but care
must also be taken iu using the latter.

5. What is your opinion of metal
rabbets iu hives, and of metal support-
ing arms on frames?

Ans. We have never found any metal
supports for top bars equal to the
common wood top bars of the frame.

6. What do you consider to be the
best material with which to cover the
frames, at all seasons of the year?

Aus. Light duck.

LETTER BOX.

2. What distance should hives set
apart when set either hexagonally or
in straight rows?

Ans. "while bees will do well when
the hives set about two feet apart in
straight rows, with the rows from four
to six feet apart, yet we prefer setting
them hexagoually, and six feet from
centres.

3. In what direction should the en-
trance of a hive fiice? Should all the
hives iu an apiary face in one direction ?
If facing in different directions, should
any face the north?

Ans. If possible the hives should
face the southeast, although tliey
could face the south, and perhaps the
south, southwest. This again depends
somewhat on the protection from
winds. One should so place and face
his hives that when the bees arrive at
the entrance, they will be protected
from the cold winds; those from the
west, north and northeast, being the
most destructive. Also during Spring
time and mornings, the bees need
the warm sunshine that comes from
the south and southeast.

Clinton, Mich., April I2, iSSj.
Friend Locke :

The American Apiculturist, Vols.
I and 2 bound together, duly re-
ceived. I must say it is a work of art.
Your binder fully understands his
business. It is a pleasure and com-
fort when you open it at any place
to have it stay so without holding.
I have just had six volumes of
"Gleanings" bound in Toledo by
a first-class binder, but they do
not compare with the work on the
American Apiculturist.

This work should be in the hands
of and read by every beekeeper, be-
ing full of practical ideas. No one
can read it but to be benefited there-

May you ever succeed m your
noble undertaking is the wish of
your friend,

H. D. Cutting.

The American Apicultiirist

% lournal iJtboteb to Sneittific ant) |PractuaI gctkecjDing.

EXTEEED AT THE POST-OFFICE, SALEM, AS SECOXD-CLASS MATTER.

Published Monthly. S. M. Locke, Publisher & Prop'r

VOL. III.

WENHAM, MASS., JUNE 15, i^

No. 6.

SUBSCRIPTION PRICES.

$1.00 per je.ir, payable in advance. Sent
on trial three months lor 35 ct*., si.v montlis
for 60 cts.

Advertising Rates :— 15 cents per line of
space each insertion.

A line of this type wilt admit about? words
One inch will contain twelve lines.

Transient Advertisements must be paid for
in advance.

Those wishing special rates will please
correspond with the Editor.

When sending money make all postal notes
and money orders payable at the Salem,
Mass., Post Office.

All communications should be addressed
to S. M. LocKK & Co., Wenliam, Mass.

BEEKEEPING AS A PUB-
SUIT.^

By Arthur Todd.

This subject ma}' be regarded
from two standpoints — that of the
man who, with income assured from
other sources, pursues beekeeping
for its pleasure ; and that of the
man who, wishing to increase his
slender income, or actually make
an income, turns to beelceeping
with a view to profit on the capital
and labor to be invested. But, as
to the latter are denied none of the
pleasures enjoyed by the former, it

I Read at the Beekeepers' Congress, at
New Orleans.

is from the latter standpoint alone
that I shall review the subject.

Beekeeping is, strictly speaking,
a branch of agriculture, and many
a farmer is today getting a greater
return from his investment in bees
than that received from any of his
other stock ; but right here I say
that beekeeping as a pursuit has
to-day become a "specialty." The
man who enters upon this pursuit
(leaving the question of capital
aside) must be one endowed with
physical and mental ability ; a man
with open eyes and ears, one
ready for emergencies, prompt to do
what is necessaiy at once, and one
who is not easily discouraged.

The physical ability is required
because beekeeping demands real
hard work — yes, back-aching work
— not suitable to the sick ladies
and gentlemen so often ill-advised
to go into beekeeping. The men-
tal ability is required to keep the
beekeeper abreast of the times and
its rapidly changing conditions.
Beekeeping is now a science, a
stud}', and the conditions which
govern one season, or colon}' of
bees, will be completely changed
for the next. Every stage in the
life of a colony of bees requires to
be understood, There must be no
"guessing," and this will bring us
to the cultivation of the habit of
(121)

122

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

observation, and a disposition to
hear all that one can npon the spec-
ial snbject.

Emergencies will occnr needing
heroic treatment, but the beekeeper
with mind and hand trained b}' ex-
perience and thoughtful considera-
tion of his "specialty," will rise
superior to any occasion, and when
discouragement comes, as it inevi-
tably will, in the words of the im-
mortal Longfellow, "He will look
not moui'nfully into the past, it
comes not back again, but wisely
improve the future for it is his."
■ Pleasure and profit go hand in
hand, as a rule, in this specialty,
although the former is not unal-
loyed by a liberal application of the
"business end" of the little busy
bee, and the latter by a recurrence
of poor honey seasons. In nature
are found both the beautiful and the
sublime ; in the hive both are
constantly under the beekeeper's
eye, teaching him to look with
amazement from "nature up to na-
ture's God." As he views his hive
and sees the city grow, and popula-
tion increase, the waxen walls, and
stores well filled, the free-born cit-
izen hurrying to and fro, each with
his special task, outside of the
thoughts of profit will come to the
most unimpressionable, thoughts of
wonder and admiration for the
works of that great Architect of the
universe who said, "Let there be
life and there was life."

The profits of beekeeping are
what ? To many a one the}' hold
out the hopes of "the glorious
privilege of being independent ;"
and to obtain these profits the spe-

cialist, gifted with the requisite
mental and p^iysical qualities, must
be "the right man in the right
place." He must have hives of the
movable-frame order. Moses Quin-
by wrote thus, in 1858 : "There is
not the least doubt, in ray mind,
that whoever realizes the greatest
profit from his bees will have to
retain the movable combs in some
form ;" and who of us will gainsay
this to-day? Out of the many styles
of movable-comb hives now in ex-
istence, the beekeeper will select
one best fitted for the business in
which he means to engage, be it
the production of comb or extracted
honey, queen-rearing, bee-selling,
or a combination of all.

The specialist who intends to
rear bees for sale will do well to
employ that hive which will take
the size and style of frame most
in use in the district in which
he resides. Interchangeability of
parts is a grand secret of success,
and the beekeeper who can sell a
colony of bees, or buy a colony
well knowing that each and every
frame is usable in his own or his
neighbors' hives, has made a step
in the right direction. The main
points in a good hive are, "Sim-
plicity of construction, combining
plenty of bee-space with perfect
ease of manipulation."

The race of bees will next engage
the specialist's attention. Study
and experience, and also the actual
line of business engaged in, will
best decide this point. The black,
the Italian, the Syrian, the Cyprian,
and the Carniolan, alike have their
votaries. At present, for all pur-

THE AMERICAN APIGULTURIST.

123

poses of sale and honey-gathering,
the Ligurian or Italian-Alp bee is
the principal one in demand ; but
•the very best race of bees will af-
ford but little profit unless the
queens are carefully' looked after.
As fast as signs of senility appear,
these should be removed and their
places supplied by younger and
more vigorous queens. The apia-
rist for profit should not only rear
queens, but know how, when and
where to replace them. He should
also know the requisites of a good
queen, and how to judge of her
progeny.

Pasture to the beekeeper is ev-
erything ; if that be poor, his re-
turns will be poor ; hence he
should carefully examine his loca-
tion. Districts vary greatly in
their flora, and by a carefuPstudy
of this question before locating,
disappointment will be avoided.
The beekeeper should be a walking
calendar of the flora of his neigh-
borhood for miles around, then, as
the honey comes pouring in, he
can tell its source and label it ac-
cordingly. This knowledge w^ill
enable him to build up colonies,
and follow the old advice, '"Keep
your colonies strong ;" so that
when the honey does come, there are
bees to gather it in.

Tlie management of bees kept
for profit will vary according to
the object of the beekeeper, whether
it be the production of honey or
the rearing of bees or queens. In
running for honey alone, we have
the swarming and the non-swarm-
ing methods. The experiences of
good bee-men are so diversified

that one is reminded of the old say-
ing, "when doctors differ, the pa-
tient dies." The bee-man must
strike out his own line of action
suitable to his own special circum-
stances. In running for extracted
hone}', swarming is, to a great ex-
tent, controlled, for "Poverty mak-
eth humble ;" but I insist that the
good bee-man will know the condi-
tion of each hive, and act accord-
ingly.

The specialist is a man who reads,
and although he may not get or
use a single one of the many traps,
or patent articles now off'ered, he
should know all about them ; for
at any moment, what he has read
about these things may give him
an idea, the successful carrying out
of whicli maj' help him over a diflEi-
culty. The capacity of the bee-
keeper to attend to a certain num-
ber of colonies, be it greater or less,
will have a great influence on the
profits of the pursuit. As a pur-
suit, beekeeping should not be en-
tered into without careful thought
and consideration as to the capital
required, the location and the suit-
ability of the employment to one's
temperament. To-day, before em-
barking in the business, it is possi-
ble for the intending beekeeper to
serve an actual and willing appren-
ticeship in the yards of well-
known and successful bee-masters.
I need dwell not upon the advan-
tages of this plan for they are ob-
vious.

To the enthusiast with but small
experience, I would say, "Go
slow !" Read the good bee-liter-
ature now so easy to be obtained,

124

THE AMERICAN APICULTUEIST.

and never be above learning from
others. Visit beekeepers wherever
3'ou can enjoy the privilege, attend
bee-conventions, and gradually a
store of knowledge will be gathered
upon which you will draw with
profit later on.

Profitable beekeeping as a pur-
suit is, to my mind, the outcome
of the union of two great factors —
"talent" and "tact ;" for "talent
is power, tact is skill ; talent is
wealth, tact is ready money ; talent
knows what to do, tact knows how
to do it ; talent makes the world
wonder that it gets on no faster,
tact excites astonishment that it
gets on so fast ; talent may obtain
a living, but tact will make one.
Talent convinces, tact converts ;
talent is an honor to the profession,
tact has the knack of slipping into
good places, and keeping them ; it
seems to know everything without
learning anything: it has no left
hand, no deaf ear, no blind side,
with a full knowledge of the Py-
thagorean doctrine, 'that a man
ought rather to be silent, or say
something better than silence.' "

I submit these remarks to my
fellow beekeepers, being painfully
conscious of many shortcomings
from the high standard of excel-
lence that man should attend to
who in these days goes into "bee-
keeping as a pursuit."

Germantown, Pa.

HOWES' REVERSIBLE
FRAME-SUPPORT.

By C. J. F. Howes.

To whom does the invention be-
long? From articles lately appear-
ing in Gleanings in Bee Culture,
and editorial comments thereon, I
think there is a misapprehension ot
what the above invention consists, or
what it really is, and whose property
it is. The above-mentioned articles
and editorials are, I feel, doing me an
injustice, and have a tendency, virtu-
ally, to rob me of all the benefits, to
say nothing of the "honors," of the
discovery, which I had considered to
be my property.

As to what constitutes my inven-
tion, I will quote from my article in
the A. B. Journal, page 57, in reply
to Mr. Heddon's claim to the inven-
tion of the frame illustrated in Glean-
ings, page 104.

"At the annual meeting of the
Southeastern Michigan Beekeepers'
Association, held at Adrian, Mich.,
Jan. 23, 1884, I exhibited samples
of a device for reversing brood-frames,
which device, or plan, suspended the
frame by strips of wood, or metal,
which strips were pivoted to the cen-
tre of the end-bars, and extended up
to the top of the frame, there form-
ing projecting arms to rest on the
rabbets, and allowing the frame to
revolve on these pivots.

In describing the device before
the convention, I distinctly claimed
as my invention, the plan of suspend-
ing the frame between side-strips
pivoted to the end-bars, as described."

Previous to the illustration and

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

125

description of my device, all reversi-
ble-frames had fixtures at both fop
and bottom; see Gleanings for 1882,
page 71, also 1883, page 65, Burgess'
device; 1884, page 155, Baldridge's
device; and 1884, page 332, Heth-
erington's device. These attach-
ments were entirely different in prin-
ciple from the "Howes' Supports."
No one had ever suggested revolving
the frames on "centre pivots,^'' previ-
ous to the illustration, and descrip-
tion of my frame in Gleanings for
1884, page 156.

Soon after I began to manufacture
and sell Howes' Reversible Frame
and Supports, — as advertised in
Gleanings, for 1884, page 285, — re-
versing devices began to appear from
all quarters ; both men and women
joining in the scramble for the "hon-
or," if not for the profits of the inven-
tion ; each one suspending the frame
by "centre pivots," as I had described
them. Several used hoop -iron bent
at a right angle to form projecting
arm. (Prof. Cook at the Michigan
convention claimed to have tried
this plan, though a lady, I think, first
described it in Glea7iings).

Mr. Root has often, through
Gleanings, acknowledged that these
different devices are, practically the
same thing as the "Howes' Support;''
still he does not hesitate to manufac-
ture, advertise and sell th*em, as if
the invention was common property.
(See editorial remarks in Gleanings;
page 74, describing Mr. Nuzvinis'
device ; then Editorial in next num-
ber, page 104, on the same subject.)

I submit the question, in all seri-
ousness. Does not this state of
th\ng% justify anyone, in securing his

rights to the labor of his brain, by a
patent, as provided bylaw ? If a bet-
ter device, to secure the results aimed
at, by reversing the brood-combs,
shall be discovered, I shall be glad to
adopt it, in my own apiary, and will,
willingly, pay for the privilege. Un-
til then, I request all to "please keep
off my preserve."

Adrian, Mich., Feb. 7, 1885.

WHICH IS THE MOST PROF-
ITABLE RACE OF BEES.

Bv D. F. Lashieu.

Which is the most profitable race
of bees regarding brooding, cornb-
building, honey-gathering disposition
and wintering qualities ?

I have no desire to injure anyone's
business and wish merely to bring to
notice a few facts which it seems to
me to have been overlooked.

Perhaps a few notes founded upon
years of experience would not be out
of place, especially as my motives
are entirely unselfish.

I commenced beekeeping in 1872
with one colony of gray bees in a box
hive. I purchased this hive of a
neighbor whose bees seemed to be
very hardy and gentle. They are of
uniform size and as large as any Ital-
ians that I ever have seen, even
when the latter were reared in comb
of their own building. I hive all my
gray bees without any protection
whatever. and the same when looking

126

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

for queens, etc. With the Italians
this would be perfect madness.^

Doubtless some will say " your
gentle bees must suffer from being
robbed." Not so, my friends, they
are good protectors of their homes.

I have purchased queens from
some of the best breeders in the
States hoping to get the best in the
market, and I never have, as yet,
seen any that will hold their own with
my gray bees.

In breeding, the Italians commence
a trifle earlier in spring, but they
dwindle so badly that when fruit trees
bloom they are not as strong as the
gray bees.

For honey-gathering from the white
and red clover the Italians and gray
bees are about equal, but when buck-
wheat is in bloom the grays beat the
Italians by fifty per cent,

I have wintered both races in-
doors and out of doors. The grays
seem to become dormant not caring
to move about, while the Italians are
uneasy, crawling out of their hives
and wasting away.

My gray bees have steadily in-
creased by natural swarming- from
the one colony to 120, all in the
same apiary ; giving me, in an average
season, a nice surplus of box honey,
and in a very poor season holding
their own without feeding or spring
dwindling.

I think that had one-half the pains
been taken to improve some of our

1 If our friend will visit us we will show
him colonies of Italians that can be examined
without fear of stings, and this with neither
smoke nor protection. — Ed.

2 When working for comb hone}-, I return
all of my swarms so that I get no increase
that season.— D. F. L.

native bees that have been de\oted
to rearing foreign races, beekeeping
of to-day would be in a far better
condition. It is the general result
and the general summing up that
decide which is the more profitable
vocation.

Of late years I have wintered my
bees in a frost-proof building, and
have found it to be a great saving of
honey. At some future time I will tell
your readers, if they wish, how this
building is constructed so as to carry
bees safely through five months of as
cold winter weather as ever existed
in my section, together with my ex-
perience in fruit raising in connection
with beekeeping and how I manage
to save my natural swarms from ab-
sconding.

This having swarms decamp to
parts unknown is all wrong. I have
had more swarms come to me than
I ever had desert, and the idea that
bees injure fruit blossoms is alto-
gether erroneous. Why ! we were
obliged to prop up our plum trees
last season to prevent them from
breaking down with the load of plums,
and of chenies we had a most boun-
tiful crop and this right in our apiary
too.

I should be pleased to give your
readers a paper on fruit and bees if
it would be acceptable.^

Hooper, N. Y.

5 Doubtless our readers would be pleased
to hear from friend Lashier again, and we
trust that he will favor us with the article.
—Ed.

THE A3IERICAN APICULTURIST.

ni

HOW TO FORM NUCLEI.

By Henry Alley.

Most beekeepers wish to rear a
few queens and must have for such a
purpose a few nucleus colonies.

The following plan for forming
them is an easy and simple one. The
nucleus hives should be constructed
of light material and about one-third
the width of the large hive, and the
covers should be cleated to prevent
splitting and warping. If the hives
are painted they will last many years.

The nucleus colonies should con-
sist of three combs and two quarts of
bees. When ready to form them,
place in one of the hives two combs
containing honey and, in the centre,
one containing brood, after which
add the bees. Perhaps the better
way would be to remove from a full
colony a comb containing brood,
together with the adhering bees, be-
ing careful of course not to take the
queen with them. In such case there
will be a sufficient number of bees
on the comb to care for the brood ;
if not, a few more may be brushed
from another comb into the hive.

After the combs and bees have
been placed in the hive, confine the
latter to the hives for thirty-six hours
and release them early on the morning
of the third day.

Do not remove the screen (with
which they have been confined) from
the entrance except just before dark
or early in the morning ; as, if released
in the middle of the day, the bees
would rush out and many would not
return.

After having been confined in the
hive for thirty-six hours, the bees will

have constructed several queen cells
and when released will return to the
new location.

A matured queen cell may be
given them at this time ; or, when
they have been queenless seventy-
two hours, a virgin queen can be in-
troduced safely.

Before releasing the bees the nu-
clei should be placed some distance
from the stands from which the bees
were taken. While the bees are con-
fined in the hives they should be
supplied with water. For such pur-
pose I find the cone feeder very
useful.

If the reader has studied the arti-
cle in the May number in reference
to the drone trap he is prepared to
have his queens purely mated with
any particular strain of drones in the
apiary.

Wenliam, Mass.

A GUIDE TO THE BEST
METHODS OF BEE-
KEEPING.

By J. L. Christ.

R. F. Holterman, Translator.
(Contiuued from p. 90, Vol. III.)

PERTAINING TO THE FINEST AND
BEST COLONIES.

It is a principle in beekeeping if
one desires to derive a benefit from
his bees, to see that one keeps very
populous colonies. The mere num-
ber of colonies has nothing to do
with amount of value ; but their
strength, the number of inhabitants
in a hive, is the measure of its worth.

128

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

One single populous colony is worth
more and will store more honey than
four weak ones. In fourteen days
the one will bring in more honey
than the four will in four weeks.

I place a strong colony at 40,000
working bees ; of these 13,000 to
16,000 can daily fly out and bring
in stores ; the remainder stay at home
to care for the brood, to build comb,
and to perform such other duties as
may be required of them.^

Of four weak colonies, however,
each calculated at 12,000 workers,
only 4,000 can fly out leaving 8,000
at home. These four colonies to-
gether not only cannot send to the
fields as many workers as the one
strong one, but they also labor un-
der many disadvantages.

It may be good weather for eight
days and the flow of honey abun-
dant and the strong colony may in
that time gather all its winter stores,
but the weak ones can take only
sufficient advantage to gather at
most one-fourth of the required
stores. If unfavorable weather should
follow, and the flow of honey cease,
the strong colony is supplied and the
four weak ones are lost in the winter
if they be not fed, which latter is
associated with much expense,
trouble and inconvenience and even
then often fails, not to mention the
facts that the weaker ones cannot de-
pend upon themselves as well against
robbers, moths, ants, etc. ; and in
winter they cannot maintain the
proper warmth as well, are more liable

I Nature has wisely ordered it that gener-
ally only one-third of the bees in a colony fly
out to the fields, so that the colony would not
perish even if all the absent bees were lost
through some mishap.

to be frozen, and are less able to
stand the changes in temperature.

They cannot rear brood as early
as the strong one and there are many
advantages the strong one has over
the weaker, one of the most prom-
inent of which is that the strong one
displays more energy and is more
industrious than the weaker.

IN THE ORDINARV STRAW SKEPS ONE

CANNOT CARRY OUT ONE'S DESIRES

COMPLETELY IN MANAGING BEES.

As important and well known as
the fact now is of having the colo-
nies strong, one cannot make them
so if they are kept in the common,
simple straw basket where one does
nothing but destroy in a slovenly way,
especially farmers. In the fall they
take the heaviest and lightest colo-
nies and in a sinful and thoughtless
manner kill and smother its inhabit-
ants thus doing themselves a deliber-
ate injury, as if they permitted these
useful creatures, these patterns of
industry, to live, they would gain far
more.

I once saw a beekeeper take a very
heavy colony consisting of two col-
onies which in swarming clustered
together, and smother them, because
he thought that owing to the large
number of bees the colony might
not have enough winter stores. Yes !
a clown of a fellow actually burned
with straw his young swarms, because
they came rather late. But I do not
intend to occupy my time describing
the wrong mode of keeping bees, as
through the length and breadth of
the land this has been so passionately
spoken of and they will learn, only

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

129

as matters progress, to adopt a bet-
ter mode of beekeeping.

THE MAGAZINESTOCK^ ARE CONVEN-
IENT, PARTICULARLY WITH THE
WOODEN TOP BOXES WITH A
GLASS SIDE.

If one wishes to build up popu-
lous colonies, one must commence
by controlling swarming : namely,
swarming often. To do this, one must
provide roomy dwellings and those
that can be enlarged gradually ; with-
out this the object would fail. If
one should give the bees a large
dwelling at once they would become
discouraged and would not half fill
the hive and there would be many
other disadvantages.

The dwelling must also be ar-
ranged in such a manner that the
bees can be handled with ease and
without damage to the bees, or ever
to have to destroy the latter to enjoy
the product of their industry and
control their surplus in honey and
wax.

All this is required ; but now as to
the care of the "magazine."

As the bees conduct their domes-
tic affairs within a limited space and
they from time to time according
to the demands of time, attentions,
etc., are increased or diminished, one
generally makes them of straw (at
least I have seen no others) and
lathes which are very useful, if not
too large (as they generally are) ;
nevertheless, these straw " storing
cases" have several drawbacks which
I have found by observation and

manipulation. Thus, some yearsago, I
conceived the idea of making, as far
as possible, those that were more
complete and convenient ; to that
end I made wooden four-cornered
hives of boards and put in the same
at least one pane of glass which, al-
though only costing but little, is of
inestimable value.

I improved on these until I found
the most useful and convenient to
handle.

The samples that I have I not only
had myself for several years, but I
also made some for good friends,
and others made copies of them and
their great value makes me recom-
mend them unhesitatingly. These
hives are very little more expensive
than straw (if they are made plain
and cheap), they last longer, are
better and more convenient and can
be made anywhere, while men who
can make straw hives are often diffi-
cult to get.

One should not allow himself
to be frightened into thinking they
are too expensive, when conducting
an extensive bee business ; or that, if
one begins with them, the profits will
soon disappear.

I will just describe their complete-
ness and their general utility and
their advantages over the straw hive,
more especially for the purpose of
giving guidance how to make them
of the greatest use in beekeeping.
Rodlieim, Germany, July, i~8j.
\_2o be continued. '\

^Litevallj' magazine or wave house hive.-
R. F. H.

130

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

IS BEEKEEPING PROFIT-
ABLE.

By T. F. Arundell.

My attention being called to the
article headed, "Is Beekeeping Prof-
itable" (page 64, March No.), I will
answer it to the best of my ability.

The answers to questions i and 2
depend simply on the annual yield
of honey per colony, and the suc-
cess attained in wintering. Should
a surplus of 100 lbs or more be ob-
tained from each colony (spring
count), together with a moderate in-
crease in bees and with little or no
loss in wintering, success would be
assured; but, should the average
yearly surplus amount to no more
than 40 or 50 lbs. coupled with se-
vere losses in wintering, the business
could not prove otherwise than a
financial failure.

No. 3. In this section one man
can properly manipulate at least 150
colonies and their increase, make the
extra hives, and extract all the honey
from them, excepting possibly, a very
few days when honey is stored more
rapidly than usual.

As to tools wearing out with use,
I will say that I have extracted 40,-
000 lbs. (20 tons), in the last two
summers with a four frame "Novice"
geared extractor with no appreciable
wear, and my honey knives are as
good as when first bought. A well
made hive should last a lifetime, so
that the depreciation in value of uten-
sils is more imaginary than real.

No. 4. Given d, properly arranged
hive and appropriate tools a man can

extract from 120 to 140 lbs. per
hour, say 1200 lbs. per day.

In four successive days last July I
extracted and filled into cans 5,200
lbs. of honey, working about eight
hours each day extracting and filling
cans from the tanks mornings and
evenings. Hives in my apiary av-
erage about 40 lbs. each extracting.

No. 5. In regard to the number of
colonies an apiarist could oversee,
it depends more on the talent and
genius of the overseer than upon the
number of colonies possessed. While
one man can direct and control hun-
dreds of employes, another cannot
even manage his own labor to lead
to the best results.

At some future time I would like
to describe, in your Journal, the best
and speediest methods of extracting
honey in large apiaries as practised
in this country.

Santa Paula, Cal.

INSTRUCTIONS TO
BEGINNERS.

By the Editor.

There are, properly speaking, two
systems of keeping bees : the one
adapted to the needs of the expert
and specialist who keeps a large
number of colonies and devotes his
entire time and attention to the pur-
suit ; the other adapted to an api-
arist who keeps bees in connection
with some other business, either for
the pleasure and recreation, or for
the purpose of adding another source
of income.

The latter class constitute the ma-

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

131

jority of the beekeeping fraternity
and only too often are their needs
overlooked by those who write upon
the subject of apiculture.

While we are aware that if one is
adapted to beekeeping, and enters
into it properly in a favorable loca-
tion and masters it that success will
follow ; yet, as a rule, we advise
keeping bees in connection with
some other vocation, as when one
becomes thoroughly familiar with all
the requirements of beekeeping it is
an easy matter to enlarge his apiary.
Then, again, a few colonies properly
managed will generally give far bet-
ter results than can be obtained from
a large apiary.

Those who are just commencing
should remember that the less they
handle their bees, and yet accomplish
what may be required, the better for
their colonies.

If one is naturally nervous, it is
best to wear a bee veil at first and
when manipulating the colonies work
gently and avoid jarring or fretting
them.

V/ hen looking for the queen, blow
a little smoke in at the entrance as
this causes the queen to run up on
the comb and the bees that may be
running about on the bottom board
will fill with honey.

One of the first steps for the be-
ginner is to decide, as far as possible,
to which class he intends to belong,
and what amount of capital he can
safely invest.

Where one has a limited capital
and wishes to become an expert or
a specialist, it is far better to begin on
a small scale and gradually increase
his number of colonies making them

pay their way and also furnish funds
for new investments.

If your first lessons have been
gleaned from flaming advertisements
or reports of enormous yields, or
through reading some of the over-
drawn works on apiculture (so writ-
ten with the purpose of making new
converts), just take some wholesome,
practical food for study and thought,
both by securing one or more of the
works on practical apiculture men-
tioned in this journal, and by visit-
ing some practical and successful
apiarist. In this way, you will
be prepared to look at both sides ;
and if, after doing this, you enter into
beekeeping with a detenuination to
succeed you are certain to make it
pay, provided you are adapted to the
business, and other things are equal.

There is not the slightest reason
why nearly every person who has a
fair-sized garden should not keep a
few colonies of bees and thus pro-
vide the table with nature's purest
and most healthful sweets. Success
in any vocation always means hard
work, together with push, tact, and
energy. Thousands embark each
year on the sea of business enter-
prise and the shoals and quicksands
are strewn with stranded wrecks, yet
there are those who, by rigid econo-
my and shrewd management, accu-
mulate a competency besides estab-
lishing a good remunerative business.

Our advice to those w^ho wish to
engage in beekeeping would as a rule
be this. If at present you have no
location, look about you and find a
small place of from one to ten acres
according to your means and the
situation.

132

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

It is better to have the land slope
to the south and east if possible and
it should be well protected from the
cold north and west winds. Perhaps
you can rent or lease a place adapt-
ed to your needs. The surround-
ing country should be well supplied
with bee pasturage in the shape of
orchards, clover, basswood (if pos-
sible), wild flowers or many others
that we might name but which are
described in most of the works on
apiculture.

Where one is located in the city
or village and means to keep only a
few colonies this advice is unneces-
sary, but with all others it is imper-
ative that they locate in a good
honey-producing district.

It is also best to learn if there are
many bees kept where you wish to
locate ; as, while there is no law to
prevent your establishing an apiary
by the side of your neighbor, yet the
latter has rights which it is proper
and just to respect. This again will
not matter without you intend to
build up a large apiary.

One may secure a large yield of
honey and yet find a poor market for
it ; hence it is always best to take into
consideration the advantages for es-
tablishing a good home market. It
will pay far better than shipping to
large markets and giving all your
profits to commission men.

There are so many items of inter-
est which should serve as an intro-
duction to these papers that we
hardly know where to stop and must
be necessarily brief and even leave
many of them until we write again.
In purchasing bees it is best if you
want but from one to five colonies to

purchase them of some reliable dealer
and always select a standard frame,
and it will pay you well to look into
the merits of the various frames be- •
fore making your purchase.

While for some reasons we prefer
a frame about loX 15, yet as the
"Langstroth Standard" is now so
largely in use and is no objection as
regards wintering the bees, we deem
it best to adopt it in our own apiaries.

Circumstances must in a great
measure control these matters, but
whatever style is adopted it should be
adhered to, else much trouble and
expense will result.

We deem the tenement hive the
best for all purposes. True, the first
cost is somewhat greater, but in the
end it pays.

The hives should be constructed
in as simple a manner as possible,
and while if one wants but a few he
can make them after obtaining his
colony of bees and estimating the
size of the brood chamber ; yet it is
much better if he wants five or more
hives to purchase them in the flat.

While we prefer for working bees
a cross between the Italian and Holy-
lands (from Syria), yet as a rule we
would recommend the Italian as the
bcsi for the average beekeeper. Ex-
perience will teach one which is the
best race.

We shall endeavor to give illustra-
tions of different styles of hives in our
next paper but have been too busy
to attend to it this month.

Our first advice is "Make haste
slowly," but '"stick to it" until you
have either mastered the business or
found that you were better adapted
to some other vocation.

THE AMERICAN APIGULTURIST.

133

NEW OBSERVATIONS ON

THE NATURAL HISTORY

OF BEES.

Bv Francis Hubkk.

(Continued from p. 95, Vol III)

Solicitous to learn its origin, and
conjecturing that it might be mas-
culine matter, he began to watch the
motions of every drone in the hive,
on purpose to seize the moment
when it should be received by the

pfrrrc

He assures us, that he saw several
drones insinuate the posterior part
of the body into the cells for that
purpose. After frequent repetition of
the first he entered on a long series
of other experiments.

There was something very spe-
cious in this explanation : the exper-
iments on which it was founded
seemed correct ; and it afforded a
satisfactory reason for the prodigious
number of males in a hive. At the
same time the author had neglected
to obviate one strong objection : lar-
vae appear when there are no drones.

From the month of September un-
til April, hives are generally destitute
of males ; yet, notwithstanding their
absence, the queen then lays fertile
eggs.

Thus the prolific matter cannot be
required for their impregnation, un-
less we shall suppose that it is nec-
essary at a certain time of the year,
while at every other season it is use-
less.

To discover the truth amidst these
facts, apparently so contradictory, I
determined to repeat Mr. Debraw's
experiments, and to observe more
precaution than he himself had done.
First, I sought for that matter which
he supposes the prolific in cells con-
taining eggs. Several were actually
found with such an appearance, and
during the first day of observation,
neither my assistant nor myself
doubted the reality of the discovery.

But we afterwards found it an illusion
arising from the reflection of the light
for nothing like a fluid was visible ex-
cept when the solar rays reached the
bottom of the cells. This part is
commonly covered by shining frag-
ments of the cocoons of worms suc-
cessively hatched, and the reflection
of the light from these when much
illuminated, produces an illusory ef-
fect. We proved it by the strictest
examination for no vesdges of a
fluid were perceptible when the cells
were detached and cut asunder.

Though the first observation in-
spired us with some distrust of Mr.
Debraw's discovery, we repeated his
other experiments with the utmost
care.

On the 6th of August, 1787, we
immersed a hive, and with scrupulous
attention examined all the bees while
in the bath. We ascertained that
there was no male, either large or
small, and having examined every
comb we found neither male nymph
nor worm. When the bees were dry
we replaced the whole, along with
the queen in their habitation, and
transported them into my cabinet.
They were allowed full liberty ; there-
fore they flew about and made their
usual collections ; but it being nec-
essary that no male should enter the
hive during the experiment, a glass
tube was adapted to the entrance, of
such dimensions that two bees only
could pass at once ; and we watched
the tube attentively during the four
or five days that the experiment con-
tinued. We should have instantly
observed, and removed any male ap-
pearing, that the result of the ex-
periment might be undisturbed, and
I can positively affirm that not one
was seen.

However, from the first day wliich
was the 6th of August, the queen
deposited fourteen eggs in the work-
ers' cells ; and all these were hatched
on the tenth of the same month.

\_To be continued.']

134

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

EDITORIAL.

Doubtless our friends will not take
it amiss if we give but a brief edi-
torial this month. Our new enter-
prise is receiving such hearty en-
dorsement from every quarter that
we must conclude that we have taken
the right step after all. We only ask
that the reader and our customers
bear patiently with us for a while.
The season has been so backward
that we are in a rush but shall be
amply able to meet all demands.

We have not utilized the question
and answer department this month
as the amount of work that we have
been obliged to perform has been
simply enormous, but we shall soon
have that department in running
order again.

We would urge upon our readers
the importance of creating a home
demand for honey this season in
order that we may not have a glutted
honey market with which to contend.

Work hard at the State conven-
tions to have county associations
formed ; these are the educators that
will prove the gateway to a home
demand.

Prepare to make first-class exhibi-
tions at county fairs next fall : it will
pay. It may seem as though this
advice was premature, but we have
none too much time to prepare for
these fairs.

Remember that if we ever have a
permanent market for our honey the
beekeepers must make it.

We wish our readers to come to
us with their experiences, successes
and failures and we shall endeavor

to give them such instruction as will
aid them in their work.

Do not fail to send for a few of
our "Companions" and distribute
them for us ; it will be but little
trouble and will aid us wonderfully
in building up our subscription list.

We are preparing to give our
readers a large number of ill'istra-
tions and as our list increases we
shall be able to add many new and
interesting features to our Journal.

We have already sent out 5,000
"Companions" within the last two
weeks, and the call is so great that
we are printing 5,000 more.

EXPERUIENTAL
BEE FARM NOTES.

On account of the many duties
devolving upon us in establishing our
bee farm we have not as yet been
able to carry out any of the experi-
ments that we mean to test for the
benefit of our readers.

While for the purpose of experi-
menting we shall devote some colo-
nies to the production of honey, both
comb and extracted, yet this season's
operations will be confined almost
exclusively to queen-rearing.

We start with about one hundred
colonies of the different races of bees.
The season thus far (in this locality)
has been unusually backward and
trying, giving us but little warm, pleas-
ant weather and but few days when
the bees could gather honey freely.

Last winter most of our colonies •
were wintered in the beehouse and
were removed to the summer stands,
about the 28th of March, in fine
condition and there seemed to be
but little difference between their
cor^dition and that of those wintered
on the summer stands. The first
work of the season commenced

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

135

when the bees were removed from
the beehouse. The hives were
cleared (as much as possible with-
out removing the combs) of dead
bees ; the honey boards with which
the hives were covered during winter
were removed and replaced with
mats on the top of which chaff cush-
ions were placed.

We kept our colonies well packed
that they might be snug and warm
even during the sudden changes
in temperature and we make it a
rule never to remove such packing
until warm weather has "come to
stay."

As soon as the bees could be han-
dled safely the colonies were exam-
ined and all combs outside the
cluster were removed. This is an
excellent practice, as by reducing the
capacity of the brood chamber to the
size of the cluster we enable the bees
to maintain sufficient heat to carry on
brood-rearing much more rapidly
than when they are surrounded by a
cold vacant space.

At the time of setting out the bees,
the entrances to the hives were all
contracted to about one inch and it
is wonderful to see what a help this is
to the bees in keeping the hive warm.

In a few days after being removed
from the bee-house the bees were
busily engaged in carrying in the ar-
tificial pollen (wheat flour) which we
provided for them placing it near by
in the apiary.

Brood-rearing soon commenced
and in about four weeks the colonies
began to show marked signs of in-
crease.

Soon we found it necessary to add
empty combs wherein the queens
might deposit eggs. While in the
hands of the expert this is a safe and
sure method of building up the colo-
nies rapidly, yet it must be conducted
with caution else during a warm spell
tlie queens may utilize more combs
than the bees can cluster and thus
neglect thf brood in the outside
combs which in such case must per-

ish. Never spread brood faster than
it can be covered and well protected
by the bees even during the cool
nights. During the last few days in
April the weather was favorable for
honey gathering and a few pounds
were stored by each colony from the
soft maple bloom.

Our colonies have been so well
protected that they were not troubled
with spring dwindling and soon they
became so strong in numbers as to
be in fine condition for queen-rear-
ing.

It is poor policy both for the '
breeder and for the honey producer
to attempt to rear queens with any
but the most populous colonies if
they want first-class queens.

At this date we have between 300
and 400 queen cells in all stages of
construction and quite a large num-
ber of queens ready for fertilization.

Our queen-rearing is conducted by
the methods given in the Beekeepers'
Handy Book; and, indeed, after hav-
ing practised all the various methods,
we would as soon think of going back
to the old box-hive system of keeping
bees as to practise the old unsatisfac-
tory and uncertain methods of rear-
ing queen bees.

It is a pleasure to examine the nice
evenly built and conveniently spaced
rows of cells found in the queen-rear-
ing colonies now under Mr. Alley's
supervision. It is indeed a most in-
teresting sight and one that we would
be pleased to share with our beekeep-
ing friends to whom we extend a
most cordial invitation to visit us.
We shall endeavor to impart to all
our visitors all the information pos-
sible regarding queen-rearing and the
general management of the apiary as
conducted at our "bee farm." At
present we have four races of bees
from which we are propagating
queens, prominent among which are
the orange-yellow Italians. We confix
dently assert that we never saw or
possessed a more beautiful or hardy
strain of pure Italian bees.

136

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

We shall run four separate apia-
ries situated about three miles apart
in order to keep each race strictly
pure.

We have set out one hundred
"prickly comfrey" plants, purchased
of Mr. Arthur Todd of Philadelphia,
Pa., and shall refer to them again
later in the season. We have also
sown one and a half acres of Bokhara
clover for the bees and it will pay
our readers to utilize every waste
spot (at least) with either or both
of the above. Increase in pas-
turage means increase in surplus
honey. It is now time to prepare
for the coming honey harvest and in-
deed in many sections of the coun-
try the surplus boxes have been
placed in the hives, or the honey ex-
tractor resorted to. When the colo-
nies that are to be run for section
honey become populous and begin
to build white comb along the edges
of the top bars, and perhaps between
the combs, it is well to place one set
of sections on the hives but they
should have only the amount of sur
plus room that they can utilize and
other sections should be added as
they are needed.

A piece of comb foundation one-
half the size of the section, cut
in the shape of a triangle and at-
tached point downward, will be a won-
derful help to the bees and prove a
paying investment to the apiarist.

If some colonies seem strong but
do not utilize the sections readily,
just exchange their empty sections
with partially filled sets (bees and all)
from other colonies. This is a plan
practised more than twenty-five
years ago by Mr. Alley and Mr. John
J. Gould, formerly of Wenham. Mr.
G. was at one time one of the larg-
est beekeepers in this State.

Mr. Pond, however, credits a bee-
keei)er in Maine with being the orig-
inator of this most excellent plan for
inducing the bees to enter the sec-
tions.

There is one disadvantage in con-

nection with this practice that Mr.
Pond and others fail to give.

It often happens that when a col-
ony at work in the sections is dis-
turbed, the queens will run up into
the latter and in the removal may
be lost. To prevent this make as
litde disturbance in the transfer-
ring as possible and smoke down,
into the hive, all the bees that clus-
ter on the tops of the frames.

The bees removed with the sec-
tions will not quarrel with their new
neighbors.

There are many items that would
prove interesting to our readers but
we have already devoted more space
than we intended to this department
and must await another opportunity.

CORRESPONDENCE.

the honev extr.'vctor.

Friend Locke :

Your beautiful book. Vols. I and II
of the "American Apiculturist," is be-
fore me and its contents noted. It
seems to fill the bill, being replete with
items of importance especially to the
more advanred apiarist. While we
cannot forget the labors of a Langs-
troth, a Quinby, and a few other
dear names, your work fills a more
modern want, and if you keep in
view the interest of honey producers,
as I do not doubt you will, you
ought to meet with success. I have
been in the business of raising and
marketing comb-honey about 35
years. Made a litde at it once, but
of late years it hardly pays. The
injudicious use of the honey extrac-
tor has been a great damage to us
as beekeepers, and it is the only
thing I know of tliat can injure your
success. This engine bee business
is a mistake. Some are clamoring for
a large iron extractor, that will ex-
tract not less than four combs in no

THE AMERICAN A PIC UL TURIS T.

137

time. I suppose their reason for it
is that the larvae will not expire un-
der the operation. Some do not
relish larval honey anyway, and Jo-
seph prefers quality to quantity, nor
does he believe it benefits brood or
comb to be violently whirled in the
vortex of death.

They talk about a glutted market.
Well ! well ! honey is down and the
mourners go about the streets. What
shall we do ? Create a home de-
mand ? I think friend L. C. Root
has answered this question on page
48, Vol. II, "American Apiculturist"
when he says "we must devise some
means of producing smaller crops,"
and I would add without diminishing
our income that we annihilate the
extractor. What other method can
we rationally adopt to curtail the
quantity and enhance the quahtyand
thus keep up a demand at home and
abroad ? Self interest for one is self
interest for all honey producers. It
is better to make a little pay than a
good deal not pay. I am not talk-
ing for the supply business ; if I were,
I should undoubtedly advocate the
extractor, because what bees it does
not kill in the larval state are has-
tened to an untimely death by a
cruel and barbarous system, which
creates a demand for fresh victims,
fresh queens and fresh workers, so
that now the supply dealer alone makes
anything.

When a law is passed by the Leg-
islature against the wicked practice
of extracting honey as now carried
on, it will be the happiest day that
the bee, or the beekeeper who keeps
bees for profit, has seen. Of course
I do not hope to do justice to
this question in so short an article,
but would submit it to your thought-
ful consideration as one of the most
important questions touching the in-
terest of the American beekeeper.

Be gentle with the little bee
Which toils the summer day.
To bring its treasures to your home
From every hidden way.

The fragile insect needs the care
And kindness of your heart,
If you would win his services
To aid you in a start.

J. C. Clark.
Alden, N. K, Apr. 15, 1885.

CHAFF HIVES AND DESTRUCTION OF
BROOD.

Mr. Editor :

I drop these few lines to you to
ascertain whether the "Apiculturist"
is opposed to publishing opinions of
beekeepers in regard to certain hives,
in certain localities, their good and
bad qualities, etc.

I sent A. I. Root my opinion of
the chaff hive, in my locality, how I
lost my bees very nearly all one
season, by using them ; and I proved
the cause to be the fault of the hive.i
I must have been right, or he would
certainly have published the article.
At least I thought I was, since he
didn't publish it, which is about two
years ago. Now he ought not to
have been opposed to publishing my
article, because I have already read
in the Glean inos, where he said he
was always glad to have the children
write pieces for it, because, as he
says, they generally speak their mind
right out, no matter whom it hits.

Now, I am no child, nor am I a
professional writer ; but I consider
that my article was as well gotten up
as any child could get one up, and it
was just as plain spoken too, as any
article a child ever wrote for Glean-
ings, but it must have hit in the
wrong place.

Now, Mr. Editor, if the " Ameri-
can Apiculturist" is conducted and

1 We are unable to decide to what extent
the "Chaflf Hive" was liable for the loss of our
friend's bees, as quite frequently the lack of
a thorough knowledge of beekeeping will re-
sult in loss of queens or bees which is attrib-
uted to the hive or dealer.

Our friend certainly has a right to speak and
the columns of the "Apiculturist" are always
open to those who wish to express opinions,
so long as they do so in a fair, manly way.
— Eu.

12

138

THE AMERICAN A PIC UL TUB IS T.

run on such selfish motives, I would
rather have my money returned than
be considered a subscriber.

You are at liberty to publish this
if you choose.

Sometime since I saw an article in
one of the bee journals, in answer
to an inquiry as to the reason why
a certain gentleman's bees tore down
their worker brood and dragged it
out.

The answer that he received was
this : in case the honey flow ceases
suddenly, the bees will tear down
their worker brood and rid them-
selves of it to prevent starvation
which, so far as my experience goes,
I have never found to be the case,
although I have known the honey
flow to cease very suddenly and very
often with me.

When the honey flow suddenly
■ceases it is a very common thing to
see the bees dragging out drone
brood ; but whenever I see any of my
bees carrying out their worker brood
• I know that that colony is troubled
with the moth (or wax) worm.

I then open the hive and assist
the bees in ridding themselves of
the pests, and I have never yet failed
to find the latter travelling along just
under the cappings of the brood,
where their presence is easily detect-
ed by white streaks which are easily
followed with the head of a large jDin
or the point of a knife and the worm
removed without injuring the brood
in the least.

I suppose that the bees, in their
efforts to secure and remove the
worms, tear out some of the worker
brood.

J. C. Simmons.

Pottsville, Pa.

news from new york.
Friend Locke :
Vols. I and II of the "Api"
(bound in one) came to hand in nice
shape. Its make-up is far superior

to bound vols, of papers and maga-
zines in general, being free from ad-
vertisements through the body of the
book. In fact one could hardly tell
that it was a magazine as it has a
strong appearance of being compiled
expressly for book form. The me-
chanical part of the work is ahead of
any volume on apiculture we know
of, and of course the literary part is
par excellence, coming as it does from
such men as L. C. Root, A. J. Cook,
J. E. Pond, Arthur Todd, etc., etc.

No apiarist who wishes to be up
with the times can afford to be with-
out it. It is an ornament to any library.

The snow is all gone, but with the
exception of a few days the weather
has been cold and May i and 2 it
froze quite hard in the night. The
winter has been severe. The loss in
bees in this county is fully 50 per cent,
yet what are left are in fair condition.

Clover appears not to have been
killed during the winter and I think
we may look for a fair crop of honey
if we can get our stocks strong
enough to swarm in time.

Wishing you success, I remain
yours truly,

CM. Goodspeed.

Thorn Hill, N. K, May 4, 1885.

new york and florida.

Dear Sir :

Books, papers and " Apicultur-
ist" received. Thanks.

Owing to the continued cold weath-
er in January and February the or-
ange bloom is not at its prime yet at
this date (March 11), so I will omit
the report of its value as a honey
producer until next month.

The temperature for February was
yet lower than for January. I have
taken three observations daily for
the two months.

For January, at 7 a.m., average for
the month 55.° At i p. m., in sun
and cloudy weather, highest 78°, at

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

139

8 p. M., 54.° Extreme temperature,
hottest, 98,° coolest 34.°

For February, 7 a. m., 47,° i p.m.
in sun, 79,° 8 P. M., 53.° Highest
above 92,° lowest, 28.°

Greatest variation during seven
hours, 58.°

February at 7 a. m., temperature
only 7° colder; at i p. M. 1° hotter
and at 8 p. m., i° colder.

January was very foggy and damp
and much more uniform in temper-
ature than February.

Bees work every favorable day but
no swarming in this vicinity this
month. 1

C. G. Ferris.

Sauford, Fill., March 11, 1885.

EXCHANGES.

Limitation of the visual field
OF the worker honey-bee's ocelli.
BY THE REV. J. L. Zabriskie.^ — The
honey-bee is a remarkably hairy in-
sect. On the head the hairs are
dense, and of various lengths ; and
they cover every part, even the com-
pound eyes and the mandibles. The
antennae, however, are apparently
smooth, having only microscopic
hairs ; and a path through the long
hairs, from each ocellus, or simple
eye, directly outward, — to be de-
scribed more fully presently, — is
practically smooth.

The ocelli are so situated that
when the ]:)ee is at rest and the face
vertical, they are directly on the top
of the head, arranged as an equilat-
eral triangle, and one ocellus is di-
rected to the front, one to the right
side, and one to the left^.

1 By mistake this communication, which
should have appeared in our last, was ovei--
looked and as it contains valuable items we
give it in this number.— Ed.

^Tnis paper was read at a meetinnr of the
New York Microscopical Society, Alarch 6,
1885.

3 Tlie ocelli are simple eyes or lenses, set
between the compound eyes, as adtlitional or-
gans of vision. These organs are possessed
by all insects which have compound eyes.
—Ed.

Long, branching hairs on the crown
of the head stand thick like a minia-
ture forest, so that an ocellus is
scarcely discernible except from a
particular point of view ; and then
the observer remarks an opening
through the hairs — a cleared path-
way, as it were, in such a forest
— and notes that the ocellus, looking
like a glittering globe half immersed
in the substance of the head, lies at
the inner end of the path. The
opening connected with the front
ocellus expands forward from it like
a funnel, with an angle of about fif-
teen degrees. The side ocelli have
paths more narrow, but opening more
vertically ; so that the two together
command a field which, though
hedged in anteriorly and posteriorly,
embraces, in a plane transverse, of
course, to the axis of the insect's
body, an arc of nearly one hundred
and eighty degrees.

These paths through the hairs ap-
pear to me to be indications that the
ocelli are intended for distant vision,
although the opinion that near vision
is their function is held by eminent
opticians.

The ocelli are nearly hemispherical,
and the diameter of each is about
fifteen times that of a facet of the
compound eye. Such a form of lens
would, I will concede, indicate for
these organs a short focus, and
hence, a fitness for near vision.

But if the ocelli are intended for
near objects, it is difiicult to under-
stand why they are surrounded by a
growth of hair so dense as to per-
mit unobstructed vision only in a
very narrow field, and why they are
so placed on the top of the head as
to be debarred from seeing any ob-
jects in the neighborhood of the
mandibles and the proboscis, the
ability to see which objects would ap-
pear to be very necessary in the con-
stant and delicate labors of the
worker honey-bee among' the flow-
ers.

Dr. Zabriskie exhibited the head

140

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

of the worker honey-bee for the
purpose of illustrating the above re-
marks. At the conclusion of his ob-
servations, he added : "Besides the
worker honey-bee, I have brought
for exhibition the drone and the
queen of the same species, and the
queen-cells; the queen oi Bombus
Virginicus, one of our native hum-
ble-bees ; the Melissodes binotata,
male and female ; the Melissodes pru-
inosa, both sexes ; the beautiful An-
thop}io7-a dispar, male and female
of Tunis, Africa ; and the celebrated
little stingless bee of Abyssinia, the
Trigona Beccai-ii, which lives in im-
mense colonies, and stores large
quantities of honey. The Anthophora
dispar has a very long proboscis.
The possession of such a proboscis
by our own bees would add millions
of dollars annually to the wealth of
the United States.

CANADIAN DEPARTMENT.

R. r. HOLTERMAN, EDITOR.

We have to report a very heavy
loss ; at first one-third dead was sup-
posed to cover the gi'ound, but later
reports will probably bring it nearer
50 per cent. The losses may briefly
be accounted for, at least largely :
by the failure of the honey crop after
clover ; consequent cessation of breed-
ing and old bees ready for winter
quarters ; an unusual consumption of
stores in the fall, followed by a se-
vere winter. Men who stimulated
breeding until a proper season, fed
sufficient stores of the right kind and
at the proper time, and properly
packed their bees outside or had
them in good cellars, were generally
successful. Experienced beekeepers
have generally been successful as
they know and are careful about get-
ting the proper conditions for suc-
cessful wintering.

Martin Emyh, of Holbrook, win-

tered 178 out of 180 ; one winter he
lost none out of 150 and his success
is fully as great m summer manage-
ment. He doubtless could give much
information of value but we seldom
hear of him in public.

Most parties report bees to have
died in March after the severest
weather had passed. Is this not ad-
ditional proof that loss was caused
by aged bees going into winter quar-
ters and becoming worn out, and in-
sufficiency of stores? One report
before me gives eleven starved out
of thirteen. Bees in some localities
are doing remarkably well this spring.
Fresh honey is being stored in abun-
dance, combs having honey from top
to bottom, and here we feel confident
some of our colonies, unless there is
a sudden change in the weather, will
require extracting before the end of
the week and the prospects are that
beekeepers will reap an abundant
harvest.

Brantford, Ont.

BOOK NOTICES AND
REVIEWS.

— "Money in Potatoes" is the title
of a valuable and instructive little
manual published by the Franklin
News Co. of Phila., Pa., which they
kindly sent us for review.

—Mr. A. I. Root of Medina, Ohio,
has also sent us a potato book en-
titled the A B C of Potato Culture,
written by T. B. Terry of Hudson,
Ohio, which is well illustrated and
printed in good clear type.

Mr. Henry Alley, of Wenham,
Mass., has submitted for review, the
proof sheets of the latest edition of
the "Beekeeper's Handy Book." Our
reason for not waiting until the work
was complete was because it will
be placed on the market at about
the same time that our subscribers
receive their journal.

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

141

Mr. Alley's former work was an in-
valuable addition to bee literature,
giving as it did, not only the most
scientific, systematic and practical
method of raising queen bees, but
also many other items of interest and
much valuable information, gleaned
from an intimate acquaintance with
beekeeping of about twenty-seven
years. The present work, however,
surpasses the former in every respect,
and no beekeeper can afford to do
without it.

The instructions given have been
thoroughly tested by the author who
has made a success of the business,
and these instructions are presented
to the reader in a simple matter-
of-fact way : They are, in fact, the
concise description of the every-day
experiences, for nearly twenty-seven
years, of a thoroughly practical apia-
rist who has mastered every branch
of the business.

This work contains about 300
pages, and nearly one hundred illus-
trations.

While we have other valuable
works on Apiculture, yet none of
them fill the position occupied by
the "Handy Book," and no matter
what works one may have this one
should be procured, as it will more
than return its cost each season.

The first part contains about 175
pages, is devoted to general subjects
of apiculture, while the second is
devoted to queen-rearing.

The author, so to speak, takes the
beginner out into his apiary and
gives him just the information
needed to enable one who is almost
wholly unacquainted with the bees, to
commence this study and continue it
with a surety of success.

He tells the beginner "how to
start an apiary," how and when to
select, pack and remove their bees,
when to place the section-boxes on,
how to prevent bees from deserting
surplus boxes on cool nights, and
how to strengthen weak colonies.

His description of swarming and

the proper care and management of
swarms is excellent, while that per-
taining to queenless colonies and their
care is very important and valuable.

The subject of comb-foundation
and its manufacture is complete
and exhaustive, and is written by one
of the best manufacturers of comb-
foundation in the country.

The chapter on beehives, their
construction, etc., is entirely a new
departure, and original with this work.
A large number of the best are illus-
trated and described, also their valu-
able features, as claimed by their
originators.

The work also contains a brief, but
interesting, description (with fine
illustrations) of the various honey
producing plants, and also the ene-
mies of bees.

The second part, which is devoted
to queen-rearing, has been revised
and corrected, and many new and
valuable illustrations and items of in-
struction have been added.

It is a work that we can heartily
endorse and recommend as indispen-
sable to every beekeeper.

NOTES AND QUERIES.

— Mr. J. M. Shuck who a short
time since suffered a severe loss in
the burning up of his beehive stock,
has just sent us his neat and attractive
circular stating that he is again pre-
i:)ared for business.

— We have just received from- Mr.
Pryal of Temescal, Cal, a complete
file of the Califonna Apiculturist,
which we are pleased to add to our
collection, Mr. Pryal will please
accept our thanks for the same.

— We shall issue- our Journal from
June to December on the 15 th of
the month.

142

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

— Those who are so strictly ortho-
dox in their opinions, especially when
criticising others, should remember
that their first duty is to practise
what they preach, as their teachings
will then be productive of good.

— We shall continue to issue our
Journal from the Salem Press office,
but all communications should be
addressed to Wenham, Mass., and
when sending money do not forget
to make all postal notes or money
orders payable on Salem, Mass., post
office.

— We have just received a cir-
cular and price list from Mr. B ,

who is now in Europe dealing in
foreign queens and bees. The char-
acter of the language and criticisms
contained therein will not warrant us
in giving it a favorable notice.
Manly criticism or counsel and ad-
vice, or one's opinion expressed in
kindly language, always demands re-
spect ; but since Mr. B has en-
gaged in the sale of the eastern bees
and queens he has introduced some
finely drawn lines of distinction be-
tween the names given to the differ-
ent races of bees from the Holy
Land.

Until lately we had no trouble in
understanding what was meant by
the terms Holy Land bees, Syrian
bees or Palestine bees, and in order
that we may be set at rights again
will some one capable of judging
kindly tell us what countries are in-
cluded within the boundaries of
the Holy Land (not Holy Land
proper.)

Mr. B — is not even contented to
establish names of his own but makes
it a point to abuse all those who dif-
fer from him.

We trust that he may yet learn to
allow others the same freedom in ex-
pressing their opinions that he
wishes himself and then abstain from
abusing them for so doing.

— We have just received from F.
D. Wellcome of Poland, Maine, the

finest lot of red raspberry plants that
w^e ever saw, they certainly do him
credit.

— As we are now publishing 5,000
copies per month of our Journal,
advertisers- will do well to give it a
trial.

— Use every effort to work up a
home demand for your honey this
season as in most cases it will pay
much better than sending it to city
markets.

— Read all our club offers for this
month carefully and if you should
receive more than one copy of our
Journal kindly hand the other to
your neighbor. It may do him some
good and it will help us.

Better chances were never offered
to secure first-class goods cheap than
will be found in our club list.

— Mr. J. C. Clark submits his
communication to us for considera-
tion, and we would state that while
the extractor in the hands of an in-
experienced apiarist or by injudicious
use will doubtless prove a great in-
jury, yet we consider it one of the
most valuable implements in a well
conducted apiary.

The trouble with the "glutted"
honey market comes, not from the
use of the honey extractor, or the
over-production of honey, but from
a lack of proper knowledge and
means of creating a demand. As a
rule we do not consider it best to
extract honey from combs containing
unsealed larvae, but one must be
governed by his knowledge of and
experience in this business.

We could not be hired to do with-
out the extractor for many reasons.

We should be pleased to hear from
Mr. Dadant on this subject, as he
uses the extractor extensively.

A few days since while we were busy
at the desk, Mr. Alley called us out
into the apiary to witness a swarm of
bees issuing from a hive that was

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

143

provided with one of his drone traps.
It was very amusing and interesting
to watch the honey-laden bees rush
pell-mell out through the perforated
metal entrance giving conclusive ev-
idence that the perforations were
amply large to freely admit a worker
bee laden either with pollen or honey.

Soon the queen unable to force
her way through at the entrance
passed into the trap. As soon as the
majority of the bees had passed out
we removed the drone trap, fastened
it to the end of a long pole and
rested it against a small tree near by.
In a short time the bees, discover-
ing their queen in the trap, clustered
upon it.

When the bees had become quiet
we removed the trap to a convenient ^
shady spot near by and laying it on
its side placed over it one of the
swarming boxes, covering the box
with a board so as to cover the wire
cloth and make it dark within the box.

We then left the swarm in that
condition for about six hours in order
to experiment with it and learn
whether the queen would force her
way out.

In the early evening we examined
the swarm and found that the queen
was out among the bees in the swarm-
ing box, and found that as the trap
was laid on its side the bees that
filled the trap formed a bridge over
which the queen could pass through
the wire tube through which she
passed into the trap.

This is a valuable feature of the
trap because if one cannot always be
at hand to attend to the swarms,
the queen after about six hours will
find her way back into the hive again,
thus preventing either her loss or that
of the bees.

We have had considerable experi-
ence with hiving swarms, but never
performed the task with such ease or
so speedily as we can with the drone
trap. We can heartily endorse it as
invaluable to the beekeeper even for
this one purpose alone.

We shall experiment further with
the trap and give the results.

—Mr. J. D. Goodrich of East
Hardwick, Vermont, has sent us some
most excellent comb foundation.
The thin for sections was especially
fine,

— For I3.00 cash we will send the
"American Apiculturist" one year
and one of our fertilizing hives
containing four combs with brood
and one-half pound of bees and a
choice selected queen — the hive will
also be supplied with one of our cone
feeders. With this small nucleus
colony one can rear a number of
queens during the season and it will
be a great help in learning queen-
rearing.

— Advertisers will please notice
the change in our rates, 15 cents per
line each insertion. There are about
seven words to the line, and twelve
lines to the inch. In sending copy
always write it on one side of a sep-
arate sheet of paper and be very
particular to have the names, ad-
dresses, etc., very plain.

Parties unknown to us must send
cash with the order.

All copy for advertisements and
manuscript must reach us by the first
of the month, if they are to appear
in the following number which we
shall issue on the 15 th of the month
until December.

LETTER BOX.

Des Moines, la.
Deau Siu :

Am in receipt of Vols. 1 & 2 of the
"American Apiculturist" handsomely
bound in cloth with an enormous golden
bee on the front cover. Happy bee ! to
thus repose upon a production that has
sprung up under the skies of Quinby,
Carey, Parsons, Elwood, Alley, Heth-
erington, Doolitlle, L. C Root, and a

144

THE AMERICAN Al'ICULTURIST.

host of northeastern beekeepers who
have honored the calling.

The attractiveness of the boolv and
its practical teaching should find for it
a ready sale.

J. M. Shuck.

Willamina, Yamhill Co., Ore.
April 22, 1885.
S. M. Locke, Sik :
I have just received j'onr first and
second volumes bound together in
cloth, and must say that it exceeds my
greatest expectations. Every beekeep-
per should have it.

Frank S. Harding,
Pres. of the Willamette Valley B. A.

Oxford, Bvtler Co., Ohio.
Dear Sir :
Vols. 1 & 2 of the "Apiculturist" re-
ceived, and after carefully examining
its contents, I have no hesitancy in
pronouncing it fully up to any bee
journal published. Its contributors are
first-class, and show by their articles
that they are men of ability. I highly
approve of your treatment and con-
demnation of fraud in every shape. I
am pleased to meet with the familiar
face of our old friend Mr. Langstroth
in Vol. 2. He lives within 200 yards
of me, and is one of the dearest old
men I ever knew. A person has only
to know him to appreciate his worth.

D. A. McCoRD.

Battle Ground, Ind., April 13, 1885.
Dkar Sir:

The "Am. Apiculturist" came safe
to hand, and having examined its con-
tents, or rather the headings of the
major part of the book, I pronounce
it 7ie phis xiltra. It should be in the
hands of every respectable beekeeper
of our broad land, it being complete
and full of most useful knowledge
"With many thanks lam, sir, very truly
yours in fraternal bonds of apiculture.

P. S. I truly wish you success, in all
that is good and honorable, and shall
try to furnish an occasional article for
the Am. Apiculturist. Please find tliis
my second contribution to same. If ac-
ceptable you are at liberty to publish.
Trusting the "Apiculturist" may live
long and prosper, I am as ever,

J. M. Hicks.

Brantford, June 4, 1885.

Friend Locke:

I see by the last num-
ber of the "Apiculturist" much new
and valuable information from Eng-
land and Germany. Last fall I learned
through a Gern)an journal that the
poison of the honey bee was utilized in
curing honey.

A thought suggested itself to me
which I hoped ere now I should have
been in a position to practically test,
but circumstances have been unfavor-
able and perhaps you know of some
one who would take an interest in the
matter.

I intended taking a strong colony
and feeding them, say 3 lbs. of syrup
per day and allow the bees to seal
this and extract with great care.
Then feed the same colony 25 lbs.
in a day of twenty-four hours (and it
can be done) and after it has been
sealed extract as before, during hot
, weather, and again later in the season,
giving four distinct experiments, and
then test the various syrups for dif-
ference, if any, of quantity of poison
contained in stores. If a marked
diflerence occurred after repeated ex-
perimenting the matter might be wor-
thy of consideration and thus one rea-
son why stores put in late are not as
good as those given earlier.

I must say a man must be too much
of an enthusiast if he considers, as
many appear to, that any one condition,
if fulfilled, will insure perfect success
in wintering. Doubtless much is to
be learned in wintering, and theories
advanced will often be another step
towards success. If we only acted
thoroughly up to our present knowl-
edge and were more careful, the per-
centage of loss would doubtless be
wonderfully reduced.

Your brother beekeeper,

R. F. Holterman.

We are pleased with Mr Holter-
man's suggestions, and, if possible,
will make some tests, as this matter is
of more vital importance to beekeepers
than they are aware. We shall refer
to this again in the near future.

Mr. Holterman has touched the right
key ; we must have more careful ex-
perimenting with a view to solving
some of the mysteries that now sur-
round apiculture, and we trust that
others of our readers and beekeeping
friends will offer like suggestions and
also assist us in making the tests. It
will pay you well to do so, and we can
by this means help each other vei'y
much. — Ed.]

The American Apiculturist

§. Ifoitnial b^bohb to ^mntifit ani) |Pradi;raI §cilu£ptng.

ENTERED AT THE POST-OFFICE, SALEM, AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER.

Published Monthly. S. M. Locke & Co., Publishers & Prop'rs.

VOL. III.

WENHAM, MASS., JULY 15, li

No. 7.

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on trial three months for 35 cts., six months
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When sending money make all postal notes
and money oiders payable at the Salem,
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All communications should be addressed
to S. M. Locke & Co., Wenham, Mass.

THE BEES OF INDIA.

By a. Bunker.

I HAVE been promising myself the
pleasure of writing to you for some
time, but the extreme heat and my
duties have prevented till now.

I spent the month of April in the
jungle studying bees. It was my va-
cation. I camped on the top of a
high mountain amidst trees of great
size, which afforded a dense shade.
Although the thermometer often
showed 86°, yet we found this place
a great relief from the heat of the
plains.

Here the bees are very numer-
ous. The Apis dorsata is found
in two varieties; the A. Indica in
13

three ; the A. flora in two ; and what
I suppose to be the "Melipona" of
South America, in six or more varie-
ties.

At first dawn the bees pour forth
from their homes, and their mighty
hum fills the air. Trees up to three
and four feet in diameter, with wide
spreading tops full of bloom, and
others covered with great creepers, a
foot in diameter, with a bloom so fra-
grant, that its sweetness reaches to a
long distance about, tempt the bees
to their feasts of honey.

One would suppose, that under the
circumstances, the bees would gather
great quantities of honey, but it is
seldom the case, even with A. Indica,
that any considerable quantity of
honey is collected, owing in part, I
suspect to their many enemies, which
tend to break them up into many
swarms, and these being small are
easily destroyed, or caused to abscond
from nest after nest. For instance,
the moth is very destructive, and when
once they attack a swarm, the victory
is soon won by one side or the other,
mainly on the side of the moth I
think. I captured a fine large swarm
of yellow A. I, and on transferring
them, found a few moth worms which
I destroyed. In a few days the whole
swarm absconded, and on examina-
tion I found the combs riddled by
moths, that is, all that were not torn
(145)

146

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

down by the bees, in trying to rid them-
selves of their enemies. Again, the
small openings in the trees compel
the bees to swarm, even when the
parent swarm is small. Their envi-
ronment, as Mr. Spencer would say,
is not favorable to large swarms, and
the energies of the bees are devoted
to increase of species. Honey can
be got in small quantities all the year
round so there is no necessity to store
it up save for a rainy day, and there
is seldom more than a week in the
depth of the rains that bees cannot
take a flight and gather some honey
and pollen. There is one kind of
A. Indica which I have not been able
to capture yet, which takes up its
abode in piles of rocks, and forms
large storehouses of honey. This
kind seems to be an exception to the
general rule.

Notwithstanding all these difficul-
ties which the A. Indica must meet,
they multiply with great rapidity, and
I hope may yet be made of some use
under domestication. I have had six
swarms, several months, under trial,
and although I have obtained only
ten pounds of honey, yet I am en-
couraged to continue experiments.
If I can restrain the swarming im-
pulse sufficiently to secure large
swarms, I believe they can be made
useful. I have taken one colony
through the season without swarming,
and now I have a very large hive of
bees, which I am trying to induce to
work in supers. Tliey are now at
work on combs placed in supers, but
do not act as if it was natural to them.

These bees are remarkably gentle,
I have taken as many as a dozen
swarms from tVees this year with

scarcely a sting, though working of-
ten without a vail. But they have
their moods, and before they are fully
subdued one needs to be careful.

The A. dorsata has been under
study as well as other races, but as I
am not yet satisfied with my experi-
ments, I dare not write much about
this class or the "Melipona''\}).
This last class is a stingless bee, pro-
ducing abundance of wax, and little
honey, but offering a very interesting
study to the lover of natural history.
I have two varieties of this class of
bees in observatory hives, and I hope
to have something interesting to re-
port by and by.

Toungoo^ Burmah.
May i8, iSSj.

BUILDING UP.

By C. M. Goodspeed.

After such a winter as we have
just experienced, the question comes
in from all sides, "How can I best
restock my empty combs?"
• Making a practice, as I do, of selling
bees and queens, I am doing this
building up all the time and will tell
you how I do it.

In early spring I confine each col-
ony on just as many combs as they
will cover thoroughly and no more,
examine them carefully each week,
and as soon as I am sure they will
bear it I increase the brood room and
insert one empty comb in the centre.
Be careful not to do this until there
are bees enough to keep all warm.

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

147

Mark the date on the top-bar of this
frame. The object of this is to get
a frame of brood that will hatch rap-
idly. I treat all that I wish to run for
increase in just this manner, after they
are strong enough to crowd four
frames, always drawing all frames
given, as described above. Just as
they begin to hatch nicely, great care
should be used so as not to get the
queen but take all adhering bees.
Two of these frames of brood and
bees will make a good nucleus, but I
use three or four if I have so many
that hatch together.

In the morning of some warm day,
take a nice clean hive and put as
many of these frames in as you can
afford, taking only one frame however
from a hive. The novice may fear
putting so many strange bees together
lest he should induce them to quar-
rel, but there is no danger as every
bee if she attempts to leave her own
comb "bumps noses with a stranger"
taking the fight all out of her. This
mixing up also helps to keep the old
bees from going back to their old
home. Let them be in this condition
one hour ; by this time all the know-
ing ones have gone home and they
will take anything you have a mind to
give them for a queen. If it is a
queen that has come a long distance,
or a virgin queen, I carefully Hft up
one corner of the quilt without smoke,
and let her run in on the combs ; if a
cell, rest it carefully in one corner be-
tween the top bars of a couple of

frames. A laying queen from my
own yard I let run in at the entrance.
The old stocks are managed in this
way until they have increased to the

uU capacity of the queen. Then if

I have occasion I draw from them
more heavily. The young colonies
are built up by adding brood without
bees ; or, better, exchanging one of
their combs from which the brood has
hatched for one about to hatch. But
after they get a laying queen of their
own I help them no more except by
adding empty combs as they require
until the two have reached a strength
that will employ the full laying powers
of their queen and then treat them
just as the ©Id ones ; drawing brood,
bees, etc., as they can spare it. If this
plan is carried late into the season the
nuclei should be formed by taking
more frames to start with, "say eight,"
so they may be strong in bees at once.
In following this plan one must be
posted in the flora of his locality or
else be willing to feed liberally if he
starts nuclei after the honey flow has
ceased.

Thorn Hill, Onon. Co., N. V.

DOES BEEKEEPING PAY?

By G. W. Dejiaree.

For the benefit of those who may
be in want of information as to
whether they may safely take up the
business of beekeeping, with reason-
able expectation of fair compensation
for outlay of capital and labor, I ask
the privilege to reply to your corres-
pondent whose article and list of
questions appear on page 64, current
vol. 'Api." In the first place "Apis
Canadensis" fails to recognize the
fact that bee culture, as a business

148

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

pursuit, is in its infancy, and there-
fore many "pranks" and "tumbles"
may reasonably be expected of it at
the start. The prattles of the "works
on bees" about the profitableness of
bee culture has done but little harm,
in fact less harm than good in a gen-
eral way.

Most of the works on bee culture,
though enthusiastic in style, are con-
servative in fact, and have done an
immense amount of good. It is true
that one or two "works" that have
been pushed into wide circulation are
full of "advertisements" of expensive
machinery, and cranky fixings not at
all suitable to the humble occupation
of beekeeping. The world would be
better without these, but they are
simply excrescences growing on the
limbs of the infant giant, to be
brushed off in more mature years.

These are "sweet advertisers" who
take advantage of the enthused, to
fleece them while in a muddled state
of mind. Like Joab of old, they take
their victim aside and say "brother"
or "friend," and stab him — in the
pocket? Of course. I know no
remedy for these evils. People who
enter the enthused state of mind in-
cident to "bee fever" will have to
abide the crucial test of the "survival
of the fittest."

I have a tender place in my make
up which responds when addressed
as "brother," or "friend," but I am
too old now to be hurt by it ; but let
the novice beware that these "hon-
eyed words" do not smooth the way
to his pockets.

"Apis Canadensis" dicidedly la-
bors under a delusion as to the true
character of bee culture as a business.

Bee culture is a rural pursuit, and
cannot with fairness be compared
with the greater lucrative pursuits of
the world which make men "rich,"
or crush them forever.

Let him compare bee culture with
other rural pursuits, and its most ar-
dent friends will not shrink from the
comparison.

How many hundreds of people
toil on poor little farms, or cultivate
lands on the shares, or toil as day la-
borers, or work on the farm by the
month, or by the year, or toil as a
mechanic, sometimes with employ-
ment and sometimes not, all of them
barely eking out a scant living from
year to year !

Compare the "lot" of the apiarist
who is his own "proprietor," moving
as "boss" among his myriads of busy
workers, who bring him an humble,
perhaps, but pleasant, living, with the
above careworn toilers, and choose
ye which.

How many persons working poor
farms make anything above a bare
subsistence ? How many clerks, at a
salary of ^looo or ^1200, have any-
thing over after paying the expenses
of extravagant city life ?

It matters but little as to just how
many colonies of bees one man may
handle profitably ; that depends alto-
gether on previous preparation. I
plead the cause of bee culture as a
pursuit, because it has ameliorated
the hard lots of many worthy people,
and is destined to ameliorate the
hard lives of thousands of others in
the future.

Is this not enough to justify Lang-
stroth, Quinby, Cook, Newman, Bal-
lantine, Alley, etc., to wax enthusiastic

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

149

over their success in bringing pleas-
ant and remunerating employment to
thousands of their fellow beings ?

If the business of beekeeping
turns out to be more precarious as a
pursuit than at first portrayed, by
the writers on the subject, the facts
cannot be long concealed. Those
who invest their money and time
in the business will be first to find it
out. In conclusion I wish to say
that the average beekeeper does not
necessarily need as high salary as a
''first-class clerk" does. His life
need not be so expensive as that of
the latter. Besides, "first-class"
clerks are not numerous, and "places
of fatness" for such are full and
running over. The apicultural field
is as wide as land and sunshine.

Christiansburg, Ky.

'BIEA'ENZEITUNG'' NOTES.

Bt J. M. Hicks.

M. BoTTNER in the Bienenzei-
f//ng states that he has learned from
his experiments in endeavoring to
prevent swarming, and in wintering
his bees economically, the following
results :

I. In wintering bees it is needless
to be so exceedingly anxious and
careful, if they are well supplied with
stores, and their hives can shield
them from the severity of the weath-
er. Placing them in some wintering
repository is a useless and superflu-
ous labor, and is less conducive to

their health and comfort, than when
wintered out of doors. For twelve
years past, I have wintered my bees
alternately in a cool, dark, dry, and
quiet cellar, and in the open air.
When housed, many died, dysentery
prevailed among them, and the stocks
were weak in the spring. When left
in the open air, on the other hand,
none of these evils were experienced.
2. Water dearth is a mere imagi-
nary trouble, for the colony had
overhead no covering on which va-
por or moisture could condense.
The window recess is only four inch-
es broad, and all the rest was
covered with woollen blanketing,
which certainly absorbed all moist-
ure. During the last fourteen years,
I have kept my bees in top-opening
hives. In the first four years, I did
not close the interstices between the
slats forming the honey board, leav-
ing open such of them as the bees
had not closed ; merely placing
thereon a sheet of thick paper and a
cushion filled with hay, and they
wintered well. Then the idea oc-
curred to me that it might be better
to close all these interstices thor-
oughly. Adopting the notion, I
plastered them shut with clay. But
the bees did not jvinter any better
than before. As this plastering in
the bee house was so inconvenient,
I omitted it during the last four
years on the six colonies wintered
there ; and these not only passed the
winter as well as any of the others,
but came out last spring as true co-
lossal colonies. I had merely, as in
former years, placed a sheet of thick
paper on the honey-board, laid an
old coffee bag on that, and covered

150

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

this with a layer of about four inches
of hay. There was no trace of wa ter
dearth. Only be careful that your
bees are not restricted to old candied
honey for winter food.

3. Bees will swarm when so dis-
posed, in spite of all the preventions
the beekeeper may please to use.
Give them as much room as you
please, and ventilation to reduce the
temperature ; yet go they will, if the
swarming mania seizes' them. This
colony had the entire garden-house
as room for expansion ; and that it
is a cool place I am very certain.
Still, the swarm left. Only by re-
moving combs of maturing broods
and inserting empty combs, can
swarming be prevented.

4. That a colojiy may be well win-
tered on seven potmds of granulated
sugar. In the first year my colony
had not one pound of honey in store.
I gave it seven pounds of granulated
sugar in solution, and it was in a
splendid condition in the spring.
Granulated sugar is preferable to
sugar candy, first, because it is
cheaper, and, secondly, because it
it is more soluble. On the first
day of October, I placed equal quan-
tities of this sugar and of candy, side
by side, in a small open box in my
cellar. On the twentieth, the gran-
ulated sugar was completely lique-
fied, whereas the candy then merely
showed signs of moistness. A sau-
cer of dissolved granulated sugar,
exposed in my sitting room, began
to candy only after the lapse of nine
weeks.

Moreover, I apportioned fifty
pounds of granulated sugar among
twelve stocks insufficiently supplied

with stores, allotting to each, in pro-
portion to its seeming deficiency,
and estimating one pound of granu-
lated sugar as equivalent to three
pounds of honey, and all these passed
the winter in excellent condition.

We find in the above report of
this able German apiarist some valu-
able instructions, especially in the
wintering of bees on pure granulated
sugar, being by far the best substi-
tute for pure honey, when they are
found lacking in Nature's choicest
and best of food. But when we are
told that bees do better without a
proper protection as some would
have us believe, we truly become
sceptical with over forty years of ex-
perience, finding as we do that a
cellar of a proper temperature, and
kept so as to be free from dampness
and sudden changes, as well as from
all jars and noise is by far more
preferable than wintering on summer
stands.

Battle Ground, Ind.

A RECORD OF QUEENS
AND COLONIES.

By G. a. Deadman.

I PRESUME different beekeepers
have various plans for keeping a
record of queens, colonies, etc. The
one I am about to describe, and
which I have adopted will, I think,
answer the purpose for which it is
intended.

You first procure a small book
with as many pages as you expect to
have colonies ; if the pages are not
numbered it makes no particular dif-

THE AMEBIC AN APICULTURIST.

151

ference as you can do that yourself.
You next go to your tinsmith and
get him to cut you as many pieces
of zinc or tin as you require, or one
for each colony ; these will only cost
you for the time it takes to cut them,
as they need only be large enough
for the number to be painted on
them, and can, therefore, be cut out
of waste material. They should be
made sufficiently large, however, to
allow for a hole being made above
the numbers to suspend them by on
your hive. You then buy or borrow
(I would not advise the latter) a box
of stencil figures numbering from
one to ten, and with these you can
very easily make as many numbers
as you may require. For my own I
had all the numbers cut out of the
zinc, but I would not advise this
plan it being not only more expen-
sive, but not so distinct. You are
to paint Avell the pieces of zinc or
tin before j'ou paint the numbers
with your stencil figures and a special
brush for this purpose. You then
suspend one of these to each hive by
the help of a hook or screw so ar-
ranged that it will not blow or fall
off, and yet so as to be easily re-
moved when the colony sends out
the first swarm ; a small screw with
a large head which is filed flat on
two sides, so as to be long and nar-
row will answer. You then make the
hole above the numbers so as just to
go over this ; now you will readily
see that the screw can easily be fast-
ened to the hive, the opposite way,
lengthwise to the hole above the num-
ber, so that the latter would have to
describe a quarter circle before it
would come off. If you think nec-

essary you can make an additional
arrangement beneath it, for it to
slide under, but I do not think it is
required.

Now you are to have a record of
each queen in your book, the num-
ber on the hive corresponding to the
page on which this record is put.

For instance, the hive to which
No. lo is attached contains a queen
fully described on page lo in your
book or on a page the same as the
number in the hive. No experienced
beekeeper will question the utility of
this, but to a beginner an explana-
tion might be of service.

The object in this is to enable you
at any time to know what queen a
certain hive contains, that is whence
obtained, her age, and any remarks
you think necessary concerning her
offspring. It is best to know how
old she might be, so that you will
better know when to rear another in
her place, or when it will be likely
for the bees to do so themselves, and
which some beekeepers prefer. It
is certainly advantageous to know
whence obtained, because you can
in this way better improve your
stock, by only breeding from those
which give a good account of them-
selves. An example of this may not
be amiss.

You wish to know about a queen
in a hive to which No. 54 is sus-
pended ; you simply turn to page 54
in your book and you find there
" Italian queens from A. I. Root,
July 16, 1884," or " Queen cell from
No. 29, Aug. 5, 1884." Now if you
wish to improve your stock it will be
necessary to observe closely what each
colony has done and how near your

152

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

standard of perfection it lias reached.
To better enable you to do this take
some number as a standard to be
desired but not attained, and then
the nearer they reach the number,
the nearer they are to your standard
and so only breed from those that are
the highest on your record or that
attain somewhere near it. E. A.
Thomas suggests the following clas-
sification : First, industry, second,
docility, third, hardiness, fourth, pro-
lificness, fifth, color. The first two
of these are all I would occupy my
time with, because for " hardiness,"
the very fact of a colony existing as
a colony sufficiently long enough to
test their working qualities is proof
that they should not be condemned
on this score ; and then as for "pro-
lificness," if the queen is so prolific
that all the stores are consumed in
feeding young bees, then she will be
cond«emned under the head of " in-
dustry," for I am not particular about
a queen being very prolific so long as
I get plenty of surplus honey. As
for "color" I think it deserves only a
passing notice ; I would never breed
for color nor would I reject a colony
because of it. There are then two
qualities that we are to record,
namely, industry and docility ; the
latter is certainly very desirable, but
I would never sacrifice the former for
the sake of it. What I look for are
large returns in the shape of market-
able honey, and if I can have them
docile withal, then I rejoice in this
also.

The number is made movable on
each hive, so that when any colony
swarms taking the old queen with
them, all you have to do is to remove

the number to the hive you put them
in, and its record in your book re-
mains as it was, unless the queen
is disposed of in some way. To
have a permanent number on each
hive is practically useless, unless you
are willing to go to considerable
extra trouble. In keeping a record
of industry, it will be necessary to
make a note of the hive from which
a swarm issues, so as to take the pro-
ducts of both into consideration
when making your estimates at the
close of the honey season. With a
record such as I have described you
will be enabled to make correct
comparisons between young queens
from any colony that has been mated
with drones of other races.
Brussels, Ont.

EDITORIAL.

We are pleased to learn that the
beekeepers are at last awakening to
the fact that American apiculture
demands some protection of its in-
terests and welfare, through a more
thorough and systematic organiza-
tion of its forces.

Ever since our journal was
started we have endeavored to keep
this matter prominent before the
minds of our readers, and all our ef-
forts at conventions, and in fact
everywhere, have been centred in
this one great and grand work.

It has appeared somewhat strange
to us that our more aged contempo-
raries have carefully held their peace
on this subject until compelled by
the "Freeborn case" which is now
being so freely commented upon, to

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

153

take immediate and effective meas-
ures to protect tlie interests of the
beekeepers.

Perhaps our journal represents
one of tlie "children" so quaintly re-
ferred to in the "A. B. J.," No. 25 of
the current year, by its editor, and
quite likely the older journals have
been vexed by our "prattling ;" but
we are well aware, as we always have
been, that younger journals are en-
titled to the same gentlemanly treat-
ment and journalistic courtesy that
the editors of the former so much
desire. In our experience, public
teachers command respect in pro-
portion to the practical value and
worth of their teachings ; and would
they avoid annoying and vexing crit-
icisms, they must conduct them-
selves in such a manner as to merit
and call forth only commendation.

There are those who attempt to
please everybody, and who are never
known to take advanced or aggres-
sive positions, especially when their
own personal interests are endangered
and they always object to any move-
ment of reform not born of their
own efforts. A short time since, the ed-
itor of "Gleanings" trusting (we sup-
pose) thereby to doom to eternal si-
lence and oblivion these "prattling in-
fants," pubhshed an editorial so de-
void of reason, logic, justice or
right, that we were surprised when
the editor of A. B. J., holding the
position that he does, should give
place to it in his journal.

Our aged contemporaries who alone
talk so much about jealousy, etc.,
should remember that all things do
not improve with age, and that be-
cause a bee journal has managed to

live for an extended period, it is not
convincing or conclusive evidence
of its right to claim the "highest
seat" and "most honored position ;"
doubtless it is annoying and vexing
to have the "younger journals" con-
tinually spurring on to duty these
old war horses tired and weary with
the strife, but it may awaken them
to renewed action and do them
good.

Peace and quiet is a glorious boon
but a crown of discredit when pur-
chased by the sacrifice of the in-
terests of those in whose behalf we
are working. Death on the field,
amid the roar and tumult of strife,
is an honor, and yet oftentimes those
who stay behind, enjoying the quiet
of their peaceful homes and replen-
ishing their coffers at the expense of
the life-blood of these dying heroes,
pluck all the laurfels. Public sentiment
is a fickle thing borne on the wind of
prosperity and success and controlled
by ever-varying circumstances, only
too frequently favoring those in power
to the sacrifice of those who are
struggling to protect and further
public interests.

How often within the memory of
our readers have various reforms
been slighted and neglected, until
those who had toiled the hardest
through the heat of the day were
"resting with head pillowed upon
the lap of mother earth," oblivious
of the credit awarded to their mem-
ories, or the laurels which crown
their tombstones.

The older journals have of late
taken to giving fatherly advice and
are now urging us to lay one side
"petty strife" and jealousy, and work

154

THE AMEBIC AN APICULTURIST.

hand in hand with them for the in-
terests of the majority.

Silence on our part simply admits
that we accept the unjust and mis-
represented position tendered us by
the former.

Whatever may have been the
raison cV etre for the other "young
journals" the "Apiculturist" was
instituted to fill a place until then
occupied or filled by no other jour-
nal, and instead of holding our
peace at the dictation of others,
or faltering in the one aim of our
life, we propose to speak whenever
we deem that the interest of the
beekeeper demands it ; and we
would ask our contemporaries to re-
member that the mere assumption
that we have misrepresented and
abused them, to the extent that we
are not to be considered "gentle-
men," will do for fliose who never
become aught else than children no
matter how great their age.

We can only be silenced with
reason, logic or proof; we never
mean to be defeated with paper air-
guns. We have, in our opinion,
made all our statements in a fair and
manly way, but we never proposed
to pick the thorns out, and if our
contemporaries wish to prove us in
error they must do it by taking the
same course or forever hold their
peace. Past records are the crite-
rion, not present assumption. Per-
chance our contemporaries may
learn this in the early future and not
administer these parental spankings
without first proving us to be guilty
of misdemeanor.

It is really too bad that after re-
porting us dead, preaching our

funeral sermon and announcing our
resurrection, they at last attempt to
punish us again before admitting us
to their ranks. This even surpasses
the cruel treatment of some of the
young Indians who are passing
through the ceremonies which en-
title them to the position of men or
braves.

Well, we have managed to strug-
gle through it all thus far (no thanks
to our contemporaries) and per-
haps we may be able to survive the
rest.

Mr. Newman in a late issue of the
Bee Journal says : "Now let us have
no more of such nonsense but let
the bee papers (how the term bee
journal troubles him) get down to
work for the good of the pursuit of
beekeeping, if that is the object of
their existence."

Why ! that is just what we have
urged from the commencement, and
Mr. N. is but repeating our advice ;
but we differ somewhat, perhaps, in
regard to the meaning of the term
nonsense.

In accepting the position of tem-
porary vice president in the Bee-
keepers' Union now being organized,
we have done so trusting that we
may give our support to an object,
the intention of which seems to be
to protect the interests of the bee-
keepers.

At present this seems to be the
best means of commencing proper
organization, but we should forget
our duty if we neglected to explain
our views upon this subject.

It is better to look matters square-
ly in the face at the commencement
than to find in the near future that

THE AMERICAN APIC UL TUB IS T.

155

our energies, talent and money have
all been expended in supplying one
demand of our interests to the neglect
and injury of others of equal or
even greater importance. And in
our mind it is well to consider that
with a properly organized system of
beekeepers' associations representa-
ive in their character the same results
could be accomplished, and at the
same time all other interests protected
and fostered. It is needless to re-
peat all that we have written on this
subject as it can be found in our
back numbers, and we trust that
those of our readers who have not
followed us through it will secure
our bound volume and become ac-
quainted with the course that we
have taken.

We see no reason why all that is
desired cannot be accomplished by
our National Beekeepers' Association,
endorsed and supported by the bee-
keepers in every state in the Union.

Neither do we see any cause for
forming a distinct organization which
will have a tendency to retard the
work of estabUshing a thorough sys-
tem of associations. We may err
but we are always open to convic-
tion, and eager for truth which will
enable us to work with better effect
for the welfare of apiculture ; either
the Beekeepers' Union and the
National Beekeepers' Association
must meet in conjunction and be con-
ducted and controlled by the same
officers, or we shall be as deep in the
mud as we (in the past) have been
in the mire.

We can justly inquire what marked
advances the beekeepers' associa-
tions of the United States are taking.

Are they working up a demand for
our honey, instituting better means
for disposing of the same, sim-
plifying the methods of teaching
apiculture, establishing properly con-
ducted experimental schools, or are
these problems being solved in a large
measure by individual enterprise ?

If our contemporaries wish to
"work," Jiere is avast field for action
almost overrun with weeds, nor has
it seen the editorial cultivator for
many long years until the present.

Visiting a field occasionally and
tearing out a handful of weeds will
never assure a crop. The entire
ground must be turned over and
over again and again and if one will
not attend to it another must, else
but a poor crop, if any, will be the
result.

If the beekeepers and our brother
editors will go to work right, and
stick to it, it will be only a brief in-
terval before we have a National
Beekeepers' Association representa-
tive in character with affihated asso-
ciations in every state and, we trust, in
every county in the United States.
When this is done we need not fear
to claim our rights before any assem-
bly of people, and apiculture will
command the respect which is its
just due.

It is useless to evade this question.
The large majority of beekeepers
never can attend the National Con-
vention and yet their interest de-
mands that ihey shall be represented
there.

W^e trust that amid the excite-
ment, created by this new move-
ment, the matter of association work
may not be forgotten or neglected.

156

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

We urge every one of our readers
to become a member of this ''Union"
and support with their money and
advice every effort made to protect
our interests.

Send to Mr. Thos. G. Newman,
925 West Madison St., Chicago, III,
for constitution and by-laws.

JVEPV OBSERVATIONS ON

THE NATURAL HISTORY

OF BEES.

Br Francis Huber.

(Continued from p. 133, Vol. III.)

This experiment is decisive. Since
the eggs laid by the queen of a hive
where there were no males, and where
it was impossible one could be in-
troduced since these eggs I say were
fertile, it becomes indubitable that
aspersion with the masculine matter
is not needed to effect their exclusion.

Though it did not appear that any
reasonable objection could be started
against such an inference, yet as I
had been accustomed in all my ex-
periments to investigate the most
trifling difficulties which could occur,
I conceived that Mr. Debraw's par-
tisans might maintain that the bees,
deprived of drones, perhaps would
search for those in other hives, and
carry the fecundative matter to their
own habitations for the purpose of
depositing it on the eggs.

It was easy to appreciate the force
of this objection ; for the only thing
necessary was repetition of the for-
mer experiments, and confinement of
the bees so closely to their hives that
none could possibly escape. You
know very well, Sir, that these animals
can live three or four months confined
in a hive well stored with honey and
wax, if apertures are left for circula-
tion of the air.

This experiment was made on the

tenth of August ; and I ascertained,
by means of immersion, that no male
was present.

The bees were confined four days
in the closest manner, and then I
found forty young larvos recently
hatched. I extended my precautions
so far as to immerse the same hive
a second time, to be assured that no
male had escaped my researches.

Each of tlie bees was separately
examined and none was there that
did not display its sting. The co-
incidence of this experiment with the
other proved that the eggs were not
externally fecundated.

In terminating the confutation of
Mr. Debraw's opinion I have only to
explain what led him into error. He
employed queens in his experiments
with whose history he was not ac-
quainted from their origin, when he
observed that the eggs produced by
a queen confined along with males
were fertile ; he thence determined
that they had been bedewed by the
prolific matter in the cells.

But, to have rendered his conclu-
sion just, he should have first ascer-
tained that the female was in a virgin
state, and this he neglected. The
truth is, that without knowing it he
had used a queen after her commerce
with the male. Had he taken a vir-
gin queen the moment she came from
the royal cell, and confined her in
his vessel along with drones, the re-
sult would have been opposite ; for
even amidst a seraglio of males the
young queen never would have laid
as I shall afterwards prove.

The Lusatian observers and Hat-
torf in particular thougljt the queen
was fecundated of herself without
concourse with the males. I shall here
give an abstract of the experiment on
which the opinion is founded.

Hattorf took a queen whose vir-
ginity he could not doubt. He ex-
cluded all the males of the large, and
also of the small species, and in sev-
eral days found both eggs and worms.
\_To he continued.']

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

157

EXPERIMENTAL
BEE FARM NOTES.

We have been longing for a rest-
ing spell when we could devote some
of our time to experimenting with the
bees but it has been one continual
rush and drive ever since spring
opened. We even worked the lar-
ger portion of the "Fourth." Well,
rest must come ere long.

We seldom remember a time
when the bees seemed so. panic-
stricken with the swarming fever as
during the past month.

The bees commenced operations
all at once and swarm they would in
spite of every precaution and we
sometimes had from five to six
swarms in the air at once.

Where the hives were supplied
with drone traps no difficulty was ex-
perienced, as we had the queens ; and
the bees, if they united in one cluster,
could be easily and quickly divided.

But many colonies unprovided
with traps cast swarms which united
and the queens got mixed up.

This is quite annoying and we
know of but one remedy for it, viz.,
the honey extractor.

We have just received a note from
one of our subscribers in California,
to whom we had shipped a queen.
He says that " the queen was re-
ceived safe and in fine condition,
with not one dead bee in the cage."
This seems refreshing after finding
that sometimes a queen just as care-
fully prepared for shipment will die
before reaching a customer who
lives within loo miles.

A short time since on opening
one of our nucleus hives containing
queenless bees, we discovered one
young bee just hatched which was
so pure white and transparent that
we almost went wild over it. Some
one secured the mother of that bee,
as we had sent her out. Had she
remained in the apiary until we saw
that bee, no money could have se-
cured her.

We have at last completed our
shipping-cage, which is a combina-
tion of many of the good qualities
found in others and one new (we
think) feature.

We are tired and weary of having
so many persons write that they had
received the queen all right, but
failed to introduce her successfully.

Never disturb your colony for
three or more days after a queen has
been introduced. If the bees have
begun to ball her you cannot do her
much good, because oftentimes they
simply bother her for a while and
then let her go ; but, at any rate, the
chances of loss by this early dis-
turbing of the bees after introducing
the queen too frequently result in
her death.

After many experiments with
frames of every character and de-
scription, we have, through our su-
perintendent, secured one which at
present promises to supersede all
others. We shall experiment with it
still more fully.

The season with us has been a
peculiar one, and the white clover is
more abundant perhaps than for ten
years prior to this time and the bees
have been storing honey well from it.

One of our neighbors near our
Albino apiary has a large tract of
alsyke clover and it is wonderful
how the bees will work upon it and
the flavor of the honey produced
from it is delicious.

Our superintendent who does not
agree with Messrs. Dadant & Son,
that the drones from laying workers,
or other small drones, will pass
through the zinc on the "drone
traps," tried the following experiment
lately :

One of our nucleus hives was
abundantly supplied with fertile
workers and their progeny. A few
of the drones were confined in a
cage covered on one side with
"Jones' zinc," and they remained
there until they were all dried up and
withered.

158

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

We should be pleased to have

Mr. D send us some of those

drones that will pass through the
Jones' zinc ; we would like to ex-
amine them.

We have lately been using some
fine foundation that we received
from Messrs. Dadant & Son and it
works like a charm. That received
from Mr. Falconer was also fine,
but we received from one other party
some that would sag badly in spite
of all that we could do. We are un-
able as yet to give any reason for
this, excepting that from some cause
at present unknown, the wax was too
pliable and elastic.

Perhaps Mr. Dadant will explain
the cause for this sagging of the
foundation. The samples referred
to were quite heavy and seemed to
be made of fine, pure wax.

Our sweet clover and comfrey
are doing finely, and we have sown
two acres of silver hull (the best)
buckwheat. This is to keep our
full and nucleus colonies busy after
the main sources of honey are gone.
Nuclei must be fed when pasturage
is scanty and but little honey is be-
ing stored, else they will continu-
ally swarm and mix up the queens
and " raise your dander."

New subscriptions are coming in
so fast as to keep us busy and we
are pleased to know that the queen
bees sent in connection with the
journal give such genuine satisfac-
tion. Occasionally one will secure a
queen whose workers will not all be
well marked, but she will prove none
the less valuable or prolific.

While the beautiful bright yellow
queens are handsome and good,
otherwise, yet we prefer the rich or-
ange hue ; it seems as though queens
showing the latter produced more
hardy progeny.

We are now selecting and testing
our stock for another season which
will give us time to compare our
queens critically.

Unfortunately our time is so taken

up with the queen business and the
Journal that it has been impossible
to do much with getting surplus
honey.

We find that if, after a colony has
cast a swarm, you introduce a laying
queen at once into the old colony
much time is saved. We have al-
ways found it an easy matter to do
this.

The season thus far, since spring
set in, has, in our locality, been a
very fair one for the honey busi-
ness, but a trying one for queen-
rearing.

Everything seems to warrant a
fine crop of honey wherever the
basswood is abundant, as our corre-
spondents report that the trees seem
full of buds.

We have seen no good reason as
yet why the best grade of honey
should be stored in sections without
separators and unglassed.

So long as honey remains a luxury
the better class of purchasers will
not find any fault with the glass and
will even call for it. It may be well
for some to get up an excitement on
a " special" style of sections, etc.,
but "the proof of the pudding is in
the eating."

It is well perhaps to secure a por-
tion of the crop in the one-pound
sections, but we prefer for all pur-
poses the si X si X 2 glassed.

What can have quieted the ex-
citement overtlie "reversible frames"
so suddenly? Perhaps like the rest-
less wave which spreads its strength
on the beach, this subject has
merely receded to gain force ; well,
any thing for a boom. It pays some
one perhaps ( ?) who?

What a wonder it is that one col-
ony that we have at Salem and one
that is in a hive which has remained
in one position and has been undis-
turbed for fully twelve years, never
perished during the cold winters, as
it had no protection and was of
course filled with "pollen" which to
our knowledge the bees never re-

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

159

moved from the hive Ji/s^ before
winter. There are doubtless reasons
why pollen will sometimes cause the
bee diarrhoea, but if one will take a lot
of bees, put them in a hive provided
with comb foundation, feed the bees
with sugar syrup food and let them
build comb, then, if there be any
pollen, remove it all ; place the col-
ony in winter quarters, then shake or
rap the hive occasionally each day
during winter, we warrant as a result
of this experience that the experi-
ment will bring about a genuine case
of pollen dysentery (?) ; at least the
bees will give up the struggle.

After our busy spell is over we
propose to take time to experiment
some and see how about this " pol-
len theory" and some other impor-
tant matters.

INSTRUCTIONS TO
BEGINNERS.

By the Editor.

It would be very pleasing to us if
our readers could be with us in the ap-
iary and listen to the talks that we are
now obliged to put on paper, and we
shall in all our instructions try to
avoid the old ruts and stereotyped
methods and imagine with our read-
ers that they are really present : this
will add novelty to the value of the
instructions.

We had intended to talk about
beehives and illustrate them this
month ; but owing to our many cares
and duties and new developments in
hives, and frames, we must defer this
until we have more leisure, when we
trust to be able to make up for the
delay.

Each day as we work among the
bees we recognize the value of an
intimate acquaintance with our pets
and their needs and wants ; and as
one regards this feature of the busi-

ness and incorporates it into his daily
conduct in the apiary, he finds it
more easy to accomplish each al-
lotted task and success is assured.

Last month we confined our re-
marks almost exclusively to intro-
ductory suggestions preparatory to
acquaintance with the bee itself.

This month we shall take up the
subject of bees, giving only the nec-
essary information, as all the works
on apiculture provide the rest.

THE HONEY BEE.

A colony of bees will contain
from 40,000 to 60,000 bees, one
queen (or mother bee), and, during
some portions of the season, a few
hundred drones ; although, if there is
an abundance of drone comb and the
queen rather old, the colony may be
overrun with drones.

THE QUEEN OR MOTHER BEE.

No sweeter nor more appropriate
name could be given the queen than
that of the mother bee, for she is the
mother of all the bees and the only
perfect female in the hive. In lay-
ing the eggs she performs all the
duties that seem to be allotted to her.

True, poets have
ascribed many beau-
tiful and touching
lines expressive of
her royal power and
dignity, but those
who are most famil-
iar with the habits
of the bees have
learned beyond a
doubt the queen is
subject to the will
and wishes of the majority to a great
extent at least.

However, here is a field for the
studious and inquiring mind, replete
with treasures for those who are given
to investigation.

Fig. 1 gives a fair representation
of a queen, although it is slightly
larger than a laying or fertile queen.
In shape she is unlike either the

160

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

workers or drones ; her abdomen is
longer and larger (when fertile) than
that of the worker, but not so large
as that of the drone ; the head and
thorax of the queen are larger than
that of the worker, while they are
smaller than those of the drone.

The wings of the queen are short
in proportion to the body, this being,
quite likely, because she seldom needs
to use them. When moving about
on the combs the queen does really
appear dignified and majestic, and it
is not at all strange that one who has
a poetical mind or a vivid imagina-
tion should call her queen. Her
movements are generally slow and
matronly, but when necessary, she
can move about quite rapidly.

In color the queens are, as a rule,
rather darker on the upper side of
the body than the workers, and the
two posterior legs and under portion
are of a golden yellow. Her abdo-
men is generally devoid of the hair
coloring which is found on the
workers and drones. The queens,
even of the same race, differ greatly
in color, some being much darker
than others.

The conduct of the worker bees
in their treatment of their mother is
most touching ; while attending to
her duties she is constantly sur-
rounded by a circle of her loving
offspring who testify in various ways
their affection and regard ; some
lovingly fondle and embrace her
with their antennae, while others ap-
proach her and offer her honey from
time to time.

Could these same evidences of
love and affection be carried into
and made a part of every home cir-
cle, social life would prove more as
our Heavenly Father wishes it to
be.

Should the queen be removed
or lost, excitement and despair
seem to reign supreme for a time ; "
the laborers abandon their work and
join in the search for their queen,
running excitedly about the combs

and even leaving the hive in their
efforts to find her. If they are un-
successful they return disconsolate
to their home thus made desolate,
and in mournful tones give expres-
sion to their deep grief.

The experienced apiarist as he
passes by his hives can easily detect
any of the queenless colonies, as the
tone of the bees at such times is pe-
culiarly mournful, and cannot possi-
bly be mistaken for the happy hum
that comes from a contented colony.

After the bees realize that they
must replace the missing queen and
commence to build cells, this tone is
diminished somewhat and is not so
easily detected.

On an average tlie queen will de-
posit from i,ooo to 1,200, and
sometimes 2,000 eggs, in twenty-four
hours.

When five days old the queen
leaves the hive for fertilization, pro-
vided the weather is pleasant.

Quite frequently our visitors ask
us where we are likely to find the
queen when we open the hive, and
as this is a matter which will interest
our readers, we quote from the" Bee-
keepers' Handy Book :"

"During the brooding she wanders
about from comb to comb depositing
eggs wherever she may find cells pre-
pared for them, and occupying no
particular portion of the brood-nest :
when the season's work is completed
and breeding has ceased, she may be
found in the centre of the brood-nest
surrounded by the cluster." We also
quote from the same source the fol-
lowing foot-note : "When examining
a colony for the queen, bear in mind
that her ladyship is usually found, at
noon time near the centre of the
brood-nest, when, after depositing an
egg in each prepared empty cell, she
will gradually work back to the combs
at one side of the hive, and during
each twenty-four hours she will visit
twice, all parts of the hive while brood
rearing is going on."

The queen is provided with a sting

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST,

161

which is cui-ved and which is seldom
or never used except to destroy a rival
queen.

The average age to which a queen
attains is about three years, but for
our use we prefer that most queens
be superseded when two years old.
This is not necessary, however, except
where one is forcing the queen to
deposit a larger number of eggs dur-
ing the first two years than she would
if left in a natural condition.

THE WORKERS.

The worker bees (Fig. 2) com-
prise the majority of the population
of the hive and they are smaller in
size than either the queen or drones.

The workers are undeveloped
females incapable of laying eggs ex-
cepting when they become what are
called "fertile workers," when they
only lay eggs that will produce un-
developed and imperfect drones ; and
hear we would caution the beginners
against allowing any colony to remain
queenless for any considerable length
of time as when once the "fertile
workers" infest a hive it is almost
impossible to introduce a queen there.

Upon the workers depend all the
labors of the hive, those performed
by the queen being excepted. The
following description of their duties
which we quote from the "Handy
Book" is a cmplete one.

"They build the comb, the con-
struction of which seems to us so
marvellous : collect the pollen and
honey and store them for future use ;
protect and care for the brood-nest
by clustering about it, or fanning
with their wings for ventilation when
too warm. They also act as warriors
defending their homes against intru-
ders.

It is needless to state that the
worker is provided with a formidable
sting which is made use of to the
sorrow of the intruder whenever the
worker is provoked. If the apiarist is
cool, makes no quick motions, never
gets excited nor becomes careless,
the bees are less hable to become
vindictive and will prove far more
agreeable as neighbors. They are also
furnished with an exceedingly curi-
ous and complicated tongue which it
is needless to describe here. It is how-
ever an interesting object for study to
the student and we would refer the
latter to the standard works on apicul-
ture for a description.

The hinder legs of the worker are
furnished with a spoonlike cavity
wherein she carries the pollen gath-
ered from the flowers. When the
workers are between twenty and
twenty- one days old (from the de-
positing of the egg) they emerge
from the cells, and for the first two
weeks following remain in the hive
(except when they take an occasional
flight for exercise) nursing and car-
ing for the brood, and attending to
other duties. After this they assume
the regular duties of the worker
bee.

During the working season the
workers wear themselves out in about
six weeks but those hatched in Sep-
tember will live until May, as daring
that period they have but little labor
to perform.

THE DRONE.

The drones, or male bees (Fig. 3)
are larger, stouter and more clumsy
than either the queen or workers ;
although their bodies are not quite
as long as that of the queen. They
are unprovided with a sting or suit-
able proboscis with which to gather
honey from the flowers ; they have
no pollen baskets on their thighs and
no means whereby they can secrete
wax. Hence they are physically un-
qualified for any office excepting
those of impregnating the young
queens, and even this causes their

162

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

death : as, during the act of copula-
tion, the male organs are torn from the
bodies of the drones and the latter
immediately expire. They usually
appear about the last of April or first
of May or in about six weeks after
the bees commence carrying in pollen.

As sexual intercourse takes place
while the queen and drone are high
in the air it becomes necessary that
many drones be reared where but few
are needed. In large apiaries it is
only necessary to keep one or two
colonies rearing drones and the
"drone trap" or honey knife should
be used to rid the apiary of all the
rest.

In July or August, or, indeed at
any time, when there comes a honey
dearth or season of scarcity, the
bees, seemingly recognizing the fact
that they must reduce family expense,
ruthlessly drive the drones from the
hives sometimes stinging them, but
more frequently gnawing the roots
of their wings so that, when once
driven from the hives, they cannot
return. Oftentimes they will be
found hanging in clusters on the front
and bottom boards of the hives.

CORRESPONDENCE.

THE HONEY EXTRACTOR.

Mr. Editor : At your request we
will give our views in answer to Mr.
Clark's article on page 136.

Mr. Clark is right when he says
that the injudicious use of the ex-
tractor is a damage to beekeepers,
but it does not follow from this that

we should discard the honey extrac-
tor. The injudicious practice of ar-
tificial warming is also very damaging,
as many beekeepers divide their
hives till their colonies are all too
weak to winter. And yet, artificial
warming is undoubtedly greatly bene-
ficial to practical beekeepers, when
properly done.

In a well organized apiary, run for
extracted honey, the apiarist will
never extract honey from the brood
chamber, or at least so seldom that
the exception is not worth mention-
ing. The main requisite is to furnish
the bees with sufficient empty comb
above the breeding apartment to pre-
vent them from crowding the queen
with honey. Where this is done,
the breeding chamber will never
contain more honey than the bees
need to winter on, and the extracting
from brood comb will be avoided.

In regard to the "glutted" mar-
ket for honey, we would say that in
this business, as in all other occupa-
tions, the man who tries to find a
market usually succeeds ; but he who
folds his arms, and finds fault with his
neighbors for being in the same busi-
ness as he is, will never do anything.
We raise large crops of honey every
year, raised 36,000 lbs. in 1883, and
we have never failed to sell our honey
(extracted) at remunerative prices.
Let Mr. Clark "annihilate" his ex-
tractor if he cannot use it properly ;
we will nevertheless continue to em-
ploy our large four-frame extractors,
and thus save our comb from one
season to another.

Chas. Dadant & Son.

report for 1885 ON wintering.

Dear Sir :

The early part of March
I shovelled out my bees, ninety-
three Qolonies, which were all living ;
some were in splendid condition,
while others were considerably weak-
ened by rushing out of the hive,

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

163

caused by uneasiness, which is al-
ways the case. My bees have win-
tered, so far, better than they did last
winter, on account of not being so
long confined ; they had a fair fly
the early part of last January, which
they did not have one year ago. The
spring so far has been very unfavor-
able, as the weather was not quite
warm enough, when they were shov-
elled out, for them to have a good
fly which I think very essential, as
they will then return and be con-
tented for some time ; while as it has
been this spring they keep coming
out, never to return, every time the
cold lets up a little. We are now
having one of the coldest spells of
weather Ave have had this winter.

It is a wonder to me that so
many of our best apiarists suffer
such losses. I have always claimed
I could winter bees as safely, accord-
ing to the number kept, as other
stock. I stated this to Prof. Cook at
the State convention at Lansing last
winter. He said "there is time enough
yet." I have wintered six winters and
I think we have had a fair average ;
should I lose, I would say I am lia-
ble to lose other stock, as I lost 12
sheep this winter out of 75 by some
unknown disease.

I have had the misfortune to lose,
by fire, my honey house and shop
combined, consisting of 1,100 lbs.
of comb honey, 150 of extracted,
the surplus to 75 Doolittle hives, all
of my tools which were not few, 7
saws, 7 planes, 3 draw shovels, 2
coal chisels, augers, bits and chisels
from 2 in. down to | in. ; in fact, I had
almost everything a person needs to
carry on an apiary. The morning of
the sixteenth I went to the shop,
started a fire and returned to do
a few chores at the house while it
was getting warmed up. I did not
think I had been in over five min-
utes when I noticed the smoke. I
think it started where the pipe en-
tered the chimney, as that was the
only place where fire was to be seen ;

everything was supposed to be per-
fectly tight, unless something fell
from above and knocked the pipe
out. I have no clew as to how it
happened. I only know it did. It
burned very quickly, as it was well
filled with hives and other dry ma-
terial. I lay the damage at ^1,000,
insurance $375. I do not wish to
be placed in the "blasted hopes" col-
umn, although I feel as though I
could make but little headway
this season ; still I shall try and raise
enough honey for our own use, as we
are very fond of it. I have the ma-
terial on the ground for a new build-
jng and have got my tools to-day, so
that as soon as the weather changes
we shall put up the building and
then I can proceed to business.

P. S. I am very much pleased
with Vols. I and II of "American Api-
culturist." I think it well deserves a
place in every beekeeper's library.
A. P. Cowan.

Grattan, Mich.,
March 20, 188 J.

NEW YORK AND FLORIDA.

Our bees in New York state were
set on their summer stands after a
confinement of one-hundred and
fifty days terminating Apr. 19, 1885,
in much better condition than we had
reason to expect. Our loss of bees
in cellar was four per cent, but after
setting out it was necessary to unite
several colonies which increased it to
eight per cent. The bees came out
with little or no brood, which with the
cold weather that came, the last of
April, made it very bad for the colo-
nies that had to wait for the young
bees to hatch to replace the loss
caused by the old bees dying. And
as a natural consequence, by the first
of May our bees were much reduced
in numbers.

The past experience in wintering
has taught me that in order to win-

164

THE AMERICAN APICULTXJRIST.

ter successfully in this state we must
have none but well-bred queens and
the younger the better. Bees under
these conditions will invariably come
out with young bees hatching and
will not feel spring dwindling, to any
extent. Also, much care is necessary
in preparing the top of our frames
and hives. I have put one foot of
chaff over the frames in cellar and
had the worms drive the bees out and
take complete possession of the
combs. Then again I have used two
inches with very desu-able results.
The past winter I used a shipping
case made of quarter inch stuff and
placed nothing on the top but the
cover, part way over the frames, which
gives the bees plenty of fresh air, and
I am inclined to believe that by re-
taining the heat we also keep a large
percentage of moisture to the detri-
ment of the bees. Many winter suc-
cessfully by putting a mat on top of
the frames and then clasping a tight
fitting box over and down on top of
mat and frames. But with me such
treatment would prove disastrous.
Our bees in south Florida during
the month of April worked nicely as
long as the orange bloom lasted.
By consulting my diary, I find, under
date of April i6, the following note;
"bees are letting up on the orange
bloom to-day, yet no indication of
robbing, which with the sudden ces-
sation of our honey flow is marvel-
lous." Our queens that were reared
from pure Italian stock and mated
with pure blacks of Florida are prov-
ing, so far, superior to any I have
seen. Our queen-rearing was at-
tended with marked success during
the month of March and first of
April. Then we were visited by a
very unwelcome visitor in the shape
of the dragon fly (see "Manual of the
Apiary," seventh edition, pages 269-
270) ; it is known as mosquito hawk,
bee-killer, etc. These flies made
their appearance about Apr. 10, and
increased in number as the season
advanced. Did not know how pre-

daceous they were when they first put
in their appearance, but soon found
that they were the most disastrous
enemy that we had to encounter
while south. During the heat of
the day and the early evening they
simply swarmed in and around the
orange trees, and the venturesome
bee that reached its home without
being captured might consider it-
self fortunate. If one should go
among the bees and commence
handling he w^ould immediately be
surrounded by such numbers of these
insects that, if timid, he would be
alarmed for his own safety. And
looking on the trees he could see
them hanging thick, munching each
one a bee, in their spacious maws.
While the bees are away working
among the flowers these flies have
no occasion to assemble in the yard
as they can help themselves and
catch a bee that is loaded, with more
ease than otherwise. But soon as
the bees come in from the field the
bee dragon follows and spends hours
in graceful gyrations stopping with
lightning rapidity when seizing a bee
and alighting upon the trees where
you can hear them devouring the
bee, which one soon recognizes by
the sharp snapping sound of their
strong masticating mandibles. If
our friend A. J. Goodwin of New
Smyrna, Fla., who is so bothered
with ants (as figured in February
No. of Apiculturist Vol. Ill, pages
( 34-36 ) is not troubled with these
pests, he can congratulate himseJf,
as they would with the ants soon
destroy the best managed apiary, if
the ants are as bad as he represents
in his article. With me ants both-
er no more than North, in fact not
as much, and I have no hesitation in
saying that much is unjustly said
against them when in reality the real
cause is, the colonies have been al-
lowed to remain queenless and after
they become reduced in numbers,
ants, moths and worms are found,
and get the reputation of destroying

TEE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

165

the colony. Many young queens in
second and third swarms in the south
are lost in mating and require much
attention in order that they may be
successful, especially after the bee
dragon appears, as they are very fond
of queens and are apt to be cap-
tured while returning home, which
leaves the colony with no means to
reproduce another. Many small bee-
keepers here have three and four
swarms from one, and upon examin-
ation found many that were queen-
less owing to loss of the queen on
her w^edding flight. As soon as I
found the dragon fly so carnivorous
I stopped rearing queens. In south
Florida queens should be reared in
the early spring months and also the
best time to increase bees is before
the hot weather appears. The saw
palmettoes that I have spoken of be-
fore, that are so plentiful and from
vi^hich I expected to get early honey,
bloomed but little. They com-
menced trying to bloom in January
and have just put out their first ma-
ture blossoms, so that the bees
began to notice them. Its huge rival,
the cabbage (so called), has shown
but little signs of starting at this date.
The magnolia blossom is no bee
flower as its structure is such that
bees can get little if any honey. The
sweet bay, which is related to the
magnolia, is also a poor honey pro-
ducer yet very fragrant. It is well
to understand what flowers we can de-
pend upon for honey and the past
winter has taught much in that di-
rection.

The average temperature for
March at 7 a. m., 54°, at i p. m., 83°
8 evening, 56°. Greatest variation
during the day, 62°. For April at
7 A. M., in shade, 62°, at i p. m., 82°
and at 8 evening, 63° ; greatest varia-
tion 34°. Our bees, that were fed
occasionally during the months of
January and February, at this date are
in much better condition in bees and
honey. In our next we will give our
experience in moving from a temper-

ature of 90° in the shade, to New
York, and with what success ; also
will try to describe the country, and
to what extent it will pay to move bees
south for the winter, and back in the
spring before the pests of the south
commence.

Chas. G. Ferris.
Sanford, Fla.
May 1, 1885.

NOTES AND QUERIES.

— Several parties are writing to
us complaining of the dealings of Mr.
George W. House.

We trust that Mr. House will at-
tend to these matters, as quite prob-
ably he intends to do. It is sometimes
hard to know just what to do in such
cases, as we are not thoroughly ac-
quainted with all the circumstances.

— The Haldimand Beekeepers'
Association met May 29th at Nelles
Corner, Ontario, 1.30 p. m. The
President, J. Armstrong in the chair.

First topic for discussion : Report

of winter losses and cause of losses.

Many attributed their losses to the

fact that the stores were not placed

compactly enough in the hive, and

owing to the long and intensely cold

weather the bees were unable to

leave the cluster to secure food or if

they did it was accompanied by a

great loss of bees. Doubtless much

loss might be avoided during severe

winters, if sufficient stores were

placed in as few combs as possible,

and all superfluous combs removed.

We append the report :

Jas. Collins, 16-14

Geo. Warner, 5-1

Bassbinder, 50-46

M. Hunsberger, lo-o

Selkirk, 18-3

F. Mehlenbacher, 12-9

John Boyer, 13-12

R. Coverdale, ii-io

Kendree, 30-25

166

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

Vanderburgh,

36-30

Peter Anguish,

8-6

Lewis Miller,

20-19

J. Williamson,

10-8

Atkinson,

14-4

E. C. Campbell,

41-31

A. Buoyer,

20-6

J. Kendree,

lO-I

John Hurst,

6-0

Campbell,

4-0

Gloyd,

6-1

John Lanjohr,

65-62

R. W. Beam,

23-14

A. Gee,

13-4

Rose,

30-22

R. Anguish,

42-32

Smith,

8-0

McKenzie,

4-2

J. Richards,

73-60

J. Colwell,

54-45

I. Overholt,

6-4

Havell,

2-2

Effenger,

17-12

Hoover,

2-1

0. Fathers,

20-18

D, Anguish,

33-9

Otterman,

7-5

F. Harrison,

4-4

x^rmstrong.

80-63

Stewart,

4-3

R. Buckly,

17-12

Jeffrey,

6-5

McKenzie,

5-0

Several,

91-22

952-634

or 66| per cent brought through.

This is not only the report of mem-
bers attending, but a pretty full one
of a large radius of country. We
obtained the worst report from those
not present which brought the aver-
age as above stated. Other topics
presented for consideration were :

Shall we produce comb honey from
the top or body of the hive ?

The general impression of those
having had experience appeared to
be, in the shallow frame the top, the
deep frame the body, as in the latter
the bees were reluctant to pass over
the piece of sealed honey above
brood and store honey above.

How to sell honey to the best ad-
vantage. One or two advocated tins,
but general impression appeared to
be glass that could be utilized by
housewives in canning, preserving,
etc., with neat labels describing gran-
ulation and give name of producer.*

— As many of our readers do not
clearly understand the change that
we have made and think that Mr,
Henry Alley is a member of the firm
of Silas M. Locke & Co., we would
state that our partner is Mr. Philip
Morant formerly of Salem, Mass., and
that Mr. Alley is in our employ as
superintendent of our queen-breed-
ing department ; and here we would
again extend a cordial invitation to
our beekeeping friends to visit us.
We will endeavor to make your visit
both pleasant and profitable.

— It is with great pleasure that we
learn of the improved condition of
the health of the Rev. L. L. Langs-
troth and it is to be hoped that our
readers may soon be favored with
notes of interest from his pen.

— Mr. J. E. Pond, who has been a
great sufferer of late and confined to
his room, is now fast recovering and
we trust will assume an active po-
sition among our correspondents.

— It is with deep regret that we
learn of the death of the Rev. Rob-
ert R. Peel, late editor of the "British
Bee Journal." Mr. Peel has been a
great sufferer from gout in the head
and eyes, and rheumatism.

We quote the following report of his
death from the "London Standard."

"On Tuesday, June 28, Mr. Peel
was missed from luncheon. His
study door was locked, and on an en-
trance being effected by the window,
he was found lying on the hearth-
rug shot in the left breast with a

* A question department elicited informa-
tion rejrarding sex of egg, fertile workers,
etc., which was replied to by a beekeeper
present througli the aiticle in No. IV, Ameri-
can Apicultiirist, and was received witli great
interest as none present hud the information
therein contained.

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

167

double-barrelled gun at his feet, one
barrel of which had been discharged.
Death must have been instantaneous.

The jury returned a verdict to the
effect that the deceased came to his
death by a gunshot wound, but there
was no evidence to prove how this
was inflicted." Mr. Peel was born
Feb ruary 8, 1 83 1 , at Canterbury. His
father was the late very Rev. John
Peel, D. D., Dean of Worcester. He
was also a nephew of Sir Robert Peel
the eminent statesman. ISIr. Peel
resided at Thornton Hall, Bucking-
ham, Eng., and was, until last year,
Secretary of the British Beekeepers'
Association which position he has oc-
cupied with great credit and with un-
told benefit to the beekeepers of
Great Britain. He spent much time
and means in organizing and support-
ing this association.

He was also since January, 1883,
the editor and proprietor of the "Brit-
ish Bee Journal" regarding which the
"London Journal of Horticulture"
speaks as follows :

"Under Mr. Peel's management,
the "British Bee Journal" for some
years has been published once a fort-
night, whereas formerly it was issued
only once a month. Its circulation
has largely increased and the most
advanced beekeepers from all parts
of the globe enrich its pages. The
compliments paid to its proprietor
(Mr. Peel) are only his due, for he
has done more to advance beekeep-
ing in England than any Englishman
living ; and the extraordinary ad-
vance of apiculture in England dur-
ing the last five years must be attrib-
uted chiefly to Mr. Peel and the
band of friends whom he has attracted
to himself by his ability, energy, ear-
nestness, and philanthropic desire to
do good to his fellow-countrymen.
Mr. Peel has made a mark for good,
and richly deserves the gratitude and
esteem of all right-minded men."

The British Bee Journal speaks
very touchingly of the great loss sus-
tained both by British beekeepers and

his bereaved family through his de-
cease.

The "American Apiculturist" ex-
tends its heartfelt sympathy to the
bereaved family.

— The following note, kindly sent
us by Mr. Newman, suggests a new
and valuable field of labor which
properly managed will prove produc-
tive of much good. We cheerfully
accept any position that may be
offered us by our brother beekeepers
with the assurance that we will do
our duty to the best of our ability.

We quote as follows :

"Let it be a national Union. Mes-
srs. Dadant and Son make the fol-
lowing as suggestions : 'We are wil-
ling to put our shoulder to the wheel
for a National Beekeepers' Union,
and to pay our share, whether it may
be $1.00 or ^25.00. W^e suggest
that a special request to unite in this
Union be sent to all the bee-papers
and their subscribers. We must
have a National Union or none.'

This is 'good and timely,' and
we publicly invite the editors of all
bee-papers to unite in this noble work,
and would cheerfully vote for the fol-
lowing as the officers of the temporary
organization, if these editors will co-
operate with the Union :

President — A. L Root, Medina,
Ohio. First Vice-President — A. J.
King, New York. Second Vice-
President — A. G. Hill, Kendallville,
Lid. Third Vice-President— Silas
M. Locke, Wenham, Mass. Fourth
Vice-President — H. Scovell, Liberal,
Mo.

This would unite all the bee-pa-
pers in the Union, and we sincerely
hope that it may induce all of them
to work together for the general good.
As soon as the organization is com-
pleted, we will cheerfully relinquish
our position to any one the Union
may choose, but the Bee Journal
will give its unswerving support to
the Union and all its officers.

If Canadians, who are governed by
other laws, find such an organization

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

necessary or desirable, the editor and
subscribers of the Canadian paper
are all cordially invited to cooperate
with this Union."

In order that the object of this en-
terprise be not defeated the organi-
zation must call into its ranks and on
the advisory board some of our most
prominent and successful honey
producers, as such ones are more
deeply interested in the success or
failure of this Union than any others.

We trust that every individual aim
will be lost or forgotten in our en-
deavors to establish this enterprise.
It is a move in the right direction and
should receive the hearty endorse-
ment of the beekeepers. American
apiculture and the interests of Am-
erican beekeepers call for a thorough
systematic organization of some char-
acter and we care not on what founda-
tion it is built so long as it is conduct-
ed in the interests ot the majority.

So long as it is properly conducted,
our services are subject to the will
and wishes of our brother beekeep-
ers and we are only too pleased to
be able to offer them.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWEBS.

For some time we have urged the
iiocesi^ity for more system ai)d union
in association work, a department of
apiculture which has been too much
neglected and made subservient to in-
dividual aims and personal gain.

Just at present this lack of system
and proper organization of our forces
is becoming painfully evident and
there is now being organized a "Na-
tional Beekeepers' Union" which in our
own mind would have been unneces-
sary if we had a thoroughly organized
and properly conducted National Bee-
keepers Association.

In order that we may learn the opin-
ions of those whose iutei'ests are most
likely to be involved (the honey
producers), we have decided to ask the
following questions trusting that each
one to whom these questions are sub-
mitted will answer them to the best
of his ability for the benefit of his
brother beekeepers.

1. In your opinion what will be the
advantages or disadvantages occurring
to the honey producers from the pro-
posed National Beekeepers' Union?

2. Do you think it best that its la-
bors should be confined to mere legal
questions and legal protection, or
should its province be broader and in-
clude the interests of beekeepers in ev-
ery branch and department of apicul-
ture?

3. Could not a National Beekeepers'
Association be so organized and con-
ducted as to prove all that would be
needed and also prove even more ef-
fective and successful in its workings
and results than a Beekeepers' Union?

4. What advice, if any, would you
ofler as to the proper organization of
such a union?

AjSSWers by a. j. cook.

1. The advantages will be the pro-
tection of a member who is involved in
a suit at law, in which we are all
equally interested. If properly con-
ducted I see no disadvantages.

2. It seems to me that aside from
such cases as the one that called up the
present Union, our societies, state and
national, are better qualified to discuss
and settle important matters.

3. Possibly so ; possibly not. Many
will join this Union, who will not at-
tend and possibly would not join the As-
sociation. I think quite likely a more
perfect organization would permit the
association to do this work. It is not
now organized for it, and so a new or-
ganization is called for.

4 Unless the National Association
perfects its organization so as to do
such work better, I have no criticism
to offer on the present plan for a Union.

ANSWERS BY L. C. ROOT.

1. A National Beekeepers' Union
properly organized and conducted in
the best interests of beekeepers gen-
erally could not but result in good.

2. If it is simply alone for the legal
protection of beekeepers I have some
doubts of the good results. Legal
points in such matters are usually agi-
tated to the harm of all interested.

3. It matters little what the organ-
ization is called. If its aims are high
and unselfish its success is certain.

4. I have but one suggestion to
make as to the organizing a society—
that is, to meet the demands. If it is
to be a success, its officers and founders
must be active, practical beekeepers ;
otherwise, it will not receive the con-
fidence of beekeepers generally.

The American Apiculturist.

% gomnd ^tMtii to BdmMt anb Uractkal ^nkn^mc^.

ENTERED AT THE POST-OFFICE, SALEM, AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER.

Published Monthly. S. M. Locke & Co., Publishers & Prop'rs.

VOL. III. WENHAM, MASS., AUGUST 15, 1885.

No. 8.

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Mass., Post Oflce.

All communications should be addressed
to S. M. Locke & Co., Wenhara, Mass.

FOREIGN NOTES.
By Arthur Todd.

The greater part of the work be-
ing done among beekeepers of the
nations outside the United States of
America is practically unknown to
the average beekeeper of this fav-
ored land. With the exception of
an occasional translation of an arti-
cle, little appears in the journals to
keep all ^^au couranf with the march
of apistical events abroad.

The great majority of beekeepers
cannot read French, German or Ital-
ian ; hence, even if they did receive
foreign journals, they would be a
sealed book to them. It appears to
me to be the duty of the publisher
of a leading bee journal to do the
15

translation that his readers are una-
ble to do, and from the mass of facts,
many scientific, many purely interest-
ing, collate such as will give the gist
of the work going on abroad.

Great minds are at work across
the seas : their names, their work, to-
tally unknown to the beekeepers here.
This should not be. The average
reader should be put in the way of
knowing who these men are, and
their work. So that, for instance,
when Giotto Ulivi is spoken of the
hearer's mind will at once throw on
the mirror of memory : "Ah ! that is
the parish priest way down in Italy
who holds to the doctrine that queens
are fertilized inside the hive."

Who of you has heard of Mr.
Vignolles? Yet he was one of the
thoughtful painstaking bee men of
France and the one who undertook
an exhaustive series of experiments
to determine what weight of honey
has to be consumed by the bees to
produce a given weight of wax.

Sir John Lubbock, Frank Cheshire,
Pastor Dzierzon and others have
made their names household prop-
erty and it will be our pleasing duty
to bring prominently forward each
successive step they take in the
paths of discovery.

"Arrenotokia" ! ! Professor Cook
may have known what that word
meant, but the average beekeeper
'(169)

170

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

does not, I feel sure. Now what is
it? This word signifies that when a
queen bee has her spermatheca com-
pletely furnished with spermatozoa,
yet from some paralysis, or other de-
fect of the muscles attached to the
spermathecal glands it is powerless
to act, and she becomes a drone
layer. This condition in a queen
bee can, it appears, be produced arti-
ficially by pinching the extremity of
the abdomen so that the last gang-
lion is injured.

The introduction of queens is a
subject interesting to all, and the
"Simmins" method has lately re-
ceived much attention ; then we have
a Mr. Reidenbach in Germany who
constructs a small cell of wax artifi-
cially, puts the fertile queen therein,
closes it up, and places it in the
queenless hive.

Mr. Simmins has also started a
dry sugar method of feeding, also a
method of doing away with the trou-
ble of boiling syrup by using cold
water with the sugar. More on these
points anon.

The sagging of certain makes of
foundation when others do not sag is
a point yet unexplained. A French
writer says only last month (and he
manufactures) "all qualities and kinds
of wax are not suitable for the man-
ufacture of comb foundation," and
enumerates the departments of Nor-
mandy, Calvados, Picardy, Aisne,
Pas de Calais, as only producing
wax which, when made into founda-
tion is accepted slowly by bees and
very liable to pay.

There is undoubtedly great differ-
ence in wax : some is of a smooth

texture and fine "grain when broken,
others again break with a very coarse
greasy fracture. The art of the
chemist may yet be profitably em-
ployed to determine the suitability
of certain grades of wax for founda-
tion making.

The making a market for honey is
occupying the attention of our Eng-
lish brethren. Any and every one
was induced to "keep bees," espec-
ially the cottager class, and then
when they got honey there was no
one cared to buy. An organized
system of sale has been decided
upon, and the British Honey Com-
pany is now fairly afloat with a capi-
tal of $100,000. Honeys will be re-
ceived for sale on commission, each
lot being graded on arrival. It will
be wise to follow the workings of this
organization, as if successful a simi-
lar system could be carried out here.
The Bee and Fruit Farming Co.
with a $50,000 capital has also been
started. Its object is set forth to be
"To assist beekeepers by providing
a ready means for disposing of the
honey and wax now being produced
on a large scale and to meet the diffi-
culty experienced by so many in find-
ing a quick market for their produce.
The company will buy from its share-
holders and also sell on commission.
Having had some experience as
secretary, and manager of certain
companies, I would simply say that if
the right man for manager is chosen
and then the President and Board of
Directors go on a vacation and leave
him thoroughly alone to manage, there
is a poor prospect of success ; but in
England, as in this country, the ten-

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

171

dency is to "boss" the manager too
much, and with the result that "too
many cooks spoil the broth."

The prevalence of cholera it ap-
pears has had a bad effect on the
Frencli honey market. Let us hope
that by careful sanitary conditions
we shall keep the scourge away from
our doors.

As time rolls on I trust the chatty
"Foreign Notes" as now outlined will
come to be looked on as a vahiable
feature whence new ideas will spring
to help on the march of progress.

Phiia., Pa.

BEE CULTURE IN THE
SOUTH.

By G. W. Demaree.

The past year has been a poor
one for the prosperity of bees in a
large portion of the middle states
and in a greater portion of the
south.

In the first place the past winter
was an exceedingly long and cold one,
extending far into the spring months ;
and to add to the discomfort of our
weakened colonies the early part of
the honey season was cool and other-
wise unfavorable. And when the
main honey season came in with white
clover at its best, cool, rough east
and northeast winds prevailed much
of the time and lessened very much
the honey yield ; the result was that
we got less than a half crop of honey.

Never before did my bees build up
so slowly. Although there was plenty
of bloom to all appearances, yet but
little pollen was gathered, and to

this cause I am inclined to attribute
the tardy breeding up of my colonies.
In an apiary of over seventy colonies
I had but one swarm in the natural
way, and I found it impossible to
stock my queen-rearing apiary, to
any great or material extent, with-
out seriously damaging my apiary,
and, therefore, I was compelled to
remain silent because it was impossi-
ble for me to answer all, or even a ma-
terial part, of the letters of inquiry
about queens and bees which poured
in on me daily. But this is the way
the world goes, and I have learned
not to fret. I have improved the
time making some important experi-
ments which have resulted in enrich-
ing my limited store of apicultural
knowledge. By practising economy
I have stocked about twenty-five
nursery colonies, and have reared
some extra fine queens for my regu-
lar customers, and shall continue these
till late in the season.

Owing to the irregularity of egg-
laying by the queens, brought about
by the unfavorable weather, there was
no regularity as to the age of brood
in the combs, and this made it diffi-
cult to start good nuclei, and set
me to work to overcome the defect.

When extracting honey I would
transfer any combs of brood with
adhering bees that the working
colonies could spare, to a full size
hive, till the hive was fully stocked
with them. The bees were confined
to the hive for twenty-four hoiurs ;
then late in the evening a good queen
cell was grafted into each of the ten
combs, and the entrance to the hive
was left open tiU next morning. It
was then closed till late in the even-

172

THE AMERICAN APIGULTURIST.

ing, when the ten combs were divided
into ten nuclei, giving each comb of
brood, with queen cell and adhering
bees, a comb containing honey and
pollen. In this way I controlled
most of the field workers and got
the best of nursing nuclei.

As the science of modern bee-
culture progresses, a desire to super-
sede tolerated defects in the system
of manipulation is the more keenly
felt. The proneness of bees to build
"brace-combs" between the brood
and surplus departments has led
many apiarists to the conclusion
that the present system of adjust-
ing the surplus department of the
modern frame hive is, in a great
measure, defective. For this reason
some have gone back to the old
honey board system, claiming "im-
provement" of course, and with
some show for their claims.

If I had the time and space I
could point out the many devices
that have been employed, or resorted
to, to prevent the bees from fiUing
up every available space with "bits
of comb," and thus hindering the
ready removal of the surplus depart-
ment in a nice clean condition. But
I will only mention the "slat honey
rack" for holding sections, which is
only another form of the honey board.
Then we have the "slat honey board"
finely slitted so as to act as a "queen
excluder," and last of this kind we
have the slat recess or "sink" honey
board.

All these devices are subject to
the same objections that may be
urged against the "close top bar"
frame. They in the same way con-
ceal the tops of the brood frames

from the eyes of the apiarist, and de-
prive him of the welcome sight of
the whitened combs at the tops of
the brood frames which he gladly
receives as the best evidence that
his bees are ready for the surplus
department.

If we must tolerate the "bits of
combs" or be deprived of a ready
glance at the tops of the combs
without first prying off a rickety
honey board, I prefer a "close top
frame," for it can be made in such
a way that the bees can pass readily
and promptly into the surplus de-
partment and not a .bit of comb will
be wedged in between the top and
the surplus combs.

I have made, and am using, a few
of these frames. They are the per-
fection of mechanism, and bring less
labor to the apiarist than does the
honey board system.

Christia7isburg, Ky.

THE BIG DRUM.

By T. O. Peet.

Not long since I chanced upon
the following article with the above
heading. As when a boy it was the
chief attraction in the band, so I
was naturally drawn to it, read it,
and was struck with its aptness of
comparison to some of our bee con-
ventions.

"When a band of music passes
along the street, be it the band of a
regiment, or a village band, or the
band of a charity school, it may be
noted that the chief centre of popu-

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

173

lar attraction is the drum department.
The head-wagging, whistling, step-
keeping crowd cares httle for the
piccolo, or fife, or trombone or cor-
net players ; they are admittedly
important contributions to the gen-
eral effect, but are regarded as sub-
ordinate to the drums, and the cen-
tre figure of the drum department
is the uncomfortable, irritable look-
ing personage, who, tottering at an
unnatural angle, thwacks upon the
vellum of the big drum. We believe
that the majority would rather play
the big drum than swagger at the
head of a column in a commissioned
officer's uniform.

But there are big drums outside
military or other bands. There are
men in all assemblies or communi-
ties who make themselves heard,
and command attention, much in
the same way as the big drum of a
band. A big drum who taps gently,
and who does not take more than
his fair share of space, would be un-
worthy of his position. Other men
may have powerful instruments, but
they must be kept in check, mod-
erated, adapted to surrounding cir-
cumstances ; but the big drum is
bound by no laws or considerations.
He has a big part to play, and if the
other parts cannot keep up with him
so much the worse for them. Better
a loud big drum and feeble accom-
paniment, than a loud accompani-
ment and feeble big drum. What
the other performers of the band are
to the orchestral big drum, the rank
and file of a social assembly are to
the big drum of the convention."

It has been my privilege during
my bee life experience to attend a

number of Bee Conventions, each
^of which, I think, had at least, one
/ng drum. It is generally a little
difficult at the outset to get under
way with discussions, as the rank and
file usually seem diffident or reluc-
tant to begin the music, but soon the
big drum with the usual time beat
comes to the rescue, and with deep
resonant sounds strikes up the old
time march, and away they go. The
little pipers and players on small
pieces fall into line, and pipe away
the same old, worn-out tunes, among
which are : " How shall we winter
our bees? " ''■ How shall we market
our honey?" "Comb foundation;"
" A standard frame ; " Stimulative
feeding;" "Dollar queens," etc.
Oh ! for some Mozart or Han-
del among our beeniasters who will
compose some new harmony, that
will contain martial music that the
veritable big drummer can master,
so that we may learn to march abreast
of the times, even if we must be led
by the pompous beater of the vellum.
We were glad to notice that the
N. E. Convention were constrained
to notice the question of tariff as
proposed by the new treaty with
Spain. Why? It touches home.
We fail to see any mention of revers-
ible frame (as yet) ; perhaps when
we see the full report it may be there.
I tell you, gents, there is more in
that new idea than many of you
reahze. Get the big dru/nmer to
practise on it. I think I see, too,
a cloud in the distance (not yet big-
ger than a man's hand) hovering
over a Pond, that is going to let fall
some big drops by and by, that will
i^^^come fertilizers to our Queens

174

THE AMERICAN APIGULTURIST.

and enlighteners to our Kings, and
make new music for our l)ig drum-
mer. Wq trust more will come of
it than was realized some years ago
by the bee fraternity, who were led
to look for great and startling devel-
opments by one of the big drummers ;
but, alas ! it ended in nothing but
noise like the buzz of a drone. An-
other big drummer was going to show
us a "great light" that would solve
the winter question, but, alas ! it too
ended in nothing but droppings, as
the noise of the big drum ceased.
Among the many big drums that we
have heard, we will recall a few
which some of our brethren will rec-
ognize at once : " Pollen Theory ;"
"Apis dorsata ;" " Holy Land Bees ;"
" Smoker Question ;" " Coopera-
tion ;" "Chaff Hives ;" "FoulBrood,"
etc. But like the big drum of the
band, that would be no band without
it, so these are necessary as it were
in order to keep time, that the march
of progress might go on keeping
step to the music. Hurrah ! then, we
say, for the big drummer. May he
live long and beat aloud the notes
of martial music, and may we all
recognize his importance and neces-
sity among us as the drone is among
bees !

Brooklyn, N. Y.

DRY F^CES.

Br S. CoRNEiL.

On page 1 48 of the Canadian Bee
Journal, Prof. Cook has an article
regarding a lot of dry faeces received
from me. Concerning one sample,

he remarks as follows : " some mass-
es are attached to the cloth above
the bees ; these are full of fibres
which were undoubtedly torn from
the cloth by the bees. Some of these
masses, perhaps most of them, nev-
er went through the bees I think."

The pieces of cloth in question
were cut from sheets of cotton placed
over the bees last fall. In spring,
I found some of them soiled with
discharges, some of which were thin
and were absorbed by the cloth ;
others were thicker, and were formed
into cylindrical drops, not exactly
on the body of the cloth but on the
fibres of cotton, while others were
evidently still less watery, and re-
tain the cylindrical form in which
they were discharged. The fibres
were, therefore, not torn from the
cloth by the bees, but adhered to
the faeces while they were fresh and
plastic, and I can see no reason for
the shadow of a doubt that these
masses did, every one of them, pass
through the bees. But since Profes-
sor Cook and I now differ as.to the na-
ture and origin of a substance which
we have both examined, I purpose
to submit it for inspection to a num-
ber of prominent and intelligent bee-
keepers, both in Canada and the
United States, and by concurrent
sample post, I send a parcel to the
editor of the "Apiculturist," with a re-
quest that he shall start it on its
rounds, each one receiving it to
send it on to the next person desig-
nated, and so on, till it has com-
pleted its journey and has returned
to me.

Besides the masses which Profes-
sor Cook thinks never passed through

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

lib

the bees, the parcel contains samples
of dry faeces attached to chips from
hives, etc., half an inch or more in
length, voided by the bees on their
first flight in spring, so dry that, when
found, many of them were standing
vertically ; samples collected on the
bottom boards beneath the bees win-
tered in the cellar ; samples of the
long sausage-shaped kind gathered
from leaves in the garden during the
present summer ; specimens of mass-
es consisting of wax, bee-hairs, fibres
from the quilt, propohs, etc., rolled
up in the cluster into pellets and cyl-
inders and dropped on the bottom
boards ; specimens of wax and some
other dark colored substance which
I beheve to be bee faeces, moulded
on the inside of the posterior leg of
the bee as the marks of the rows of
stiff hairs plainly show ; a specimen
of matter dropped by bees on a sheet
of paper in early spring during a few
days when they were carrying in flour
and collected by Dr. Tinker ; and two
specimens of faeces so fine that to
the naked eye they seem like dust
but are regularly-formed oval pellets
voided by the larvse of two or more
species of beetles which were very
plentiful in the debris on the bot-
tom boards, in the cellar, towards
spring.

Since opinions differ on a matter
so apparent as the specimens on the
cotton cloth, it is not at all surpris-
ing that there should be a difference
of opinion as to the nature and or-
igin of some of the matter found, in
spring, beneath the cluster. If the
gentlemen who receive the parcel,
will take the trouble to give their
views on the matter in dispute

through the columns of the "Apicul-
turist," we shall feel pleased.
Lindsay, Can. Aug. i, 1885.

INSTRUCTIONS TO
BEGINNERS.

By the Editor.

One of the first questions asked us
by the beginner and one that comes
to us by every mail is. What is the
most valuable race of bees for the
honey producer all things considered ?

In order to answer this question,
and because it properly belongs in
connection with the paper preced-
ing this (July No.) we have decided
to devote our talk this month to
solving this problem.

We are aware that our opinion may
conflict with those of other promi-
nent 'and expert apiarists, but we
can only give the results of our
experience leaving our readers to
test the matter and decide for them-
selves.

We are convinced, however, that
were our queen breeders united in
their efforts to establish methods for
rearing better queens, and less given
to getting up an unwarranted excite-
ment over some new and almost un-
known strain or variety, for the sake
of popularity or individual gain, there
would not be so great a diversity of
opinion regarding other matters.

We have the ItaHan bee and know
that it stands high in the estimation
of a large majority of our naost suc-
cessful honey producers, and will
always figure prominently among the
valuable bees of the future ; and yet,

176

THE AMERICAN APIGULTVRI8T.

as we have indisputable evidence
that Italian bees formerly sprang from
a common origin with the yellow Eu-
ropean races, we feel certain that it
will lose none of its identity, but be
benefited by the addition of the blood
of the original race, the Holylands.

We have in our apiaries to-day Al-
bino bees (a freak of the Italians)
which so nearly correspond with the
Holylands, that it takes the most
careful and critical examination of
the expert to discriminate them.

We do not propose to give the
history of the different races, but
recommend to our readers " Cook's
Manual" (latest edition) and the
"Beekeepers' Handy Book" (both
of which we keep in stock), as these
works contain exhaustive descriptions
of all the new races of bees.

It has always been our aim to de-
vote a large portion of our attention to
the development of the best bees for
honey-producing purposes, and with
this in view we have served a long
and thorough apprenticeship with a
number of the most prominent api-
arists and queen breeders, including,
among others, D. A. Jones of Beeton,
Ont., Henry Alley of Wenham, Mass.,
and J. H. Nellis of Canajoharie, New
York.

We have likewise visited a large
number of the former many times and
have been a constant attendant upon
the beekeepers' conventions in order,
if possible, to master this the highest
branch of apiculture, for upon first-
class queens or mother bees depends
the success of the apiarist.

As with added experience we com-
prehend with what apparent neglect
queen-rearing has been treated in

comparison with other branches of
the science of beekeeping, we are led
to feel that we are as yet but students
in one of the most fruitful fields of
investigation and discovery, and he
who claims that he has reached the
ultimatum is justly entitled to the
seat of the novice.

We refer to these matters not to
gain popularity, but merely to show
that our statements are based on
practical experience and should com-
mand at least a small degree of atten-
tion.

The beginner, in stocking his api-
ary, wishes of course to feel sure that
he starts out with the best bees for
honey-producing purposes, and hav-
ing little or no experience must rely
on the judgment of those who place
before the public their experiences
and opinions.

It is always noticeable that, as a
rule, those who are the first to speak
and speak the longest and loudest
are those who have had the most
meagre experience, others waiting
until thay have carefully tested the
matter before venturing an opinion,
and the advance of apicultural educa-
tion has been many times retarded
by this deplorable feature which can
only be overcome through the agency
of a thorough system of association
work.

The Holyland bees were first im-
ported into this country in June of

1880 and yet during the summer of

1 88 1 numbers of apiarists everywhere
were ready to pass judgment upon
them.

Notwithstanding the severe criti-
cisms to which this race has been
subjected, it has been steadily gain-

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

Ill

ing favor until at present it stands
( in the opinion of a large numl)er of
the most prominent apiarists) at the
liead, unsurpassed by any.

If the Holylands in the short space
of time that they have been tested,
have proven so valuable, what will
be said when they have been given
tlie same advantages with which
American Italians have been fa-
vored ?

The first essential with the majority
of those who call for queens is, that
they be beautiful, and in this regard
we have never seen any bees that
equalled the Holylands, and this
concurs with the opinion of the ma-
jority of those who visit our bee farm.

It is claimed for the Italians that
the test of purity is the showing of
three golden bands or rings on the
anterior portion of the abdomen;
this marking being uniform, both in
the number and color of the bands.

Those who are most familiar with
the importation and breeding of Ital-
ian queens are aware that, as a rule,
queens received from Italy do not
produce workers showing a uniform-
ity of this marking, and are further
aware that, as a rule, the majority of
imported Italian queens prove to be
hybrids.

This comes not alone from the
fact that European queen breeders
do not fully understand queen-rear-
ing, but because the Italian bees are
the production of across between the
dark and yellow races, and if left to
themselves will retrograde, hence, in
order to maintain uniformity of mark-
ings careful selection and breeding
are necessary, which without caution
will lead to in-and-in breeding,

which destroys many other more
valuable traits.

If you want beautiful bees, add to
your best Italian blood the blood of
the Holyland bees, and our word for
it you will be pleased with the re-
sult. In order to prove valuable, our
worker-bees must prove strong, ac-
tive, energetic and correspondingly
gentle. All this we have in the Holy-
lands, and especially in the progeny
of an Italian queen mated with a
Holyland drone.

We are now so confident of the
superiority of the Italian and Holy-
land bees that we propose hereafter
to devote our attention exclusively
to them and to their crosses, with the
assurance that we can thereby do
more toward developing better honey
producing bees than by attempting
to keep so many races pure.

The Carniolans have received con-
siderable attention of late, but the
majority of beekeepers would never
be pleased with them as they show
too much of the black markings and
have a great propensity to swarm.
For these reasons we have discarded
them entirely.

It may be well to enumerate the
requisite qualities which go to make
up the best bee for the honey pro-
ducer and see if we liave in them
those races to which we have given
the preference.

1. They must be a hardy race,
and able to withstand, successfully,
the trying changes and severe winters
of our northern climate.

2. Good breeders; keeping the
hives well supplied with brood and
young bees, from spring to fall, and
even during the most trying portions

178

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

of the season, as success depends
largely on populous colonies.

3. Gentle and quiet in their move-
ments, thus permitting of easy ma-
nipulation, and this without dimin-
ishing their working qualities.

4. (rood honey gatherers, ener-
getic, determined and successful in
their efforts to secure every drop of
precious nectar, which circumstances
will permit, storing and capping the
same in an attractive manner, and
fully as energetic and determined in
protecting their stores and homes
against the invasion of robber bees.

5. Strong and active on the wing,
and capable of making long journeys
when necessary without being ex-
hausted.

6. Long tongued, in order that
they may sip the precious nectar, as
yet inaccessible to the bees, from
the many honey-producing flowers
which now refuse to yield up their
hidden sweets, wasting them on the
summer air ; and, finally, beautifully
and uniformly marked, also duplicat-
ing the above markings, quaUties and
characteristics.

Every one of our readers will ad-
mit that bees passing the above men-
tioned qualities, etc., are all that can
be desired, and it is our purpose to
show that the Holylands and their
crosses with the Italians, or perhaps
the crosses of the Italians with the
Holylands, give us just what is re-
quired.

No race of bees will fly more rap-
idly or farther in search of honey
when necessary, than the Holylands,
nor are any more hardy then they ;
and while not as gentle as some of
our American Italians, yet when

properly managed, we have no diffi-
culty in this wise.

As honey gatherers and breeders
they are not excelled, and woe to
the luckless robber bees which at-
tempt to invade their homes and fall
into their hands.

They have been known to fly (in
Palestine) six and one-half miles to
obtain pasturage. We (as previously
stated) consider them a most beau-
tiful race of bees, although their type
of beauty differs from that of other
races.

We have used bees for queen-rear-
ing from nearly every race, and many
of their crosses, and find that the
Holylands have no superior for this
purpose.

At Beeton, in company with Mr.
Jones, we have witnessed large num-
bers of Holyland bees at work on
the red clover (large heads) when
there was a plentiful flow of white
clover honey, and have known them
to work on forage, in large numbers,
farther from the apiary than the other
races.

Most of our readers are well ac-
([uainted with the qualities of the
Italian bees ; they need no com-
ment.

Our advice to the beginner is to
purchase either the Italian or Holy-
land (those from Syria) or Italians
crossed with Holyland drones. If one
prefers to make his own crosses, it
would be best to secure a Holyland
queen and after obtaining some drones
from her-, mate with the latter some
young queens from his best Italian
stock; but, as a rule, it would be
better to purchase the crosses reared
by some reliable queen breeder.

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

179

And here we wish it jilainly under-
stood, that for just reasons we de-
nounce, as we always have done, the
cheap queen business, and if neces-
sary we can prove by figures (and
figures dont lie), that one cannot de-
vote his time and attention to the
proper care and management of the
queen-rearing apiary and make it pay
to rear first-class queens at the re-
markably low prices at which some
quote them.

For instance, we use a full colony
of bees so populous that we are often
obliged to keep them confined in
two swarming boxes, one not being
large enough, with which to start
twelve to fifteen queen cells. Now we
could start fifty cells with the same
number of bees and have known it
to be done.

Knowing full well that the bees
should not be permitted to complete
over fifteen, we are aware that where
so many cells are completed the ma-
jority must contain poor queens.

We prefer to sell but a few queens
at a fair price rather than to resort to
lamp nurseries, deception, and lower
our prices.

We wish to say, however, that
some of those who sell cheap queens
are conscientious and will give a
good article even though it is at their
own loss, but we are aware that in
this, as in all other vocations and in-
dustries, low prices, as a rule, lead to
deception and degradation of labor
which it is our purpose always and
everywhere to denounce.

EDITORIAL.

It is our puri)ose to be more brief
this month than last, but as the "con-
tinual dropping of the water wears
away the granite," and persistent ag-
itating of any prominent subject
brings it more fully before the people
for consideration, we wish to speak
once again on our favorite theme,
"association work." Already from
north and south, east and west,
comes the inquiry, How shall we
best dispose of our honey.

This has been the theme of bee
talk each fall, and the burden of con-
vention discussion ever since Lang-
stroth, Quinby and Wagner first took
prominent action in these matters.

Does it not seem strange that in
the past twenty or thirty years some
one individual or some party of in-
dividuals could not have solved this
matter ? In spite of the rapid strides
that have been made in England and
Canada in this regard, the beekeep-
ers of the United States stand almost
with folded arms, waiting for some
one to move and then waiting to see
whether he succeeds ere they lift a
hand to assist him.

Some one has said considerable
about jealousy, and here is one of the
reefs on which beekeeping enter-
prises are wrecked. Let an in-
genious apiarist dare to place before
the beekeeping fraternity an inven-
tiouj either patented or unpatented,
and monopoly and individual selfish-
ness at once pounce down upon him,
point the finger back into the dim
vista of the past, to some forgotten,
dust-covered and often worthless
model, resembling his really valuable

180

THE AMERICAN APIGULTURIST.

and practical invention, and then
with thundering words of assump-
tion, denounce him for having dared
to make pubUc his discovery.

There are those who cry down
patents, presumedly ( ?) because
they cannot control them, and then
if, perchance, something does arise
over which they can gain no control,
they do their utmost to damage it
by depreciating its value, a practice
that is only equalled by the wily
stranger, who forgets that your
pocket-book is not his own.

If the beekeepers of America ever
intend to place apiculture on a firm
basis, they must individually put their
shoulders to the wheel and hands
to the plough, and show that they
have some energy and backbone.

There is enough talk about reform
in government to make this country
a paradise, or in temperance, to close
every dram shop ; but just call for a
mustering of the troops who will
stand by the banner, and then look
with sorrow and regret as the talkers
pass into the background, and leave
but a handful of devoted followers.

This appUes to every department
of life, and only when an evil strikes
hard at our own door, and curses our
own home, becoming unbearable to
the majority, any move is made.

Apiculture in this country seems
to be fettered with the chains of
jealousy. If one dares to make an
outcry against any injustice or wrong,
even his very friends shudder with
apprehension, being fully aware that
he will either be treated with silent
scorn and cold neglect, or open
abuse, and, fearing that their individ-
ual interests will be threatened, many

of those who know him to be in the
right, permit him to suffer injury,
rather than gather about him and
sustain the cause on the side of jus-
tice and right.

There must be some reason why
our association work has not pro-
gressed, and why the beekeepers of
this country have no effective organ-
ization.

We do not. and cannot, believe
that it is on account of any lack of
interest on the part of the masses of
beekeepers, as we have always found
them open-hearted, generous and
even enthusiastic.

The trouble is now, and always
has been, that those who should be
the leaders ?£//// not act in harmony.
Why this is so the former must an-
swer.

Of what use is it to produce mil-
lions of pounds of honey if there is
to be a glutted market? This is a
pertinent question, and one that is
often put to us. Our only answer
is that when the beekeepers are
ready to take the proper steps to
create a demand, there will be no
trouble in disposing of ten times the
honey that we now produce.

Make the subject of association
work the theme and burden of your
talk at conventions and among your
neighbors. Keep the matter alive,
agitate it, and ere you are aware,
grand developments will be made in
our association work.

Write to Mr. Thos. G. Newman,
925 West Madison St., Chicago, 111.,
and after securing constitution and
by-laws of the proposed " Beekeep-
ers Union, " join it, and thus form a
nucleus for effective work.

THE AMERICAN APICULTURI8T.

181

NEW OBSERVATIONS ON

THE NATURAL HISTORY

OF BEES.

Bv Fhancis Hubek.

(Continued from p. 156, Vol. III.)

He asserts that there were no
drones in the hive during the course
of the experiment, but although they
were absent the queen laid eggs from
which worms proceeded ; whence he
considers that she is impregnated by
herself.

Reflecting on this experiment, I
did not find it sulSciently accurate.
Males pass with great facility from
hive to hive ; and Hattorf took no
precaution against any being intro-
duced into his. He says, indeed,
there was no male, but is silent re-
specting the means adopted to prove
the fact ; and although he might be
satisfied of no large drone being
present, still a small one might have
escaped his vigilance, and fecundated
the queen. With a view to clear up
the doubt I resolved to repeat his
experiment, in the manner described
by him, and without greater care or
precaution.

I put a virgin queen into a hive,
from which all the males were exclud-
ed, but the bees left at perfect lib-
erty. Several days afterwards I
visited the hive, and found newly
hatched worms in it. Here then was
the same result as Hattorf obtained !
But before deducing the same con-
sequence, we had to ascertain beyond
dispute that no male had entered the
hive. Thus it was necessary to im-
merse the bees, and examine each
separately ; by which operation we
actually found four small males.
Therefore, to render the experiment
decisive, not only was it requisite to
remove all the drones., but also by
some infallible method, to prevent
any from being introduced, which the
German naturalist had neglected.

I prepared to repair this omission

by putting a virgin queen into a hive
from which the whole of the males
were carefully removed ; and to be
physically certain that none could ob-
tain access, a glass tube was adapted
at the entrance of such dimensions
that the working bees could freely
pass and repass, but too narrow for
the smallest male. Matters continued
thus for thirty days ; the workers de-
parting and returning, performed their
usual labours, but the queen re-
mained sterile. At the expiration of
that time her belly was equally slen-
der as at the moment of her origin.
I repeated the experiment several
times, and always with tb.e same re-
sult.

Therefore, as a queen, rigorously
separated from all commerce with
the male, remains sterile, it is evident
she cannot impregnate herself, and
that Hattorf's opinion is ill-founded.

Hitherto, by endeavoring to con-
fute or verify the conjectures of all
the authors who had preceded me,
by new experiments, I had acquired
the knowledge of new facts, but these
were apparently so contradictory as
to render the solution of the prob-
lem still more difficult.

While examining Mr. Debraw's hy-
pothesis I confined a queen in a hive,
from which all the drones were re-
moved ; yet she was fertile. When
considering the opinion of Hattorf,
on the contrary, I put one of whose
virginity I was perfectly satisfied in
the same situation : she remained
sterile.

Embarrassed by so many difficul-
ties, I was on the point of abandon-
ing the subject of my researches,
when at length on more attentive re-
flection, I thought these contradic-
tions might arise from experiments
made indifferently on virgin queens,
with whose history I was not acquaint-
ed from the origin, and which per-
haps had been fecundated unknown
to me.

\^To be continued.'\

182

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

EXPERIMENTAL
BEE FARM NOTES.

With us the past month has been
an unusually busy one and the call
for queens in connection with sub-
scriptions has alone even almost
enough to give us but little time for
rest or study which has obliged us to
defer the carrying out of many of
our plans and projects until the rush
of the queen business is over. We
have been very fortunate this season
in rearing first-class queens and while
we have shipped large numbers of
them yet we have had but three or
four complaints as regards the im-
purity of the queens and we have
no hesitancy in stating that we never
saw a better collection of breeding
stock than we now have at the Api-
culturist Bee Farm.

A short time since we shipped to
a party in California one lot of fifty
queens, twenty-five of which were
young Italian queens mated with Ho-
lyland (Syrian) drones and twenty-
five young Holyland (Syrian) queens
mated with Italian drones. We
have handled thousands of queens,
and with our superintendent, Mr.
Alley (who is authority on queens),
we can truthfully say that we never
before saw as many fine and uni-
formly marked queens packed and
shipped in one lot.

By the time that this number of
our journal reaches our subscribers
every order for queens will have been
filled and we shall have at least 500
queens in nuclei which will enable us
to fill orders for Holyland (Syrian)
and Italian queens promptly.

While many disparaging and un-
favorable reports concerning the
Holyland (Syrian) bees have ap-
peared in the various bee publica-
tions, yet those who will procure
one of our home-bred Holyland
(Syrian) queens will find them all
and even more than we claim for
them and now is the time to give

them a fair trial and thorough testing
before winter comes.

About June 25th we made up a
large number of nucleus colonies
(standard frame). We used eight-
frame hives containing two frames
filled with brood and six frames
filled with unwired foundation. We
then added to each, a young laying
cjueen and about two quarts of bees
that had just completed a lot of
([ueen cells.

These colonies now have every
comb well filled with brood and have
several quarts of bees clustering on
the hive fronts. With us the nucleus
system of increase is far preferable
to that of natural swarming.

Our apiary has been damaged
more than $100.00 worth this season
on account of the utmost insane de-
sire to swarm with which our bees were
possessed. During the swarming
season we were very busy and had
carelessly neglected to supply every
colony with a drone trap ; the result
being that, suddenly, colonies that
contained some of our choice breed-
ing queens, and those from which we
had no reason to expect that swarms
would issue, sent forth their first
swarms and being unprovided with
traps had everything their own way
for a time.

The "Whitman Fountain I'ump"
paid us many times its cost this sea-
son and proved a "friend in the
time of need." One forenoon a
swarm issued from one of our colo-
nies and settled on one of the topmost
branches of a high tree ; almost im-
mediately swarm number two poured
out from another hive and. mingled
with swarm number one. Our friend,
the fountain pump, was brought into
play and the cluster was thoroughly
drenched with water ; but to our dis-
may ere the bees had become quiet,
swarm number three issued from
another hive and you may be assured
that there was "fun ahead" for a
short time. However by keeping
those that had clustered thoroughly

THE AMERICAN APIGULTURIST.

183

drenched and pouring a constant
stream of water into swarm number
three, we at last compelled the latter
to cluster within ten feet of the former
and as soon as they became quiet we
secured the bees in separate swarm-
ing boxes, caged the queens and
cared for the bees.

We had no trouble however where
the colonies were provided with drone
traps. No apiarist should be without
a good fountain pump and we have
seen none that equals the "Whitman."

Absconding swarms can, as a rule,
be compelled to alight by the dis-
charge in their midst of a loaded gun
filled with fine shot. This has often
been tested by John J. Gould, of
Ipswich, Mass. It might be well
where a large number of colonies
are kept to keep a loaded gun ready
for use. Perhaps, however, some of
our readers have a safer and more
simple and effective method for pre-
venting the swarms from absconding.
If so we would be pleased to publish
any orignal method that they may
choose to send us.

We are having wonderful success
with our new "combination nursery
and introducing cage" (the invention
of Mr. Alley).

Out of the hundreds of virgin
and fertile queens that we are con-
stantly introducing hardly one is lost.
This is the only perfect, simple and
practical introducing cage that we
have ever known and every apiarist
should have at least one nursery
filled with these cages for use in his
apiary. Its uses are many and dur-
ing the swarming season every choice
swarming cell can be saved and the
young queens cared for until they
can be used and this with but little
trouble or expense.

We have in our apiary a number
of queens that are well worth ^50.00
each, and our superintendent says
that the hatching bees in the nuclei
show that we have shipped several
hundred queens equally as good as
those that we now have.

Some of our colonies have already
stored upwards of one hundred
pounds of honey this season and
Mr. Alley says that during his exper-
ience of twenty-seven years in bee-
keeping he has never but once before
known them to do as well. Our su-
perintendent, and indeed all those
who have visited our bee farm, agree
in the statement that they have never
seen a larger or finer collection of
queen bees than we now have on
hand. This may seem to be strong
language but it is a fact that we
would be pleased to demonstrate to
to all those who choose to favor us
with a visit.

We are continually receiving tes-
timonials even stronger than the
statements that we have made and
it is a pleasure to us to know that
the queens and goods shipped by us
are giving universal satisfaction. We
propose to furnish only first-class
queens and goods.

We are receiving the same ques-
tions over and over again regardingthe
care and introduction of fertile and
virgin queens, but as brief answers
are not enough, we advise all those
who wish to become conversant with
the rearing and care of queen bees
to purchase "Alley's Handy Book,"
third edition, as it is "authority" on
all such questions. The work is for
sale at this office at $1.50 per copy.

Occasionally, a customer ^vrites
that his queen "was successfully in-
troduced but does not lay." The
fact is, the queen was not success-
fully introduced, but was stung when
liberated from the cage.

When this is the case the queen
to all appearances is all right as there
are no marks of the sting. In a few
days, however, she will be missing,
and queen cells are started.

With the most explicit directions
there are those who ?<;'/// lose queens
when introducing them, and one
/iii/sf become acquainted with the
habits of the bees ere he thoroughly
understands why these things are so.

184

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

The essentials of the successful in-
troduction of queens are these : —

The bees must of course be queen-
less ; and the bees and queen to be
introduced must become thoroughly
acquainted and scented alike ere the
latter is liberated. At the time when
the queen is liberated the bees must
be undisturbed, in order that neither
the queen nor bees may become ex-
cited or frightened.

Some parties claim that even where
a fertile or laying queen is to be in-
troduced the colony should be queen-
less at least three days ere the new
queen is given them. This, in our
experience, we have proven beyond
dispute is not necessary, and further
we find the loss in introduction smaller
where the laying queens are intro-
duced or liberated by the bees within
forty-eight hours after the old queen
has been removed, than where the
colony remains queenless three days.

With virgin queens, however, the
three days' method is the only safe
one.

About three weeks since, we sowed
a piece of silver hull buckwheat and
now it is in bloom which to us seems
like a rapid growth. We have sown
in all three acres of buckwheat for
our pasturage.

We have been examining the Cle-
thra alnifolia (swamp alder) which is
found in abundance along the roads
near the lake, and in the swamps
near our apiaries, and it has proven
so valuable as a honey plant, yielding
such rich, beautifully colored and fine-
ly flavored honey that we propose to
surround our whole estate (eight
acres) with a double hedge of it,
and also use it for shade in our apiary.

Towards the last of August and
early in September, especially in sec-
tions where buckwheat is abundant,
a few swarms may lie expected to is-
sue.

The wise apiarist will, as a rule,
remove or destroy the cells and re-
turn the bees to the hive from which
they came, because if the weather is

not very favorable, and the fall flow-
ers abundant, late swarming will
prove the destruction of both the old
and young colonies, as it is so late
in the season that sufficient young
bees cannot be reared to keep up
the proper temperature during win-
ter.

In some cases, and especially
where one wishes to save the cells, it
is well to keep the old colony queen-
less three days, remove the cells to
the "nursery" and then introduce
the old queen, or any other, as per
method given elsewhere.

We have been overworked thus
far this season, but we are looking
forward with pleasant anticipation to
the time when we shall be able to
carry out the many plans that we are
maturing to make this department
many times more valuable and in-
structive both to the expert and nov-
ice than it now is.

CORRESPONDENCE.

NEW YORK AND FLORIDA.

As the earth slowly approaches
the great winter, as known among
astronomers, our summers continu-
ally grow shorter until a few hundred
years hence, spring and fall will
pass insensibly from one to the
other without any summer at all.
Those that become interested in the
vicissitudes of the weather observe
our seasons gradually changing
enough to be noticeable in a very
few years, as we have late springs and
earlier falls, which will make it nec-
essary for even the hardiest plants
in the vegetable kingdom to grow
spontaneously. Also it is materially
affecting the successful survival of
our pets (the bees), which in time
will become extinct in the north, like
the mastodon of a past tertiary j)e-

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

185

riod, and the ancient dodo of ceno-
zoic time.

The most careful management
and application of modern science
are necessary to carry them through
from fall until warm weather and
flowers again appear, as proven year
after year by those who make bee-
keeping an exclusive study and busi-
ness. The yield of honey from
maple, willows and all early blossoms
was very profuse. The bees worked
finely when the weather was warm,
which has been seldom the case dur-
ing the past month. In Herkimer
county the small apiarists have been
unsuccessful in wintering their bees,
and what have survived will be in
poor condition for the clover and
linden bloom later.

Our yard, wintered in Herkimer
county, commenced the month of
May with just bees enough to keep
brooding nicely, and as all the colo-
nies had young, vigorous queens,
they soon commenced gaining in
numbers, although too reduced to
gather much surplus honey. The
first week of May was cold, but was
followed by a warm spell of a few
days ; then cold and desolate the
rest of the month. The reader who
is interested in the Florida enter-
prise will note the condition of the
bees of New York, and compare
the result with that of those brought
from Florida, and put in the same
yard.

During the summer and fall of
1883-84, the idea was first presented
to me to take bees to South Florida
to winter, and increase them exten-
sively, so as to have no loss in win-
tering, and have all strong with young
vigorous bees to take advantage of
our numerous spring flowers. After
corresponding extensively with the
permanent beekeepers of the south,
information in regard to swarming
in March, and the abundant bloom
during the month, made it a point
worthy of investigation, so, taking
one colony and sailing from New
16

York, December ist, we confined
our attention most minutely to all
things pertaining to successful move-
ing en route between New York and
Florida. Our investigations led us
to believe that it was worthy of a
trial on a larger scale.

As before stated, in Jan. No. "Api"
we took sixty colonies and started
Nov. 10 from New York state and
arrived at Sanford in good condition.

Here is where our experiment
commences. Every step to be
taken was a step in the dark not
knowing the extent of southern
bloom in swamps, temperature, etc.

During the month of December it
was hot and sultry. The bees car-
ried pollen and juice from the orange,
but not much honey. Robbing was
going on every day if any honey or
combs were left exposed. The
queens, however, started brood in
two and three combs, and everything
promised finely. By looking at the
temperature given heretofore, you
will observe that the months of Jan-
uary and February were decidedly
cold, averaging for the two months
only 55° and 54° with a variation of
58° in seven hours. Now, my ideas
of keeping bees south was to keep
them cool, so I made one great mis-
take by leaving the top of frames
exposed, with nothing but a thin
cover, one inch from the frames,
and the result was disastrous. While
aware they were too cold, I kept
neglecting it daily, expecting warm
weather again, so the month of Jan-
uary passed and the bees had been
consuming the stores given them
upon their arrival and became much
reduced in strength.

During February there was no im-
provement in temperature, and a very
poor month ; for, with the scarcity of
bloom and dampness, none but those
under favorable circumstances im-
proved during the month. During
March they improved rapidly and
many that belonged in the south
swarmed. But mine did not com-

186

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

mence until April to show indications
of swarming, and by the first of May
we had divided and had four to seven
sheets of brood each. The orange
bloom had passed.

Our time had come to return
north. The grape was about to
bloom and the palmetto was attract-
ing the bees' attention with a fair
promise of having our hives filled
with loose honey. So we secured
all weak combs with transfer sticks
and put four sheets of brood and
bees and three empty frames in a
light shipping case with just honey
enough to last the bees during the
journey. Then we put four hives in
a crate which made a very neat pack-
age, weighing about one hundred
pounds providing the bees with
abundant ventilation. Thus crated,
they were more easily cared for during
transit.

On May 6, 1885, we started from
Sanford, Fla., via St. Johns river to
Jacksonville, S. F. & W. R. R. to
Savannah, and by the O. S. S. Co.
of Savannah to New York, where we,
with our bees, arrived on the loth
after a very successful journey. Our
loss was three out of one hundred
and twenty, which was caused by
suffocation during our journey from
Albany to Herkimer. The rest were
just perfect, no dead bees in hives,
and the hives full to overflowing with
young bees, which upon being lib-
erated upon the maple bloom imme-
diately commenced to build great
sheets of combs in the extra frames
and filled the hive with honey while
those that were wintered north could
only secure enough to keep them
from starving owing to their reduced
state.

Now the question, Does it pay?
Taking into consideration the time,
expense, and uncertainty of such an
undertaking, with the success that ac-
companied my experiment, I should
say no. But much is to be devel-
oped in making it more interesting
in a financial point of view. First,

when bees are taken south it should
be done that they may take advan-
tage of the early flow of honey in
October which will give them suffi-
cient stores to last during the winter
months which are December, January,
and February. Second, all colonies
to give the best results should have
abundant food, say twenty pounds
each, to consume during those
months. Third, all colonies should
be kept warm and cosy during this
time and not disturbed any more
than is strictly necessary. Bees un-
der those conditions will be strong
enough to swarm as soon as the
orange commences to bloom and the
wideawake southern beekeeper can
rear his choice queens and get in
fine shape before the dragon fly ap-
pears ?

Chas. G. Ferris.
Coluvihia, N. K, June i, 1885.

" Ox-cow " QUEEN BEES.^

Mr. Editor : — I was a keeper
of bees, and not without enthusiasm,
for some eighteen years, from about
the year 1840. I read every book
on the subject that I could obtain,
and most earnestly and carefully
studied the ways and habits of this
fascinating insect, in my dozen hives.
Much less was then known than now,
and the hives then used were less
favorable to the investigator than
those with the movable frames, now
affording so satisfactory facilities to
the apiarian student and manipulator.
Nevertheless, something was learned
by use of book and hive, and the ex-
perience of others, and I ventured,
after a while, to write and deliver a
lecture on the " Habits and Manage-
ment of the Honey Bee." Among
the places at which it was read was

' While visiting Mr. Oliver a short time
Rinoe, he referred lis to ihis paper on the
"Ox-Cow " queen beew which we have repro-
duced from the A. B. J. of 187«, to show what
advances have been made since the time re-
ferred to by the writer.— Ed.]

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

187

the Representatives' Hall of the State
House in Boston, before the Massa-
chusetts State Agricultural Society, a
portion of the lecture being devoted
to the anomalous, but now univer-
sally known, fact that bees when de-
prived of their queen or mother-bee
will, by some process or means as
yet unexplained, so operate upon a
worm or larva, that left untouched,
would become a worker or barren
female, as to render her organs of
reproduction fertile, the change pro-
duced even affecting her shape and
size, as well as her after habits of
hfe.

A writer in the Maine Farmer
made a report (though with some
inaccuracies) of my remarks, caUing
them " new, interesting, and instruct-
ive ;" but very soon afterwards the
editor of a Portland, Me., paper,
under date of April ii, 1842, as-
sailed both lecture and lecturer with
a savagely severe and denunciatory
criticism, calling the former "a bun-
gling piece of nonsense, of a con-
temptible sort, and full of absurd
statements," and declaring the latter
to be " wholly ignorant of the sub-
ject upon which he undertook to en-
ligliten others." Specially severe
was he upon my statement that a
queen bee can be manufactured out
of the worm of a working bee or neu-
ter. " The thing is as impossible,"
he added, " as it would be to make
a cow out of an ox" and " nothing
can exceed the contemptible folly of
book-worms in the silly stories of the
ancients about making queen bees
out of workers." What ancient
writers treat of this subject the critic
did not say. I made no reply to
this onslaught preferring to be
guided by Solomon's advice (Prov.
xxvi : 4), and to let time determine
truth.

This reminiscence came to my
mind as I stood, a few days since, in
the apiary of Mr. H. Alley, in Wen-
ham, Mass., and witnessed the won-
derfully skilful and truly scientific

operations of this most expert bee-
keeper. He makes a business of
breeding queens, selling them when
ready for market, and sending them
in little boxes adapted to the purpose,
to purchasers in all parts of the coun-
try. He and many other apiarists
are actually accomplishing the thing
declared to be "as impossible as to
make a cow out of an ox." He has,
this very centennial year, sent to cus-
tomers more than 750 of these "ox-
cow " queens, and will sell more
before the close of the season.

As is well known, the Italian bees,
imported into the United States about
fifteen years since, are the favorite of
very many of the present bee masters.
They were not known here in my bee-
keeping days (1840 to 1 858), we hav-
ing the English bee imported by the
early colonists, a much more pugna-
cious insect, and said to be less ac-
cumulative of honey than the Italian,
while the Italian queen is said to be
more prolific of eggs, and therefore
a hive of Italian is more densely
peopled than a hive of English bees.

I well remember how difficult it
was, in former days, for those who
knew only the English bee, to under-
stand the poet Virgil's description of
the queen, he, however, erroneously
calling it the king. I translate the
passage from his Fourth Georgic :

Glowing with yellow scales and daz-
zling hue,

His body marked with golden bauds
we view —

If safe this King, one mind abides in
all—

If lost, in discord dire and feuds they
fall;

Destroy their work, waste all their
gathered store.

Dissolve all bonds, nor are a nation
more.

If he but live ruling the glowing hive,

All are content, the fertile race survive.

Him they admire, with joyful hum sur-
round,

While labor thrives and honeyed sweets
abound.

Now we know that the poet's king
is a queen, or more truly a fertile

188

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

mother-bee, and taking the Italian
bee, of which Virgil wrote 2,000
years ago, she has a yellotv body and
not a b/ack one like the ordinary queen
of the English and American hives.
I was very much rejoiced when I
first saw an Itahan queen, seeing by
the facilities afforded in Mr. Alley's
apiary more cjueens in a single hour
than I had seen in all my own bee-
keeping experience. It was a real
apiarian revelation, and I only re-
gretted that it had not come to me
at an earlier day, when fitting boys
for college, I encountered this des-
cription by Virgil, then wholly ob-
scure and inexplicable.

I do not now recall any explana-
tion of the difficulty by any annotator
of the Georgics, even Martyn, the
learned Professor of Botany in
the University of Cambridge (Eng-
land), in his admirable translation
(1740-41), being wholly silent on
the subject. Now, Virgil's descrip-
tion is intelhgible, as well as wholly
accurate. Henry K. Oliver.^

Salem, Mass., June 11.

ON LOSS AND SAVING OF HONEY
COMB.

Ed. Am. Apiculturist.

It is a mystery to many tvhy
good clean honey comb is worth from
two to four dollars per pound. Now,
my dear reader, let m.e say it is true
that it takes twenty-five pounds of
clean, nice honey to make a pound
and a quarter of comb ; Hkewise it
takes from fifteen to twenty days,
precious time, for the bees to secrete
and make the above amount of comb.
It is also true that a good swarm of
bees will gather from five to twenty
pounds of honey each day when the
flowers secrete most bountifully. So
you see that this will make at least a
hundred pounds of a clear loss.
Whereas, if we will save our l)cst
combs, we can use them by putting

' The sad intoUijrence comes to us this
moruiug, (Aug. 13) of Mr. Oliver's dcutli.

them in our movable frame hives
and save all this loss, as well as
keep our bees in a better condition
ready for their winter quarters. It is
not worth my while to enter into a
mathematical calculation, for be you
reader, who you may, I say make
your own calculation, and see what
you can sell a pound of wax for and
subtract it from fifty pounds of honey
at twenty-five cents per pound, which
makes a difference of $12.25 ^^^^
you have your loss told, after you have
your pay for wax at twenty-five cents
per pound ; and yet we often find
many beekeepers melting their prec-
ious combs into wax, that should be
utilized in a different way, and saved
for future use.

J. M. Hicks.
Battle Ground P. O., Indiana.

NOTES AND QUERIES.

— -A certain party seems terribly
troubled now that the "lamp nursery"
is doomed, because it cannot be
shown that all parties who invent
queen-nurseries copied their ideas
from the "Jewell Davis" nursery.
What a pity that they did not learn,
ere this, that the "Jewell Davis" nur-
sery was practical and useful. An-
other case of "dog in the manger."

— The editor of one of our bee-
journals states that " Mr. Benton has
had the largest experience of any
breeder in shipping bees by mail,
and that he is having the best success
in shipping queens long distances.

The party making this assertion
is well aware that Mr. Benton was
never heard of as a queen breeder
until within a few years, and this same
editor knows that there are a large
number of queen breeders in this
country who have shipped quanti-
ties of queens where Mr. Benton has
shipped one.

We have in our possession the
cages that Mr. Benton sent to the

THE AMERICAN APIGULTURIST.

189

Northeastern Beekeepers' conven-
tion for examination, and Mr. Alley
has shown us that they are almost
identical with that used by him over
twenty years ago, the difference being
that while Mr. Benton uses sugar and
honey for food, Mr. Alley used honey
in a sponge. The success obtained
by Mr. Benton is no more remark-
able than that of Mr. Alley and many
others, who have had extended ex-
perience. " Honor to whom honor
is due."

— That pollen is an article of food
with the worker bees, and even nec-
essary to their welfare, seems to be
a settled fact with the majority of
experienced "bee doctors."

— The editor of the " Canadian
Bee Journal makes rather a sweeping
and unqualified statement in the
late issue of his journal, and one
which we fear might prove mislead-
ing to many readers. He says : "We
find no more trouble in introducing
virgin queens than we do in intro-
ducing fertile ones. We simply
cage them on combs for about twenty-
four hours, and then release them."

If said party will, during a period
when there is a scarcity of honey,
remove the laying queens from sev-
eral full colonies, and cage upon the
sides of combs virgin queens (Cy-
prian especially) five days old, so
arranged that they will be released
within twenty- four hours, he will
find more trouble than he reports.

Again, if he will remove laying
queens from fertilizing nuclei (when
no honey is coming in, or in fact at
most any period) and then attempt
to introduce virgin queens five days
old, he will be less confident in his
assertions. It is oftentimes trouble-
some for the expert to introduce vir-
gin queens, and we wonder at our
friend's statements.

— For a short time we offer the
following inducement to those who

are willing to work for us, and those
who wish to obtain with but little
trouble a choice queen.

To any person who sends us a
club of five new subscribers either at
^i.oo each, or at any of the club
offers, we will make a present of
one of our choice selected queens.
In order that you will understand
our offer we will cite an instance.

If five of your neighbors should
choose to take advantage of our offer
of the " Apiculturist," for one year
with a choice queen for $1.50, and
you should send us their addresses
and $7.50, we would make you a
present of a choice queen. Any
member of the club can, however,
take advantage of either of the club
offers that he may choose.

This is a splendid opportunity
for you to try our stock of queens.

— We have been issuing 5000
copies per month since April, and
we invite advertisers to give our col-
umns a trial.

— To all persons wishing to pro-
cure a cheap but a practical bee-
smoker for use where one has but a
few colonies, we can heartily recom-
mend the " Clark smoker," illustrated
in our June number. It is all that
can be desired for the object for
which it is designed, and no one can
afford to do without a smoker when
one can be procured for 35 cents.

— We have just received from Mr.
Cornell the specimens referred to in
his article and shall make a micro-
scopical examination of them.

We trust that each party to whom
they are sent will examine them
carefully, sending us for puljlication
such reports as they may deem best,
as this is an important matter and
one that should be decided posi-
tively and conclusively.

Mr. Cornell will please accept
thanks for the favor so kindly shown
us in the course that he has taken.

190

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

— To all parties who send us ^1.50
for the "Apiculturist "one year, and
one of our choice golden yellow
queens, we offer the following guaran-
tee.

We agree, that if these queens do
not prove pure or what we recom-
mend them to be, we will either re-
place them or return 75 cts. in cash.

We are shipping just such queens,
as selected queens, by every mail at
gi.50 each. Subscribe at once for
the " Apiculturist " and secure one
of the finest queens that you ever
saw.

Sample copies mailed to any ad-
dress free.

— For the rest of the season we will
send with each queen one of our new
combination nursery and introducing
cages together with careful directions
for introducing the queens.

To any old subscriber we will send
one of these choice queens for $1.00.

— Now is the best time in the year
to introduce queens and get your
colonies in proper condition before
winter comes. Colonies that have not
shown as much vigor as they ought
should be reqneened. Remove all
old and inferior queens and replace
them with young and vigorous ones.

The colony having a prolific queen
will, as a rule, store from 25 to 100
pounds of surplus honey, while that
with a poor queen will store but litrie
if any. A good young queen will pay
200 per cent on her cost and it is a
good investment to secure a $1.25
queen.

— The following list of county Vice-
Presidents was omitted from our re-
ports of the N. E. B. Convention :—
Albany county, H. W. Garrett ; Alle-
gany county, F. A. Bunnell ; Broome,
I. L. Schofield ; Cattaraugus, M. L.
Langmade ; Chautauqua, W. T. Falk-
ner; Cayuga, J. E. Murphy; Che-
nango, L. E. St. John; Clinton, S.
O. La Bounty ; Cortland, G. F. Ful-
ler ; Delaware, J. D.Smith ; Dutchess,
J.N. Knickerbocker; Erie, D. A.

Parmeter ; Essex, H. Moses ; Frank-
lin, L. N.Wright; Fulton, George
Vanhostrand ; Genesee, J. E. Moore ;
Greene, A. L. Green ; Rockland, A.
J. Chapman ; St. Lawrence, R. F.
Barber ; Saratoga, E. Pierce ; Schen-
ectady, I. G. Quinby ; Schoharie,
S. Vroman ; Schuyler, H. C. Stow-
ell ; Seneca, O. G. Smith ; Sullivan,
O. F. Winter ; Tioga, L. Brown ;
Tompkins, A. J. Chapman ; Ulster,
John E. Van Etten : Steuben, H.
Stevens ; Warren, O. F. Dean ;
Washington, J. H. Martin ; Wayne,
Mrs. L. C. Russell ; Herkimer, P. H.
Elwood ; Jefferson, O. D. Whitcomb ;
Kings, T. O. Peet; Lewis, H. N.
Waters ; Livingston, L. Densmore :
Madison, F. L. Smith ; Monroe, Nel-
son Tenny ; Montgomery, C. C. Van
Deusen ; New York, L. J. King ;
Niagara, George Wright ; Oneida,
W. E. Clark; Onondaga, A. H.
Marks ; Ontario, William Barriman ;
Orange, A. H. Cooly ; Oswego, A.
E. Sheldon ; Otsego, H. T. Smith ;
Putnam, C. Gallup.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWEES.

QUKSTIONS BY THK EDITOR.

1. Suppose that a party who is
a novice in beekeeping has an apiary
of l)laclv bees and wishes to Italianize
a portion or Ihewliole of liis colonies;
what would you advise as the clieapest,
safest and best method of iloin.u- this?

2. In introducinii; queen bees, either
laying or virgin, what dangers are
there and how may they be avoided?

3. Why is it that a virgin queen is
not so readily accepted by the bees as
is a laying one?

4. What difl'erence, if any, is there
between the quuens of tiie different
race as regards the matter of introduc-
ing them to strange colonies?

5. Is there any diifereuce between
the bees of the diflVrent races as re-
gards their accepting any queen that
may be given them?

6. Ifyou wish to introduce queens
when the bees are getting no honey,
do you proceed any differently than at
other times? If so, please state how.

THE AMERICAN APICULTURI8T.

191

ANSWEKS BY J. E. POND, JR.

1. The cheapest, safest and best
way to Italiauize an apiary, by a nov-
ice, would be to purchase dollar queeus
from some reliable breeder, aud ex-
change them for the blacks.

In case his apiary is so far distant
from other black bees, that there is no
chance for cross-mating, he can by
studying "Alley's Beekeepers' Handy
Book," learn to rear queens for him-
self.

2. The chief danger is that such
queens will not be accepted, but in-
stead thereof killed. Workers, by
some mysterious intuition, know
strange queens at once, aud imme-
diately on finding tliem in the hive,
strive to murder them. It would re-
quire a large amount of space to ex-
plain how the dangers attendant upon
introducing a strange queen may be
avoided, and in fact as yet there has
been no absolutely safe method by
which such introducing can be done.

3. Any answer to this question
would be wholly theoretical. Probably,
however, by some peculiar intuition,
a fecundated queen can be distin-
guished from one tliat is unfecundated.
They will accept the fecundated queen,
because they probably know that the
very life of the colony depends upon
her; while the unfecundated queen
will be of no use for a number of days,
aud perhaps not at all; guesses are in
order, and I shall look with interest
lor guesses from others.

4. I have not been able as yet to
discover any difference, but my exper-
ience has only been with Italians, Sy-
rians, Carniolans, blacks and crosses
between them.

I have found at times that a queen
would have been accepted with joy
had she behaved herself, aud I am of
opinion that as much of the trouble is
owing to the queen as to the workers.

5. I have found no difference in the
bees so far as regards the different
races, I do find though that very young-
bees accept a strange queen readily,
while older ones require considerable
coaxing before they will do so.

G. Yes, I feed liberally prior to the
introduction, during the time while the
introduction is taking place, and for
some days after she has been probably
accepted. My experience has taught
me that it is not safe to open a hive
for three or four days after a strange
queen has been let loose among the
l)ees, and the lesson so taught has
been very strongly impressed upon me,

by losing several flue queens, said
losses having been caused by opening
the hive immediately after the queen
has been uncaged, owing as I suppose
to the timidity of the queens, causing
them to act as strangers when ilis-
turbed by opening the hive before they
were famiharized with it.
Foxhoro, Mass.

ANSWKRS BY HENRY ALLEY.

1. Purchase first-class queens of
some reliable dealer.

2. No danger whatever when the
proper method is adopted for introduc-
ing them.

3. Did not know that bees would
not accept one queen as readily as an
other, when certain conditions were
observed.

4 & 5. None whatever.

6. I use the same method for intro-
ducing queens at all seasons of the
year. In all cases I prefer the three
days plan, that is, leave the colony
queenless three days before introduc-
ing the queen aud success is sure to be
the result.

Wenham, Mass.

QUESTIONS BY MR. R. D. AVERY.

1. Which are the best bees for work-
ing on the red clover?

2. What is the average amount of
comb honey produced by an average
colony (either Italian or native) of
bees during an average season?

3. How many colonies of bees can
one manage properly for comb honey?

ANSWERS BY EDITOR.

1. In our opinion the Holy Land
(Syrian) bees.

2. This depends on anumber of con-
ditions ami circumstances.

If you have a buckwheat locality
you may get more honey from the na-
tive bees than from the Italians from
that source, though tlie difference will
not be very great.

The average amount of honey col-
lected in an apiary of bees depends
largely on the amount of pasturage and
the skill of the apiarist. Where there is
but little pasturage for ihe bees, the
average can be increased largely by
sowing Bokhara clover or setting out
prickly comfrey and other honey-pro-
ducing plants.

In our opinion it will pay well to
provide artificial pasturage for the bees
where it is lacking.

3. This also depends largely on the

192

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

skillofthe apiarist and hisknowledge of
beelieeping. We should say from one
hundred to one hundred and tifty colo-
nies, and yet there are those who man-
age much larger apiaries successfully.

If during the busy season one has a
boy to assist with the lighter work
and to do the running about, a much
larger number of colonies can be cared
for tlian where one is obliged to do all
the work alone.

One great help in this regard is to
have every implement and all fixtures
arranged systematically and handily;
this saves much valuable time.

LETTER BOX.

Charleston. S. C, June 8, 1885.
Mr. S. M. Locke.

Dear Sir : I wrote you on Saturday
asking if you had forgotten me, and
tliis A. M. comes the Volume of the Ap-
iculturist for '83-4.

It is really an addition to my A pi-
cultural Library and the only wonder
is how you can furnisli it and the cur-
rent year's at the low price of 01.75.
Have you not over cropped yourself?

You may keep back ray numbers for
several months, if you will only guar-
antee, when they do come, that they
will be as valuable as your April and
May consolidated number. Mr. Che-
shire's opening essay was worth all I
ever paid you. I anticipate much pleas-
ure in studying over Vols. I and II
which I have not had time to do up to
this moment. S. C. Boylston.

Macon, Ga., June 28, 1885.
Gentlemen :
I wrote to you one week ago, and in
consequence of its contents, will now
state that the queen has got to work
and is the handsomest bee queen I ever
laid my eyes on. I am much pleased
with your dealings. You will hear from
me again. J. T. SrKoiiEUY.

Dkar Sir :

I write to inform you of the safe ar-
rival by mail of the back numbers of
the "Apiculturist" and also (much
to my pleasure) of the beautiful look-
ing queen which you sent.

I am much impressed with the
promptness and neatness with which
you fill your orders and altiioiigh a be-
ginner in the science of beekeeping I
hope to patronize you to the extent of
my needs. W. E. Li,f)Yi).

liapidan, Va.
Yours of the 1st inst. just received.
Thanks very much for your kindness
in answering my questions. I will
send you $1.50 lor renewal of Ameri-
can Apiculturist and queen as soon as
I have time. I will also get some
queens of you in August.

R. R. CUYLER.

Christiansburg, Kij-, July 10, 1885.

The honey season is
over here and was the poorest since
1882; the white clover bloom as plen-
tiful and lasted as long as usual but the
weather was unfavorable to the secre-
tion of nectar. The rainfall has been
unusually light, succeeded by a cool
spell at least once a week during the
white clover harvest. North and east
winds have prevailed much of the time,
and we never get much honey when
tiie winds blow from those quarters.
What honey we have secured is of ex-
cellent quality.

Bees liave not been up to rousing
colonies this season as tliey usually
do. Queen-rearing on a large scale has
simply been out of the question.

From about seventy-five colonies I
have had but one swarm. This fact
alone tells the story about our poor sea-
son. When the season is good here
swarming is the greatest drawback.

We got about one-fourth of a full
crop this season. G. W. Demaree.

Arlington Heights, June 18, 1885.
We have had since the tenth of May
a most extraordinary season for bees.
Colonies that were weak in spring have
built up strong in the shortest time that
I ever knew them. They are throwing
off large swarms and have been for ten
"days, iully a month earlier than for two
years. All the flora has secreted a
great deal of honey thus far and clover
and linden are going to blossom pro-
fusely. Bees wintered poorly in wes-
tern U.S.; fully one-half died from
bee cholera and starvation, but every-
thing looks favorable for good increase
and a full crop of honey.

Frank C. Bicnedict.

Harford, Pa., June 23, 1885.
Dear Sir : I received your book.
Vols. I and II, a few days since and am
well pleased with it. I think those that
buy it will wish to continue their sub-
scriptions and have them all bound.
They are useful and instructive.

W. J. LowRY, M. D.

The American Apiculturist

% loitrnal htMtii to MmMc mxb f ractrtal gcektfpmg.

ENTERED AT THE POST-OFFICE, SALEM, AS SECOXD-CLASS MATTER.

Published Monthly. S. M. Locke & Co., Publishers & PropVs.

VOL. III. WENHAM, MASS., SEPTEMBER 15, iJ

No. 9.

SUBSCRIPTION PRICES.

$1.00 per year, payable in advance. Sent
on trial three months for 35 cts., six months
for 60 cts.

Advertising Rates :— 15 cents per line of
space each insertion.

A line of this type will admit about? words
One inch will contain twelve lines.

Transient Advertisements must be paid for
in advance.

Those wishing special rates will please
correspond with the Editor.

When sending money make all postal notes
and money orders payable at the Salem,
Mass., Post Office.

All communications should be addressed
to S. M. Locke & Co., Wenham, Mass.

FOREIGN NOTES.

By Arthur Todd.

The British Bee Journal, owing to
the death of the editor, the Rev. H.
H.Peel, has sustained a severe loss,
inasmuch as this gentleman was one
of England's most earnest and en-
lightened beekeepers. Fortunately
there is one man in England emi-
nently capable to assume the respon-
sible duties of the position tendered
to him, and happily accepted. It
is T. W. Cowan, Esq. The an-
nouncement of his acceptance of the
part of editor to the B. B. J. is hailed
with satisfaction, for in his hands the
interests of beekeepers will be se-
cured, and it is expected that the
17

Journal, and the objects which it
has been established to support, will
under his direction receive a fresh
impulse from his extensive and prac-
tical knowledge.

For many years, Mr. Cowan has
occupied the foremost position
among British beekeepers. Many
years ago, great attention was drawn
to his exhibit of 120 lbs. of comb
honey from one stock of bees, the
result having been accomphshed by
his plan of getting his stock strong
in the spring, selecting young queens
and judiciously spreading the brood,
He has given great attention to the
construction of the hive, and the
" Cowan " hive is now well known
and employed in England. It is, I
understand, a modification of the
''Woodbury," and "Stewarton"
hives. Mr. Cowan has paid great
attention to the perfection of honey
extractors, making three different
kinds and sizes, now well known in
England under the names of the
" Amateur," the " Rapid " and tlie
" Automatic."

Mr. Cowan is an authority on bee
matters, has compiled works thereon,
notably: '-The Beekeepers' Note
Book;" "Wintering Bees;" and
"Tlie British Beekeepers' Guide
Book " which latter has met with a
surprising success, having passed six
editions in four years, and been
(193)

194

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

translated into several foreign lan-
guages.

Mr. Cowan, having plenty of lei-
sure, and being wealthy, has had
every opportunity to study his favor-
ite subject among the bee men of
England and Europe generally ; his
liberal education giving him com-
mand of foreign languages, which
alone is a great factor in the under-
standing of methods employed by
beemen whose apiaries one may
visit. French, Swiss, German and
Italian methods, hives, etc., are all
equally familiar to Mr. Cowan, and
this knowledge, joined to urbanity of
manners and strict impartiality, has
made his services as a judge sought
after for all the principal shows in
England.

Knowing all I do, for many years
past, of the gentleman, I feel sure the
B. B. J. will gain much by having
such an editor, and be more than
ever appreciated by its subscribers.
I heartily wish Mr. Cowan a long
career of usefulness.

The necessity, when sending bees
by rail, to see them very carefully and
securely packed, has lately been
strongly enforced by a case occurring
recently in the north of England. At
a junction, a hive of bees had to be
lifted from one train to another, and
the cover or bottom, not being se-
cure, fell off. The bees escaping,
caused a scene, it is stated, that just
baffled description, and that any
beekeeper can imagine. The iron
horses did not seem to mind it, but
their drivers did, and got themselves
and passengers out of that station as
fast as possible.

Recently, I had some old box hives
sent to me by rail, packed by a
farmer, and it is a miracle that they
ever arrived at all. Now I mention
this occurrence, to warn our readers
to pack carefully, for if some great
accident were to take place, we
might wake up some day to find the
railroad companies putting some vex-
atious restrictions on the transit of
packages of live bees.

Frank R. Cheshii-e, well known for
his researches on "Foul Brood," is
about to give to the bee world a new
work, entitled, " Bees and Beekeep-
ing ; scientific and practical," on
which he has been engaged for many
years. I cannot do better than copy
the words of the notice of the appear-
ance of this work from the B. B. J.

" The author, Mr. Frank R. Ches-
hire, F.L.S., F.R.M.S., is well known
in this country, on the continent,
and in America, where he is uni-
formly acknowledged to be the most
scientific beekeeper in England.
His numerous writings have been for
many years before the public, and
his inventiveness has set an indelible
mark upon the apiculture of the day.

At the first bee show, properly so
called, held in this country, he se-
cured the whole of the eight prizes
offered for new inventions calculated
to advance apiculture, and this fact
alone is the most ample guarantee
that \}i\Q. practical part of the work
will be as perfect as the scientific.

His thorough knowledge of the
literature of the subject has made
him acquainted with all that has
been done before, both abroad and
at home, and has enabled him to ac-

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

195

curately judge of the importance of
his discoveries, as well as to explode
maiiy erroneous theories which have
hitherto been accepted. His inves-
tigations into the relations of insects
to flowering plants, and his close
study of the anatomy and physiology
of the hive bee, have revealed many
little suspected facts of the utmost
importance, whilst his long courses of
lectures on apiculture, scientific
and practical, given in the lecture
theatre of the South Kensington
Museum, and the Gardens of the
Royal Horticultural Society, and il-
lustrated not only by his splendid
hand-painted diagrams, but by a
small apiary established in the
grounds of the Natural History Mu-
seum for the purpose,' have emi-
nently fitted him for imparting his
informatio7i in the clearest ?nanner.
No stronger testimony to the high
esteem in which Mr. Cheshire is
held in scientific circles can possibly
be given than the reception accorded
to his investigation into the structure
of the sex organs of bees, the
method of controlled fertilization
exercised by the queen, and the
glandular structures, stated by Pro-
fessor Stewart to be the most inter-
esting of any communication made
to the Royal Microscopical Society
for several years. His discoveries of
the nature and scope of foul brood,
and the introduction of a method of
cure, are a boon to beekeepers, and
afford a further proof, if one were
necessary, that the practical man-
agement of bees has received as
close attention from him as the more
interesting but less remunerative
scientific questions.

"Bees and beekeeping, scientific
and practical : a complete treatise
on the Anatomy, Physiology and
Profitable Management of the Hive
Bee," is the full title of the book.
The illustrations of the anatomy
of the bee, bee appliances, etc., ex-
pressly drawn for this work by the
author, are numerous, and of an ex-
cellence, both as regards accuracy
and delicate finish, that has never
yet been equalled.

At a convention of beekeepers,
held in Switzerland, some time back,
it was mentioned, as an observation
by several good bee men, that the
Carniolan queen cells have a greater
diameter, and are longer than the
queen cells of the common black
bee, and that it had been found
necessary to keep the frames of comb
wider apart than is usual with the
common bee. For the Carniolans a
full i'& millimetres was found neces-
sary, while 34^ to 36, sufficed for
the common bees. The 38 mm. is
about I ^ inch from centre to centre
of frame.

Mr. Bertrand, the editor of the
Swiss "Bulletin d' Apiculture," ob-
served that the 2,'^ mm. must not be
exceeded, nor must less than 34^
mm. be employed, inasmuch as
combs built very close together, and
used for brood rearing, are worth less
than the others because, by reason
of their shallowness, they are for a
shorter period suitable for brood
rearing, on account of the gradual
shortening of the depth of the cell
as each successive generation of bees
leaves its cocoon behind it.

I believe a microscopist counted

196

THE AMERICAN APIGULTURIST.

as many as nine hundred cocoons,
one within another in one cell, and
it is perfectly reasonable to doubt
if a bee raised in such a contracted
chamber can be as perfectly devel-
oped as it would be raised in combs
comparatively or entirely free from
cocoons.

"Foul brood" has been observed
in a Swiss valley to have almost
cleaned the bees out of existence
where numberless stocks were form-
erly kept. A bee man states, "It
cannot be caused by the use of
modern hives, as popularly believed,
for there never was one in that val-
ley." One Swiss beekeeper relates
that he had some fifty fine stocks,
when in the spring a neighbor started
up a lime kiln. The vapors coming
off from the burning limestone
brought on a perishing of the brood
in his hives, and he lost every one.
Since then he has found it impossi-
ble to reestablish his apiaries. Each
attempt has failed.

From Bordeaux (France), Mr.
Durand writes that he has got rid of
foul brood by an energetic use of
the Hilbert salicylic acid treatment.
Since then the disease has broken
out in neighboring beehives, and he
has been called in to cure.

He tried camphor, and fumigating
with thyme ; the brood ceased to rot,
and dried up. He puts a bag with
camphor in it on top of brood frames.

He likewise tried Cheshire's "ab-
solute phenol" and fed the medicated
syrup at night ; but bees from another
infected colony commenced to rob
that colony next morning, and, prov-
ing strongest, carried away all the

medicated syrup, and in so doing,
dosed themselves, and, as it proved,
effected a cure at the expense of the
loss of the colony they started out to
rob.

The Germans are ahead on the
question of adulteration of honey
with glucose, and method of detect-
ing the same. Mr. Fritz Eisner in-
stituted a series of experiments, and
has proven that with the aid of the
polariscope a very, very small quan-
tity of manufactured glucose mixed
with honey can be immediately no-
ticed. I purpose giving an entire
translation of the article in next issue
of Foreign Notes, as I deem it a
subject worthy of notice by all of us
who have to compete with the so-
called, and labelled, "Pure Honey."

Philadelphia, Pa.

ADVANCED BEE-CULTURE.

By L. C. Root.

Beekeepers in most sections have
been much discouraged over what
seemed a very unfavorable prospect
of securing much surplus honey.

Up to the middle of July, bees
seemed to spend all their time and
energies in swarming.

All sources of honey seemed to
fail us, except to supply just enough
to induce breeding, and create' a de-
sire to swarm.

At this date the basswood com-
menced to bloom and, as I had pre-
dicted, it has yielded richly from the
very start.

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

197

There is a lesson in this kind of
a season that should not be lost.

It has afforded every possible ad-
vantage for securing large quantities
of brood, and making all stocks ex-
treinely populous.

When stocks are in this condition,
a large amount of surplus may be se-
cured, even if the season is short.
The motto in this, as in all other
things where success is attained, is
"Faithfulness to the end."

As every loyal heart has been made
sad in the death of him whom all
delighted to honor, so should we re-
joice that he taught us that success
can only come by honestly "fighting
it out on this line," which must always
be a line of honesty and faithfulness.

The few lines I am able to send
you I. am pencilling on a pad in the
midst of my busy family.

I have never seen honey stored
more rapidly than it is being at pre-
sent. I am running forty-eight stocks
in my home apiary for extracted hon-
ey. We extracted all of the honey
from these stocks on the 15 th of
July. On the 27th, we extracted
from these hives 3,715 lbs., all hav-
ing been gathered in twelve days.

The next day, July 28th, we had
with us Pedro Casanora, the pioneer
beekeeper of Cuba, who accom-
panied us to our apiary, six miles
distant, where there were forty stocks.
We had extracted all the honey
from these hives just seven days pre-
viously.

This day's work proved one of
the most astonishing of our experi-
ence ; we secured 4,103 lbs. of
honey.

This proves something of the pos-

sibilities of advanced bee-culture un-
der favorable conditions.
Mohawk, N. V.

BLACK BEES MORE DIS-
POSED TO ROB, AND MORE
LIABLE TO BE ROBBED
THAN ITALIANS.

By L. L. Langstroth.

When the Italian bees came to
this country they brought with them
this character, from the Baron of
Berlepsch : " they are more disposed
to rob than common bees, and more
courageous and active in self-de-
fence." Experience soon convinced
me that while Berlepsch was right in
the second of these two assertions, he
was entirely in error as to the first.
Let me give some facts.

On one occasion I was examining
a colony of bees, when a visitor was
announced. Intending to return in
a few moments, I left the hive open
while several combs were resting
against it on the outside. I forgot
all about this hive until my visitor
asked if there was not robbing go-
ing on in my apiary. We went
at once to the neglected hive which
was now surrounded by thous-
ands of robbers. The bees on the
combs which were outside were
vainly striving to protect them, while
the robbers were literally swarming
upon them and forcing their way into
the exposed hive. Many were killed ;
but we all know that under such cir-
cumstances this makes no dif-
ference. Putting back the exposed
combs, thereby shaking off the bees,

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THE AMERICAN APICULTUMIST.

and replacing the cover of the hive,
but leaving the whole front entrance
open, we watched the result. In a
few moments the bees have their line
of battle spread over all the alight-
ing board extending down from the
floor of the portico quite to the
ground. The dying and the dead
are dragged out in large numbers.
Every robber that dares to alight
where this line of embattled Italians
is formed is attacked, and if he can-
not pull away is quickly killed.
The robbers soon understand the
changed condition of affairs and in
less than half an hour the attack
is over.

Under such circumstances I never
contract the entrance. It annoys the
bees by making their hive too hot,
and with Italian bees is a useless
precaution. When such robbing as
I have described sets in, it is amus-
ing to see the robbers, when fairly
beaten off", spread themselves every-
where over the apiary. Wherever
they have tasted a drop of honey
that they have not gathered from the
fields, there they are hoping to find
more, and if there is a stock or nucleus
from which they have stolen any-
thing, they are there too. In short,
every colony large or small is put to
the proof and their ability to defend
their stores fully tested, but it is al-
most impossible to rob, when it is in
good heart even a small nucleus of
Italian bees.

Need I say to those who have
had much experience with black
bees, what would have been the
fate of this colony if it had been
of that race, or how much a whole
apiary of such bees would have been

demoraHzed by such an occur-
rence ?

Let me now relate something which
took place about two weeks ago. In
examining a very strong stock which
had only a slight touch of Italian
blood, robbers soon made their ap-
pearance and the hive was closed
before the queen could be removed.
I say closed, but the upper cover
had not been properly adjusted ; there
was quite a corner left open. At-
tracted by the roar of bees, I found
that this large colony was being
robbed. The cowardly black blood
had not proved equal to the emer-
gency. When the cover was shut tight,
there was no line of battle formed, re-
sistance had ceased, and it was neces-
sary to close the entrance, cover the
whole hive with wet cloths, etc., in
order to save it. Of course the
robbers fell upon the other hives,
several of which were quite weak.
Some of these were pure Italians
and the others had enough of that
blood to make such a fierce resist-
ance that the robbers were soon
beaten off. They had tasted stolen
sweets, they were crazy with excite-
ment, and yet they could not rob an-
other hive !

If only a few of these stocks
are in or near to a large apiary
of Italian bees, you will ever find
them on hand when there is any
chance of stealing and at times when
scarcely an Italian gives you any an-
noyance.

I do not deny that there are a few
points in which black bees have su-
perior merits, but their eagerness to
rob when forage is even a little scarce,
and their deficiency in pluck, by

THE AMEBICAN APICULTURIST.

199

which they are so often ruined where
the yellow races would not be se-
verely injured are, with me, suffi-
cient reasons for discarding them.
Oxford, O., August, iSSj.

BEE CULTURE IN THE
SOUTH.

By G. W. Demaree.

If the honey season was as poor
all over the country as it has been
here, there would be no need of those
philanthropic articles which have
appeared in the bee papers from time
to time, warning people not to board
the bee schooner lest she go down
with the whole crew. Those persons
who have been "fired" with bee en-
thusiasm by reason of the past good
honey seasons, after seeing this sea-
son through, will need no soft emul-
sions to soothe nor application of ice
to cool down their raging "bee fever."

DIARRHCEA AND POLLEN

Is a subject that is having a sad
effect on some of the brethren.

"Pollen is the cause" (?) but the
theorists cannot tell us why the dis-
eased bees are loaded with watery
excrementa. If pollen loads the bees
and induces inflammation and dis-
ease, whence comes the large pre-
ponderance of watery substance?
Dr. Tinker has been making perti-
nent inquiry in this direction of late,
and there will have to be more theo-
rizing. Mr. Doolittle reported two
cases of diarrhoea when no pollen
was present in the hives, but the mi-
croscope was resorted to, to save ( ?)

the pollen theory. So deadly is pollen
in its effects on the brethren's bees
that the microscope is brought out,
as in the case of suspected poison in
the stomach of man or beast.

Then there is this difficulty in the
way of the pollen theory, to wit : bees
do not suffer with diarrhoea in a mod-
erate climate. My location is not far
from the dividing line between diar-
rhoea and no diarrhoea. Nevertheless,
I am on the side of no diarrhoea.

With some knowledge of bees for
forty years I have never seen a fatal
case of diarrhoea, i. e., the combs
daubed and the bees soiled, resulting
in death. Every hard winter, how-
ever, shows the trouble in its incip-
iency. Some colonies show a large
per cent of bloated bees, but the
trouble is more dropsical than fecal
in character, and this fact alone is
fatal to the pollen theory ; because it
shows that accumulation of watery
substance produces the distended
condition as perfectly as does the
accumulation of the substances ex-
cremental in character. I believe
that those conditions surrounding
bees which prevent healthful exha-
lation from their bodies are the true
causes of bee diarrhoea and pollen is
not even one of the causes. I have
no reasons to change my former con-
victions that the cause is climatic.

I have said that I never saw a fatal
case of bee diarrhoea. Well, I intend
to produce a case or two, or make a
discovery that will be worth a great
deal to me' in the future. I shall
winter several colonies on the cheap-
est brown sugar I can find, and at
least two colonies on sorghum syrup ;
I shall exclude all pollen. If they

200

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

winter well on food (no pollen) at
four cents per pound, why should I
waste pure honey at twelve and one-
half cents per pound? You see we
are told with great authority that
nothing but pollen will hurt bees, not
even "fizz" will hurt them.

THE BEST BEES.

I have taken great interest in this
subject. My articles, published in
a number of the bee periodicals, will
show that I, like the editor of the
"Api," have pointed out the fact that
the Italian bee is a hybrid. Really,
I believe that I was first to publish
convictions of this fact. Still the
Italian is a hybrid of respectable age,
perhaps two or three thousand years
old. Well, now, if these aged hybrids
still ''sport" when breeding, as every
experienced breeder knows they do,
what do you think of the "fixedness"
of the "strains" of hybrids of less than
a half score years old.

When we breed the Italian from
selected specimens we only breed
back towards the original stock on
the side of the yellow parent. Of
course we may make mistakes by
faihng to choose breeders from the
strongest and best working stock.

From long and careful observation
I am inclined to think that, originally,
there were but the two great families
of the honey bee, the yellow and the
black. What we see in the ants,
wasps, etc., warrants this conclusion
to say nothing of the disposition of
most types or races of bees to "sport"
when breeding them. I advanced
this theory some years ago as may be
seen by referring to the "files" of the
American Bee Journal. If I am
correct in this, the inter-breeding of

the yellow strains, with their varying
purity, viz., Italian, Cyprian and Syr-
ian, is the correct way to obtain the
best bees- of the yellow race.
Christiansbin-g, Ky.

THE NEW vs THE OLD.

BY T. A. P.

No branch of apiculture has made
more rapid strides in improvement
than the shipping and introducing of
queen bees. It would seem that we
have almost reached the acme of
success. The fact of sending a live
queen bee by mail to any part of the
United States is even now looked
upon with wonder by the uninitiated ;
but to us of the bee fraternity it is
no new thing, except it may be to
receive from or send them to foreign
countries, which no doubt is about
being accomplished, owing to the
invention of a food that obviates the
necessity of water accompanying the
queen. It is only a few years ago
that, to ship queen bees from Europe,
it was necessary to accompany each
queen with a small swarm of bees
put in a miniature hive which held
some small combs of honey ; resulting
often when arriving here in a mass of
dead bees and honey, and that too •
after undergoing the expense and
annoyance of red tape in the custom
house. The thing can be done now
in a small shipping and introducing
cage which can be thrown right into
the mail bag, and, thanks to the fast
sailing steamers of our day, sent with
lightning speed around the world.

To ship a queen short distances

TEE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

201

has always been comparatively easy,
but a journey that would take a week
or ten days was a ver\' doubttul mat-
ter and with valuable queens could
not be risked by any except those
who could afiford to take the risk ;
but now owing to the "Good'''' candy
and fast travel, there need be no risk
at all, and then if a party did receive
the cjueen all right, the introducing
of her was a feat not so easily accom-
plished as the reading of the theory
would indicate. In the first place
she must be transferred into another
cage to be introduced and often was
hurt beyond redemption between
the fingers of the trembling hand of
a nervous beekeeper. Not so now.
The "Peet" cage was the first to rev-
olutionize that part of the work and
now , the "Alley cage" simplifies it
still more and we can truthfully say,
the beekeeper "though a fool need
not err therein ;" and the saving of
time by withdrawing the old and in-
troducing the new queen at the same
opening of the hive is a point of
value highly appreciated by every
beekeeper, who has had any exper-
ience in the old method. Truly we
live in a wonderful age, everything is
fast. The electrical current seems
to permeate this part of the world
completely ; distance and time are
annihilated ; on land and sea we have
our Maud S's fighting time and dis-
tance ; we talk with each other hun-
dreds of miles apart as though we
stood face to face ; we ride on ele-
vated railroads and across bridges
that span the streams of waters as
though suspended from the very
heavens, and are lighted on our way
by a similar current captured as it
18

were from the very lightning itself
and chained to every pole.

That the "Api" may prosper and,
like a true child of the times, grow
apace with the "New vs the Old" is
the sincere wish of the writer.^

EDITORIAL.

We must of necessity be brief
this month, and the thought which
we would present to our readers is
one that we have often urged before,
but never more opportunely than
now, — that of association work.

With the month of September
comes the calling of our conventions,
the beginning of our apicultural year
so to speak. It is not the time to
boast when the harness is being put
on ; and it is not in the way of
boasting, but by way of summons,
that we say there never has been a
year that began with better promise,
and from which we had reason to ex-
pect greater results, than the one now
dawning upon us. The tone of feel-
ing manifested by our earnest and
active apiarists in the work of the
future is unmistakably encouraging ;
the system of organization among us
has never been so complete ; and the
opportunities are overwhelming.

We cannot but feel ourselves jus-
tified in contemplating plans for en-
larged activity, and we only voice,
we believe, the sentiment of the bee-
keeping fraternity everywhere, when v
we bid welcome to the opportunities
and responsibilities before us, in
pledging ourselves to energy and

iTne initials at be^'inning- ol' tlii.s article
s/iowMread " T. O. P."

202

THE AMERICAN APIGULTURIST.

faithfulness, and in asking tlial our
endeavors be crowned with a ricli
and abundant fruitage.

We would therefore especially di-
rect the attention of our readers to
the notices of such meetings that
have been forwarded us, and trust
that they will be more than ever im-
pressed with the importance of these
organizations and the hel]3 they afford
to the individual beekeeper.

To this end, we can but repeat the
advice given in our Editorial of last
month to "make the subject of asso-
ciation work the theme and burden
of your talk at conventions." The
two are so intimately blended, so
closely interdependent, that we feel
in recognizing the necessity of the
one, the importance of the other is
already acknowledged.

Association — the very name is
pregnant with meaning. Implying,
as it does, Sl coming together, for work
or for counsel, we must feel that it
contains the elements, which, if
rightly employed, will contribute
greatly to our advancement. Our
only misfortune is that either we
have no faith at all in this cardinal
fact, or our faith is so weak as to be
practically inert and inoperative.

Let us then awake to duty, and
show by our presence at the conven-
tions, that we are ready for work.

One organization cannot act here,
and another there, without any co-
operation, with any efficiency. To
do our work well, there must be
united action. Money would be
wasted, labor would be lost without
it. We shall be false to ourselves
and to our fellow beekeepers unless
we arise to a just conception of our

great work, and gird ourselves to
perform it witli tlie strong armor of
justice and right. It seems as if very
little argument, it any, were needed
to convince us all that we cannot do
the work we arc called upon to do
without cordial, active, earnest co-
operation. The interchange of
thought and opinion which we here
obtain, is of vastly more value to us
than we are willing to admit. This
may seem to be a very trifling thing.
But just as the massive oak springs
from the insignificant acorn, so we
find the insignificant in life ; but it is
there for the sake of the infinite.
Grasp then, its possibilities, and so
respond that all hearts shall be glad,
and a new era Ije inaugurated in
our labors to advance the cause
which we represent.

Apprehending this fiict, you will
see the importance of bringing
thither your best thoughts, a thorough
knowledge of general principles, or
a ready activity to learn of those al-
ready versed therein, and a lofty
courage to grapple with wliatever
difficulties may be in the way.

The time is coming, and is not
far distant, when the science of api-
culture shall assume a higher posi-
tion than it has yet occupied. Freed
entirely from conventional restraints
on the one hand, which have limited
its range of thoughtand observation,
and from petty jealousy and suspi-
cion on the other, lest it should be
straying beyond its sphere, it will
speak not in the uncertain language
of theory, nor with the wayward
tones of private speculation ; but
with an impetus gained from present
experience it will gather its treasures

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

203

from the rich mines of thought and
spread them broadcast over the world.

Thus armed, our meetings can but
tend to a profitable issue, and we
shall come away with the feeling that
we have fulfilled our part of the
mission these organizations were in-
stituted to accomplish.

It is hardly necessary, perhaps, to
call your attention to the prospective
National Beekeepers' Union ; for if
we may trust the present indications,
the appointment of delegates is likely
to be general. And yet the impor-
tance of such a Union is so great,
that no op])ortunity should be lost,
of making our several organizations
realize, beforehand, the duty of be-
ing represented in that body by the
very best and ablest of our beekeepers.

Mr. Pond in the Am. Bee Journal
of Aug. 26, in anarticle entitled, "Is
the "Union" of value or not?" says :

" I do not understand the apathy
that seems to exist among our bee-
keepers in regard to our Union for
defence ; nor can I understand why
every beekeeper in the country does
not respond at once to the call, and
enroll himself on the list 'of papers
thereof. There is no (juestion but
that the "Union" is of importance
to the fraternity as a whole, although,
perhaps, there may be cases (like
my own for instance) where no par-
ticular individual benefit will result
from it. We, however, as a class
should drop selfishness, and instead
of saying cui bono as to ourselves,
should ask simply, will the "Union"
be of any advantage to the fraternit}-
as a whole ?

If a large majority of the beekeep-
ers in the country respond to the

call, it will show the public that we
are alive to our interests, and intend
to defend them to the bitter end,
and the result will be that by pre-
senting a bold and determined front,
we shall assure any possible antago-
nists that we are not to be assailed
with impunity by any one who fan-
cies he is aggrieved. On the other
hand, if only a {t\N of us respond in
this matter, it will tend to show that
either we take little interest in this
matter of protecting our rights, or
else that we believe ourselves in the
wrong, and consequently prefer to
save our dollars rather than invest
them where we shall lose.

Let me urge one and all to enlist
in this cause ; do not delay a mo-
ment, but at once send in your
names ; and what is of more con-
sequence still, your money, and thus
show the public that you do not pro-
pose to be intimidated or to allow
any one to drive you from the field
without first making a strong and
bitter fight to accomplish it. "

We are sure that the topics pre-
sented for discussion will suggest
possibilities of effort in behalf of the
cause to which we are espoused as
will enlist the enthusiasm and the
earnest cooperation of every ardent
lover of bees. It is idle to say that
we shall know just as much if we
stay at home and read the results in
the bee journals. We need to look
each other in the face in the pres-
ence of the thought of the great du-
ties and opportunities which are
before us and, by discussion of them,
at once mature wise methods of ac-
tion and rouse each other to a spirit
of consecration to our work.

204

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

NEW OBSERVATIONS ON

THE NATURAL HISTORY

OF BEES.

By Francis Hubkk.

(ContiniUHl from p. 181. \'ol. III.)

Impressed with this idea, 1 un-
dertook a new method of observa-
tion, not on queens fortuitously taken
from the liive but on females decid-
edly in a virgin state, and whose his-
tory was known to me from tlie instant
of their leaving the cell. From a
very great number of hives, I removed
all the reigning females and substitu-
ted for each a queen taken at the
moment of her birth.

The hives were then divided into
two classes. All the males, both large
and small, were taken from the first,
and 1 adapted a glass tul)e at the en-
trance so narrow that no drone could
pass, but large enough for the free
passage of the common bees. In
the hives of the second class I left
the whole of the drones belonging to
them, and even introduced more ;
and to prevent them from escaping,
a glass tube, also too narrow for the
males, was adapted to their entrance.

For more than a month, I carefully
watched this experiment, made on a
large scale, but much to my surprise,
every queen remained sterile. Thus
it was proved that (jueens confined
in a hive would continue barren
though amidst a seraglio of males.
This result induced me to suspect
that the females could not be fecun-
dated in the interior of the hives, and
that it was necessary for them to leave
it for receiving the approaches of the
male. To ascertain the fact was easy
by a direct experiment ; and as the
point is important I shall relate in
detail what was done by my secretary,
and myself on the 29th of June
1788.

Aware that in summer the males
usually leave the hive in the warmest
part of the day it was natural for me

to conclude that if the queens were
obliged to go out for tecundalion,
instinct would induce them to do so
at the same time as the others. At
eleven in the forenoon, we placed
ourselves opposite a hive containing
an unimpregnated queen five days
old. The sun had shone from his
rising : the air was very warm ; and
the males began to leave the hives.
We then enlarged the entrance of
that selected for observation, and
paid great attention to the bees en-
tering and departing. The males
appeared and immediately took flight.
Soon afterwards, the young queen
came to the entrance ; at first she
did not fly, but during a little time
traversed the board, brushing her
* belly with her hind legs ; neither
workers nor males bestowing any no-
tice on her. At last she took flight.
When several feet from the hive, she
returned, and approached it, as if to
examine the place of her departure,
perhaps judging this precaution nec-
essary to recognize it ; she then flew
away, describing horizontal circles
twelve or fifteen feet above the earth.
We contracted the entrance of the
hive that she might not return unob-
served and placed ourselves in the
centre of the circles described in
her flight, the more easily to follow
her and witness all her motions. But
she did not remain long in a situation
favorable for our observations, and
rapidly rose oui of sight. We re-
sumed our place before the hive ;
and in seven minutes the young
([ueen returned to the entrance of a
habitation which she had left for the
first time.

Having found no external evidence
of fecundation, we allowed her to
enter. In a (]uarter of an liour she
re-aj^peared ; and after brushing
herself as before, took flight. Then
returning to examine the hive, she
rose so high that we soon lost sight
of her.

\_To be coniiniicd.']

THE AMERICAN APICULTURLST.

205

CORRESPONDENCE.

the honey market.
Messrs. Editors :

In the August numner of the
Beekeepers' Magazine is an arti-
cle entitled " The Honey Market,"
in which the author alludes to our
firm in rather disparaging terms.
Said article charges us with misrep-
resentation in order to induce pro-
ducers to ship us their honey, which
cliarge we most emphatically deny,
and which seems to us to have origi-
nated solely in the fertile imagination
of the writer, without facts to sustain
his assertion. A few facts, however,
may act as a solace to his affected
brain.

We have, at the solicitation of pub-
lishers of numerous magazines, given
quotations the year round, as we
have a market for honey every day
in the year, Sundays and holidays
excepted ; and when the author as-
serts that there has been absolutely
no demand for honey since May i,
he says that which is not true, as
there has not been a week nor a day
since May ist to present date that
we have not sold more or less honey.
We sold out our entire stock of
white comb honey about the ist of
April, and since that time have had
to go on the market here and pur-
chase of other dealers to supply our
trade, a fact to which some dealers in
our city will testify. We had a lot of
thirty-eight barrels of honey turned
over to us June 12, which had lain on
the market over six months, which
we disposed of and sent the owners a
check June 29. Since May i, we
have had a better trade in honey
than we ever had at this season of
the year. We have received a few
small lots of this year's crop comb
honey, which has sold readily at our
quotations, and returns have been
made to shippers. We have re-
cendy received numerous letters
from producers, inquiring as to the
state of the honey market, prices.

etc., to which we have replied in
nearly every instance that it is too
early in the season to give tiuotations
on the coming crop, and too early
to commence shipping com!) lioney.
We mention these items not as an
adverdsement, but to prove to the
author of said article, that he has
done us an injustice and should make
due reparation.

We have always endeavored to
hold prices up rather than to depress
them, as our experience teaches us
it is easier to lower prices than to
raise them, while it seems to us uur
frier.d seeks to keep them down
rather than to elevate them.

McCaul cS: HiLDRErH Bros.

New York.

A VISIT TO THE liEK FARM AND
OTHER MiVri'ERS.

Friend Locke :

About two weeks have now
passed since my pleasant and prof-
itable visit to your bee farm to
which I shall always look back with
pleasure. I hope soon to hear that
your factory is in active operation,
and that you are on the road to
prosperity with your pets, the busy
bees.

I received the " Apiculturist " a
short time since (July 29) and
deem that number worth more than
one year's on account of the informa-
tion contained therein. What bee-
keepers want are the minute details
to aid them in caring for their bees,
and it is essential that these instruc-
tions be given in the most plain and
simple manner possible, so that the\-
can be easily understood.

What beekeeper can afford to be
without this journal if he wishes to
be successtul?

My Cyprian bees led out a swarm
on July 28, and returned to their
hive again. I could not get them
to work properly. Swarm they must
and swarm they did. I divided them,
gave them one good queen cell and

206

THE AMERICAN APTCULTURIST.

cut out the rest, and on the next
morning they were at work as though
that hive had always been their home.
I removed a number of pounds of
honey the other day ; it was very fine
linden honey. There were a large
number of sections not yet com-
pleted.

I like my hives better than any
others that I have ever seen, even
though they cost a trifle more than
cheap ones. They are, however,
substantially constructed and will
last a lifetime, are easy to manipulate
and to pack for winter.

The linden bloom is now over for
this season. Clover is blooming,
and I hope to get a fine crop of
honey from it, and the golden rod
looks well.

We have had plenty of rain, and
all nature has been benefited by it ;
the fields and pastures look green,
and the honey-producing flora seems
abundant.

There are no lazy bees in ra\
apiary. The (lueen received from
you has grown to be very large and
has filled her hive with young bees.
I looked her up the other day, and
was surprised, as it was quite a task
to find her because the bees were so
numerous (she is a "big" one),
her progeny are well marked, or-
ange-colored and of good size. I
think of rearing some queens from
her to put in some of my other hives,
as her bees work so well.

Well, now, Mr. Locke, if I were as
young as you are, I should start a
bee farm, as I believe that it would
prove a success. You have every-
thing in your favor : good health, and
a great love for the business, which
at "the start would insure success. I
trust that you will always prosper in
your undertaking. I should^ be
pleased to have you come to Taun-
ton and return my visit, when I will
introduce you to a number of my
beekeeping friends, who will take an
interest in the work that you are
doing when they see that you are

working for their good and in their
interests.

Alley's "drone traps," received
from you are a success, let others
say what they may. I have nothing
at stake, hence can afford to tell the
truth. I have no drones in my api-
ary but Italians, thanks to the drone
trap.

I want to make a good exhibition
at our county fair this season, and
trust that you will aid me all that
you can in so doing. I ha\'e had the
premium on honey raised from
$10.00 to |!25.oo, so as to have a
good show. We must all work hard
to do our part in introducing our
honey, and working up a demand
for the same.

James H. Bosworth.

Taunton, Aug. j, 188 j.

NOTES FROM "DUN GLEN APIARY."

My dear " Api : "

Last night closed our (Ross) Co.
fair. We had a remarkably good at-
tendance considering the hard times,
and the failure of our wheat crop
this year. It is the first year in
which any display of bees and api-
cultural fixtures has taken place. I
had on exhibit an observatory hive
with bees, brood, etc. ; the hive and
fixtures I use in my apiary ; a queen
nursery on Alley's plan which I have
used very successfully this year (and
I do heartily recommend his "Handy
Book") ; a fertilizing hive, some
queen cages, etc. C. M. Roberts
exhibited Root's foundation ma-
chine ; some foundation worked out
by the bees with his name in large
letters plainly visible at the fish
bone ! some extracted, and some
comb honey. E. Magenhoffen had
an extractor (Muth's), and David
Brown, of our county, had an observ-
atory hive with a frame of Holylands
and some queens in cages. A good
deal of interest was manifested by
visitors in our display. We ho])e to
be able to improve very much on it

THE AMERICAN xiPWULTURIST.

20^

next year, and to induce our man-
agers to offer something in the way
of premiums on articles, thereby
working up more interest and a spirit
of competition. I am highly de-
lighted with volumes i and 2 bound
in one, of the "Apiculturist," as I
also am with the current volume.
The " Api " is certainly advancing
things in Kee-ology.

P. S. Our honey season has been
a failure, white clover all frozen out.
Italians worked on red clover and
gathered some surplus, blacks none.
David Brown, who has Holylands
(Syrian, I suppose, as he got his -queen
from Alley), reports some honey,
plenty of brood, and a good pros-
pect for wintering. Bees generally
wintered badly ; I lost heavily.
Sweet clover is abundant along the
water courses and railroads, but the
farmers are uneasy at seeing it mak-
ing its appearance on the roads fear-
ing its encroachment on their farms
and that it will be hard to get rid of.

Francis W. Blackford.
Cliillicothc, O.

how can a virgin queen L!E
SAFELY introduced ?

Eds. Am. Apiculturist :

We have been engaged in bee-
keeping more than forty years, antl
have often hatched some very fine
queens, from stocks possessing such
desirable traits of character as to
warrant us in the effort of hav-
ing all our stocks of bees composed
of the same, if it were possible ; but,
after hatching many fine queens
from the eggs of a chosen stock as
above, I have also made special ef-
fort to have some of the young
(queens properly introduced into other
queenless stocks, made so for the
purpose, but in nearly every instance
the queens were killed, and the
reader can best judge how I felt un-
der such circumstances. I have
always found rjueens that were

hatched in strong and vigorous
stocks, to be much the best ; hence,
it will be readily seen that all
stocks to which I attempted to in-
troduce virgin c][ueens were strong
and full, having been robbed of
their ([ueen but a short time. In some
instances a day or two, and some-
times only two to six hours they were
left queenless, before I attempted the
introduction of the virgin queens,
all of which were hatched in a queen
nursery, placed in strong stocks.
Now be it remembered that, to my
certain knowledge, I have never
had but one virgin queen accepted
and become fertilized when I have
attempted to introduce as above,
and this one case was accomplished
in one of my Ohio apiaries, in 1883,
which I do not really look upon as a
success, from the simple fact that
she was superseded in less than sixty
days. Hence we are of the same
opinion now as we were thirty years
ago, that all forced queens, as well
as those reared in nucleus hives, are
short-lived as well as worthless. We
ask who can fully explain why it is
that virgin queens cannot be siifely
and surely introduced. Try it who
will, and we will guess a failure
eighty-five times in one hundred
trials. What say you, brothers
Locke, Alley, Heddon, Cook and
other apicultural teachers? Please
answer and oblige your readers.

J. M. Hicks.
Battle Groi/iut, Iiui.

THE cowing frame.

Ed. Am. Apiculturist.

In Cook's Manual, i)age 131,
among others. Dr. Tinker is (juoted
as using the Gallup frame. It ap-
pears from the doctor's circulars that
he has now abandoned this size and
adopted one 14I by 9^ inches as his
standard. Up to this I had imag-
ined the "Gallup frame" to be all
that could be desired ; but, as the

2G8

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

Doctor is an experienced apiarist,
before abandoning the Gallup he
must liave discovered some flaw in it
which I fail to discover. I would
therefore beg ask him to give us
through the columns of the "Apicul-
turist" his reasons for making tlie
change and state also if he finds any
special advantages in his new size
that would warrant its adoption as
the "coming frame."

Apis Canadensis.

jottings from entf.rprisk apiary.

Messrs. Editors :

Among my bee papers and
books, I find but little said about the
use of "(^ueen cells," as an aid in
controlling a colony of bees. Not
doubting that the older, or if you
please, the "XYZ" class know all
about it, I give my experience for
the benefit of the " A B C " class.
Some years ago, when I commenced
keeping bees, I stayed home from
church for five or six Sundays each
season to watch my bees, but not
feeling it to be right to do this, I
tried all non- swarming plans I could
hear of, artificial swarming, etc., etc.,
but none seemed to give as good
results as natural swarming. How
was I going to have natural swarm-
ing, and yet not have it occur on
Sunday ? Five years ( or nearly ) ago,
I found an answer to the question
in the proper use of queen cells.
During the swarming season, I start
cells from my breeding ([ueens twice
each week, always dating them.
These cells are designed for my nu-
clei, but may be used to control
swarming as might any other cell
after it was capped, but I prefer to
know when it will hatch and from
what stock it was reared.

In looking my bees over on Mon-
day, every stock that I think will
be apt to get in condition to swarm
on Sunday following, I mark the hive
on closing it, by laying a stone on

it. On Thursday, I insert a capped
cell into each one of these stocks,
just letting it rest lightly between
the top bars of a couple of frames.
There is no necessity for taking out
any frames or anything of the kind,
just get the cell in the hive, right end
up without bruising, and the next
day, if fine, look out for a swarm ; if
cloudy or cold, the swarm will not
come out until Saturday or the sec-
ond day.

This cell answers another purpose
also.

Hatching, as it should, not more
than two or three days after swarm-
ing, before there is sufficient young
bees hatched to cast a second swarm,
the remainder of the cells will be
destroyed ; you have a fine, young,
Italian queen from your best stock,
and in my experience all after-swarm-
ing effectually stopped, not having
had one in the last four years. Of
course, to do this and succeed every
time, one must have a fiiir knowledge
of the habits of bees.

Bees have increased wonderfully
this season. Last spring, I set aside
five colonies for increase, and by the
use of empty combs, I have reached
twenty-five now all ready for winter,
except two. I have fed them noth-
ing, and let them rear their own
(jueens.

No dark honey as yet has been
secured. The yield of white honey
with specialists, is about loo lbs. per
colony, spring count.

P. S. Impress on your readers that
" late and heavy working" of bees is
the prime cause of loss in wintering.

C. M. GoODSPEED.

Thorn Hill, N. Y.

news from california.
Eds. Apiculturist :

The spirit moves me to write
you a letter, not that I exi)ect you
to print it, for I never could properly
prepare an article for publicadon,

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

209

and I dare not ask you, a stranger,
to edit it.

What I wish to say is, that I am
so well pleased with the " Api "
that I am recommending it to all
beekeepers that come in my way.
My attention was first called to it by
my neighbor, Mr. Irwin. He pre-
sented me with the numbers of 1884.
I read them all, over and over again,
and was so well pleased that I deter-
mined to have the whole thing, fi-om
the start, and just at that time I dis-
covered your " ad " in the C. B. J.,
offering with the whole outfit a fine
queen as a present. I jumped at the
chance. The bound volumes came
along in due course of mail, and
then the queen. She is a beauty.
I introduced her at once to a frame
of hatching brood, placed between
division boards in a nursery hive,
in the house. Two days after, added
another frame and soon had quite a
little colony. She now occupies a
prominent place in the apiary, and
bids fair to be as fine a colony as
I have. ■

Fr.\ncis D. Havens.

P. S. I am not a woman, but I
happen to think of something more.
If you would like to hear an)'thing
more about Santa Barbara beekeep-
ing you might drop me a postal.

F. D. H.
Santa Barbara, CaL, Aug. i, i8Sj.

THE SPIDER AS A COMB PROTECTOR.

Messrs. S. M. Locke & Co.
Under the above title an article
was published in the July number
(1884) of the "Api, " translated by
myself from the German of W. Eck-
hardt. He described his method of
preserving surplus combs from sea-
son to season, by putting them into
a box containing spiders and their
eggs.

I have been much troubled by the
loss of combs through the depreda-
19

tions of the moth, and last fall I did
as directed in the above mentioned
article, and put all the spiders and
eggs I could get into my comb box,
closed it, and waited.

This spring on opening it, I found
every comb in perfect order. Thus,
having tested this simple and effec-
tive measure, supplied us by nature,
I take pleasure in calling the atten-
tion of beemen to it. I am now
storing my box honey in spiders and
cobwebs in the hope that they may
be thus preserved for sale.

Chas. L. Colton.

Mta York, N. Y.

NOTES AND QUERIES.

— The October, November and
December numbers of the "Amer-
ican Apiculturist" are to be the most
valuable and instructive ever sent
out.

Mr. J. E. Pond will conduct the
department for beginners and the
novice will find his papers to be
invaluable.

— For a short time we offer the
following inducement to those who
are willing to work for us, and those
who wish to obtain with but little
trouble a choice queen.

To any person who sends us a
club of five new subscribers either at
$1.00 each, or at any of the club
offers, we will make a present of
one of our choice selected queens.
In order that you will understand
our offer we will cite an instance.

If five of your neighbors should
choose to take advantage of our offer
of the "Apiculturist," for one year
with a choice queen for $1.50, and
you should send us their addresses
and $7.50, we would make you a
present of a choice queen. Any
member of the club can, however,
take advantage of either of the club
offers that he may choose.

210

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

This is a splendid opportunity
for you to try our stock of queens.

— Mr. Arthur Todd is now conduct-
ing for us a series of papers entitled
"Foreign Notes" which, as presented,
forms a new and valuable feature here-
tofore neglected.

— Do hens eat live bees ? A Los
Angeles apiculturist seems to throw
some Hght on this mooted question.
He says that having often caught his
poultry in the flagrant act — standing
in front of the hives and taking the
busy insects as they pass in and out
— he finally despatched one and
found in her crop i8o bees. No
wonder the honey business is proving
unprofitable in that State, if this is
the general custom of the California
hen.

— We are now printing 5 ,000 copies
per month of our journal, and we
mean before the season closes to
place it in the hands of every bee-
keeper in the land.

— We call the attention of our
readers to the following offer : —

Apiculturist for i year, i .00

Locke's Feeder, .50
Apiculturist and feeder

together, 1.15

— We are indebted to a friend for
the following newspaper clippings : —

HIVING BEES.

This is rather a simple job to do
when one knows how to do it, yet
how many there are who seem to think
they must comply with all the super-
stitious notions of ages past? Who
has not seen and heard the hub-
bub and fuss of hiving a swarm of
bees by the old method. And too
many stick to the same old style yet
— the ringing of a bell, pounding
the dish pan, etc., to drown the com-
mands of the queen. We know now
that all this is useless. If you have
trees or bushes Iiandy for the swarm
to cluster on, you will rarely lose a
swarm, as it is very seldom that one

goes off without first settling. You
should have some good clean hives,
in a cool place, ready for the swarms
when they come.

If you have a number of stocks
that you think likely may swarm right
away and cause trouble, as soon as
you see a swarm issuing, fill your
garden sprinkler with water and sprin-
kle those stocks that have given
signs of swarming, which will hold
them in check till your swarm al-
ready out can be hived. If another
begins to pour out after the first one
is clustered, but before you have had
time to hive them, throw a sheet
over those clustered to prevent the
others from alighting there also. I
have had as many as three such clus-
ters covered at one time, other
swarms coming out too fast for the
first to get out of the way.

Let your swarm have plenty of
time to cluster ; no need to be in a
hurry if they cluster well. If they
light on some tree or bush that you
do not care about marring, cut off
the limb or limbs they are on, and
carry to where your hive is, which in
this case may be where you want it
to stay. Place a cloth drawn in front
of the hives so the bees can have a
clean road to the entrance. Hold-
ing your cluster within a foot of the
entrance, give it a slight shake —
enough to throw off part of the bees
— they will soon find the entrance,
and, setting up that happy hum
which is music to the beekeeper, will
travel in ; then when they are all well
under way, shake off some more,
holding the branch meanwhile over
those shaken down, which will attract
and catch those that may take wing.
Should you shake them all down at
once and step to one side, you may
have the fun of seeing them form
another cluster for you to cut down.
Watch the corners, and see to it that
the stream of bees does not get down
under the hive or alighting board ;
keep them in the ranks by brushing
back gently with a wing, or blowing

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

211

a light puff of smoke in their faces
now and then. Keep them moving
till you get them all in, else your
queen may be outside, and the swarm
come out to find her.

It is of importance that you give
them, if possible, a small patch of
brood in a frame, as a new swarm
rarely leaves a hive with a brood in
it. Never leave a new swarm where it
is hived till sundown ; this is a mis-
take— one which loses you many bees,
for in less than an hour they will lo-
cate their new home and be carrying
honey and pollen. If you have to
move it then, do so when they are
all in. In case your swarm alights
away up on a tall tree, or on branches
you do not wish to cut off, have a
sack made of common muslin, about
three feet long and fourteen to six-
teen inches in diameter. Sew a small
finger loop on the bottom of the
sack both outside and in. Bend a
I or I -inch iron rod into a round
hoop for the mouth of the sack, let-
ting the two ends be welded together
three or four inches to form a handle,
and sew the ring fast to the mouth of
the sack.

Next get a good stout pole of such
a diameter and length as to handle
best for the height of your trees, or
make one out of a 2 x 2 piece of pine.
Bore a hole in one ■ end and insert
the handle of the iron hoop, fasten-
ing so it will not turn. Have an-
other pole (or a half-inch rod may
do) with a hook on one end. With
these two tools you can get down a
cluster from quite high places by us-
ing a ladder part way. Hold the
sack up till it touches the limb, the
cluster being inside ; then give the
limb a jerk with the hooked pole,
drop the latter and turn the hoop
quarter way round, which closes the
sack with the bees inside. Lower
the sack and carry to your hive, put
your finger through the loop on the
bottom, end it mouth down, and
shake out the bees. The loop is to
prevent the crushing of bees inside

by grasping with the hand. Turn
the sack wrong side out by passing
it through the hoop, and the few
bees remaining are on the outside.
We are indebted for this sack-hiver
to Charles Dadant & Son, Hancock
County, 111.

Should your bees cluster on the
body of a tree, or down among the
roots of a bush, place your hive or a
box up over the cluster, or next to it
as near as you can, and stir them up
by a little smoke on the opposite
side. Soon a few bees will find the
way in and set up their cry, "Here
is a home for us ; come on boys,"
and the rest will follow. It at any
time they lag on the way in, and
stop in little clusters, a little puff of
smoke, or drawing a small bunch of
grass or leaves over their backs will
start them on again. Some sprinkle
the cluster with water before hiving.
I could never see any adv^antage in
this, any more than in the rant and
noise of old times. Keep quiet and
enjoy the music of a swarm of bees
on the wing.

ARTIFICIAL PASTURAGE FOR BEES.

Not enough attention is paid to
this subject. If beginners would
study the honey resources of their
locality, and if their bees lack pas-
turage, supply them with more by
sowing honey plants, there would be
fewer beekeeping failures than now.
I do not think that it pays to culti-
vate any plants for honey alone, but
there are good honey plants that pay
aside from the honey obtained from
them. One of the best of these is
alsyke clover. This does well on al-
most any soil, but is best adapted to
moist, heavy clay soils, and in such
localities it will outlive red clover.
The hay made from it is fine in qual-
ity, and is equal to any of the clover
or grasses in use for pasturage for
stock. In this locality it is one of
our best honey plants. It comes in
bloom about a week earlier than
white clover, and under good cultiva-
tion yields a larger amount of honey.

212

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

Basswood, or linden as it is some-
times called, is one of om- finest
shade trees. It is hardy and bears
transplanting well, is a rapid grower,
and seldom fails to yield large quan-
tities of honey, which, when well
ripened in the hive, is in every re-
spect as good as that made from
white clover. Buckwheat comes
into bloom directly after basswood
in this locality ; it can be raised on
almost any soil, but yields more
honey if the soil is well cultivated.
This is true of almost any honey
plant ; one acre of buckwheat, on
rich soil, well cultivated, will yield
more honey than several acres would
on poor soil. Although buckwheat
honey is of an inferior quality, and
does not command so high a price
in market, yet it is a source of much
profit to us, for we extract the early
honey and let the bees fill their
combs with buckwheat for winter
stores. The ras])berry is quite an
important honey i)lant, and although,
in this locality, it blossoms about the
same time as white clover, it is a
much more valuable honey plant,
for its drooping blossoms protect
the honey from moisture, and the
bees work upon it when the weather
is so wet that they can obtain noth-
ing from upright blossoms. No one
should think of giving up beekeep-
ing as a poor business because of
poor locality, until he has tried to
improve it by sowing honey plants,
for I believe that beekeeping can be
made profitable in almost any place
by a little judicious management. —
O. G. Russell.

Chenango County, N.Y.

BEES POISONED BY GLUCOSE.

Professor A. J. Cook of Michigan
Agricultural College says in regard
to glucose — We had come to regard
the dictum of the Naticjnal Academy
of Science as conclusive on whatever
it pronounced an opinion. Its
recent decision, however, in refer-
ence to glucose may well shake faith

in its infallibility. If glucose is al-
ways " entirely wholesome," why
does its use so often bring such wide-
spread disaster in wintering bees?
Granulated sugar is better for bees,
many think, than honey ; no one-
doubts that it is equally good. Glu-
cose, on the other hand, has given
such fatal results with so many, that
it is everywhere condemned. An
actual case of poisoning in Michigan,
by the use of table syrup, led to an
analysis, which showed the presence
of sulphuric acid.

BEES IN ORCHARDS.

It is said a larger crop of apples
is raised when a hive of bees is sta-
tioned in the orchard. The bees
visit every flower, busily flying from
one to another, and then passing to
an adjoining tree. The pollen on
their bodies is rubbed against the
pistils of myriads of flowers, which
become fertilized in this way. Many
of the strange modifications in the
form of flowers ai-e due to insects, the
transfer of pollen from different va-
rieties resulting in hybrids. Darwin
remarks that " all experimenters
have been struck with the wonderful
vigor, height, size, tenacity of life
and hardiness of their hybrid pro-
ductions." He was the first to
show that, from a flower fertilized by
pollen from a different plant, the
seedlings were much stronger than
from its own pollen. The wind and
insects are Nature's great agents in
performing this act of cross-fertili-
zation. The stamens and pistils of
the pines, birches, poplars, grasses,
corn, etc., are so arranged that the
wind fertilizes them — but in a large
number of flowers they are so situ-
ated that they can be reached only
by the agency of insects. The
moths, many of which have tongues
five inches long, probe the long tu-
bular flowers of orchids and other
plants, and withdraw them loaded
with pollen, to leave it on the pistil
of some other plant.

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

213

CONVENTION NOTES.

The Wabash County Beekeepers'
Convention will meet in G. A. R.
Hall, North Manchester, Inch, on
Oct. 10, 1885. Beekeepers every-
where are most earnestly requested
to be present.

J. J. Martin, Secretary.

North Manchester, Ind.
Aug. 20, iSSj.

The New Jersey and Eastern Bee-
keepers' Association, having ac-
cepted an invitation to meet with the
Mercer County Board of Agriculture
of Trenton, N.J., will hold their semi-
annual Convention, in the Grand
Jury Room, Court House, at Tren-
ton, New Jersey, on Thursday, Nov.
5 and Friday, Nov. 6, 1885, at 10
o'clock A. M. A full attendance of
the members is requested. To all
persons interested in our vocation
we extend a cordial welcome. The
Committee of Arrangements have
secured hotel accommodations at re-
duced rates.

A. J. King, President.

AVm. B. Treadwell,

Secretary.

Indiana State Fair.

The present season, so far, is the
most productive in the history of the
state. The grass and hay crop, the
most important of the products, is
immense, and all that could be de-
sired. The corn crop, second in im-
portance, is magnificent ; the recent
hot weather, with the propitious rains,
has given it boom by which it prom-
ises to excel, in this state, any pre-
vious year by several millions of
bushels.

The wheat crop, although com-
paratively light in quantity, is of
good quality and exceeds all antici-
pated estimates, with enough and to
spare.

The oat crop is the largest ever
grown in this state, by one-fifth, and

the potato crop, the most indispen-
sable to the human family, will be of
such proportions that we could feed
the world. Mother Earth is cer-
tainly doing her full share to bring
about good times and make happy
all her diligent children.

These facts, in connection with
the auspicious omens in the rooms
of the Board of Agriculture, in the
shape of business connected with the
State Fair, to commence September
28th, give assurance of another
grand success.

It has been asserted that the last
Indiana State Fair was the best agri-
cultural exhibition in the United
States. This is not mere assertion,
for the facts can be easily produced
to prove it, and the management
have reason to expect this season an
improvement on the last.

The Fair has outgrown its clothes ;
the greatest want now is more room
to spread itself, and the day is not
far distant (for the idea is now being
entertained), when all vehicles will be
shut out from the ground during the
Fair, to give room for the exhibits
and visitors.

The railroads promise better rates
than ever, and there is hope of some
of the prominent men of the nation
being present at the fair.

R. M. LoCKHART, Pres.
Alex. Heron, Secy.
Indianapolis, Aug. 12.

EXCHANGES.

California Honey Crop. — The
following report of the honey season
in California, from a correspondent
in that State, dated June 9, 1885,
will doubtless be interesting to our
readers. Does it not furnish a
pointer to the honey-producers of
the country, as to the future of the
honey market ? A light crop in Call-

214

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

fornia means better prices all around,
now that foreigners are finding out
what a good thing American honey
is — to take. " Reports from all quar-
ters of southern California agree that
while the bees are in good coiidition,
they have not stored much if any
surplus honey, and in some localities
they have actually reduced their
stores very materially. The cool
nights and windy days of the past
month have not been favorable to
the development of honey-producing
flowers or the secretion of nectar.
Both sorts of the sages are in bloom,
but they afford little honey as yet, and
what is stored is not in any respect
equal to the honey obtained in the
same sections last year at this date.
The low price of honey quoted in
all the markets is not encouraging,
but the values of other commodities
are about on a par with honey.
Sugar competes somewhat with
honey, and the price of that article
points still downward in the princi-
pal marts of the world, and it is not
reasonable to suppose that honey
will advance in price very materially,
until sugar regains its lost ground to
some considerable extent, not only
in the United States, but in Europ-
ean countries where a very large
quantity of our last year's crop of
honey found customers, who paid
better prices for our product than
could be obtained at home, or on the
east of the mountains." — A. B.J.

Women as beekeepers, by Re-
becca Harding Davis. — The advan-
tages of both beekeeping and poultry
raising as an employment for women
are great for these reasons :

I. They can be followed at home.
Whether on a farm or in town, or
even in a city, if you can have the
ground necessary to set the hives, it
is all the land you need. No matter
if you do not own the land, or, if
your lot is small, a place can easily
be made on the roof of a house, shed
or barn.

2. It is not necessary in the case
of bees to raise anything for their sup-
port. There is not a home in the
country where this need be done for
a few hives.

3. Any woman or girl can not only
make honey boxes, but the hives
themselves, as these can now be
bought all ready to nail together, so
that putting them up and painting
them require no strength.

4. The capital necessary to com-
mence with is small.

The little time required for their
care can be secured without interfer-
ing with other occupations. A
mother can care for her children
while she attends to her bees. (My
own successful work with bees was
done with an infant in my arms, or in
a baby carriage, and the other chil-
dren barely able to play alone, but all
the time within reach of my voice.)
A teacher can care for her bees out
of school hours, and after she has a
start, make more from them than from
her other work. We have in mind
teachers who have also found health
in the out-door air and exercise which
their bees gave them.

5 . There is a fascination about the
business which relieves all its tedium.
A woman will think of her bees, study
about them, and become so interest-
ed as to be almost paid for her work
by the love of it.

QVESrWA'S AND AN8WEBS.'

ANSWKKS 15Y G. W. DEMARHK.

1. When T did my first Italianizing
I knew nothing- of the modern science
of queen-rearing. I removed the
queen from a strong colony, and seven
days afterward destroyed all the queen
ceils, and again on the tenth day from
the day I removed the queen, I looked
all the combs over and destroyed every-
thing in the sh.ipe of queen cells — mak-
ing sure that no unsealed larv8e were

'These answers to questions in last month's
issue came too late for insertion in that num-
ber.

THE A3TERICAN APICULTURIST.

215

left in the hive. I now removed one of
their combs, and put in its phice a
comb containing eggs and larvae just
hatched, which I had taken fi-om my
te&ted Italian queen. On the seventh
day thereafter, I removed as many
black queens as I had cells in my cell-
rearing hive — save one for them — and
on the tenth day from the time I in-
serted the comb, I cut out as many
cells as I had removed queens, and
proceeded to insert one cell between
the top bars of the frames of each hive.
I placed the cells in such a position
that I could see if the queen cut out at
the fi/ifZof the cell, by simply raising the
quilt or honey board. If I found the
cell opened at the side, I knew at once
that was a failure, and proceeded to
give them another cell. In order to
have cells on hand, I set two or more
colonies to rearing cells at intervals
of three days apart. A novice can
hardly go wrong by this simple, tedi-
ous method. Of course, I now follow
the more modern methods.

2. This is a question of deep interest
to me, especially as pertains to intro-
ducing virgin queens. The dangers
are that the bees will "ball" and kill,
or injure for lite, the queen before she
is accepted. The only way I know to
avoid it is to keep the queen caged
till the bees show by their actions that
they are reconciled to her.

3. The hees seem to know that a
virgin queen is of no use till she is fer-
tilized, and they look on her as an in-
truder and disturber of the peace.
Perhaps her shy, unsteady ways pro-
voke an attack from the bees. I have
found that scary, fertile queens are
more likely to be " balled " than are
the gentle, steady ones.

4 & 5 I have never discovered much
difference in the several races of bees
in this respect.

I liave found that the black and hy-
brid queens are more fidgety as a gen-
eral rule than are the Italian queens,
and this trait is not favorable to quick
introducing.

6. I proceed in the usual way, ex-
cept that I keep the queens caged a
greater length of time. I still insist
that the only safe and practicable way
to introduce queens is to cage them
on top of the frames, where the actions
of the bees can be seen by simply turn-
ing back the quilt. As long as the
bees " ball " and bite the cage, the only
safe place for the queen is in the cage.
When they walk about the cage gently
as they do in other parts of the hive,

the queen can be safely released.
When I find this state of things, I re-
move the slide and stop the door in
the cage with a plug of soft candy, and
leave the bees to release the queen.

Christiansburg, Ky.

ANSWKKS BY A. J. COOK.

1. Buy a good Italian queen early
in the season. Stimulate the colony
when she is introduced by feeding and
adding brood so as to get early drones.
Keep drones out of all other hives,
then rear and introduce Italian queens
into all other colonies. This is done
with ease, and is a very excellent ex-
perience to the young beekeepei'.

2. Danger of the queens being killed
unless t^ery young. Caging for forty-
eight hours is an almost sure prevent-
ive.

3. I do not know.

4. I have had experience only with
German, Italian and Syrian. I find
no marked difference in these three
races.

5. I cage longer, and watch care-
fully as I liberate the queen. If she
is not kindly received I cage her for
another twenty-four hours.

ANSWEUS BY E. E. HASTY.

1. The old bachelor's advice to young
people about to be married was simply
"Don't." If, however, the novice is
too deeply in love with Italians for
such advice as that let him buy three
or four dollar queens of different breed-
ers, test them thoroughly for honey
gathering qualities ; then from the one
that proves the best, rear young queens
by the Alley method. A second batch
of queens may be reared to supersede
those that prove impurely mated.

2. The dangers of introducing may
be mainly reduced to two, the foreign
scent of the queen, and her prejudice
against her new subjects, leading her
to behave improperly. The foreign
scent is partly got rid of, and the scent
of the new colony partly acquired by
caging the queen for a day or so among
the bees to whom she is to be given.
To keep the queen from sulking, strik-
ing, and making noises, and other ex-
asperating capers, take away all her
own bees from the cage when it is im-
mersed in the bees of the new colony.
She thus finds absolute solitude unen-
durable and is obliged to make friends

216

THE AMERICAN APICULTVRIST.

with tlie bees ou the other side of the
wires. One thing a novice needs spec-
iallj^ to be told is that iu returning a
queen to her own colony, after she has
been used elsewhere, nearly the same
care must be used as if she were a stran-
ger.

If possible choose a time when bees
are good natured and gathering honey.

Earnestly avoid having any robbing
around the premises for a week before
queens are to be introduced.

Avoid giving a strange queen to a
colony that is overworked at rearmg
yoking bees, Bees often kill their own
queens from tliis cause and will be
pretty sure to kill a stranger.

Vei-y late in the season is a specially
bad time to introduce.

When circumstances are unfavorable
keep the bees three days queenless be-
fore releasing a strange queen among
them.

The surest way, when bees are des-
perately contrary, is to cage a whole
comb from which young bees are
emerging, putting the queen tliereon,
and leaving her and her young sub-
jects tlius segregated for a week in the
heart of the colony.

3. A queenless colony desirous of
more brood is greatly pleased with the
scent of fertility which a laying (jueen
diffuses. This scent operates as a
bribe to make them overlook her for-
eign odor. In the virgin queen the
scent of fertility is as yet very feeble,
and consequently she is treated more
nearly as a foreign worker bee would
be treated

4 & 5. Very little difference owing to
race, I think. I have rather felt that
the more energetic a colony was the
more resistance they would make to be-
ing re-queened. A strong colony of
vigorous hybrids late in the fall is the
"cap sheaf."

6. Would leave the hive longer
queenless, and be more careful gener-
ally.

Eichards, Lucas Co., Ohio.

QUESTION 15Y A BKHKEEPEK.

1. What do you think of using ether
for controlling bees?

Ans. While in the hands of an ex-
perienced apiarist and used with dis-
cretion ether might prove useful yet
we would not advise its general use.

Punk (or rotten wood) properly used
will meet ever reciuirement and is
much more safe.

LETTER BOX.

Lindsay, Out., Aug., 1885.
The pure Cyprian queen you mailed
to me on the 11th inst., arrived at my
apiary at 7 p. M , on the 1-lth, in good
condition and without a single dead bee
in the cage. I immediately placed the
cage beneath the cloth cover of the
brood chamber of a strong colony of
bees. The next morning I made a
rather weak colony queenless, removed
the worker bees from the Cyprian
queen, and placed her, still caged, upon
tlie frames of the queenless colony. On
Saturday evening I again examined
tlie Cyprian queen, filled the food com-
partment of the cage and its opening
with fresh, "Good" candy, stopped the
entrance with an old queen cell, and
replaced the cage with the tin cover
open. When I examined on Wednes-
day, I found the cage deserted, nearly
all the candy consumed, and the queen
had laid a large number of eggs iu two
combs.

John Head.

Cottage Grove, Ind., Aug. 3, 1885.
Gents :

American Apiculturist, Vols. I and
II, cloth l)ound, rei.eived some time
ago, and I must say I was most argreea-
bly surprised on receiving the same. I
have since perused a good part of the
work and like it much. Hardly know
how any beekeeper can do without it.
You can just put me down as a regular
subscriber as long as your journal is
published.

With good wishes for your future
prosperity, 1 remain very respectfully,

P. C. Barnakd.

South Bend, Lid., Aug. 24, 1885.

Dear Sirs :

My son and I wintered 200 colonies
of Italian bees in the cellar with the
loss of but two colonies and five or
six queens, and, you will remember,
last winter was a severe one. After
removing them from the cellar we sold
all but 19G colonies and now have 250.
Our bees had the swarming fever bad,
causing much shortage in the honey
yield. Bees are now doing well on
red clover and buckwheat.

The bound volumes of the "Apicultu-
rist" duly received. I find them filled
with " good things " for the beekeeper.
T consider the "Apiculturist" all but
indispensable to the would-be apiarist.
A. J. Hatfield.

The American Apiculturist.

% loxtrnal htboiitH to ^dmii^t anb Uratlttal gei^kceptng.

ENTERED AT THE POST-OFFICE, SALEM, AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER. ^

Published Monthly. S. M. Locke & Co., Publishers & Prop'rs.

VOL. III. WENHAM, MASS., OCTOBER 15, 1885.

No. 10.

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on trial three months for 35 cts., six months
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When sending money make all postal notes
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to S. M. Locke & Co., Wenham, Mass.

OBSERVATIONS UPON
DRONES.

By L. L. Langstroth.

Bevan says that the drone hatches
on the 24th or 25th day after the
egg is laid. I know of nothing more
definite on this point.

To get more precisely the facts,
on the 1 6th day of last July, a drone-
comb was put, at 7 A. M., centrally
in a strong colony, which had been
fed for several days, as the drones
were being expelled from many hives.
At 9 A. M. the queen was found on
that comb, having laid three eggs.
She had just begun laying. At 9 A. m.,
on July 1 7, it was removed to a
strong colony, without queen, eggs
or larvae. On July 27, many cells
20

were capped, and on July 28, at 2
p. M., some 200 were capped, many
eggs having, for some cause, disap-
peared. On Aug. 9, none had
hatched. On Aug. 10 examinations
were made every hoar. At %.yit
p. M. none had crawled out ; at 6j^o
two had hatched, and a third was
hatching. If these drones came
from the first eggs laid, they took
about 25 days and 8J- hours to de-
velop.

At 6 A. M., on Aug. II, many more
had hatched, and at 6 a. m., on Aug.
12, all but 17 had hatched. At 6.30
p. M. all but 2 had hatched, and at
6.30 A. M. of Aug. 13, the last one
was found with the cap off, trying to
crawl out ; it was strong and perfect.
Now, if the egg producing this drone
was laid just before the comb was
removed, then it took nearly 2 7 days
to mature.

During the whole time of these ob-
servations, the weather was of the
most favorable kind — the thermome-
ter ranging nearly every day above
80° Fahr., and being only once as
low as 62°. The colony was kept in
good heart by daily feeding, and I
can think of nothing which could
have retarded in the least the devel-
opment of these drones, unless pos-
sibly the fact that from so many of
the eggs having disappeared, they
were not as compact in the comb as
(217)

218

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

they otherwise would have been. In
this observation, although there could
not possibly have been more than 24
hours' difference between the laying
of the first and the last egg, there
was about two days and a half be-
tween the hatching of the first and
the last drone.

It is quite interesting to watch the
different actions of just hatched work-
ers and drones. The worker, true
to her name and office, begins to
crawl over the combs as if to feel her
legs, stops occasionally to clean her-
self up, and before long helps herself
to honey from an open cell. The
drone, on the contrary, is a born de-
pendant. His first ' act is to touch
the nearest worker he can reach with
his flexible antennae, and, begging to
be fed, he is at once supplied with
honey disgorged from the proboscis
of his attentive nurse. And so he
goes on all his life, seeming to prefer
to be fed, although perfectly able, if
needs be, to help himself.

A very bad name has always been
given the drone. Virgil has his fling
at him, stigmatizing him as having
no proper office in the economy of
the hive — seeking only to devour the
stores which he had no share in col-
lecting. I wonder what the poet
thought he was made for ! or, as he
says that the bees collected their
young from the flowers, being too
chaste to breed them, what motive he
could have thought they had to
gather in such useless consumers !
Aa:id yet without any special pleading
how much can be said in his defence !
It is only too evident that his pro-
boscis is too short to suck honey from
the flowers ; that his legs have no

pollen baskets ; and that he can se-
crete no wax. Great as his bulk is,
he has no sting, and can do nothing
for the defence of the common-
wealth ; but then, without him that
commonwealth could have no exist-
ence. The sole object of his life
seems to be, at the proper time, to
fertilize the young queen — and this
he is always ready to do. Now why
should we blame any creature which
fulfils the special object of its crea-
tion ? And yet I fear me in spite of
all that can so justly be said in his
favor, our poor drone will always be
cited as an incorrigibly idle reprobate,
who meets with only his just deserts
when after a life of pleasure he is
killed without mercy by the indus-
trious workers. He will always be
known as Shakespeare's "lazy yawn-
ing drone."
Oxfoi-d, Ohio.

\_To be continued.']

FOREIGN NOTES.

Bv Arthur Todd.

Camphor is well known as a pre-
servative against moths in furs and
cloth, also against mildew. From
Russia we learn that Mr. Ossipow
has been applying this substance as
a remedy in cases of Foul Brood.

One spring he found he had two
hives infected : one very badly,another
slightly. He wrapped up in a piece
of rag a piece of camphor the size of
a walnut and placed one on the floor
board inside each hive. Soon after-
wards he noticed that the first hive

THE AMERICAN APIGULTURIST.

219

was completely rid of the disease.
The bees of the second hive were
noticed to go off gayly enough to the
fields but, on coming back, showed
a disinclination to reenter the hive.
Believing they found the odor too
strong, Mr. Ossipow withdrew the
camphor for three days and put it in
again at the end of that time ; he
continued this treatment for a month
when he found all trace of the disease
gone. For two months he allowed
the camphor to remain in the worst
affected hive and then found only
four infected cells. Later on, the
colony became very strong and in a
perfectly healthy condition.

When Mr. Ossipow has found a
case of foul brood since, he has put
in his lump of camphor and inva-
riably found the remedy effective.
On the principle that prevention is
better than cure, he puts in each hive
every autumn a piece of camphor.

When living in Algeria some years
back, I found that great reliance was
placed upon the emanations from the
leaves of the eucalyptus trees (the
big gums of California) as a curative
agent against fevers, especially those
of a typhoid character. These trees
all belong to the camphor family and
I was informed that bees were always
healthy when placed under one of
these trees.

It is not very long since it was
thought that the adulteration of honey
made in a careful manner was very
difficult or even impossible to detect.
In Hager's "Pharmaceutical Manual"
it is stated : " Very pure glucose or
beet sugar mixed with honey cannot
be detected with certainty ;"and again,

" Now that starch sugar is to be had
so cheaply, bee men can use great
quantities of it to feed their bees and
in that manner obtain enormous
quantities of honey." In many older
books we find it stated that honey
contains variable quantities of fruit
and grape sugars and that the quan-
tity of the latter increases as the honey
gets older. If this statement were cor-
rect, then those above mentioned
should be also ; but, Dr. Fritz Ellsner
has found by numerous experiments,
it is not so, and he has proved that
the determination of manufactured
glucose used to adulterate honey is
extremely simple. A great number
of samples of honey having been given
to Dr. Ellsner by the Leipzig Bee
Society to analyze, he was able to
study this question closely and, with-
out speaking of his microscopical
researches, he carried out a series of
experiments to establish correctly a
method for determining the exact
percentage of manufactured glucose
in any sample of honey.

A large number of samples of honey
were obtained, their exact source of
supply being known ; ten per cent so-
lutions of these were prepared, de-
colorized by animal charcoal, and
submitted to examination under a
Wasserlein polariscope. That instru-
ment gives at once the percentage of
grape sugar but is equally good for
general observations. Here is the
result :

1 Honey of Leipzig, Fennel in

comb, I year old o°.9

2 Honey of Leipzig, Colza

comb, I year old o°.

3 Honey of Leipzig, Colza and

Fennel comb, i year old o.°3

220

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

4 Honey of Leipzig, Heather

candied, 3 years old o°.8

5 Honey of Leipzig, Heather

candied, 35 years old o°.6

6 Honey, Wurtemberg, candied

2 years old o°.3

7 Honey, American, candied,

2 years old o°,6

8 Honey, Chili, candied, 2

years old 1°,

9 Honey, Wurtemberg (pre-

pared cold), 4 years old 0°.

10 Honey, Thuringia, clover in

comb i°.2

11 Honey, Thuringia, spring

flowers o°.3

From this table it follows that all
honey, no matter what the age and
the source of supply, contains exclu-
sively inverted sugar and, moreover,
that the quantity of fruit sugar which,
under the polariscope, turns the ray
of light to the left, is constantly strong
enough to compensate for the devia-
tion to the right caused by the nat-
ural grape sugar. In a single word,
then, a// honey, if it is pure, is en-
tirely without action on polarized
light or deflects it shghtly to the left,
but never to the right. In order to
know what action on polarized light
a honey, produced by the feeding
manufactured glucose to bees, would
have, some direct trials were made.

It will be remembered that it is
well known to beekeepers that glu-
cose acts in an unhealthy manner,
and often deadly, on bees ; and that
no wefl-read beekeeper would dream
of feeding glucose to produce honey.
With glucose food bees get the diar-
rhoea, their belly swells, then comes
paralysis and death.

Notwithstanding that, and in the

interests of truth, one of the members
of the Leipzig Bee Society sacrificed
a colony by feeding it glucose. He
tried feeding it solid and in solution,
but it was only after having mixed a
thick syrup of it with equal parts of
honey, that he could get his bees to
take down any quantity. Having
got a comb well filled it was extracted
in the presence of witnesses. This
honey had a good odor but was dark,
very liquid and remained a long time
as liquid as syrup.

From three different samples of
this honey thus produced, were pre-
pared solutions of twenty per cent,
decolorized by means of animal char-
coal, and the polariscope then gave
the following results :

1° + 3°7
2° + ^%

3° + 3°7

It suffices then, to have but a very
minute quantity of manufactured
glucose to obtain a striking deviation
of the ray of polarized light and that
to the right. These remarks were
afterward verified by observations on
solutions in which were mixed di-
rectly, from five to twenty per cent
of glucose.

The Swiss honeys, of which men-
tion was made above, all deflected,
without e:xception, the ray of light
in the polariscope to the right some
8° to 13° and were declared impure.
The manager of one of the largest
factories for Swiss honey, later on,
admitted that all honey put up by his
firm contained glucose ; and that be-
cause the public demanded honey
that would remain liquid and not
candy which, in the eyes of the pub-
lic, is a proof of purity. To prevent

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

221

trouble they labelled their goods not
"Veritable honey from Bees," but
" Veritable Swiss Honey."

It only remains to know if a
honey obtained by feeding sugar
can be regarded as pure. The pro-
ducers, all competent judges, say
"no." In general, sugar is only em-
ployed as a food in cases of real need,
that is to say, for wintering, and with-
in the limits of what the bees can
consume themselves ; when there is
more than that it is only syrup with-
out flavor or taste. Nothing then
ought to be called honey except the
actual product of the secretions of
flowers, and stored therefrom by the
bees.

The conclusions to be drawn from
Dr. EUsner's work therefore, are :
first, all honey, that under the polar-
iscope turns the ray of light to the
right, is impure. Second, that the
smallest quantity of manufactured
glucose added to honey can bq de-
tected by using the polariscope.

Philadelphia, Pa.

IMPROPRIETIES IN
JOURNALISM.

By S. Corneil.

Recently the Ca nadia n Bee Jour-
nal republished an article on api-
culture from the Popi/la?- Science
Monthly and called attention to it
in a flattering editorial notice, giving
credit to the journal from which the
article was taken. The editor of the
American Bee Jourjial overlooked
the editorial paragraph and took the

editor of the Canadian Bee Journal
pretty severely to task for publishing
the article as if it were original matter.
The same article was afterwards re-
published in the American Bee Jour-
nal, headed by the words "Popular
Science Monthly" but any one who
will take the trouble to compare it
with the original will see that the ed-
itor of the American Bee Journal is
guilty of the impropriety of mutilating
the article by making alterations,
ehsions and additions. In doing so
he is unjust to the writer of the article,
unjust to the publisher, and he prac-
tises a deception upon his readers.
There are in all about twenty changes,
but I shall take space to refer to two
only and leave the reader to say
whether or not in making these
changes, the editor shows a spirit of
petty jealousy in excluding from his
columns any complimentary reference
to the editor of another bee journal.
In the third paragraph of the sec-
ond column, page 390, of the Amer-
ican Bee Journal, we have this sen-
tence : " For the Syrian races of bees
leading apiarists claim, etc." In the
Popular Science Monthly it reads :
"For the Syrian races of bees Mr.
Jones and other leading apiarists
claim, etc." In the fourth paragraph
of the first column on the same page
of the American Bee Journal we
read: "The Syrian and Cyprian va-
rieties have been extensively imported
into this country." In the Popular
Science Monthly we find it thus :
" The Syrian and Cyprian varieties
have been extensively imported into
this country by that distinguished
and enterprising apiarist, D.A. Jones
of Beeton, Ontario."

222

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

No doubt most of the readers of
the American Bee Journal {e\t under
obhgations for the privilege of reading
those very interesting articles by
Mr, Frank Cheshire on Foul Brood,
published about a year ago, but
probably few are aware that they
are so altered that the author would
hardly know them. In an introduc-
tory paragraph we are told they are
copied from the British Bee Jour-
nal, but on comparing them with the
originals, we find that there are nine-
teen words and one phrase added,
sixteen words, nine phrases, thirteen
clauses, thirty-six sentences and ten
e7itire paragraphs omitted, and sev-
enty words, three phrases and two
clauses altered by substituting others.
In some cases the idea as well as the
phraseology is changed and yet Mr.
Cheshire is held responsible before
the public. In the seventy changes
of words the good Anglo-Saxon word
"stock" is invariably changed to the
less appropriate word "colony;"
"hive," when used so as to mean the
contained for the container,is changed
to "'colony," and the word "apiarist"
is always substituted for the more
euphonious word "apiarian." Even
if it were allowable to make changes
in the language used by a writer, in
such a case some of the changes
made cannot be defended. For in-
stance, Mr. Cheshire quotes a para-
graph from " Carpenter on the
Microscope" in which this phrase
occurs : "The mortality caused by it
(Pebrine) being estimated to pro-
duce a money loss of from three to
four millions sterling annually for
several years." This language of the
great Dr. Carpenter should be good

enough, but it does not come up to
the standard required by Mr. New-
man. "Millions sterling" must be
changed to "millions (9/'sterling" be-
fore it can be permitted to appear in
the pages of his journal. Altogether
the changes are so extensive and so
important, that those who wish to see
what Frank Cheshire actually did say
on Foul Brood, will have to read his
article in the British Bee Journal.
Lindsay, Sept. 8, i88j.

THE NEW vs THE OLD.
No 2.

In our journey through life how
often we make comparison with the
old. Those who have lived any
number of years look with wonder
at the rapid march of improvement,
and yet often can compare the good
old times with the new, with the ad-
vantage on the side of the old. One
reason for this is the fact that there
are two forces that travel equally fast
and side by side. For instance one
man wants a gun whose missile will
penetrate the armor of any ship or
fort known, but simultaneously with
him, another is inventing an armor
that is able to resist it, and so it goes,
one man's ingenuity arrayed against
another's, and great results are ac-
complished ; yet in reality the situa-
tion is unchanged. These compari-
sons can be made in almost every
branch of science. In the science of
apiculture the comparison between the
old and new is one that gives pleas-

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

223

ure and satisfaction, at least to the
progressive beekeeper if no pecun-
iary gain follows. In our last we
made some comparisons between the
old and new methods of introducing
queen bees ; Ave might also, if we felt
capable, compare the new 7!s the old
method of raising them and show
that although the acme of success has
been reached, yet the expected pe-
cuniary results do not follow. Sup-
pose we compare the old box-hive
and method of getting the old style
of two comb four-pound boxes of
comb honey therefrom. I fancy that
Capt. Hetherington can look back to
those days and find the advantage 'fi-
nancially on the side of the old. He
may be able by the hew to produce
four times the amount of honey and
in a style that outshines the old as the
electric light outshines the rust, but
that other fo7'ce has brought the price
down to such a figure that the net
results in bank will not compare with
the old. But to view it through the
eyes of a philanthropist may give
some satisfaction, as many eat honey
to-day that could not get a smell then.
I see in the Sept. "Api" some notes
on "Advanced Bee Culture" from L.
C. Root, in which he gives some as-
tonishing figures, the result of the
new vs the old under favorable cir-
cumstances. Well, in this branch of
our science the old certainly cannot
compare favorably with the new but
this is one of those cases where we
can almost say a new article is pro-
duced; as the present production of
extracted honey can not be classed
as the same goods with the strained
honey of old, and yet, I fancy Mr.
Root carried more money home in

his wallet from his honey sales twenty
years ago then he does to-day.

Still we would not go back to those
days. Although we may not be as well
off pecuniarily, we are rich in knowl-
edge. Our children enjoy the advan-
tages of an enlightened age. Where
we paddled our canoe, they ride
in steam palaces ; where we jogged
along in the old stage coach, they are
whizzed along by the lightning train ;
a day with them now was a week
with us then, and we look on and
wonder, and grow chronic in making
comparisons with the new vs the

OLD.

Brooklyn, N. Y.

THE UTILITY OF FEEDERS.

Br Henry Alley.

A GOOD bee feeder is appreciated
by every apiarist, as every one who
keeps bees has more or less use for
such an article during his beekeeping
experience. There are in use as
many styles and patent feeders as
patent hives. All of them possess
more or less merit, and nearly all
will do the work for which they were
designed. I do not have a very good
opinion of an "entrance" feeder.
Unless great care is used, robbing
will be induced. Then again, what
advantage does an entrance feeder
have over a feeder used over the
frames ? The former can be used only
while the weather is warm, as the bees
will not and cannot cluster near the
feeder to keep up a proper warmth
while at work removing the syrup.
The above are very serious ob-
jections to an entrance feeder. Now

224

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

I will give some of the advantages
of feeders used over the combs. A
properly constructed feeder can be
placed upon the frames and directly
over the cluster at any season of the
year. It can be covered by a chaff
cushion, or some warm material and
retain the heat. The bees can
take the food from it and not
leave the cluster. A feeder of this
description can be filled without dis-
turbing it or the bees even, as often
as the food is removed. During my
long experience with bees, I have
been obliged to use feeders, more or
less, every year during some portion
of the season. My experience with
such implements will equal that of
any man in the bee business. I have
used every kind of a feeder thus far
presented, and have finally settled
upon the two best adapted for gen-
eral use.

The one is a glass fruit jar;
the other " Locke's Perfection
Feeder." Both embody the same
principle, namely : atmospheric.
The latter has many decided advan-
tages over all others in use. It is
made of tin, and can be made large
enough to hold several quarts of
syrup. The samples which I have
seen, and which are sent by mail,
are made to hold about one pint of
syrup. There are apertures in the
top and bottom. The one in the
top is for the reception of food,
while the one in the bottom is closed
with a sponge from which the bees
sip the food and place it in the
combs for further use. The cap
which covers the opening in the top,
through which the food enters, fits
so nicely that no air can enter, and

also prevents any scent of the food
from escaping. Therefore, when
one of these feeders is placed upon
a hive unprotected by any covering,
no robber bee can enter or even
get a sniff of the contents of the
feeder. We have used them this
fall upon some hives and have not
protected them at all from the
weather. The heaviest rain that ever
descended cannot enter the feeder,
either at the top or about the bot-
tom. It is weather- and robber-proof
in every sense of the word.

For a hive that has a honey board,
a mat or plain top, it requires about
one minute to apply the feeder to it.
All that is necessary is to make an
opening about i^ inches in diameter
in whatever covers the frames ; and
when the feeder is ready, let the
sponge come directly over the aper-
ture made to give the bees access to
the feeder. I have no doubt that
this feeder would preserve a colony

"jisiaai,- ^^yjilllll

through the winter, even though it
had no capped honey at all. If the
bees are kept in a cellar or reposi-
tory where the temperature is kept at
45°, they can sip the food from the
feeder as easily as they can take
honey from the combs. One of
these feeders could be made to hold
a sufficient amount of food to last a
colony through the winter. It could
be filled in the fall and need not be
disturbed till spring. Their cost cer-
tainly can be no objection to their
general use.

The illustration here given repre-

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

225

sents a feeder holding about one
pint. One that has a capacity of
several quarts costs but a trifle more
than the pint feeder.
Wenham, Mass.

NORTH AND SOUTH IN
BEE CULTURE.

By Abbott L. Swinson.

A GREAT deal has been written pro
and con in regard to pollen theories
in the diarrhoea troubles among bees.
I must confess that the article of G.
W. Demaree, in your last issue is
pretty near the truth, as near prob-
ably ( ?) as any article that has been
published in regard to these diarrhoea
troubles. That the cause must be
"climatic" is pretty well proven by
the fact that there is no such thing
among the bees in the south as diar-
rhoea or foul brood, while our north-
ern brethren are more or less troubled
with it every season. These are facts
that our theorizing beekeepers should
not overlook.

We lose no bees here during win-
ter or spring, except from starvation,
that is usually brought about by the
bees being kept principally in old box
and gum hives, and their keepers
robbing them in June and July, after
the honey flow is over, and taking
out too much of their stores, not
knowing how much is being left.
The black (or German) bees store
but very little honey after June lo,
in eastern North Carolina, the main
honey flow being during the month
of May, from black gum, poplar, low-

bush huckleberry, holly and gallberry.
The Italian, Syrians and Cyprians do
much better after the main honey
flow than do the blacks ; they usually
store twice the amount of honey
from June lo to October that the
blacks do. They stored a good deal
of honey this season for me, from
cotton and sumac, beginning about
July 20 and ending Aug. 15, while
the blacks in this section were doing
nothing. Bees fly out here nearly
every week in winter during the mid-
dle of the day. They gather plenty
of pollen during February from alder,
(not elder). I had queens reared,
mated and laying April 8, this last
spring. I find southern-bred queens
live longer and are more prolific, here
wjth me, than are northern-bred
queens, which I have bought up
north, notwithstanding the com-
plaint against " southern queens " by
some of the northern beekeepers.

THE BEST BEES.

The American Italian (Albinos) are
the coming bees (?). I have tried
for the past two seasons the crossing
of ItaHans, Cyprians and Syrians as
suggested by Mr. Demaree, under
the above heading, and I have come
to the conclusion that the American
Italians are the best bees on the
x\merican continent — Carniolans not
excepted — for purity, gentleness,
beauty, prolificness, size and working
qualities ; they are certainly the " yel-
lowest " and whitest marked bees we
have. The young of eight queens
that I now have are nearly white,
when first hatched out, but after they
become exposed to sun and he^ in
working, they show four to five yel-

226

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

low bands (when they are expanded
with honey) and the white and black
(it is not such a deep blue-black as
most albinos show, either) bands
around the abdomen are about an
equal width. This has been brought
out by careful breeding and selecting
of the best queens from which to
breed drones and queens among my
Italian stocks — by in-and-in breeding
too — that is, drones and queens all
from the same queen, as all these
American-Italians. I have twenty
queens of them, but not all of them
show uniformly marked bees of four
and five bands as do the eight selected
ones, bred and mated to drones of
one mother, which I bought last season
in a lot of nine untested queens of a
Tennessee breeder, that showed her
progeny to be extra fine Italians ;
but those bred of her and ma fed to
her drones are much finer and far
ahead of any bees I ever saw among
Italians, Cyprians or Syrians.

Goldsboro,N. C, Sept 22, 1885.

A GUIDE TO THE BEST
METHODS OF BEE-
KEEPING.

By J. L. Christ.

R. F. nolterman, Translator.
(Continued from p. 129, Vol. III.)

OF THE GENERAL USE OF THE HIVE.

The use of the hive generally is
very much greater than keeping bees
in ordinary straw skeps and the com-
parative value of the use of them for
one year is as five to one ; and when

one takes into consideration all the
advantages in beekeeping, the com-
parative estimate is a low one. How
easily may an apiary, composed of
ordinary straw skeps, be in one year
totally annihilated ; hives, however,
very seldom, because such, owing
to the number of bees contained
therein, can, in the few good days,
carry in at least sufficient to secure
their winter stores. Adverse circum-
stances of all kinds, such as poison-
ous mildews, robbers, cold winds in
spring, hail storms in summer, strong
colonies can overcome more easily
and their broods can soon make up
the loss ; but weaker colonies, such
as those in straw skeps usually are,
become depopulated and on account
of such a rapid and sudden depopu-
lation become foul-broody and at
best they cannot recover themselves
for the year or many days. A hive sel-
dom becomes entirely depopulated :
at least we have but few examples so
far ; then such a populous colony com-
mences to raise brood in January,
yes, even in December, and on ac-
count of the heat generated by the
bees this is done successfully and
therefore should the queen even be
lost in April a new queen can be
raised. With the hive one can se-
cure the nicest store of honey and
wax, without it being necessary to
destroy the useful insects, without
cutting the comb, and thereby en-
dangering the bees and one's self
and causing much unpleasantness.

In skeps the best colonies often
ruin themselves by repeated swarm-
ing, but in hives one can hinder their
warming and some years prevent it
altogether. In the case of hives they

THE AMERICAN APIGULTURIST.

227

are rejuvenated nearly every year
and if it has stood for twenty-five
years it is not an old colony, as nearly
every year new " Untensatze "^ are
built full and the previous year's
combs are taken off thro-gh the
upper stories. The combs do not
become blackened, the cells do not
contract as in old skeps, as every
young bee leaves her pupa garb be-
hind her and the cell is valueless for
the full maturity of the brood. The
reason is that a skep which has been
in use five or six years without chang-
ing combs is of little value and the
bees will seldom swarm.

It is on account of this also that
with the hive there becomes no old
colony ; but clean, nicest and best of
honey is produced. On the contrary,
that cut out of old skeps, or procured
by smothering bees, is soiled by brood,
dead bees, sulphur fumes, etc. And
what is an advantage above all others
in the hive is that one in the latter
always has bees, which can be taken
care of pleasantly and without great
fatigue.

THE SPECIAL ADVANTAGES OF WOODEN
HIVES WITH GLASSES.

As it has for some time been pro-
ven by experiment that beekeeping
in hives is the best and most profit-
able according to my actual test, my
previously described hive, made out
of boards and the top story furnished
with a pane of glass, is the best and
has distinct advantages over the
hive made of straw. I will not speak
of the ornamentality and general
appearance which are given to a
bee stand- or garden by a num-

1 Literally, tilings placed beneath.

2 Apiary would be a better term.

ber of wooden hives having a sym-
metrical appearance, which is no
matter of indifference to a person of
taste and a lover of bees ; but how
profitable and easy and at the same
time how pleasant does that insignif-
icant glass, which only costs a kreutzer
(half-penny), make the handling and
tending of the bees !

I can not only amuse myself at
their internal work and observe them
summer and winter, but sometimes
have the good fortune, especially in
May and June, to see the queen with
her body guard and watch her deposit
eggs, etc. ; while, on the contrary, in
the straw skep, I can observe nothing
but their outer industry and their
flight. But I have a visible proof, of
their inner economy which is very
profitable and necessary to the bees.
I see how much honey they have,
how much brood, how much they
have built and this is (as can be seen
from what follows, in harvesting
honey, in dividing or swarming, by
adding stories and other operations)
of the utmost importance, in remov-
ing stories filled with honey. I can
see how much I can take from these
stories without taking too much from
the bees and leave them enough for
winter.

I can calculate how many feet
or pounds of honey, how much
wax every colony has, yes, how much
fifty colonies have ; as every story
has equal dimensions and the pattern
shows me that such a story when
empty will contain four measures,
when filled it will contain two meas-
ures of honey and "i^ quarter lbs."
of wax. With straw hives, where I
know nothing definite, I must take

228

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

such a heavy colony and, with many
difificulties and no little danger, Aveigh
it and then guess at the amount to
deduct for the hive itself.

Further, if I wish to prevent a
colony from swarming altogether or
the second time, I must give them
another story at the proper time ;
that is as soon as they have the last
story a little over half or at most three
quarters full which I can see with my
hive at any time, but with the straw
hive one must, with great trouble
and danger and displeasure to the
bees, tilt over the hive to see, and
should it be seventy to eighty pounds
in weight such is almost impossible.
And should a straw hive have only
three stories on and one were to turn
it over, it would be easy for a story
to fall off unless the hive was built in
an expensive manner. Yes, in many
cases it is absolutely necessary to be
able to see and examine the inner
economy of every story, especially
in making nuclei, so as to know where
to divide ; it is necessary to examine
the old as well as the nuclei (the up-
per stories to be lifted off as well as the
lower which are to remain) for brood
and such like. The cleanliness and
smoothness of the glass and the
planed board are acceptable and pleas-
ant to the bees ; they save thereby
not only much time and labor which
have to be expended on straw hives
in biting and tearing off loose pieces
and carrying them out, which time
could better be expended in procur-
ing their best and most necessary
harvest; they also have no danger
from moths which we all know not
only gnaw themselves into a hive but
which secrete themselves in the straw

and then are not so easily dislodged
by the bees.

RodJieim, Gei'inany, July, Ij8j.
\_To be continued.']

EDITORIAL.

The season of 1885 will be re-
membered as one of the best the bee-
keeper has experienced. As a rule,
large crops of honey have been gath-
ered, and the increase in colonies has
been satisfactory. At the beginning
of the season the prospect for the
beekeeper was a gloomy one. We
had just passed through one of the
most disastrous winters to bees yet
experienced, and thousands of bee-
keepers were ready to give up the
business in disgust. Now our apia-
ries are in fine running order again,
and we can take fresh courage, as we
are sure to be well repaid for all the
trouble and time devoted to our pets.

Like all other business, beekeeping
has its " ups and downs " but no one
should be discouraged by meeting
with an occasional drawback ; we
must expect to experience disaster
and ill luck sometimes. Neither
should we expect or look for a large
crop of honey every year. Last
season Californian beekeepers sent
an immense crop of honey to mar-
ket ; this year they have but little, if
any, to send. Last year bees did
poorly in Vermont ; this year they
have done extra well. Do not get
discouraged, push on as if nothing
but prosperity was certain to crown
your efforts. If disaster comes, re-
pair the damage as quickly as possi-
ble and push right on the same as
though nothing of consequence had
happened.

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

229

NEW OBSERVATIONS ON

THE NATURAL HISTORY

OF BEES.

By Francis Huber.

(Contiimed from p. 204, Vol. III.)

This second absence was much
longer than the first ; it occupied
twenty-seven minutes. We now
found her in a state very different
from that in which she was after
lier former excursion ; the organs
distended by a substance, thick and
hard, very much resembling the
matter in the vessels of the male ;
completely similar to it indeed in
color, and consistence.^

But more evidence than mere re-
semblance being requisite to estab-
lish that the female had returned with
the prolific matter of the male, we
allowed the queen to enter the hive
and confined her there. In two
days we found her belly swollen, and
she had already laid .nearly a hun-
dred eggs in the worker cells. To
confirm our discovery we made sev-
eral other experiments and with the
same success.

I shall continue to transcribe my
journal.

On the second of July, the weather
being very fine, a number of males
left the hives and we set at liberty
a young virgin queen eleven days
old whose hive had always been de-
prived of them.

Having quickly left the hive, she
returned to examine it and then
rose out of sight. She came back

lit will afterwards appear that what we
took for the generative mattei- was the male
organ lel'tiu the body of the female, a discov-
ery wliich we owe to tlie circumstance that
shall be Immediately )-elated. I'erhaps I
sliould avoid proli.xity by suppressing all my
first observations on the im|)regnation ol the
queen and passing directly to tlie experiments
that prove she carried away the genital organs
but on such observations whicli are both new
and dflic.ite, and where it Is .so easy to be de-
ceived, I ronsider tliat a candid avowal of my
errors is doing tlie reader service. This is an
additional jiroof to so many others, of ab-
solute necessity tliat an observer slionld re-
peat all liis experiments a thousand times to
obtain tlie certainty (of seeing facts as they
reallv exist.

in a few minutes without any ex-
ternal marks of impregnation, and
departed again in a quarter of an
hour with so rapid a flight that we
could scarcely follow her a moment.
This absence continued thirty min-
utes, but on her return the last ring
of the body was open, and the or-
gans full of the whitish substance
already mentioned ; she was then re-
placed in the hive from which all
the males were excluded. In two
days we found her impregnated.
These obsei-vations at length demon-
strate why Hattorf obtained results
so different from ours. His queens,
though in hives deprived of males,
had been fecundated, and he hence
concludes that sexual intercourse is
not requisite for their impregnation,
but not having confined the queens
to their hives, they had profited by
their liberty to unite with the males.
We, on the contrary, have sur-
rounded our queens with a number
of males, yet they continue sterile,
because the precautions for confin-
ing the males to their hives, had also
prevented the queens from departing
to seek that fecundation without,
which they could not obtain within.
The same experiments were repeated
on queens twenty, twenty-five and
thirty days old. All became fertile
after a single impregnation. How-
ever, we have remarked some essential
peculiarities in the fecundity of those
remaining in the virgin state until
the twentieth day of their existence,
but we shall defer speaking of
the fact until being able to present
naturalists with observations suffic-
iently correct and numerous to merit
their attention. Yet, let me add a few
words to what I have already said.
Though neither my assistant nor my-
self has witnessed the commerce of
a queen and a drone, we think that
after the detail which has been just
commenced, no doubt of the fact
can remain, nor can its necessity to
effect impregnation be disputed.
\To be confi?wed.']

230

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

EXPERIMENTAL
BEE FARM NOTES.

In May we had seventy colonies
of bees ; some of them were in bad
condition owing to the cold and
backward spring. We have reared
and shipped not far from 1500 queens
of all races, also a large number of
I-, 2- and 3 -frame nuclei, beside the
full colonies.

We also made up and run 315
nuclei during the season, and now
have sixty strong colonies of bees of
the finest Cyprians, Syrians and
Italians to be found in the country.

Of all the queens shipped, but a
small number have died in the mail,
and only three have been reported
impure.

Nearly all of our customers have
expressed themselves as entirely sat-
isfied with the purity and quality of
the queens and bees sent them.

From Aug. 24th to Sept. loth the
weather was very unfavorable for
bees, especially for queen-rearing.
It was cold, cloudy, and the temper-
ature fell to nearly the "frost point"
almost every night up to Sept. 10,
though we had no frost to kill the fall
flowers, and the bees are still gather-
ing honey.

Just as we had made preparations
for feeding our entire apiary a warm
wave set in and but Httle feeding was
necessary.

The only danger to be feared from
this late flow of honey is a change
to cold again, as much of the newly
gathered honey is unsealed, and con-
tinued cool weather would drive the
bees from the outer combs and the
honey unsealed would remain so
and would sour, run out of the
combs and daub the bees.

Of course the colony in such a
condition would perish. We hardly
think that by extracting the un-
sealed honey it would be of much ben-
efit, as the disturbance to the bees
so late in the season would result in

about as much danger as the un-
sealed honey, in case it should sour
and daub the bees.

In case the weather continues
warm, but little unsealed honey will
be found in the combs by the middle
of October.

Cell-building was discontinued be-
fore the last of August, but we had
a large number of cells to " hatch"
during the early part of September.

Here in New England it will
hardly do to rear queens (start cells)
in September. Generally the weather
is very fine during the month and
no trouble is experienced in getting
the young queens mated. At this
season of the year very few drones
can be found in the hives except in
those in which drone-rearing has
been encouraged, or in such queen-
less nuclei as are used for our
supply of late drones, and the queen
"breeder" is pretty sure to have his
queens purely mated. Those who
purchase queens fertihzed in Sep-
tember will be most likely to get
pure queens for breeding purposes,
and should by all means purchase
them during the above month. The
latter part of September is certainly
the best time, for many reasons, to
introduce valuable queens.

We are now preparing our bees for
winter. All upward ventilation is
checked, and no draughts of air will
be permitted to pass through the
cluster.

Some of the colonies will be
placed in the cellar about the first
of December or sooner, if old Prob.
predicts a cold wave for New Eng-
land about that time. Last fall the
bees were put in the bee-house about
the 27th of November and during
the next six weeks the weather was as
fine and warm as in October, with
the exception of one cold day, and
we wished many times they were on
the summer stands.

The bees wintered finely, but

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

231

would have been in much better
condition in the spring, if they had
been left on the summer stands, at •
least six weeks longer.

"As one extreme follows another,"
I predict that the weather will be
cold during the early part of the
winter, and warm during the latter
part, which would be the reverse from
what it was last winter.

The colonies should be prepared
for winter early in October, whether
they are to be wintered in the cellar,
bee-house or on the summer stands ;
a certain amount of preparation is
necessary and it should be attended
to early, so that the bees need not
be disturbed when they have once
formed the winter cluster.

We have wintered bees in tene-
ment hives and may use some of
them the coming winter. If pos-
sible, we will explain this hive in this
number with directions for using it.

Early in July we sowed several
acres of buckwheat for the bees.
Our experience with this article was
rather limited, but we saw in the
Am. Bee Journal at the time we
sowed it, " July is the time to sow
buckwheat;" so we ploughed rather
more than three acres of land and
had that number of acres of buck-
wheat in full bloom for over six
weeks. It may do to sow buck-
wheat about the tenth of July in
some sections, but here in New
England we have learned by this
year's experience that it should be
sown as early as June 15, possibly
by June 10 to be of any benefit to
our bees.

About the tenth of July the honey
flow ceased, and that is just when
the buckwheat should have been
coming into bloom. Just as it did
come into bloom, cool nights came
on, and, although we had three full
acres all white with flowers, the bees
were not in the least benefited by
it. Had the seed been put in one

month earlier, the bees would have
had about four weeks of fine weather
to work upon it.

During the past season we have
reared Syrian queens from homebred
and imported mothers. The results
as regards size and markings are pre-
cisely the same. We have found
that young Syrian queens are much
smaller and darker than the other
races. In fact, all Syrian queens
reared from imported mothers have
striped, yellow and black bands.
The yellow rings are very bright, and
the dark ones very black. The
worker bees of this race are not so
uniformly marked as the Italians.
Many of the bees show but one
narrow, yellow band ; nevertheless
the young queens are very uniformly
marked, all striped, and not a clear
black one is produced. An Italian
queen, whose workers would be as
poorly marked as Syrian workers,
would produce nearly all black
queens. This clearly indicates that
the Syrian bees are a distinct race,
while the Italians are not. We have
no race of bees that seem so strong
on the wing as the Syrians.

We consider the Syrians the most
hardy of the new races. Many of
our customers have called for Ital-
ians crossed or mated to the Syrians.
They are the most desirable hybrids
we have.

CANADIAN DEPARTMENT.

K. H. HoLTERJiAX, Editor.

The season has varied very much
in different parts of Canada. Along
the shores of Lake Erie we have the
best reports ; one lady (where about
fifty colonies are kept in the imme-
diate vicinity) reports three increased
to eight, 750 lbs. extracted and 50
lbs. comb honey, the remaining more

232

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

than doubled and procured over loo
lbs. per colony. Another, having two
hundred colonies, reports season not
up to the average. In fact bees were
weak in the spring and unless they
received special attention, colonies
were not in good condition to take
advantage of clover ; basswood, al-
though it promised well, was rich in
bloom, appeared to die off and in
most localities bees only worked one
or two days upon it ; thistle only
yielded fairly. Regarding fall flowers
so far our own experience is brighter
than it has been for the last four years.
It has been impossible to remove top
stories except one or two ; some
have half stories others whole upper
stories, all extracted immediately be-
fore fall flowers came in and now full
of honey, brood and bees. There is
litde present demand for wax, nice
white, A I extracted honey sold for
a short time in localities for nine
cents per pound. It is safe to say
the supply of honey is not greater
than the previous year, whilst the de-
mand steadily increases.

Our leading fairs and exhibitions
have closed and we have had the
pleasure of interviewing many of our
most prominent beekeepers. The
reports for the season are conflicting
and run from 250 lbs. per colony
down to 50 lbs. The locality may
have something to do with this, but
much depends upon the condition
bees were in when the honey season
commenced. Year by year it be-
comes more evident that much of the
diflerence in reports of yields are due
to the vast difference there is in the
strength of our colonies, especially
such a season as the past.

The average yield, among men
with a full comprehension of their
business, was between eighty and
ninety pounds of extracted honey
and seventy-five per cent increase
per colony. Extracted honey may
be bought from men anxious to sell,
at eight to ten cents, and little doubt
that by Christmas it will be up to

eleven and twelve and one-half cents.

The honey crop this year is little,
if any, larger than the season of 1884
and the demand greater. Supply
dealers have done a poor business
generally ; the mortality being so great
that very little has been sold in such
lines as hives, honey extractors, honey
knives and brood foundation ; the
demand was fair for sections, section
foundation, honey cans and labels.

With bees there has been a great
tendency to increase and should the
winter prove favorable and an ordi-
nary amount of care be exercised in
preparing, packing and storing away
for winter, the lobS of the previous
winter should be fully made up.

The bees have done well on fall
flowers and have not yet finished in
some localities. Yesterday (Septem-
ber 28), I left a friend's apiary while
his bees were gathering actively on
golden rod and aster. They had
gained several pounds per colony
since the i8th inst. ; and upon enter-
ing the yard the night before, we
could hear that contented hum which
spoke well of their success during the
day.

The London Fair had a fine dis-
play of honey as to quantity (little
behind Toronto), but the quality was
generally inferior. Toronto was fair
as to both and took the lead as to
quantity. Hamilton, however, had
the finest display as to quality that it
has ever been our fortune to set eyes
upon ; for texture it could not be ex-
celled, color was very fine, flavor
hardly up to the two other properties
but very good.

The Ontario Beekeepers' Conven-
tion could hardly be regarded as a
success this year. The meetings were
announced far too late for the first
week of the Toronto Industrial Ex-
hibition ; it had always been the sec-
ond and many would not come in
until then ; meetings were finally
called the second week also, and thus,
in a measure, all were a failure.

Brantford, Out.

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

233

CORRESPONDENCE.

visit to the new england fair.

Mr. Editor :

Having just returned from a
visit to tlie New England fair, and
Eastern Maine State Fair at Bangor,
Me., I tliought I would write you a
short letter on what I saw at the N.
E. fair.

Owing to the fact that there were
no premiums offered for exhibition
of bees or honey, the show of apia-
rian exhibits was somewhat limited,
but what it lacked in quantity it ex-
celled in quality. The first thing
which met the eye of the visitor upon
entering the hall was the large and
varied display of Mr. W. H. Norton of
No. Madison, Me. In a prominent
place, where their movements could
be readily observed by the delighted
visitors, were shown two full colonies
of bees in observatory hives : one
colony of finely marked Italians, and
one of Holy Land or Syrian bees.

Near by was shown a large honey
extractor containing combs, showing
the manner of extracting honey, and
judging from the number of questions
with which Mr. N. was assailed, was
something entirely new to most of
the people present.

Mr. Norton also had on exhibi-
tion the different styles of hives with
both crosswise and lengthwise frames ;
the various kinds of surplus cases ;
honey in all kinds of marketable
styles ; boxes containing combs in all
the chfferent stages of construction
and to add to these, the indispensa-
ble smoker, a new and fine founda-
tion mill (Pelham make) ; beautiful
foundation both heavy and light ;
nice section cartoons or paper boxes
for retailing comb honey, and, in fact,
nearly every thing appertaining to
modern bee culture, and you have
an idea of the fine display made by
Mr. N.

Mr. Norton, although a young
man, is evidently an enthusiast on
the subject of apiculture, and was
21

kept constantly busy answering ques-
tions from the steady stream of visi-
tors which crowded around the apia-
rian department.

Mr. Norton certainly deserves the
thanks of the beekeepers of New
England for the successful display
made by him, in the face of the fact
that there were no premiums to be
awarded.

In conversation with him, he in-
formed me that the season had been
a very good one in his locality, and
in answer to our question, Which do
you consider the best race of bees,
all things considered? he repHed
promptly, I think the Holy Lands
are decidedly the best, and when
their good qualities are more fully
understood by the people, they will
at once take the front rank as honey
producers. Adjoining the collection
of Mr. N., was shown a large and
splendid pyramid of comb honey,
which was produced by Mr. W. M.
Chapman of Dixmont Centre, Me.,
whose snowy combs called forth
tokens of admiration from all observ-
ers.

Mr. C. bespoke for his brother api-
arists a much larger collection of
"bee fixings " at the coming Maine
State fair at Lewiston, as liberal pre-
miums were to be offered there,
thereby encouraging people to do
their best toward educating and in-
teresting the masses in the science
of beekeeping, which is fast becom-
ing one of the recognized industries
of the United States.

Luther E. Burnham.

Essex, Mass., Sept. g, 1883.

ST. JOSEPH (Mo.) exposition.

The St. Joseph Exposition for
1885 was a grand success. We had
the largest and finest display in the
Bee Department we have ever had.
The Board gave us all the space we
wanted, and everyone had a chance
to display his goods to the best ad-
vantage. Too much cannot be said

234

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

in praise of the ofificers of the Expo-
sition for the Hberal treatment which
bee men have received at their
hands.

About ^300 in premiums was of-
fered in this department, and the Hst
was well represented.

Mr. Armstrong of Jerseyville, 111.,
took first premium on best colony of
Itahan bees, comb honey, wax, his
crown hive, and a number of other
things.

The St. Joseph Apiary carried off
the first premium on extracted honey,
case for display of honey on sale ;
Syrian, Cyprian and Carniolan bees,
and several small premiums.

Mr. Newman's Extractor took the
first over a "Novice." The Berlin
Fruit Box Co. got first on Sections.
Mr. Muth got first on his " Perfec-
tion " Smoker in competition with
one that has been before the public
for some time. The " Glass Front"
Bee Veil had no trouble in winning
the first premium. Mr. Alley's
Drone Trap was honored with a di-
ploma.

There were two large displays of
apicultural literature, on which Mr.
Parker was awarded first, and the
St. Joseph Apiary second premium.

The superintendent of the depart-
ment had a large photograph of
Langstroth framed, and set up in a
conspicuous place, accompanied by
a slip of paper on which was written,
" Rev. L. L. Langstroth, inventor of
the movable frame hive." Many
stopped to look at his genial face,
and, we trust, went away with the
impression that in a certain sense, he
might be called a benefactor of his
race.

We hope that next year your read-
ers will remember the St. Joseph Ex-
position and come with their bees,
honey, etc., and help to swell our
display. We are confident that they
will not regret it if they do.

E. T. Abbott.
St, Joseph, Mo., Sept. 8, i88s.

notes from austr.4lia.
My dear Mr. Locke :

By the Californian mail which ar-
rived yesterday, I received a pleasant
surprise in the shape of a beautifully
bound copy of the "American Api-
culturist," Volumes i and 2. I have
noticed Mr. Cutting's remarks in ref-
erence to the excellence of the
binding and can fully endorse all
he says. It so happened that
the monthly meeting of our Bee-
keepers' Association was held last
night, and I was able to lay the vol-
ume on the table for inspection by
the members, who were much pleased
with it. They tried to convince me
that you intended the book for the
use of the Association. I am now
under a debt of gratitude to you,
which I will endeavor to pay, by get-
ting new subscribers to the "Ameri-
can Apiculturist." This is all the
more easy since yours is certainly
the best of the bee papers.

I have also received two copies of
the "Beekeepers' Pocket Compan-
ion," and have started circulating
them among the members of our
Association.

Our short winter of three months
is over : — almond trees, which are
planted largely around Adelaide, are
white with blossoms presenting a
beautiful appearance and offering
good forage for bees. The honey
season has therefore started.

Wishing you success in your new
business, and trusting that the " Api-
culturist" will long continue to flour-
ish, believe me

Yours truly,

A, E. BONNEY.

Engineer-in- Chiefs Office,
Adelaide, Aug. 7, 1885.

NOTES AND QUERIES.

— The honey crop of California
will not be over one quarter of that
of 1884.

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

235

— The lioney crop of Vermont for
1885 is considerably above the aver-
age for that state and of a finer qual-
ity than common. One apiarist has
raised 22 tons.

— More honey is raised in Aroos-
took Co., Ivlaine, than all the New
England States together save the
state of Vermont.

— Not far from 5000 queen bees
are reared and shipped from the state
of Mass. each year. While Vermont
and Maine are noted for their fine
honey, Mass. beekeepers have the
credit of rearing the finest queens
in the world.

— There is not a township in the
United States that does not furnish
sufficient flora to support from one
to one hundred colonies of bees.

— Of the animals most detested
and most likely to be attacked by
bees are the horse and dog. Cows
and oxen are seldom injured by bees.
Sheep are sometimes attacked, but
this is not the case unless they are
confined very near an apiary.

— Now is the time to make all prep-
arations for wintering bees. Get them
packed so that they need not be dis-
turbed when the weather is too cool
for bees to fly. We need not give
any special directions here for win-
tering bees, as they have been given
in tlie journals many times and are
found in all treatises upon bees. All
should understand them by this time
and act accordingly. If your colo-
nies are supplied with plenty of
wholesome food, and properly packed
for winter there will be no loss of
bees.

The careless beekeeper will cer-
tainly have reason to complain that
his bees die in winter, or that they
do not do well. Such a person will
not prepare his colonies properly nor
at the right time for winter. The
result is loss of many bees during
winter.

— Mr. J. E. Pond, jr., who has so
kindly agreed to take charge of the
department entitled "Instructions to
Beginners," has been compelled by
circumstances beyond his control, to
defer his introductory article until
November. We are certain that our
readers, with us, are anxiously wait-
ing to hear from him, and are more
than ready to welcome any instruc-
tions that may be given.

— While in Boston a few days
since, we had a chat with a prominent
dealer in honey. His supply comes
mostly from Vermont, and is
mainly stored in two pound sec-
tions. He says the day for such large
packages will soon be "gone by," as
the small dealers or grocery m&n
demand one pound sections, and
the day we saw the dealer, he could
have sold one-half ton of honey, had
it been in one pound packages. Bee-
keepers, he says, must adopt the
smaller sections and take a lower
price for their honey. [Our readers
will understand that this dealer refers
to the New England honey market.]

— We would invite all practical
beekeepers to send us short articles
relating to bee culture. Remember
that short articles are the ones that
always receive attention. Short,
pithy, and interesting articles are al-
ways welcome. Of course there are
questions which require many words,
and a short article would hardly do
them justice ; nevertheless, they are
the ones that produce the best effect,
and are the most satisfying to the
general reader.

— Honey is said to be a luxury.
If so, it is one of the most whole-
some and cheapest luxuries offered
for sale. When pure honey can be
purchased at from 12 to 15 cents per
pound, it certainly cannot be consid-
ered dear. If more honey and less
oleomargarine were eaten, the health
of the people would be better.

236

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

— Will those of our patrons who
have purchased queens from the
Apiculturist Bee Farm, and intro-
duced them successfully, give us their
method for doing so, in as few words
as possible for publication in the
Apiculturist?

— We notice that some grocerymen
deal in the so-called "pure" honey
put up in tumblers. The only pure
honey about it may be found in the
small piece of comb, placed in each
package. Another way people are
swindled is by the sale of the "pure
fruit jellies," put up in such packages
as is the vile stuff called honey.
These various jellies do not contain
one particle of fruit. In fact, every-
thifig in their composition is artiiicial
and sooner or later will destroy the
health of those who use them.
Goods of the above kind are bought
for sick people, and by others who
cannot afford to purchase honey in
larger quantities. Is it not about
time dealers discontinued the prac-
tice of imposing upon and defrauding
their customers, by such methods ?
It is very hard to convince people
that they are being defrauded by
purchasing such goods.

— Now is the time weak colonies
should be united. The best and
safest method for uniting bees is as
follows : Remove the queens from
the colonies to be united. Confine
the bees in the hives three days, use
wire cloth so as to give plenty of ven-
tilation. Keep the hives in a cool,
dark place. At the end of three
days, and just before sunset, brush
all the bees from the combs of one
of the hives in front of the other,
and as they run in, let the best queen,
of the two removed, go in with them.
If the bees are fed a small amount
of syrup flavored with the essence of
peppermint, or given a little tobacco
smoke the day they are united, the
operation will be a success beyond
doubt.

—We regret to announce to the
readers of the " Apiculturist " that
Mr. Locke is suffering with tempo-
rary indisposition, caused by over-
work ; but we hope that he will soon
be able to resume his editorial duties.

The friends of the "Api," who
have so kindly favored us with arti-
cles for its columns, are requested to
continue the same, all of which will
be duly appreciated and acknowl-
edged.

— The following list of Premiums,
awarded at Iowa State fair, was sent
to us by Mr. Wm. Kimble.

INIessrs. B. Menbencher & Ayers,
premium.
On comb honey,

White clover, first premium, 5.00
On extracted honey.

White clover, first p., 5.00

On best display of extracted

honey, first p., 25.00

On beeswax, first, 5.00

A. J. Norris premium.
On Itahan bees, second p., 2.00

On Cyprian bees, first p., 5.00

On Holyland bees, second p., 2.00
On Black German, first p., 5.00

On best and largest display of

different races of bees, first

p., 20.00

On largest number of queen

cells on one frame, first p., 5.00
On extracted honey.

White clover, second p., 2.00

On extracted honey.

Fall flowers, first p., 5.00

On best and largest display of

comb honey, second p., 10.00
On beeswax, second p., 2.00

Pumphrey Bros., Premium.

On comb honey, white clover,
second p., 2.00

On display of comb honey, sec-
ond p., 10.00

Wm. Kimble, Premium.

Best Italian bees, first p., 5.00

On Cyprian bees, second p., 2.00

On Holyland bees, first p., 5.00

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST,

237

On Black German bees, sec-
ond p., 2.00

On best and largest display of
different races of bees, sec-
ond p., lO.OO

On comb honey, fall flowers,

first p., 5.00

On best and largest display

of comb honey, first p., 25.00

On largest number of queen
cells on one frame,second p., 2.00

QUESTIONS AND AN S WEBS.

Friknd Lockk :

I would like to get all there is to
know ou "Feeding back Extracted
Honey." Can you not get some who
best knows to write an article cover-
ing all the ground as to whether it
will pay, and the relative merits of
top, side and bottom feeders, and
whether it is best to feed in midsum-
mer during the honey dearth, or late
in the fall months? I saw in an old
Beekeepers' Exchange reference to
an article by Nellis on the subject.
If it is good, and up with the times,
will you reproduce it?

Samuel Cushman.

Pawtudcet, B. I.

QUESTIONS BY SAMUEL CUSHMAN.

1. In a given amount of comb liouey
made without foundation, what is the
proportion of wax and honey?

2. Which is the more profitable to
feed for comb building, granulated
sugar or thick extracted honey at the
same price?

3. Are practical producers generally
using tlie reversible frame ?

4. Is it notgenerally accepted by all,
that full sheets of foundation in sec-
tions are the correct thing? that it
pays better than starters or V-shaped
sheets ?

5. Is the plan of feeding (when honey
is scarce), to build out foundation in
sections for another season, generally
followed by experienced and extensive
beekeepers.

6. In feeding candied honey will it
be best to liquefy it? For spring stim-
ulation would not candied honey be
better than dry sugar which is advo-
cated for inside feeding?

7. Who are the largest producers of
comb honey, also of extracted honey?
Their names, according to relative
amount produced, and their addresses ?

ANSWERS BY J. E. POND, JR.

1. This question is a curious sort of
conundrum, and any answer would be
problematical to say the least. I don't
know that any positive tests have been
made of any one with a view to deter-
mining the matter, and I am sure that
it would be very difficult, if not posi-
tively impossible to make such tests.
In the matter of beekeeping, it is desi-
rous to "prove all things, and hold
fast to that which is good ; " how this
old saying applies to the question at
issue, I can't precisely see. It re-
quires from lifteen to twenty pounds
of honey to make one pound of comb
is, I think, the admitted idea of beekeep-
ers generally, and tliat it is economy to
use foundation is also generally ad-
mitted ; further than this all answers
must be wholly theoretical, and how
proofs can be had by tests is some-
thing I can't just see. After all, how-
ever, of what value would a correct
answer be to the fraternity? The only
question of importance is to my mind,
wliether the use of foundation is econ-
omical at present prices or not? and
that is, the testimony we have is cer-
tainly strong in that direction.

2. In my own experience granulated
sugar at the same price as honey is the
cheaper ; that is to say, that one lb. of
sugar will be converted into more
comb, than one lb. of honey.

0. I have made inquiries sufficient to
enable me to answer fully, but my im-
pression is, that they are not. For
myself, I can only say, that I have not
found tliem so parlicularly advanta-
geous as at fust I thought they would
prove. This is one of those matters
that sound big in theory, but pan out
rather light in practice.

4. I think the majority so agree.
Some think difierently. In fact, friend
Doolittle takes the ground that it is
economy not to use foundation at all.
As f(»r myself, I should use it at a profit
if I paid 1.00 per lb. for it.

5. I do not think it is, neither do I
think it practical. It would require,
however, a large amount of corres-
pondence to ascertain the facts, and
the answers to this question may de-
termine the matter. I trust that inter-
est enough in this matter will be taken
to give data sufficient to prove it one
way or the other.

6. 1. Yes. certainly. 2. For stimu-
lation I should feed liquefied honey
diluted, and should dilute candied
honey, in order to give the water re-
quired for raising brood.

7. I don't know.

238

THE AMERICAN APICULTUEIST.

ANSWERS BY E. E. HASTY.

1. I am under the impression that
the proporlion of wax to honey varies
greatly, but liave made few experi-
ments. Two years ago I melted up a
lot of poor section lioney Cbuilt ou
narrow starters of foundation) and the
lot yielded 30 lbs. of honey and U lbs.
of wax.

2. Do not tliink profitable is the word
for forced comb-buildiug. Probably
the honey would be a little less un-
profitable.

3. Think not.

4. Quite a few dissent, I think, my-
self among them. I might perhaps
agree if in a different location.

5. Think not.

6. Liquefy candied honey if for stim-
ulating purposes ; but leave it solid
if preventing starvation is the only
object. It will be better than dry su-
gar. Very weak or torpid bees must
not be trusted with solid stores.

7. Am not posted as to the amounts
produced by the largest apiarists.

Bichards, 0.

ANSWEUS BY A. J. COOK.

1. The amount of wax is slight and
varies with the depth of cell. Some-
times nearly double as much honey is
put into a cell that will be put in at an-
other time.

2. I think the granulated sugar would
pay the best, as it has less water than
the honey.

3. Not yet; the frame is new and
new things, even when good, come into
use slowly. It is a good thing and
must grow rapidly in favor.

4. I can not answer; but know one
who thinks so.

5. I think not.

6. I should never feed either sugar
or honey in the crystallized state.

7. I presume Mr. Muth could give a
good answer to this question.

Lansing, Mich.

ANSWEKS BY' H. ALLEY.

1. It is said that it requires twenty
lbs. of htiney to produce one pound of
wax. I think this may be correct.
But who can tell without guessing?

2. Neither sugar nor honey is profi-
table to feed for any' such purpose.

The experienced beekeeper never
gives thick honey to his bees. Itslioukl
be diluted with water, so tiiat the bees
can "work" it.

3. We guess not.

4. So far as my experience goes the
V-shaped starter is better than a "full

sheet" for surplus boxes. Years ago,
when we put boxes on the hives hav-
ing combs in them, made the previous
year, we noticed that the bees hesitated
a long time before working in those
boxes which were full of comb; while
those having but a small piece in the
box were filled and "work-down" first.

5. Don't think it is. It would pay
well, but is not practised.

6. Candied honey will do to feed in
the spring for stimulating and brood
rearing purposes, and it is better than
dry sugar. Bees cannot use the latter
unless water is supplied at same time.

7. I think we shall have to read the
l)ack numbers of the bee journals be-
fore we can make a correct reply to
this question.

Wenham, Mass.

ANSWEKS BY L. C. ROOT.

1. About one lb. of wax and fifty
lbs. of liouey.

2. Honey. I would be glad if sugar
had never been mentioned in connec-
tion with bees in any way.

Many people look upon us with sus-
picion if we use it in any way.

3. No.

4. Yes, especially if honey is to be
shipped long distances, and sold in
markets wliere the appearance is a
prime condition.

For home use I would say use no
foundation at all.
6. No.

6. I would liquefy both sugar and
lionej', and consider it far preferable.

7. J. K. and J. Hetherington of
Cherry Valley, N. Y., are the"" largest
})roducers of fine comb honey in best
market sliape in the world. 1 think I
am correct in this statement. I am
not certain who is the largest producer
of extracted.

MohawJc, X. Y.

ANSWEHS BY G. W. DEMAREE.

1. It is a difficult matter to answer
this question accurately, because bees
build their combs thicker and heavier
at one time than they do at another,
and for this cause any experiments we
may make are liable to vary in results.
From the tests I have made I would
say that the proportion of wax and
honey, as to weight, is one pound of the
former to fourteen of the latter.

2. Honey gives the best results.

3. No, sir, not "generally" so, by a
great deal.

4. It is not accepted by all honey
producers that full sheets of fouuda-

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

239

tions in sections is the correct way,
but a large majority of the most suc-
cessful honey producers believe and
know that it pays to use full sheets in
the sections.

5. I think not, for the reason that it
will never pay to feed solely to induce
comb building, for any purpose Every
attempt that I have made to have foun-
dation drawn out by feediu"- solely for
that purpose, has resulted in loss to
me.

6. When feeding granulated honey
for winter stores,! "cut" it with hot
water, reducing it to the consistency
of thin new honey. When feeding in
the spring I prefer granulated honey
just as it is to any other food.

7. If I were to undertake to answer
this question I should miss some of the
largest producers and tliey would feel
slighted. Please have me excused.

Christianshurg , Ky.

questions by a beekekpeu.
Ed. Am. Apiculturist :
Dear Sir,
Will you please answer the follow-
ing, as many are advising to extract-
ing honey in fall and replace with
sugar syrup.

1. What proportion of the sugar is
lost in capping, or how many pounds
of sugar will be required to produce
ten pounds of capped stores?

2. How long will it take to cap same,
and should the syrup be fed as fast as
possible, or a small portion, | or ^ at
a time?

By answering, you will oblige

A Beekeeper.
Fowler, Ohiq, July 29, 1885,

AXSWERS by J. E. POND, JR.

1. This question is one of those in-
determniate and indeterminable prob-
lems that are constantly arising in
every-day practice. It would require
very nice and accurate tests to solve
the question, if solvable at all. Again,
the conditions are so constantly chang-
ing, and so seldom alike in difl'erent
hives, that an apparent solution in one
instance would be " teetotally " dis-
proved in another. I would be willing
to pay a handsome sum myself, for a
positively correct answer that would
apply with certainty to every case.

2. The first part of this question is
problematical also, and the time would
vary in every instance, owing to the
fact that no two colonies are ever found
existing und^r and in the same condi-
tions. To the second part, I will say
most positively, if the object is to get

the largest amount of syrup possible
capped over in the least possible time,
it should be fed as rapidly as the bees
can take it down and store it. If the
feeding is being done for stimulation
it should be fed regularly but slowly.

LETTER BOX.

Dun Glen Apiary,
ChiUicothe, Boss Co., Oliio.
My dear Apiculturist:

We in this section have again
made a failure in our honey crop. No
white clover. Apple bloom short.
Locust bloom shortened four days.
Catnip and sweet clover our only bloom
through the entire summer. Then
rain, rain, rain, and cool nights and
bad days. Just enough honey flow to
keep up a moderate quantit.v of brood.
Blacks have done badly ; Italians a lit-
tle better; Syrians better still. If we
do not have a good flow of honey this
fall, many colonies will perish. Much
feeding will have to be done to bring
through the winter.

F. W. Blackford.

Lake Village, Ark.
Dear Sir:

Received queens Sept. 2, all O. K.
Introduced them successfully, and they
are laying now, Sept. 5. I am very
much pleased with ihe queens as well
as the cages, which I think are supe-
rior to any I have yet seen. You will
hear from me again.

Very ti'uly yours,

H. Ramus.

Mt. Vernon, N. Y., Sept. 4, 1885.

Silas M. Locke & Co.
Gentle:\iex :

Tiie goods came safely the day after
I wrote you concerning them and I
thought i acknowledged receipt of
them. I am much pleased Avith the
new edition of Alley's Handy Book and
the bound volume of the Apiculcurisc
is something that I think every bee-
keeper should have. I started to se-
lect some of the most interesting arti-
cles but they are all so interesting and
useful that I g^ve it up and intend to
read right through from the beginning
to end. There certainly is more use-
ful information in the two books than
I have ever received for so small a
sum.

Very truly,
Philip H. Lucas.

240

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

S. M. Locke & Co. :

I niij:ht report my experience in bee-
keeping-.

I bought June 2(i, 1885, four colonies
of blacirbees in old box liives, and on
July 11.^10 very light colony of Ital-
ians in ^^jvable comb hive 12 X 12.

When transferring, I got 100 lbs. of
strained honey, after which 75 lbs. of
surplus section comb houey from three
colonies (no surplus has been taken
this year in this section of any ac-
count).

I now have nine fidl colonies, five
more 4-frame nuclei (2 bees* and
brood and 2 honey) with young laying
queens, three with virgin queens and
four more with queens not hatched,
making in all 21.

The 12 4-frame nucleus, I put three
in one hive (three five frame depart-
ments).

I am the greenest of beginners, as I
never handled a bee in my life, and had
never read anything of their manage-
ment until this last spring.

If I come out alive next spring, I
want to Italianize all my bees and had
intended to try the cross with the Holy
Laud queen I had from you.
Respectfully,

I. S. HUCKINS.

Poitghkecpsie, Sept. 10, 1885.

S. M. Locke & Co. :

The Syrian queen arrived safely,
on the 8th, I am well pleased with her.
I placed her over the frames as di-
rected, with a small colony of black
bees, whose queen isabout three years
old. I went out to take in the hive to
find the old queen, and found them in
a high state of excitement, and a crowd
of iloly Land bees at the entrance.
Being called away, I returned in half
an hour, and found the old queen dead
on the ground before the hive.

This was quite surprising to me, as
I did not know that bees would kill
their own queen to make room for a
stranger, and one also of another race.
I took out the caged queen and found
them feeding her, but fixed the cage
as directed with sugar in the opening,
and they are now happy and peaceful.
I am very grateful to the bees for giv-
ing her the " happy despatch," for she
isone that I have looked for twice in
vain. I thought it remarkable the bees
in the entrance of the hive were all
Holy Land bees, as I have but few
workers of that race. They seemed
very much interested ; knowing seem-

ingly the old queen to be black, and
the new queen of their race.

I had given a favorable report of the
other queen received of you, true so
far as it went, but disastrous in the
end. This old black queen I had
looked for in vain during one whole
afternoon (yoti see what a novice I am)
and in order to keep my queen safe and
happy, I put her in the small fertilizing
hive, with young bees, brood and
honey, confining them two or three
days; this hive I placed in an open
window in the second story, but on
going to them one morning, found the
whole hive in possession of large
black ants. I saw one ant the evening
before ; so you see it was the work of
one night.

I am thankful for the very plain and
valuable directions given with the last
queen, as I shall now know how to
keep queens in future, safely. I was
ashamed to report this before it seemed
so careless.

Respectfully yours,

S. E. Wiley.

Wadestoimi, W. Va., Aug. 22, 1S85.
Mk. S. M. Lockk.

Deaii Sir : The honey season is over
here and one of the poorest that was
ever known in this section of country.
Bees almost failed to swarm and those
that did secure a few swarms failed to
store enough honey to winter them.
The season has been so dry the white
clover almost failed to bloom and it is
our principal honey plant here. I
shall renew my subscription and se-
cure one of your queens the first of
next month.

C. L. Eakin.

Pottstown, Sept. 14, 1885,
Messrs. S. M. Locke & Co. :

Sent you a postal on the 12th inst. in
the morning, and at noon I received a
queen which had been already safely
introduced, ^i'he other queen I got
could do no better. I have got queens
from difierent breeders, but none to
compare with yours.

Wm. H. DeWitt.

Baltimore, July 2, 1885.
Erienu Locke :

Your beautiful book Vols. I and
II received and contents noted. It is
very handsomely bound and I have no
hesitancy in pronouncing it fully up to
any bee journal published,

H, Winsixgek,

The American Apiciilturist

§. lournal ^tbaitb to Scientific anb Uractital geekteping.

ENTERED AT THE POST-OFFICE, SALEM, AS SECOND-CLASS SLiTTER.

Published Monthly, S. M. Locke & Co., Publishers & Prop'rs.

VOL. III. WENHAM, MASS., NOVEMBER 15, 1885.

No. II.

SUBSCRIPTION PRICES.

$1.00 per year, payalile in advance. Sent
on trial three montlis lor 35 ct.<., six mouths
for 60 cts.

Advertising Hates :— 15 cents per line of
space each insertion.

A line of this type will admit about' words
One inch will contain twelve lines.

Transient Advertisements must be paid for
in advance.

Those wisliing special rates will please
conesi)Ond with the Editor.

M^hen sending money make all postal notes
and money orders payable at the Salem,
Mass., Post Office.

All communications should be addressed
to S. M. Locke & Co., Wenham, Mass.

B££: CULTURE IN THE
SOUTH.

By G. W. Demaree,

Judging from the enthusiasm of
Kentucky beekeepers, as exhibited
at our state convention at Covington,
Ky., on the twenty-third and twenty-
fourth days of Sept., 1885, it will
take more than one bad season to
effect the enterprise in our State,

Information gathered from nearly
every part of the state shows that the
season was unfavorable all over the
state, and but a light crop of surplus
honey was secured. Bees, however,
are in good condition for wintering
as far as the bees themselves are con-
cerned. For some cause not clear
' 22

to me, the queens have laid later than
usual and hence the supply of young
bees will add to the colonies the
chances of a longer lease of life. I
am not much in favor of late breed-
ing ; at any rate I shall have the op-
portunity to test the matter pretty
thoroughly this winter.

Our convention was honored with
the presence of the father of modern
apiculture. Rev. L, L. Langstroth,
Mr, Langstroth is seventy-fi\-e years
old and when in ordinary health,
possessed a strong and vigorous mind
and still takes a deep interest in bees,
hives and implements used in the
apiary. His address to the conven-
tion, explaining the steps which led
to his invention of the movable frame,
was exceedingly interesting to all
persons present, Mr. Langstroth
took an active part in the discussion
of all important subjects before the
convention.

The display of honey and apicul-
tural implements was very fine. Some
finely bred bees were shown in ob-
servatory hives, also some imported
Italian bees and queens. A number
of new devices and implements on
exhibition were objects of great in-
terest. An examination of these
would convince any one that Ken-
tucky beekeepers are fully abreast
with the times.

Mr, Chas. F. Muth, in whom we
(241)

242

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

claim an interest, though he resides
across the hne in the Queen City,
aided the convention not a Httle by
his presence and experience, as well
as by his display of honey extractors,
wax extractors, smokers, honey, glass
jars, etc., etc.

All together the convention was
pleasant and profitable. It was gen-
erally conceded that it would require
considerable feeding to get all our
bees safely through the coming
winter.

Bees have gathered but very little
honey during the fall months. The
chief cause of failure in summer and
fall seems to have been unfavorable
weather for honey secretion; north
and east winds mean no honey with
us. When the flowers were dried up
the weather was good, and when the
flowers were plentiful, the weather was
rough.

Christianshirg, Ky.

LOCALITY TO BE CONSID-
ERED IN THE MAN A CE-
MENT OF BEES.

By D. D. Marsh.

All writings upon beekeeping
should have in mind the difference
between the various localities of our
land ; and the novice, fired with en-
thusiasm at the reports he reads from
some great honey locality, might as
well understand at the outset that
what is done in one place cannot
always be done in another.

The great supply business of mod-
ern apiarian fixtures has been greatly
augmented by throwing out false in-
ducements which have no regard for
the locality of their customers. Such
an indiscriminate promise of success
must of necessity provide a column
of " blasted hopes " for the wail of
the unsuccessful.

Nothing is more evident, and at
the same time more astonishing, than
the great difference between the
honey yields of different localities.
Not only states differ, but neighboring
parts of the same state differ. One
man reports, " I never have had a
greater harvest;" and another man
but a few miles distant from him re-
ports, " My bees have done scarcely
anything." My interest in bees was
originally kindled by the pleasant fic-
tions of Mrs. Lizzie Cotton's circular,
though I did not fall into her clutches.
I soon learned by experience that
exaggerated hopes founded on such
misrepresentations could not be re-
alized. Different localities need
entirely different management accord-
ing to climate and favoring surround-
ings. The debated question whether
black bees or Italians are better de-
pends somewhat, I think, on the
locality and peculiarities of the apiary.
My hives stand on the only land I
have at my disposal, a low and damp
soil in a hollow surrounded by shady
trees and buildings. I have found
thus far, during eight years, that
black bees have made comb honey
far better than Italians.

After buying bees of farmers and
Italianizing them with high hopes of
the yellow beauties, I have gone back
again to black bees because, with the

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

243

same treatment, they have made
nearly all my comb honey. I cannot
but think that, had I a dryer and
more favorable position for my hives,
the Italians would make a better
showing."^ As I am situated, only bees
which enter boxes readily, and stay
in them during cool nights, promise
success. I can readily believe the
reports of others in different localities
concerning the boxworking tenden-
cies of their Italians. The swarming
tendency of bees is largely dependent
on the position of the apiary. I
know a man who has his bees in a
dense thicket of trees and grape vines,
where no sun shines in, and the bees
have hard work to find a path out.
He gets hardly any new swarms,
while if he would set his hives out in
the sun in a dry and warm place, he
would have new swarms enough.

The raising of the hives from the
ground has a great deal to do, I
think, with success in getting comb
honey. Most of the bee-books direct
that the hive be placed directly on
the ground or on narrow strips a few
inches from the ground.

A captivating authority on bees
advises that sawdust be banked about
the hive ; a moisture-holding and
damp material when placed on damp
soil. A friend of mine sent for his
first hive of bees, and, following his
A, B and C literally, placed the hive
flat on the ground near a bog-hole,
and under the shade of a too Iriendly
tree. Is there any evidence that
bees were designed to be ground
insects? Where do they make their
home in their wild state, in holes in
the ground or in high trees ? Do not
bees know what they are about when

they invariably alight high and dry
in the air, and select as their home
the hollow of a tree away from the
ground's dampness ? I have noticed
that farmers, who have box-hives
roaring hot with bees early in spring,
have their hives up on a plank two
feet at least from the ground.

I believe the place for hives on
ordinary soils is up away from the
ground. I noticed in Mr. Alley's
apiary that his bees were off of the
ground a foot or more. For several
years I kept my hives on the ground
where ihe damp chill of night would
settle round them, and under the
shade of trees at that. My premises
being limited, that seemed the only
place where I could have them. A
neighbor of mine had his hives on a
dry knoll, just such a place as a man
would choose on which to erect a tent,
sunny and airy. He beat me right
along every year in section honey;
sometimes he would get twenty-five
pounds a hive when mine would
make scarcely any. A year ago I built
a wooden horse about four feet high,
in a sunny and airy spot of my yard
and in the dryest part of it, and put
my hives on it. They wintered well
there and came out strong this spring
in double-wall hives with chaff cush-
ions. This season I took off one
hundred two-pound sections from the
six hives I had on the high horse
which was far exceeding anything
I had been able to do before ;
for, in addition to the disadvantages
under which I had labored, our
pasturage hereabouts is not a very
rich one. My experience has con-
vinced me that hives run for comb
honey should be raised away from

244

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

the damp ground, though my hives
run for extracted honey are only a
foot from the ground and have done
well. If an apiary is on very dry
soil and well elevated, hives may do
well enough set on the ground ; but
even then I should prefer to have
them elevated some. The reason for
this elevation is, that bees breed up
earlier in the spring in dry air and,
as they make comb in sections during
the night, we should keep them above
the damp chill of the ground. The
advantages of stimulative feeding in
early spring also varies according to
locaHty.

I am situated ten miles from the
sea, and during early spring the east
wind begins to blow after a sunny
forenoon, chilling the bees which
have been tempted out by early feed-
ing. My bees have come out the
strongest in June when I have kept
them as quiet as possible during the
spring. The successful beekeeper
must study the peculiarities of his
own locality and adapt the principles
of this fascinating pursuit to his own
case.

Georgetown, Mass.

What can the trouble be ? I am not
sure, but I incline to the opinion that
it is a case of chilling. We have had
a remarkable year. In mid-summer
the season was excellent ; honey came
in by the gallon. The bees bred very
fast, and so the brood-chamber be-
came very full of brood. The last
of August the weather came very
cold ; the cluster of bees must be
compacted and so its size reduced.
Thus the bees chilled, the brood per-
ished, and young bees just coming
from the cells were so chilled, or so
pinched with the cold, that they could
never straighten out, and so were
cast out as unprofitable servants. In
some cases I have seen young worker
brood and nymphs — pupa — thrown
out of the hive in heaps. Many who
complain of the small, black, young
bees, which seem bereft of vitality,
also speak of the heaps of dead larvse.
One young beekeeper supposed he
had "foul brood" and came in great
haste for me. I found his bees in
admirable condition, yet much brood
and many pupa and young bees were
piled out in front. Yet the bees were
still strong and in good condition.
Lansmg, Mich.

WHY THE BEES DIE.

By Prof. A. J. Cook.

I HAVE many complaints this fall
about bees dying. Several of these
dead bees have been sent to me by
different parties. The bees are small,
apparently young, very black ; yet a
close examination under the micro-
scope shows no organic disturbance.

FEEDING BEES AND
FEEDERS.

p. Jl. Russell.

No. I.
Mr. Editor : If I could charge
a big gun with all I know about bees
and their management, and discharge
it full in the face of your numerous
readers, it would be altogether

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

245

more than they could well assimilate
at one dose. I imagine I can see
the knowing ones popping their
heads above the parapets and laugh-
ing in derision. But hold ! If I
should charge the gun with what I
doti't knoiv about bees, I don't
want to be around when it is fired
ofif. I should expect it would be
blown to flinders and the cannoneers
carried off in baskets.

But we will let the big gun rest for
the present and if you are not afraid
of the smell of gunpowder, I will
proceed to touch off a few harmless
squibs. The commissary depart-
ment first suggests itself to my mind
(perfectly natural to an old soldier)
so I announce my subject : Feeding
Bees and Bee Feeders. By way of
reconnoitre I wish to state that, after
I returned from the late civil war,
being still aggressive, I looked about
for other foes to conquer ; and soon
found them under an apple tree in
the shape of two hives of bees,
20,000 strong. As they appeared to
have considerable fight in them I
arranged with their owner to place
them on my territory and to give
them the advantage of position. They
were placed on the flat roof of the
ell where I could make sorties at
them through the garret window.
Instead of the cast-iron guns I had
been using I chose a small tin breech-
loader about a foot long, and with
armor on I soon began to skirmish
around those hives, — but I never
caught them asleep ; they proved
themselves fully worthy of my valor.
Indeed, they were perfect little sav-
ages. Talk about the hero of Ther-
mopylie. If Leonidas had had to

advance and retreat through a garret
window as many times as I did with
a cohort of enraged bees after him
he would have been a hero indeed.

All that is changed now and those
hybrids have given place to civilized
Italians, and although we exchange
shots occasionally we for the most
part get along very amicably.

I have had very fair success with
my bees — especially in wintering
them.

Although the amount of surplus
honey I get is rather small, which I
attribute to poor location, still I doubt
if any beekeeper in eastern Massa-
chusetts with an apiary of over twen-
ty stands can show a much larger
average.

I use the closed end standing
frame and prefer it to the hanging
frame, having used both. Now to
return from this digression to my
subject : Feeding Bees and Bee
feeders. I have two feeding cam-
paigns in the year, spring and fall.
We will begin with the fall. Having
performed all preliminary work of
uniting all nuclei, removing all sur-
plus boxes, reducing number of
brood frames to eight as the maxi-
mum number, supplying, queens
where needed, etc., then by raising
the rear end of a hive I can tell to a
hard-tack just how much each will
need to be fed. If they have
twenty-five lbs. of stores, all right ; if
not, then feed till they have. I make
my feed as follows : I place my tin
budge barrel (which has a faucet
near the bottom and has been used
all summer as an uncapping can) on
the stove and put therein twenty-five
lbs. of granulated sugar and five

246

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

quarts of boiling water ; stir it well
and when it is clear set it aside. I
find it is not necessary to boil it. A
perfect feeder suitable for use on all
occasions has not yet been produced ;
but the one I like by far the best for
fall feeding is simply the common
Mason's improved glass top, one and
two quart jars.

The way I use them is this. Re-
move the glass cover and in its place
put a perforated tin disc which can
be found at any tin shop, screw on
the zinc collar and it is held firm.
Then I want a half inch thick board,
cleated on top to prevent warping,
to place over the frames ; a hole is
sawn in the centre large enough to
admit the muzzle of the feeder. Cut
a piece of wire cloth five inches
square, mould it into the shape of a
straw hat. This must just fit into
the hole and lack one-eighth inch of
being flush with" the under side of
the board, and a few tacks through
the brim will hold it fast. This wire
cloth answers the double purpose of
supporting the feeder and keeping
the bees below when refilling. After
a time it will get fouled with propolis,
but can be easily cleaned by applying
a little heat from a lamp. When all
is ready, fill the feeder and invert it
over a vessel to save the drops that
will fall. Then place it in the hole
and the feed will flow no faster than
the bees take it. The capacity of
the feeder being known makes it
easy to estimate the amount being
fed. In changing feeders from hive
to hive there is no need of a smoker
as the bees are confined by the wire
cloth.

Lynn, Mass.

BEEKEEPING FOR WOMEN.

By Mrs. Sallie E. Sherman.

Why is it that there are so few
beekeepers among women ? It cer-
tainly cannot be that they are not
adapted to the pursuit, for some of
our most successful apiarists are wo-
men. I am quite sui;e that it is a
much more healthful occupation than
sewing on the machine or than fol-
lowing many other occupations that
many of our sisters follow for a liveli-
hood. I'll tell you that if more of
you would join our ranks and get
out of the house where you could
breathe the pure fresh air, you would
be more healthy and add a good
many more dimes to your meagre
income, to say nothing of having
pure honey upon your own tables of
your own raising the whole year
round. You would not then have to
consider it a luxury too dear to have
only occasionally at long intervals.
Just think of the thousands, yea,
millions of flowers that annually
" waste their sweetness on the des-
ert air," for the want of the little
busy little bees to gather and store
it for the use of man. But if you
decide to go into the business, you
should undertake it intelligently and
with the full determination to make
a success of it.

There must be no such thing as
"give up" in your composition. If you
fail try, try again and keep trying.
Only get one, two or at most three
colonies to begin with ; get a good
text book and study it diligently and
carefully, and then practise its teach-
ings. Not do like a good lady of

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

247

my acquaintance did, wait until your
bees get to swarming and then hunt
up your bee book to see what to do
with them.

There is a great deal to be learned
about this busy little insect. I have
been working with them now almost
constantly for five years, and if it had
been fifty instead of five I should still
expect to learn. I have gone into
the business for a lifetime, be that
long or short ; and I for one am de-
termined to make a success of it. I
am what is called an enthusiast in
bee culture. In addition to your text-
book you should take a good bee
journal. I would suggest the " Api-
culturist," that is published at Wen-
ham, Mass., for the small sum of one
dollar per annum ; you should also
get a good smoker, and a bee-veil to
protect your face. I never use gloves
now, though I did when I first began.
Of course, your bees should be in a
movable-frame hive. I decidedly pre-
fer one with a movable bottom-board
for our hot climate, so that in very
hot weather th^ hive can be raised
and thus ventilated from the bottom.
I only had one frame melt down
through our past hot summer and
that was new tender comb and very
full of honey. I saw it immediately
after it broke and don't think that I
lost two tablespoonfuls of honey.

I would siiggest that in buying
your bees you get pure Italians
at the start from some good reliable
dealer and thus save you the trouble
of Italianizing them, for if you read
the bee literature of the day, you
will, I am satisfied, decide in favor of
the Italians. They show their super-
iority in a year like this, more plainly

than in a real good honey season.
I have several of my best Italians
that have yielded 150 lbs. per col-
ony this year, while I have a few
common natives from which I have
not taken a pound of honey.

To prove to you that our vocation
is a healthy one, I shall only have to
tell you that I weigh fifty pounds
more now than when I purchased
my one colony of black bees in a gum
hive. My health is better than erer
before in my life. I am often sur-
prised at my strength. Then, dear
sisters, do you wonder at my saying
that I am in the business for life?
If this interests you, I will try and
write again, and tell you of my suc-
cess as a specialist in bee culture.

Salado, Bell Co.^ Texas,
Oct. 16, 1885.

THE BEST FRAME.

By Dr. G. L. Tinker.

On page 207 of the ''Apiculturist,"
a friend inquires why I should aban-
don the Gallup frame for a size 14I
Xgi, which I have adopted, after a
trial of several styles of deep and of
long frames, as my preference. In
the production of comb-honey, the
selection of a frame has generally liad
reference to the mode in which the
surplus receptacles are applied, and
in my case it has been no exception.

After many experiments in winter-
ing, I came to the conclusion that
where a brood-chamber was enclosed
by chaff, leaf, or sawdust packing,
the form and size of the frame, where

248

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

the dimensions of the brood-chamber
were the same, had nothing whatever
to do with the safety of wintering.
Doubtless there are those who will
disagree with me on this point, but I
think that when they have carefully
tested the matter as I have done they
will give it up. After coming to the
above conclusion it was decided to
make a frame for my own conven-
ience adapted especially to my new
system of comb-honey production.
I had abandoned side storing and
with that went the Gallup frame, as
it did not present enough surplus
room on the top of ten frames to cor-
respond with the large amount of
brood comb below. There were
two other, but minor, objections to
it that in themselves would not have
warranted the change, but still they
are worth noting. The first was the
disposition of the bees to attack brace
combs between the ends of th^ frames
and hive that is seldom noticed with
long frames. This could be over-
come by making the space only five-
sixteenths of an inch between the end
bars and hive, but then there was
trouble in getting out the frames, for,
in spite of the closest workmanship,
it was found impossible to make the
frames so true that some of them
would not hang too close to the hive
at one end or the other, or soon after,
from changes in the wood of the
frame or hive. The lower end of the
frame would then be stuck to the hive
with propolis so as to make it very
difiicult to get out except in the
warmest weather. With shallow frames
we have never had any trouble of
this nature. The other objection was
in the distance that the frame had to

be lifted to get it out of the hive.
The greater facility in lifting out a
shallow frame will not be fully realized
by any one till they try one by the
side of a deep frame.

My objection to a very long frame
like the standard Langstroth is the
sagging of the top bars. If a bee
space is provided (which I no longer
use) between the top bars and supers,
it should never be more than five-six-
teenths nor less than one-fourth of
an inch. It is a very common thing
to find the top bars of the Langstroth
frame sagged one-fourth of an inch ;
this would give a space of one-half
inch in the centre to be filled up,
as it never fails to be, with brace
combs. We have in use some Sim-
plicity frames made with heavy V-
shaped top bars that work very well,
but even these will sag a little in time.
Now the liability to sag of a top bar
sixteen inches long, made V-shaped
and solid, as in the Victor frame, is
almost nothing as compared with one
nineteen and one-fourth inches long
as in the Simplicity. But since, with
our surplus arrangement, we could
apply as many one-pound sections
on the shorter frame as on the long
one, we could see no advantage in
the latter that would warrant us in
adopting it. Hence our preference
for the size named.

As to the proper depth for pro-
ducing comb honey, I stated long
since, that I believed Father Lang-
stroth had struck the happy medium
in the proper depth of his standard
frame. In a top-storing hive, if the
frames are too deep the bees will
not enter the supers readily ; if too
shallow, the bees will carry a large

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

249

amount of pollen into the sections.
The point of least objection in the
above particulars is at nine and one-
eighth inches of depth.

We do not expect ever to see a
standard frame adopted in this coun-
try. There are too many minds to
suit ; too many radically different
modes of applying supers requiring
specially constructed frames ever to
think of it. If all beekeepers pro-
duced extracted honey, in which
production one form and size of
frame is no better than another, we
should then have hopes ; but so long
as some of our leading apiarists pre-
fer for comb honey side-storing hives,
some top-storing and some both side
and top-storing, we shall never agree
upon a standard frame. Were I to
go back to side- and top-storing hives,
I should go back to the Gallup frame
or the American, but with an exclu-
sive top-storing hive, which we have
fixed upon, we are somewhat pro-
nounced in our preference for a shal-
low frame.

New Philadelphia, O.,
Oct 13, 1 88s.

INVERTIBLE HIVES.

Bt J. M. Shuck.

When the verdict of this year has
been written it will be largely in favor
of the invertible principle in the
manipulation of bees and thin combs.
Those who are now in favor of re-
versing the brood combs of the hive
are simply pioneering the way for
greater results than the average bee-
keeper has deemed possible.

Some one has remarked, with
considerable pertness, "that he did
not want his brood combs reversed
unless they were already wrong side
up." The inference here is plain that
his frames are always right side up.
Such may not be the case.

Apiarists are generally agreed that
good management requires the brood
frames to be full of brood, in all
stages when white clover or the main
crop of the season is to be gathered.
A colony that is thus able to nurture
its thousands, has force adequate to
the harvest, and as the brood combs
are already full, the surplus case, for
either comb or extracted honey, is
the only place in which to put it.
No close working apiarist wants two
or three inches of honey in the tops
of his brood combs at this season.
The tops of combs thus used are
usually store combs, and are only
halting places on the way to the store-
room of the hive. When they are in
this condition near the beginning of
the honey harvest they are "wrong
side up" no matter whose they are
nor in what hive they are. Invert
them, turn them right side up, then
those storage cells will be cut down
and turned into brood cells ; they will
become the cradles of thousands of
workers instead of loitering places
for idlers. They will then become
a source of live profit instead of
remaining dead capital.

After the enterprising apiarist has
manipulated "reversible frames" for
a season until he begins to see clear-
ly that he approves them, that they
are practical, that he can achieve
results with them that he cannot
without them, he naturally concludes

250

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

that if it is good to turn one frame
upside down at a time, it may be
profitable to fix them firmly in the
hive and invert all at once. If it
takes three minutes to open a hive,
reverse one frame and close it, the
proposition is plain that time is
saved by inverting the hive and all
the frames in less than three min-
utes. Besides the saving of time,
the combs and brood are not ex-
posed to robbers and danger of chill-
ing the brood which are always
present in cool weather.

The ready control of the combs
secured in Mr. Langstroth's inven-
tion, and the great ease with which
they could be handled, have led
perhaps a majority of beekeepers to
excesses in manipulation. No hive
from which profit is expected should
be opened "just to see what they are
doing" or to show a visitor a beauti-
ful queen. Still practical honey pro-
ducers know thBt manipulation of
the right sort stimulates the colony
and causes the brood to spread,
other conditions- being favorable.
This class of "handling" may all be
done by changing the position of
the hive, set it on end to-day, and in
a few days place it on its bottom or
top and then again on the other end.
Any of these positions may be given
the invertible hive in a minute and
the bees scarcely disturbed, and it
can be done at night or at other
times when hives cannot be conven-
iently opened.

Inversion of the combs ensures
their strength, they become fastened
solid to the frame all around, brood
is reared all over alike and the co-
coons strengthen and toughen every

cell. Combs, if they break down,
always part where no brood has been
raised. Combs for storage of honey
to be extracted are more serviceable
after having given forth a few gener-
ations of bees. One disadvantage
may be named, they are more liable
to the ravages of the moth worm.

One curious incident connected
with the inversion of brood combs
this season may be mentioned here.

A colony was rendered queenless
and the hive inverted five days after-
wards. An examination the next
day showed all queen cells destroyed.
Nine similar trials were made with
the same results. It is supposed
that the change in position of the
queen cells at that stage caused the
disgusted bees to tear them down.

Marked advantages accrue to the
producer of comb honey by using
invertible cases and inverting them
when the sections are two-thirds
filled, or strong enough to stand
alone. The sections will then be
filled full and plump all around, if the
honey flow is sufficient for their
completion.

Des Moines, la.

BINTS FOR BEGINNERS.

By J. E. PoxD.

In accepting the charge of the
department for beginners in bee
culture, I am actuated solely by a
desire to make plain some of the
points that to myself were matters of
serious import when I first began
keeping bees some twenty years ago.
At that time there were but two or

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

251

three works on bee culture, and those
related most entirely to old methods.
Frames were used to some extent,
but not by those who did as now,
give the world the benefit of their
growing experience. Not that they
would not have done so had they the
opportunity, but bee culture had not
attained any rank among the indus-
tries of the world, and but few jour-
nals were published in its interest,
and those that were published did
not reach the masses, as they were
only known to those of experience.

Bearing in mind the difficulties
that beset me at every point in my
endeavors to learn, I shall be well
repaid for my efforts if I am enabled
to aid a few only (I trust I shall aid
many) in the most fascinating pur-
suit in which I have ever engaged.
It will be my aim to state facts only,
and those gathered from my own ex-
perience, leaving theories to be dis-
cussed by those who have a greater
taste for them than I have at the
present time.

I do not propose to undertake to
fill the position of a text book, as
there are a number now published
that can be perused with great
profit. I shall endeavor simply to
give such seasonable hints from
month to month, as will enable those
who have a real desire to improve,
to gain a practical knowledge of
methods that will be of use and
profit to them. It is now too late
to think of purchasing bees, and
the prospective beekeeper can make
no better use of his time than
to procure two or three of the
best works on apiculture and study
them carefully during the coming

winter, leaving the matter of pur-
chases till spring opens, and all na-
ture shows its gladness at seeing the
cold dreary reign of winter broken.
Among the works published, I will
advise " Langstroth on the Hive and
Honey Bee, " Quinby's Work" re-
vised by L. C. Root, and " Alley's
Handy Book" for beekeepers. From
a careful study of all these a correct
knowledge of principles can be
gained, and when their contents are
well digested the student may follow
them with " Cook's Manual."

Bee culture can only be learned
by study and practice. The prin-
ciples should first be fully learned,
and then their application can be
practically made by actual labor in
the apiary.

In my next article I shall treat of
the hive and methods of manipula-
tion.

EDITORIAL.

In the last issue of the " Api,"
we stated that tlie season just past
had been generally speaking a most
prosperous one for the beekeepers.
Judging from the reports in our ex-
changes, there have been some local-
ities where but little honey has been
stored. Now this is not the case as
a rule. In some parts of the country
the season has been too wet, while
in other places it has been too dry.
Then again, where large crops of
honey were made in 1884, the crop
for 1885 has been a light one. As
we have before stated, all this may
be expected, as sure as one season
follows another. A fruitful year is

252

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

sure to be followed by a season of
scarcity. It is a well known fact to
pomologists and fruit-growers gene-
rally, that fruit trees will yield a given
amount of fruit for a few years, then
the tree must rest and recuperate,
and in due time, with proper care,
will again bear abundantly. So it
is with the honey-producing plants.
They yield largely one season, and
little or none the following year.
Again, the honey-producing flora is
governed by the state of the atmo-
sphere. With us here in New Eng-
land, the flowers secrete no nectar
when the wind is east of north or
south. But when the wind comes
from the northwest or west, the bees
work smartly. The largest quantities
of honey ar^ gathered when the wind
is about southwest, and the atmos-
phere somewhat muggy.

A new disease has appeared in
some apiaries the past season. As
no investigation of its origin has been
made, its cause is as yet obscure.
One of the principal symptoms of
this disease is this : the worker bees
may be seen crawling about the en-
trance of the hive, and on the alight-
ing-board and act the same as bees
that have been chilled. In dissect-
ing a bee, the sac is found full of
what appears to be newly gathered
honey.

The bees do not die off rapidly,
but the colony gradually decreases
in numbers, and the hive after a while
is depopulated. The healthy bees
continue to do the routine work of
the hive, gather pollen and remove
the dead and dying bees.

A description of a somewhat simi-
lar disease may be found in "A B C

of Bee Culture,'' by A. I. Root. Un-
til a better name can be found for
it we shall call it " bee-cholera."
If any reader of the " Api " has any
colonies that show symptoms of this
malady, he will oblige us by sending
a report to us, also giving his
opinion of its cause and results of
any experiments made to find a
remedy or to discover the origin of
the disease. Should it prove to be
" cholera," perhaps with properly
conducted experiments, a remedy
may be found. On the other hand,
if it be a disease transmitted to
the worker progeny by the queen, the
remedy is an easy and simple one.
If it be a disease peculiar only to the
Italians, the remedy is also easily ap-
plied, as we now have other races
equal, if not superior, to the once
universally favorite yellow bee.

" In time of peace prepare for
war." Winter is a time of peace
with the beekeeper. The thoughtful
and practical apiarist makes every
preparation during the cold months
to secure the prospective honey
harvest the coming season. His new
hives are " put up," painted and
made ready for immediate use the
moment some one cries out " the
bees are swarming."

The fixtures and apparatus for se-
curing in sections the surplus honey
are made ready to place upon the
hives as soon as the bees are ready
to receive and work in them. It is
not best, perhaps, to place founda-
tion in the frames, or sections, dur-
ing the early part of the winter, but
one should arrange so that but little
time will be required for such work
when the honey harvest begins.

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

253

NEW OBSERVATIONS ON

THE NATURAL HISTORY

OF BEES.

Bv Francis Huber.

(Continued from p. 229, Vol. III.)

The sequel of our experiments,
made with every possible precaution,
appears demonstrative, the uniform
sterility of queens in hives wanting
males, and in those where they are
confined along with them, the depart-
ure of these queens from the hives,
and the very conspicuous evidence
of impregnation, with which they re-
turn, are proofs against which no ob-
jections can stand ; but we do not
despair of being able next spring to
obtain the complement of this proof,
by seizing the female at the very
moment of her union.

Naturalists always have been ex-
tremely embarrassed to account for
the numbers of males in most hives,
and which seem only a burden to the
community since they fulfil no func-
tion, but we now begin to discern
the object of nature in multiplying
them to sucli an extent, as fecunda-
tion cannot be accomplished within ;
and as the queen is obliged to trav-
erse the expanse of the atmosphere,
it is requisite the males should be
numerous, that she may have the
chance of meeting some one of them.
Were only two or three in each hive
there would be little probability of
their departure at the same instant
with their queen, or that they would
meet in their excursions, and most of
the females would thus remain sterile.-^

But why has nature prohibited

1 RemiU'kable irregularity subsists in tlie
number ofmales, comiiared witli tlie other in-
habitants of a hive. .Swaninienlam found 69:{
along with 8494 workers. Previous to tlie
swarming of a large liive Reaumur counted
700 among 26,416 common bees, and one queen.
In another containing only 2900 worker--, lie
found 693 males. He comijuted 50.000 cells in
the former, of which 20.000 were lull of brood.
About 2.520 cells were aiipropriated for breed-
ing males, and about half ol tliem were occu-
pied by larvfe and nymphs. Thus, including
the 700 in the perfect i-late he observes, that
this hive would be provided with about 2000
males.

sexual union within the hives ? This
is a secret still unknown to us. It is
possible, however, that some favor-
able circumstance may enable us to
penetrate it in the course of our ob-
servations. Various conjectures may
be formed : but at this day we require
facts, and reject gratuitous supposi-
tions. It should be remembered,
that bees do not form the sole repub-
lic among insects presenting a similar
phenomenon ; female ants are also
obliged to leave the ant-hills previous
to fecundation.-

1 cannot request, sir, that you will
communicate those reflections which
your genius will excite concerning
the facts I have related.

This is a favor to which I am not
yet entitled. But as new experiments
unquestionably will occur to you,
whether on the impregnation of the
queen or on other points, may I so-
licit you to suggest them ? They
shall be executed with all possible
care, and I shall esteem this mark of
friendship and interest as tlie most
flattering encouragement that the
continuance of my labors can receive.
Pregny, August ij, ijSg.

You have surprised me most agree-
ably, sir, with your interesting dis-
covery of the impregnation of the
queen bee. It was a fortunate con-
jecture that she left the hive to be
fecundated ; and your method of
ascertaining the fact was extremely
judicious and well adapted to the
object. Let me remind you, that
male and female ants unite in the
air ; and that after impregnation the
females return to the anthills to de-
posit their eggs. It would be nec-
essary to seize the instant when the
drone unites with the female. But
how remote" from the power of the
observer are the means of ascertain-
ing their commerce in the air.

2 The males and females of ants are winged
insects ; the former pei ish sometime alter their
amours, and the females lose their wings a
certain period after iinprej^nation.

\To be continued7\

254

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

EXPERIMENTAL
BEE FARM NOTES.

There is so little doing at the pres-
ent time in the apiary, that we have
but few notes to make. The colo-
nies are ready for winter quarters,
and at the proper time they will be
placed in the cellar, under our
new factory. The situation is such
that we can take the bees into the
cellar without climbing over an}
steps or a long flight of stairs.
When we get ready to put the bees
under cover for winter, we can do
all the work in about one hour's
time. The ventilators are so ar-
ranged that the fresh air will enter
at the bottom and the foul air will
pass out through the tall chimney
erected to take the smoke from the
boiler.

Our colonies consist of Cyprians,
Syrians, Albinos, Carniolans and
ItaUans. All are about in the same
condition as to stores and bees.
We shall note from time to time
which of the races are wintering the
best. While such experiments may
prove nothing, or be of any practi-
cal value, yet it will be interesting to
know which of the races will best
stand the confinement they will have
to endure for four long months.

When the hives are placed in the
cellar, the back ends will be elevated
four inches higher than the fronts.

We do this so that the bees as
they die may roll out at the entrance,
which is the full length of the hive
and about one-half an inch high.
Should the dead bees lodge under
the frames, as they most always do
in winter, it will be an easy matter,
where the hives are thus prepared,
to remove any accumulation of dirt
from under the combs, by using a
small stick for the purpose. We are
quite sure it can be done by a care-
ful person without scarcely disturb-
ing the bees.

While the bees are in the cellar
very little ventilation will be given.

We consider that a large entrance
furnishes about all the ventilation a
strong colony will need. A small
aperture might be left at the top of
the hives, without in the least en-
dangering the health of the colony.
There cannot be much air pass
through a hive while the bees are in
the cellar, and out of the way of all
wind. The temperature of the bee-
room will be kept as near 45° as is
jDOssible to do. So often as once a
month the dead bees will be swept
up and removed from the cellar, so
that the atmosphere will be kept
sweet and pure.

Experience has proved that the
Italians are the poorest nurse bees
of any race we have. The Cyp-
rians and many colonies of our
Syrians were reared for the express
purpose of cell-building another year.
The two latter races rear the best
queens of any bees we have used
for the purpose. We will say as to
the disposition of the Cyprians, that
we have but one colony that are real
"tigers." Unless this colony is han-
dled in a scientific manner the op-
erator will get badly punished. We
have used this particular colony for
no other purpose than cell-building.
They are fine nurse bees, and so well
adapted for such work, that this is
the only reason they are permitted to
exist in our apiary. We have other
colonies of Cyprians that are as do-
cile and as easy to handle as the
Italians.

We are favored by a large number
of visitors. All who come are desirous
to see the different races of bees ;
so this fall we have added to our
stock a fine imported Carniolan
queen. Possibly we may rear some
queens from her another year, to
supply the demand for the few or-
dered. When beekeepers have fur-
ther tested these bees the sale of
them will be small. The second or

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

255

third generation from an imported
Carniolan mother, unless crossed by
the Itahans, will resemble the blacks
so nearly that only the expert can
detect the difference.

It is our aim to rear at the "Api"
Bee Farm only queens of the best
races. We consider the Italians
and Syrians, and their crosses the
best, for all purposes. The Syrians
are the smarter, more energetic and
hardier of the two races. It is said
that the Cyprian when mated to the
Carniolan produce a fine strain of
bees. The latter race are very gentle
in disposition, and when crossed with
the former transmit that good qual-
ity to their worker progeny, thus pro-
ducing a very desirable strain of bees.

CORRESPONDENCE.

WHAT A WOMAN CAN DO WITH BEES.

Bees in my locality wintered well
where they had been properly cared
for, but owing to the excessive rains
and long-continued cool weather in
the spring they consumed what win-
ter stores were left over in brood-
rearing without being able to gather
more ; consequently much of the
brood was torn down and destroyed,
and the drones were all killed. Yet,
despite all this management, many
of the little workers died of sheer
starvation, and that, too, with thou-
sands of flowers in full bloom all
around. It is just as essential that
the weather be propitious for the se-
cretion of honey as that there should
be flowers in which the nectar may
secrete. The hives being thus de-
populated is it any wonder that the
honey crop is a partial failure ? This
also explains why there have been
so few swarms this season. Every
colony that has Italian blood in it
speaks for itself, when you come to
take off your surplus honey in a sea-
ton like this. I have taken over loo
pounds per colony from several of
my best Italians, while from a few

common stocks that I have, I have
not taken a single pound. This is
also the case with a neighbor living
just across the street from me. My
bees up to date have averagerl thirty
pounds per colony. I had forty-
eight colonies to begin with this
spring ; have an increase of only ten.
Thus you will see that I have taken
1440 pounds of honey. I have this
day (July 21) fixed two hives for
queen-rearing and am determined
not to be satisfied or stop trying until
every bee in my yard is pure Italian.

I want to say to everybody that is
interested in bee culture, or that is
likely or liable to be stung, never pull
the sting out, as by doing so, because
of the peculiar construction or forma-
tion of the sting, you push the virus
or poison into the flesh, thus causing
great pain ; whereas, if you will scrape
the sting out with a knife you also
scrape the poison out, thus relieving
the pain at once : I then blow a little
warm smoke on the place from a
smoker, and the trouble is ended.

This morning (July 22), while go-
ing to a neighbor's house I passed
through a few acres of cotton, upon
which I found hundreds of bees
busily at work. All of these were
either pure Italian or hybrids ; not a
single native bee could I see. After
reaching my neighbors I looked
through her four colonies of native
bees, and not a pound of surplus
honey was to be found. There have
only been a few pounds taken from
one colony this season, and, judging
from appearances, there will not be
any more.

Mrs. Sallie E. Sherman.

[By request of Mrs. Sherman we
give place to the above. It shows
what a woman can do at keeping
bees, and also, the superiority of
the Italian bees. Our lady readers
will be pleased to know that Mrs.
Sherman has promised to become a
regular correspondent to the " Am-
erican Apiculturist".]

256

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

EXCHANGES.

A FEW Facts concerning Bees-
wax, BY C. H. Lake. — To quote
from Prof. Liebig's great work on
"Animal Chemistry :" "The bees,"
says this learned writer, "consume
twenty pounds of honey to make
one pound of wax, and every ounce
of comb after constructed would
hold one pound of honey."

Many other prominent writers
compute the consumption of honey
at twenty-five pounds to every pound
of comb built.

Wax is not gathered like pollen or
propolis. The bees have to manu-
facture it, at great cost, both to them-
selves and their owners.

Wax is manufactured in the bodies
of the bees, as milk is in the body of
the cow ; and with bees it is both a
secretion and excretion. In collect-
ing honey, bees carry it to their hives
in sacs ; if it passes into their stom-
achs or their intestinal canals, it
passes into the juices of their
bodies, and scales of wax ooze out
or are excreted from the under side
of their bellies.

Dr. Liebig says "it takes thirty-
eight hours to convert honey into
wax," that is to say, that the laminae
or thin scales of wax do not appear
on the bellies of the bees till thirty-
eight hours after the honey has been
taken into their intestines."

This surely cannot be correct. If
a swarm of bees is forced from an
old hive full of old combs, and
placed in an empty hive, comb-
building will commence in about six
hours — in warm weather.

Both the weather and the warmth
of the hive have a great deal to do
with comb-building. The making
or secreting of wax is voluntary on
the part of the bees, and this is
another of the mysteries that has
never been fathomed. Bees do not
secrete wax to any extent when their
hives are filled with comb.

Wax will differ in color, if honey

of different kinds is consumed in its
manufacture.

As honey from one kind of plant
differs in taste from that of another
kind of plant so wax differs in color.

In the covers or hds of brood
cells there will be noticed the fact
that they are always the color of the
cells they cover, the cells of dark
comb will have dark lids, and white
comb, white lids.

The learned Prof, also makes
another assertion that is incorrect.
He says "combs are never built in a
hive unless the bees have the pres-
ence or prospect of a queen,"

I have frequently put large swarms
of bees into empty hives and set the
swarm where the old hive stood,
catching and killing the queen at the
time of hiving, and have had by this
method some of the finest drone
combs built I ever saw or possessed.
"Wax-making and comb-building is
a very interesting and important
question in the workings of the bee
hive, and but little is with certainty
known about it." So says an able
writer on the subject.

Wax is a very inflammable sub-
stance, containing over So^per cent
of carbon. I have found that a.
pound of virgin worker comb con-
tains over 50,000 cells, which fact
shows what wonderful frugality is dis-
played by these model architects in
comb-building. Quite a book could
be written on wax and its uses. Did
it ever occur to you, reader, that all
the beautiful flowers ornamenting so
many of our parlor tables, making
home cheerful, were the product
of these little busy bees ? Immense
quantities are used for this purpose,
and also in doll-making. As many
of your readers, Mr. Editor, may be
unacquainted with the immense traf-
fic carried on in wax, perhaps a few
facts from the census reports of the
past may be interesting.

The census of 1840 gives the
value of the product of the United
States at $'628,000, or about 2,000,000

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

roi

pounds. That for 1850, "wax and
honey," nearly 15,000,000 pounds,
worth nearly ^3,000,000. That for
i860, for wax alone at 1,357,000
pounds. The exports in 1859 and
'60 were 362,000 pounds, worth
$135,000. In 1S61, 238,300 pounds
were exported from New York alone.
In i860 nearly five-sixths of the ex-
ports were to Brazil, England and
France. Foreign countries also send
large quantities upon the market,
the Portuguese province probably
taking the lead, by annually sending
to Europe nearly 50,000,000
pounds. Beeswax is produced in
every country in the temperate and
torrid zones. — The Baltimore List.

CANADIAN DEPARTMENT.

R. H. HoLTERMAN, Editor.

Canadian beekeepers are organiz-
ing for the purpose of having a mon-
ster display of honey at the Colonial
and Indian Exhibition to be held in
London next season. A display is
desired of such magnitude and so
rich in quality that it will attract uni-
versal attention and not without an
object.

For some time we have felt the
want of a larger market and we have
acted the part of paralytics ; we felt
the want, knew that our remedy has
lain in Europe but, as individuals, we
have felt powerless to put forth any
effectual efforts to open it. Now we
have before us the opportunity of
sending our honey, free of charge,
and probably some one to take care
of it, and it is to be hoped no one
will lose the opportunity of doing all
in their power to make the enterprise
a success.

Once let us secure a foothold in
England and Germany with our honey
and we can defy these small, ignorant
honey-raisers who have done so much
in the past to injure our market. If
23

we cannot secure a fair remuneration
here, we ship, and the result will be
an important one. A more fixed
market price, therefore, less danger
in handling. Employment for an
unlimited number of colonies thereby
increasing the wealth of Canada : di-
rectly, by the production of honey
and bees, indirectly, by an increased
yield of clover seed, fruits of all kinds,
etc., wherever additional bees are
kept.

CONVENTION NOTES.

St. Joseph, Mo., Sept. 2g, 1883.
In answer to a call of a committee
the beekeepers of this section came
together on the 24th inst. at 2 p. m.,
and elected a temporary chairman
and secretary, and then adjourned
until next day at 2 p. m. The en-
closed clipping from the St. Joseph
Gazette will explain the result of that
meeting.

The adjourned meeting of the Bee
Keepers was called to order at the
county court room at 2,30 p. m. A
Constitution was adopted and the as-
sociation named " The St. Joseph
Inter.State Beekeepers' Association."
The election of officers for the perma-
nent organization resulted as follows :
President, Ernst Schuman, Brecken-
ridge, Mo. ; vice-presidents, D. G.
Parker and Robert Corbet; secretary,
E. T. Abbott, superintendent of St.
Joseph apiary; treasurer, Dr. G. D.
EUingvvood, St. Joseph. The following
persons paid the annual fee of i^l.OO
and became members of the associa-
tion :

E. J. Abbott, L. G. Buvis,
T. B. Nichol, John Stewart,

G. B. McArthur, Rev. A. E. Abbott,

F. G. Hopkins, James A. Matney,
D. G. Parker, E. Eastman,

J. D. Ellingwood, Ernst Schuman.

After the election of officers there
was some interesting discussion of
various questions relating to bee cul-
ture, and the meeting adjourned to meet
on the second Tuesday in April, 1886.
All persons interested in bees are in-
vited to see the secretary and become
members of the association and re-
ceive a copy of the constitution.

258

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

This new society represents a grow-
ing and important industry and should
receive tlie hearty support of our citi-
zens.

E. T. Abbott, Secretary.

Belmont, Ont., Can., Oct. 29, 1883.

Mr. W. Z. Hutchinson writes me
that he will undertake to secure re-
duced rates over all railways leading
to Detroit at time of N. A. B. A.

Come, friends, let us have a big
time : the more go, the better rates,
I suppose.

S. T. Pettit, Vice Pi-es.for Ont.
branch N.A. B.A.

The North American Beekeep-
ers' Association will meet in Detroit,
on December 8, 9 and 10. Every
practical apiarist should make an
effort to attend and give his rich val-
uable experience, by taking part in
the discussions of the various sub-
jects and questions brought before
the convention. The novice and
inexperienced should by all means
attend, as he will be likely to gather
more information from the old vet-
erans in a few days, than by a whole
year's experience with a few colonies.
The hotel accommodations are ample,
and at reduced rates, and with the
railroad fare at about one-half the
regular prices, it should be sufficient
to induce an unusually large attend-
ance. Mr. S. M. Locke will attend,
provided his health will permit.

NOTES AND QUERIES.

— Several beekeepers have written
to the Ajneric an Bee Joiirnal con-
cerning the new bee disease of which
mention is made on another page.

W. S. S. writes thus :

What is wrong with my bees ? The
strongest colony that I have is losing
bees very fast. Early in the morning
there are in the hive from fifty to two
hundred old bees dead and dying. I
examined it to-day, but could find noth-
ing wrong. It had four combs of
brood in all stages, from the egg to
capped brood.

W. Z. Hutchinson, Prof. Cook and
James Heddon reply as follows :

It may be nothing except the bees
dying of old age.— W. Z.Hutchinson.

Most beekeepers write me that the
aflected bees seem young, and are
black from being bald.— A. J. Cook.

It is nothing strange that a colony
should lose that number of bees daily.
Just why they do not go ofl' to die, I
do not know. Perhaps cool weather
is the cause. I do not apprehend any-
thing serious.— James Heddon.

W. B. T. writes:

What ails the bees? I have thirty
three colonies in good condiliou, and
gathering honey ui abundance from
buckwheat, Spanish-needle and gold-
en-rod. But one of them is aflected
with a malady which suggests poison;
but if that were the case other colo-
nies would be affected. The badly
affected bees I should think would
number 2,000. They are constantly
cleaning themselves by rubbing tlieir
bodies, legs and wings, and turning on
their sides; they will not run from
smoke. Their abdomens are shining,
and the black portions are intensely
so; they are shrunken and pointecl.
They are taken from the hive in a
string or path extending sis feet from
the hive. The first indication was
about a quart of dead bees that sug-
gested robbing. The weather has
been wet and cool one week of the
past two. They have a fine queen, but
she is not laying to the extent that the
others are. They also have preserved
their drones. What ails them?

To this Mr. Heddon replies as
follows :

I would guess that this colony had
found some liquid sweets in bulk, and
were robbing.

By the above it will be seen that
there is no mistake about a new bee
disease. So far as we are able to
learn, this new malady is not conta-
gious, and there is little cause for
alarm. Nevertheless, " as an ounce
of preventive is better than a pound
of cure," we advise the removal of
all infected colonies, to at least one
mile from any apiary.

The season is now so far advanced
that no investigation can be made to
discover the cause. It is our opin-

THE AMEBIC AI^ APIGULTURIST.

259

ion that every diseased colony will
die before another spring, and if the
combs are destroyed, and the hives
properly cleansed, it may never ap-
pear again. Unless it reappears we
would advise no one to experiment
with it. Some writers have expressed
the opinion that the bees are merely
chilled. Would the bees in some
colonies die from cold while others
are at work gathering honey? We
saw one infected colony dying at the
rate of about iifty bees each day,
while the healthy bees in the same
hive were working smartly.^

— A writer in Scribjiei-'s Montlily
gives a very interesting account of
comb-building. "When a swarm of
bees is about to leave its old home
and seek another one, each bee fills
itself with honey. After entering
their home the gorged bees suspend
themselves in festoons hanging from
the top of the hive. They hang mo-
tionless for about twenty-four hours.
During this time the honey has been
digested and converted into a pecul-
iar animal oil, which collects itself in
scales or laminae beneath the abdom-
inal rings. This is the wax. One
of the workers, called the founder,
then draws from its own body, by
means of its clawed foot the scales
of wax, and crumbles and works with
its mouth and mandibles, till it be-
comes pliable, and it issues from the
mouth in a long narrow ribbon, made
white and soft by an admixture of
saliva from the tongue. Meanwhile
the other bees are making ready their
material in the same way. On the
ceiling of the hive an inverted solid
arch of wax is built, and from this

1 Since the above was put in type M'e have
seen the result of an experiment we tried lor
a triend upon two colonies that were badly
di.<eased. We raised the honey-boards and
llufw :i handinl of fine salt over the frames
and combs, and then daslied about one-half
a pint of water ovei' all to moisten tlie salt. In
a few weeks, or after all the diseased bees had
died, all traces of the disease had disap-
peared. It really secerned to us that the bees
were snlTering for something of the kind and
60 we tried the experiment. Will others try
the same and report the results ?

the first foundation cells are exca-
vated, all the subsequent ones be-
ing built up and around these which
are usually three in number. The
size and shape of the cell are deter-
mined by its future use, but all comb
is formed of two sheets of cells placed
back to back, the partition walls of
the two sheets always alternating with
one another. If the cells are in-
tended for brood, twenty-five cells
of worker and sixteen of drone go to
the square inch." Von Berlepsch,
a celebrated German apiarist, de-
clares " that he has known cases in
which a swarm have built three hun-
dred square inches of comb in a
single night."

— For a short time the "Apicul-
turist " will be sent to any address,
three months, on receipt of 25 cents
in postage stamps, or five copies,
three months, for ^i.oo.

Please call the attention of your
brother beekeepers to this most lib-
eral offer.

— We should be pleased to receive
reports from all those who keep bees,
whether encouraging or otherwise.
If you have conducted any exper-
iments the past season, and they
have proved successful and practical,
please report the result of them for
publication in the "Api". Don't
feel that you are not competent to
write an article for publication, but
send us a plain statement of facts,
and they will prove both valuable
and acceptable. Please send in
your articles and thus help make one
of the most interesting bee journals
published.

— Mr. A. E. Bonney of Adelaide,
South Australia, has favored us with
a copy of the South Australian Ad-
vertiser containing the doings of
Parliament regarding the matter of
setting apart the Island of Kangaroo
for the purpose of establishing an
apiary, from which pure-bred Italian
queens may be had. To show the

260

THE AMERICAN APICULTVRIST.

interest taken in bee culture we give
the remarks of Mr. Downer, a mem-
ber who favored a bill excluding
black bees from the above island,

Mr. H. E. Downer, in moving the
second reading, said tliis measure was
of considerable importance to those
interested in bee culture and to the res-
idents of Kangaroo Island. Tlie Cham-
ber of Manufactures was so impressed
with the advisability of introducing
and keeping pure the breed liuown as
the Italian or Ligurian bee that, at their
request, and that of some other people,
his honorable colleague tabled a motion
in the matter, and when he had ac-
cepted a position in the Government
the task devolved on him (Mr. Downer)
of moving the second reading of the
Bill. He was assured by those who
had paid great attention to the matter
that the Ligurian had great advantages
over the ordinary black bee. It was a
distinct species which for many cen-
turies had been cultivated in Italy, and
was celebrated for its great power of
collecting honey, and for its quietness
and docility. The drawback to having
both sorts of bees living in the same
district was that they mixed very read-
ily, and the result was a combination,
which, although an improvement on
the black be,e," yet had several disad-
vantages which rendered a fusion of
the two races extremely undesirable.
While the Ligurian bee was very ami-
able and quiet in its disposition, tlie
hybrids showed a high degree of com-
baliveuess, and attacked a.ny person or
animal who approached their hive.
The Ligurians gathered more honey,
and what was a great advantage in a
new country, they had larger families
than the others. The question of the
desirability of introducing the Ligurian
bee being settled, the next point was
to find some locality suited to th«ir
culture, and where the race might be
kept pure. Such a place was Kangaroo
Island, both by its distance from the
mainland and the trees and plants which
grew there, and whose tlowers would
form excellent food for the bees. Al-
ready a good deal was done in the way
of importing bees from Italy, and in-
asmuch as tliey could not be carried
a longer voyage than about thirty days
without considerable loss. Kangaroo
Island would form a useful depot for
the culture of the bee, whence the other
Australian colonies and New Zealand
could draw their supplies of pure stock.
Mr. Bonney, who was a well-known

authority on the sulDJect, had supplied
him with some notes, in which he co-
incided with these views. The only
other question to consider was whether
the exclusion of the black bee from the
island would be an injustice to any of
the residents. As a member for the
district he would be the last to do this,
and the result of enquiries made by
himself and others was that the only
black bees they had been able to trace
was one swarm, which had since been
removed through the action of the
Chamber of Manufactures, which sup-
plied a swarm of Ligurians to the
owner. He therefore believed that at
present there were no black bees on
the island. The lirst clause prohibited
the breeding or importation on the
island of any but Ligurian bees. The
second clause gave power to a police
officer, on the authority of a justice of
the peace, to enter on any place where
black bees are supposes! to be and have
them removed. Clause three imposed
a penalty of not less than £10 or more
than £50, with a term of imprisonment
of not more than a month, for intro-
ducing other bees. On reconsideration
he would ask the House in committee
to strike out the penalty of not less than
£10, because it was a high fine for a
first offence, and he would ask them to
do the same with regard to the power
to commit to prison.

The Hon. T. Playford, speaking as
one who had grown and sold honey and
wax twenty years ago, could say that
what we wanted Avas a superior sort
of bee. The Ligurian was superior in
size and honey-storing qualities, but
when introduced into a country among
the black bees the two mixed, and the
hybrid was a very vicious bee indeed.
What we further wanted was a spot
where the Ligurian bee could be kept
pure, and whence supplies of the stock
might be drawn to the mainland. Kan-
garoo Island was a very good place for
the experiment, as it was understood
that it was almost, if not entirely, free
from the common black bee.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWEBS.

QUESTIONS BY A READER.

1. What advantages has a deep
frame over a shallow one regarding
wintering, breeding and lioney storing?

2. In your opinion is not a plain,
simply constructed hive the best for
the average beekeeper?

3. Is not a hive that will take but

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

261

8 L-fraraes and one that has a cap
sufBcieiitly deep to cover two sets of
boxes when ''tiered up " as good a
hive as is i-equired, when properly
managed, to make beekeeping a suc-
cess?

ANSWERS BY WILL M. KELLOGG.

1. As regards the deep or shallow
frame for wintering, my experience has
been so strongly marked, and always so
in favor of the deeper frame, that to me,
there is no question which is the bet-
ter. Heat naturally rises, and spreads
latterly only when it can't go up. In a
deep frame, a very much larger portion
of the honey is above the cluster, where
the heat, rising and remaining, enables
the bees the more readily to go up to get
a fresh supply of food. In the shallow
L. frame there is scarcely ever over two
inches of honey above the brood (I have
used them by the hundred hives) and
this supply soon becomes exhausted,
when the bees have to move latterly to
the ends of the combs for food. In a
warm cellai-, or in a southern climate,
this objection would not hold good ; but
the warm cellar will not protect stocks
when removed to their summer stands,
and we often have sharp cold weather
after we have taken our bees out. As
to breeding and honey storing, again I
can see no advantage in a long, shallovv
fi-ame. In my expei-ience, and I have
had twenty years of it, the square, or
oblong, frame puts the brood in the best
possible shape, i. e., in a circle, for the
bees to care for, the queen to deposit
her eggs, and the beekeeper to handle
the frames.

I have had very much less trouble
with queens entering boxes where I
used the deeper frame, and I had over
two hundred L. hives to experiment
with in a good rich honey flow. This,
to me, is plain evidence, of the queen's
desire to extend her brood nest upward
to complete the circle.

I have always had little to do with
theory ; hard practical facts are what I
write of, and in this case I say that the
claim of increased surplus from using a
shallow hive, has never been sustained
in the least particle while using both
kinds of hive in the same apiary in large
quantities enough to thoroughly test
it. My claim for a deep frame over
a shallow one is this in brief. More
compact form of brood and hive, frames
and hives easier handled, food easier
got at in winter, less brood in upper
stories, and stronger combs.

2. In my opinion "a plain simply-
constructed hive is the best," for

any beekeeper, be he average or ex-
pert. All we need in a hive is a simple
box of four sides and a bottom, with
rabbets cut in the top edges of the front
and back to receive a set of simple
frames made of seven-eighths stuff all
around. This, with a simple cap to
protect the surplus arrangement will
get as nice honey, and as much of it as
a crimson and gold finished palace of a
hive.

3. I have never been an advocate of
small hives. From one that is fifteen
inches square by tiiirteen inches deep,
inside measure, I can get just as much
lioney, as can be got from one that is
one-third smaller. Then, too, the small
hive invariably bothers more by exces-
sive swarming. I can tier up the lar-
ger hive easily. I consider a 10- frame
better in every way than an 8-frame,
especially of the L. pattern. I do not
like a deep cap deep enough to cover
two sets of sections, but prefer one
depth with extra rims to raise one or
two tiers higher,

AXSWEHS BY PUOF. A. J. COOK.

1. I question if a shallow frame,
when rightly managed, is not as safe
for wintering as a deep one. For
comb honey it is certainly better. We
wish honey above in sections not in
deep frames below.

2. Yes, decidedly, and for all others.

3. I think so; but after a fair trial
I much prefer the Heddou style and
would omit the cap. Then we can tier
up to our liking, and the hive is very
simple and excellent.

Lansing, 3Iich.

ANSWERS BY J. E. POND, JR,

1. None whatever. On the contrary,
a frame of depth of the regular L. 9J
inches, I deem to be the safer for
wintering, as good as any for breeding,
and far superior to all for honey stor-
ing; and this after an experience of 19
years, during which time I have given
all styles and depths a fair trial.

2. Yes, by all means, and the plniner
and simpler the better. The form and
size form the chief requisites of a per-
fect hive.

3. Success can no doubt be achieved
with an 8-frame L. hive. The advan-
tages gained by the use of a 10 frame
are such that I advise that size even if
but eight frames are used,

Foxboro, Mass.

ANSWEPvS BY JOHN H, MABTIN.

1. If beesai'e properly prepared for
winter I don't see as the shape of the
frame makes any material difl'erence.

262

THE AMERICAN APTCULTURIST.

Foi' breeding;, a frame 11 inclies deep, 12
to 14 in length placed in the hive cross-
wise of the entrance, has given us the
best results. The bees can be crowded
upon few frames, heat retained and the
back portion of the hive used for feed-
ing. For honey storing, it depends
upon what you are runninir bees for, ex-
tracted orcomb honey. For extracted
honey one frame is as good as another;
with the exception that a long shallow
or a very large frame is awkward to
handle. For obtaining box honey a
shallow frame with a large surface has
perhaps a slight advantage.

2. Yes, and also for the expert.

3. No. The 8 frames will do, but
provide more room fortiering up. For
ordinary seasons perhaps two sets of
boxes are enough but we sometimes
have an extraordinary season. Shallthe
beekeeper be ready for it or will he be
caught with a hive without surplus
room ? It is a safe plan to provide plenty
of room up stairs : there will be times
when you will need it.

ANSWERS BY UEV. D. D. MAKSH.

1. A deep frame permits a winter
cluster to form within the centre of
combs, not exposing the outer edge in
any direction. Place their honey above
when it retains the heat, is the secret
of the farmer's early swarms from box
hives.

It favors breeding by encourag-
ing a few bee spaces between large
patches of brood, rather than yiany
spaces to be ttlkd by bees between
many small areas of brood. It is not
so favorable to storing in boxes, be-
cause Nature's " box" is the upper part
of a deep comb itself, and a box top of
that is too far aloft. A medium depth
I think tlie best for storing.

2. The plainer and simpler the bet-
ter; just brood-box, sections and cap.
Nature's hive is just a hollow tree.

3. I believe from experience that
our 8 L. frame hive is preferable for
section honey. The section clamp
should be made in halves : put one on
and get the bees at work, then put on
the other, then tier up.

Georgetown, 3Iass.

ANSWERS BY K. K. HASTY.

1. For wintering, my experience is
that the shallow frame has the advan-
tage. Some years the deeper frame
makes the better show of surplus, but
I do not regard tiie matter as settled.
For breeding in cold weather a square
frame prevents waste of heat. In warm
weather there is no very great differ-
ence I think.

2. No complicated hive has yet come
out which is to be recommended for
general use.

3. A two story 8-frame Langstroth
hive ought to succeed. I prefer, how-
ever to have the hive hold ten frames
and contract to seven by the use of
dummies or loafers.

Michards, 0.

ANSWERS BY L. C. ROOT.

1. It is a fact not to be disputed that
if during early spring our bees are to
make the greatest possil)le advance-
ment in brood-rearing, the warmth
generated by the bees must be econo-
mized to the very extreme. If this be
true, the advantage of the deep frame
is so apparent, that for this purpose
we need not argue its superiority. I
have proven for a certainty that bees
reach their stores more readily in a
deep frame, than in a shallow long
frame, and that, side by side, they
winter more successfully in the former.

The size of frame that will insure
best results in wintering and brood
rearing, thereby securing a good work-
ing force at the earliest possible date,
is the best for honey storing. Surplus
combs or boxes can be arranged for
storing honey, no matter what the size
of the frame may be. To those who
dider with me in these opinions, I ask
this question :

If we were keeping bees in bad hives
which we desired to winter well, and
from wiiich we desired to secure early
swarms, who would think of construct-
ing hives, seventeen inches from front
to rear, fifteen inches wide and eight
inches deep inside measure, rather than
twelve inches square and fourteen
inches deep.

2. Yes.

3. If you mean by L. frame, the shal-
low frame with a hive so constructed
that there is a space on all sides and
between the frames, I answer, no.

If you mean a properly constructed
hive as to size and form of frame, and
for securing box honey only, I answer,
yes. ' ,

Mohaivk, N. T.

ANSWER TO QUESTION BY SAMUEL CUSII-
MAN IN OCT. NO., BY HENRY ALLEY.

Our correspondent inquires regard-
ing the question of feeding back honey
to induce bees to finish out incomplete
sections. This reminds me of the expe-
rience I had and the experiments I made
several years ago in order to get some
unfinished sections filled with honey.

THE AMERICAN, APICULTURIST.

263

To do this I fed sevei-al colonies very
liberally with the best houey slightly
diluted with water. I had no trouble
in getting the bees to take away all the
honey given them. Although I fed them
with'nice syrup for a long time, not one
particle of it was placed iu the untin-
islied sections. The reason why the
bees would not do as I desired is well
known to all experienced apiarists,
though it did not occur to me just at
that time. The fact that bees will uot
mix the different kinds of honey was
why they would not finish out the un-
capped cells. Instead of working in the
sections, the brood-combs wei-e filled
so solid that it was necessary to use
the extractor, iu order to give room for
the queen to deposit eggs, and keep
up the supply of brood.

In my opinion it will not pay to "feed
back," and so far as I know, no one
has ever made it a success. If a supply
of honey could be had, the same as the
bees are storing in the section, just at
the time the flowers are giving out, it
it might do to "feed back", but even in
that case I doubt the expediency. Such
feeding should be done at night while
the bees are still gathering some honey.
When the harvest is ended, feed only
iu the daytime. The feeder I used on
such an occasion was a common tin
pan, one that would hold about four
quarts, the pan was placed in front of
the hive, on the ground, and all was
covered by a cloth to protect the bees
from toads and to retain the warmth.
A small opening only was left for the
bees to enter the pan from the alight-
ing-board. A strong colony would
take away several quarts of syrup dur-
ing the night.

Wenham, Mass.

QUESTION BY A. K. BONNEY.

In preparing the strips of comb con-
taining eggs for queen-rearing after
Alley's method, is there any objection
to leaving every third egg only, instead
of every other one?

Adelaide, So. A^istralia.

ANSWER BY H. ALLEY.

A good many years ago, and long
before the adoption of our present
method of queen-rearing, we conduct-
ed many experiments to compel bees
to build queen cells in such a way that
all could be removed without destroy-
ing any. Pieces of comb containing
esgs were cut into separate cells.
Each individual cell was fastened to
the comb or to the underside of a
frame, by a mixture of warm beeswax

and rosin. A few years ago, some one
conceived the idea of placing cells
containing eggs upon a stick, and of-
fering them for sale. The idea was so
ridiculous that the trade in that line
of goods was soon abandoned. After
repeated attempts to rear queens by
the single cell method and failing each
time I gave up the idea, as not one
queeu so reared was of the least value,
the young queens were very small and
worthless. I could never account for
this very singular freak, — could I rear
good queens by such a method I would
abandon all others. To reply more
directly to the question of Mr. Bonney
I will say that the same objection was
found to destroying the eggs and leav-
ing the third one for a queeu cell. By
removing every other cell and follow-
ing the directions as given in the
Handy Book, one will surely rear the
finest queens.

QUESTION BY A BEEKEEPER.

What is the cause of the different
shades in the marking of the Italian
bees? Some are of a dark orange hue
and others very light.

ANSWER BY A BEEKEEPER.

We never supposed that the Italian
bees were a distinct race. It is sup-
posed by many prominent apiarists
that the Italians are a race of hybrids.
This fact must account for the differ-
ent markings and shades in color. The
fact that we get the beautiful Albinos,
the leather and orange colored Italians
all from the same race seems to con-
firm the supposition that the Italians
are a distiuct race of bees. Neverthe-
less, fine yellow queens which produce
bees of uniform marking usually du-
plicate themselves in their queen pro-
geny. But the impurity will crop out
occasionally and a black or striped
queeu will emerge from a cell, while
from the adjoining cell would emerge
one of the most beautiful queens.

The Italians are the only "race" of
bees whose queens will produce work-
er bees that show strictly pure and
uniform markings. The Cyprian,
Holyiand and Syrian queens produce
bees that show from one narrow to
three yellow bands. And queens from
these races produce very dark or
striped royal progeny.

QUESTION BY CHAS. H. SMITN.

Several gentlemen in this place
claim that comb honey is manufactured
iu New York and Brooklyn; that the

264

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

comb is made by machinery and then
filled with glucose or some other cheap
substance, and are then capped by
means of hot irons, smeared with wax
or paraffine, being-drawn over them.

Some even claim that they have seen
it done.

To me, the idea is simply absurd;
but to settle the discussion, will you
please give us the benefit of your
knowledge on this subject, through
the columns of the "Api?"

ANSWER BY A BEEKEEPER.

We have heard the same statement
made several times, but were never
able to obtain any of the so-called
manufactured honey. A young man
informed us that honey was so manufac-
tured, as he was t nployed by parties
who dealt in it. s the young man
does not know pure from impure honey
we suspect he may be mistaken about
it. We often go to Boston and when
there again will make an eflbrt to find
some of the vile stufl".

LETTER BOX.

Arlington Heights, Mass.
Dear "Api."

This has been a very good season
with us. Began the year with three
colonies, sold two and increased to
four and one-half. Have taken thus
far 79 lbs. and expect about 25 more.
Located as we are on a high hill and
most of the nectar being at the foot,
it has to be "tugged up." Have no
difliculty in disposing of our honey at
20 cents to neighbors.

Sliall remember with pleasure our
visit to the Experimental Bee Farm
and trust it will be a grand success.
Enjoy the regular visits of the "Api"
very much and think we have a treas-
ure in the bound volumes.

Chas. G. Wheelock.

lioseville, III.
Dear Sirs:

In answer to an article by Mr. Arthur
Todd in the June number of your jour-
nal I wish to say that beekeeping is
just the most suitable employment that
"can be found for sick and weakly
women. Why! it just imparts new
life to at least one person who for

twenty years has kept her bed three-
fourths of the time ; but who, after
giving much of her time both body
and mind to the care of the bees,
with the help of a hired girl now
cares for one large apiary and her hus-
band cares for anotlier and the apiary
of which she has the charge proves
equally profitable with the other.

Women who are anxious to make
money to further the Lord's work
should study up beekeeping as through
such a course one can accomplish this
object.

An Invalid.

Carversville, Fa.
S. M. Locke & Co. :

In August last Ave had a very heavy
freshet in the creek running through
our village, and among the losses was
my whole apiary of fifteen colonies.
The unusually high water was caused by
the breaking of dams situated above the
village. I recovered ten of the hives,
with part of the frames, which were
washed about one-half mile from here,
and succeeded in saving two colonies,
nearly all of the bees being drowned.
And strange to say, one of them con-
tained the Italian queen purchased
from you about a month previous. I
put her with the bees (about two
quarts), on four frames of foundation
in a new hive, and by feeding have got
a pretty good colony. The other hive
only washed away a few rods, but the
fi'ames were spilled out of the hive. I
replaced them early in the morning, on
the old stand, and they are doing pretty
well. The fermenting honey and pol-
len from the rest of the recovered
hives, soon attracted robbers, and for
a few days there was trouble in the
camp ; at the end of a couple of days, I
put on my bee hat, took my smoker and
made an examination of the ruins, when
I found them all torji to pieces, with
the exception of the before mentioned
Italian queen, with her few surviving
bees who had left the wet combs and
clustered in the cap of the hive. I also
liad about 200 lbs. of comb honey in one
and two lb. sections on the hives, which
was all lost.

I will cheerfully distribute any circu-
lars or copies of the " Apiculturist,"
you may see proper to send to ray
address.

Very respectfully yours,

Gko. E. Clossno.

The American Apiculturist

% ^anxml latbaUla to BtmxMc aitb IPractiral g^Bke^jptiig.

ENTERED AT THE POST-OFFICE, SALEM, AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER.

Published Monthly. S. M. Locke & Co., Publishers & Prop'rs.

VOL. III. WENHAM, MASS., DECEMBER 15, i!

No. 12.

SUBSCRIPTION PRICES.

$1.00 per year, payable in advance. Sent
on trial three months for 35 cts., six months
for 60 cts.

Advertising H.vrKS:— 15 cents per line of
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When sending nionej' make all postal notes
and money orders payable at the Saleni,
Mass., Post Office.

All communications sliould be addressed
to S. M. I.OCKK & Co., Wenham, Mass.

HONEY AND ITS ADUL-
TERATIONS.

5v Prof. H. W. Wiley.

Pure honey is the nectar of flowers
passed through the organism of the
bee and stored in a comb. Adulter-
ated honey is any compound or
preparation known or sold as honey
which has not been formed in the
manner described. Chemically con-
sidered, therefore, pure honey consists
of the substances gathered by the
bee from flowers, subjected to such
modifications as they may undergo
in the insect laboratory through which
they pass.

The saccharine exudation of flow-
ers consists of a mixture of various
sugars, containing, in the form of
pollen, a small quantity of nitroge-
nous matter. The exact number and
kind of sugars in the nectar of flowers
24

has never been determined. Wilson^
estimated the reducing sugar and su-
crose in the nectar of certain flowers.
All the sugars however reducing cop-
per were classed as glucose. In gen-
eral the total quantities of such sugars
were greater the"' thf sucrose present.
In the flower di die red clover the
glucose was three times as much as
the sucrose. Since in pure honey
there is very little sucrose it follows
that the chief change which the nec-
tar undergoes before it ^^pears as
honey is in the inversion of sucrose.
During the last year I have had
examined by the Division of Chem-
istry of the Department of Agriculture
a large number of honeys some of
which were known to be genuine and
others of unknown origin.

Following is a description of the
various samples examined :
No. I. Choice golden rod honey from
Wm. Thompson, Wayne Co.,
N. Y. Price 25 cents per lb.
No. 2. Choice comb honey from
Githuns & Rexamer, Phila.,
Pa. Price 25 cents per lb.
Same as No. 2.

No,
No,
No,

Strained honey marked C. O.

Perrine, Ind. Price 20 cents

per lb.
No. 6. A very dark honey exhibited

at Indiana Beekeepers' Asso-
ciation.
No. 7. Choice clover honey from

Charles Israel, N. Y., 25 cts.

per lb.
No. 8. Pure white clover honey, 30

cts. per lb., marked G.R.X.X.,

Pennsylvania.

iChem. Xe^vs, Vol. 38, p. 93.

(265)

266

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

No. 9. Honey in comb, 30 cts. per
lb., locality not given.

N.Q. 10. California comb honey.
Bought in Lafayette, Ind., 20
cents per lb.

No. II. Same as No. 5.

No. 12. Eagle brand honey (in comb)
Cayuga Co., N. Y. Bought
in open market, Lafayette,
Ind. Price 25 cts. per lb.

No. 13. White clover honey. From
C. W. Hutchinson, Acton,
Marion Co., Ind.

No. 14. Sample from Louisiana, C.
F. Muth, Cincinnati, Ohio.

No. 15. Bassvvood or Linn honey
from Illinois, C. F. Muth,
Cincinnati, Ohio.

No. 16. Mangrove honey from Flor-
ida, C. F. Muth, Cincinnati,
Ohio.

No. 17. Mangrove honey from Flor-
ida, C. F. Muth, Cincinnati,
Ohio.

No. 18. Pure white clover honey,
apiary, M. B. Shaw, 378 Union
St., Indianapolis, Ind. Price
30 cents per lb.

No 19. Strained honey from choice
selected white clover, 40 cts.
per lb.

No. 20. Pure extracted honey (crys-
taUized), 20 cents per lb.,
from R. F. Weir, South River,
Maryland.

No. 21. Pure extracted honey (liq-
uid), 20 cents per lb., from
R. F. Weir, South River, Md.

No. 22. (No brand), from J. Heps-
berger, Md., 25 cts. per lb.

No. 23. Comb honey made in Tip-
pecanoe Co., Ind. Price 20
cents per lb.

No. 24. Strained honey. Bought in
bulk. 20 cents per lb.

No. 35. Comb honey bought in open
market, Indianapolis, Ind.,
from H. K. Thurber, N. Y.,
25 cents per lb.

No. 26. Pure machine extracted hon-
ey, Italian apiary, F. W. Ab-
bott, Indianapolis, Ind. 30
cents per lb.

No. 27 Sample marked B. F. Davis,
North Salem, Hendricks Co.,
Indiana.

No. 28. White clover and basswood
honey (Comb). Linden Place
apiary, Indianapolis, Ind.,
Pugh & Dougherty.

No. 29. Choice extracted honey,
strictly pure, 25 cents per lb.,
from McCaul & Hildreth,
New York.

No. 30. (No brand), from Chas. S.
Duval, Spencerville, Md., 20
cents per lb.

No. 31. Comb honey made in Tip-
pecanoe Co., Ind. 25 cents
per lb.

No. 32. Comb honey from Chicago,
111. 20 cents per lb.

No. 2,2,. Comb honey made in Cal-
ifornia, 20 cents per lb.

No. 34. Strained honey, marked
white clover XXC & R, 30
cents per lb.

No. 35. Comb honey bought in open
market, Indianapolis, Ind.
25 cents per lb.

No. ^6. Pure extracted honey, from
F. S. Bull & Sons, Valparaiso,
Indiana.

No. 37. Pure extracted honey, from
Dougherty & McKee, Indi-
anapoHs, Ind.

No. 2,^. Extracted honey (dark).
Supposed to be from sun-'
flowers.

No 39. Sample donated by C. F.
Muth, Cincinnati, Ohio.

No. 40. Clover honey donated by
C. F. Muth, Cincinnati, O.

No. 41. White sage honey, J. E.
Pleasants, Santa Ana, Los
Angeles Co., Cal,

No, 42, Sumac honey, J. E. Pleas-
ants, Santa Ana, Los Angeles
Co., Cal.

No. 43. Clover honey from near
Cincinnati, C. F. Muth, Cin-
cinnati, Ohio,
For convenience of study I have

arranged the analyses of the above

samples in five groups. In Table i

are collected the analyses of those

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

267

Table No 1.

HONEYS ADULTERATED WITH STARCH SUGAR.

2

1

f

f-^

Polarizations

i.i

i.=

. 6

0

%i

'U$,

>.

1

O-D

§1

^1 =

5.5 =

CO .5

III

§2

1

4i

i

6

'-

o

?s

s

>

G

- o

■-^^

- .2

o

"A

S

I

s

£-5

(5

H

-

^

11

Ph

fr. a

IP

1

19.79

0.3«

.26

60.18

.52.25

30.5

3.99

61.33

1 09

80.21

15.42

75.03

3

16.93

0.21

.07

.57.40

74.50

21.5

.59.85

2.33

83.07

25.39

69.09

3

51.99

74.00

24.5

73.80

24.00

4

60.91

9.50

25.0

5

22.45

0.31

.24

40.00

89.50

21.5

67.. 50

21.60

16.. 50

.57.00

16.15

77.55

0.50

51.5

6

15.41

1.27

.35

57.60

24.65

23.0

16.90

22.60

5.84

64.35

6.43

84.. 59

19.53

68.09

7

19.07

0.18

.00

65.23

26.38

25.5

23.. 50

25.00

0.00

64.85

0.00

89.93

15.52

80.60

Mean

18.73

0.47

.18

56.19

6.58

61.48

5.20

79.27

19.27

70.08

Table No. 2.

HONEYS APPARENTLY ADULTERATED WITH SUCROSE.

8
9
10
11

23.90
16.09
15.01
22.45

.16
.12
.04
.31

.16

.18
.18
.24
.24

58.85
69.64
69.75
40.00

1.30
-2.75
-7.50

89.. 50

25.0
29.5
23.5
21.5

-16.. 50
-12.25
-20.50
67.50

24.0
30 5
23.0
21.6

13.49

9.81
16.50

74.07
75.29
80.25
57. to

14.46
8.22
19.47
16.15

76.10
83.91
84.99

77.55

3.42
6.60
5.15
20., 50

77.33
71.03
82.01
51.58

Mean

19.46

.21

58.81

11.79

71.65

14.5s

80 64

8.92

70.49

TABLE No. 3. HONEYS APPARENTLY ADULTERATED WITH INVERTED SUCROSE.

12

15.12

.23

.56 1

75.851-15.50

21.5

-17 7

21.6

1.65

77.20

1.28

8i.8>>.

6..59

89 30

13

17.24

.04

.24

75.501-17.2C

25.5

-19.8

26.0

1.98

77.10

1.52

82.76

5.00

91, %3

14

23.25

.40

.31

73.. 501-15. OC

25.0

-17.4

25.4

1.82

71.80

0.00

76.75

0.72

95.77

15

19.46

.14

.35

73.05

-15.25

25.0

-18.4

26.0

2.40

78.43

5.10

80.54

4.60

90.70

16

20.51

.13

.38

75.02

-19.15

25.0

-21.0

25.4

1.41

77.42

2.28

79.49

2.65

94.38

17

21.03

.13

.28

73.30

-18.85

25.5

-20.7

25.2

1.56

74.10

0.76

78.97

3.70

92.82

18

18.25

.06

38

73.801-17.35

22.5

-19.7

23.0

1.77

77.15

3.78

81.75

5.84

90.28

19

19.42

.08

.21

69.90-19.70

21.5

-23.6

22.0

2.93

73.. 50

3.42

80.. 58

7.46

20

22.76

,06

.16

72.12-14.50

36.0

-16.0

26.0

1.14

73.53

1 33

77.24

3.76

93.87

21

19.35

.04

.09

73.78-13.00

25.8

-17.0

25.0

3.03

74.59

0.77

80.65

3.71

91.48

22

17.77

.10

.24

74.75-14.25

24.5

-14.5

25.0

0.20

75.77

0.97

82.23

6.94

90.90

23

18.82

.11

.53

73.75-14.55

21.5

-17.1

22.5

1.92

75.10

1.28

81. lis

4.87

90.97

24

20.74

.08

.70

67..55I-14.40

21.5

-16.1

22.0

1.27

67.00

0.00

79.26

9.66

85.23

25

16.68

.08

.35

75.0c

-15.55

22.5

-18.7

22.6

2.37

77.00

1.90

83.32

5., 52

90.01

26

16.15

.05

.35

76.05

-14.10

22.5

-16. 1

23.0

1..51

76.25

0.19

83.85

5.,s9

90.70

27

15.91

.14

.42

74.75

-14.95

25.5

-16.4

27.4

1.11

77.00

2.18

84.09

7.67

88.89

28

17.92

.05

.35

75.45

-14.40

22.5

22.6

2.03

74.80

0.00

82.08

4.20

91.92

Mean

18.85

.11

..34

73.71

_I5.75|

-18.1

1.77

75.16

1.64

81.15

5.22

90.87

TABLE NO. 4. HONEYS BOUGHT IN OPEN MARKET, WHICH APPEAR TO BE GENUINE.

29

29.90

.16

.18

69.48

-2.50 25.0

-3. ,50 24.0

0.76

71.79

2.17

79.10

8.52: 87.93

30

17.84

.41

.26

-1.95

25.0

-4.251 25.0

1.75

73.14

4.37

82.16

11.19 83.43

31

19.85

.13

.59

72.0(1

-12.. 55

23.5

-15.20

23.6

2.00

71.60

0.00

80.15

5.33 89.83

32

17.08

.14

.53

73.85

-11.25

23.0

-14.00

23.0

2.07

73.8b

0.00

82.92

6.33I 89.06

33

16.64

.07

.17

70.35

-9.40

21.5

-18.. 50

22.0

6 84

75.75

5.13

83.36

5.93 84.39

34

17.79

.23

.39

68.80

-6.55

21.5

-12.20

22.0

4.24

71.40

2.47

82.21

v.m 83; 69

35

16.38

.25

.28

74.45

-8.05
7.40

23.5

-10.10

23.0

1.55

75.70

1.19

83.62

7.09 89.03

Mean

18.09

.20

.34

71.09

-11.11

2.74

73.-32

3.19

81.93

7.5(il 86.77

Table No. 5.

HONEYS FURNISHED BY PRODUCERS AND DEALERS, APPARENTLY GENUINE.

36

14.97

.14

24

74. 70,-11. .5.

22.5 1-14.1

23.0

1.92

7li.60

1.81

85.03

8.03 87.85

37

21.75

.03

21

68.75

-12.15

22.5

-13.7

25 0

1.17

71.00

1.16

78.25

7.09 88.83

38

18.75

.27

39

69.65

-5.10

25.5

-8.0

25.6

1.98

73.25

3.42

81.25

8.96 85.72

39

21.32

.77

59

66.10

-10.. 50

25.5

-12.0

27.0

1.15

69.05

2.70

78.68

10.07 84.01

40

18.35

.0«

31

72.. 50

-11.88

25.5

-13.8

25.2

1.62

74.35

1.78

81.65

7.14 88.79

41

14.62

.05

21

71.25

-11.50

25.5

-20.5

26.5

6.88

75.35

3.90

85.38

6.96 83.45

42

14.32

.06

24

71.10

-12.10

25.5

-20.0

26.5

6.04

73.85

2.61

85.67

8.23 82.99

43

19.60

.07

31

73.. 50

-12.85

25.0

-15 7

25.4

2.17

74.55

1.02

80.4(1

4.35 91.43

Me;in

17.96

.18

31

71.07

-in. 99

-14.7

2.87

73.. 50

2.30

82.04

7.60 86.64

268

THE AMERICAN APTCULTURIST.

samples which were adulterated with
starch sugar syrup.

In Table 2 are found those sam-
ples which apparently were adulter-
ated with sucrose.

In Table No. 3 are grouped those
samples to which it appears that in-
vert sugar may have been added.

In Table No. 4 are found the anal-
yses of those samples which appear
to be genuine.

In Table No. 5 are collected the
analyses of those specimens which
were obtained from producers or
dealers and which I have every rea-
son to believe to be genuine.

REMARKS ON TABLES.

The temperature at which the di-
rect polarization is taken is given so
that if any great difference in the two
temperatures should occur it can be
at once noted. Since the tempera-
ture has a marked influence on the
Isevo-rotatory power of invert sugar
it should always be taken into ac-
count in expressing the data of the
work. In order to secure results
which are strictly comparable some
definite degree of temperature should
be chosen, at which all the polariza-
tions should be made or to which
they should be reduced. I am now
having an instrument constructed
which will enable me to make all such
polarizations at any selected temper-
ature.

The percentage of reducing sugar
is calculated for dextrose, and the
numbers, therefore, must be taken
with this understanding. In the last
column of each table are found the
percentages of such sugars in terms
of total solids. This gives a much
better idea of their relative amount
than if they were expressed in per-
centages of the weight of the sub-
stances examined.

In the polarizations the numbers
given are divisions of the cane-sugar
scale of a large Laurent shadow po-
lariscope in which 16.2 grams of pure

sugar in a volume of 100 cc. will pro-
duce a right handed rotation of 100.
The sucrose was calculated from the
two polariscopic readings (before and
after inversion) by the usual formula.

Table No. i. In all these samples
as indicated by the analyses, starch
syrup (glucose) was largely used as an
adulterant. In sample No. 5, very little
real honeycould have been present,the
sample was composed almost exclu-
sively of starch syrup and of sucrose
which had been added to give it
sweetness. In the other cases the su-
crose which was found by analysis was
probably originally present in the
honey part of the mixture, since, had
it been added as an adulterant, more
of it would have been found. The
characteristics of each sample as well
as of all of them collectively can be
seen by studying the table.

Table No. 2. The mean percent-
age of sucrose present in these samples
as/letermined by double polarizations
is 11.79 ^i^d by reduction 14.58.
With the exception of No. 11, to
which sucrose was undoubtedly add-
ed, I cannot think that any sucrose
was added by producer or dealer, on
account of the small percentage of it
found. In such cases it is proper to
suppose that the bees had access to
flowers whose nectar was rich in su-
crose or that they had been fed a so-
lution of that substance. The use of
solutions of sucrose as bee food is
not unusual.

Table No. 3. These sixteen sam-
ples I have grouped together on ac-
count of their great Igevo-rotatory
power. For the first polarization this
amounts to 16.75 divisions and for
the inverted liquids to 18.10. It is
possible that this great deviation to
the left may have been due to the
entire absence of dextrine or sucrose
in the honeys, or that it might have
been produced by the bee food being
rich in sucrose which suffered a nearly
complete inversion in the body of
the insect.

It would be quite improper to def-

THE AMERICAN APIGULTURIST.

269

initely assert that invert sugar syrup
had been added as an intended adul-
terant. I think it quite possible that
bees having access to sucrose food
might at one time produce a honey
like that in Table No. 2, and at
another like that in Table No. 3.

Table No. 4. These honeys all ap-
pear to be genuine although it is hard
to draw the line between such sam-
ples as Nos. 31 and 32 and those
found in Table No. 3. The mean
reading to the left is 7.40 divisions
before inversion and 1 1 . 1 1 afterwards.
The mean of undetermined solids is
7.56 and the percentage of reducing
sugar before inversion to total solids,
86.77. The means of sucrose as de-
termined by both methods are low
and fairly agree, although, as in the
other tables, they differ widely in
single instances.

Table No. 5. These honeys, ob-
tained directly or indirectly from well
known apiarists, I have every reason
to believe to be pure. If they con-
tain any adulteration it has been
added by artificial feeding and not
intentionally. It will be observed
that these honeys are strongly tevo-
rotatory and indeed so much so that
some of them miglit have appeared
in Table No. 3.

It wiM be instructive to compare
the numbers in the above tables with
those obtained by other analysts.
Koenig- gives the following means
of seventeen analyses :

Water

19.61 per cent.

Albuminoids,

1.20 " "

Grape sugar,

70.96 " "

Sucrose,

2.76 " "

Pollen,

0.17 " "

Ash,

0.19 " "

Phosphoric acid,

0.03 " "

O. Hehner^ gives the following
numbers as the mean of twenty-five
samples :

2Nahriingsniittel. p. IGl.
'Analyst, Vol. 9, pp. G4 et seq.

Glucose, 67.2 per cent.

Water, 19.2 " "

Not determined, 13.5 " "

According to Hehner the fluidity
of the honey does not depend on the
amount of water it contains. In ten
cases the quantity of glucose after
inversion was less than before, in one
instance 5.23 per cent less. The
rotating power was generally zero, a
condition which I have never found
in American honeys genuine or ar-
tificial. These conclusions are so at
variance with ordinary experience as
to indicate that the samples analyzed
were anomalous or the methods em-
ployed unreliable.

Sieben-* gives the mean composition
of sixty samples of honey as follows :

Dextrose, 34.71 per cent.

Ltevlose, 39-24 " "
Sucrose, 1.80 " "

Water, 19.98 " "

Non-sugars, 5.02 " "

The^oUds not determined, as will
be seen by the analyses presented in
this paper, are of considerable impor-
tance. In adulterations wth the
starch sugar syrup these undeter-
mined solids consist chiefly of mal-
tose and dextrine. In many other
cases dextrine, as will be shown fur-
ther on, is doubtless present.

Genuine honey has also a slightly
acid reaction. This acidity is due
either to certain organic acids derived
from the plants or, more probably, to
an acid furnished by the bee itself, the
kind and quantity of acids in honey
have not been accurately studied. I
have found the total acidity meas-
ured as formic acid to be about .02
per cent. That the acid furnished by
the bee is formic there is litde doubt.
WilP states that he has found the ac-
tive principle of the poison of all hy-
menoptera to be formic acid. Carlet^

* Zeitsch. d. Ver. f. d. Ruebenzucker Indus-
trie, Vol. 34, pp. 8o7 et seq.

* Sclileiden and Foreps Not., Sept., 1848, p.
17.

0 Comptes Rendus, June 23, 1884, p. 1550.

270

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

in a communication to the French
Academy, show that the poison of
all the hymenoptera has an acid re-
action but that it contains also an
active alkaline substance. The ac-
tivity of the poison is conditioned on
the presence of both the acid and
alkali. The acid is always in large
excess and each substance is furnished
by a special gland. The inversion of
the cane sugar in the organism of the
bee may be due to the presence of
these acids. On the other hand it
is plain that certain species of pine
and some other plants furnish formic
acid and therefore the detection of
this acid in honey is not positive ev-
idence that it is derived from the bee.
In a recent article'^ the author claims
that the formic acid which honey
contains tends to preserve it from
fermentation. Honey-S3'rup from
which the greater part of the formic
acid has been washed out or expelled
by heat does not keep as well as the
normal product. The latest research-
ers show that this acid is deposited
by the bees themselves by means of
their stings. From time to time the
bees apply to the walls of the cells
of the comb the tiny drops of poison
(formic acid), that gather on the
ends of their stings. Sooner or later
this remarkable antiseptic is incor-
porated with the honey. The pre-
servative power of this acid is said
to be greater even than that of phe-
nol.^

A careful study of the results of
these analyses shows the chief adul-
terants of honey are the following :

I. COMMERCIAL GLUCOSE.

This substance, on account of its
honey-like a[)pearance and low price,
has been one of the most common
substitutes for honey. Mixed with
enough of the genuine article to give
it a flavor it is sold extensively as
pure extracted honey. A very fre-

' DeutPch Americanische Apotheker Zeit.
5, 21 p. 6(i4.

8 Comptes Rendus, Vol. LXI, p. 1179.

quent method of adulteration is to
take a few ounces of genuine comb
honey, place in a can, holding one
or two pounds, and then filling up
with glucose. The real honey will
gradually diffuse throughout the whole
mass giving the required flavor.

This, the most frequent sophistica-
tion of honey, is also the most readily
detected. The high dextro-rotatory
power of commercial glucose renders
its detection by optical methods ex-
tremely easy. Containing as it does
a considerable percentage of dextrine
and maltose, its percentage of reduc-
ing sugar is consequently small. In
ten samples purchased at random in
the eastern markets three were adul-
terated in this way. In eleven sam-
ples purchased in the western market
only one was glucose. This percent-
age, however, does not represent the
actual extent of the adulteration. In
making these purchases I endeavored
to get a sample of each kind of honey
on sale. It will be found that the
strained honeys of commerce are
quite generally adulterated with glu-
cose.

Detection of adu/teratiaH with
glucose.

I have never yet found a genuine
honey which is not laevo-jotatory.
Nevertheless, the turning of the po-
larized plane to the right is not con-
clusive evidence of the presence of
glucose unless the amount of deflec-
tion is more than ioo° of the cane
sugar scale, when the amount of the
substance taken for examination is
the same in weight as that required
by pure sucrose to read loo divisions.

After treatment with .i volume
of hydrochloric acid and lieating lo
70° the solution is cooled and repo-
larized. If now it still reads to the
right the presence of starch sugar-
syrup is established. In such cases,
after inversion the free acid is neu-
tralized and the reducing sugar
determined by an alkaline copper
solution. The percentage of this

THE AMERICAN APIGULTURIST.

271

sugar will fall much below seventy
unless a large part of the adulteration
has been due to cane sugar.

2. CANE SUGAR (SUCROSe).

A thick syrup made of cane sugar
is also used to adulterate honey.
There is only one reason why it is
not more extensively employed, viz. :
its tendency to crystallize. On this
account it can only be used in small
quantities. There would be no dif-
ficulty in detecting added cane sugar
in honey were it not for the fact that
we cannot definitely say how much
of this substance is present in the
genuine article. In the analyses given
by Seiben^ the mean of sucrose in
the sixty samples was r.o8 per cent ;
in one case, however, it amounted to
eight per cent. In the analyses given
in this paper the mean percentage of
sucrose in eight samples of genuine
honey was 2.87 and in seven samples
which appear to be genuine, 2.74
and in the samples contained in Ta-
ble No. 3, sixteen in number, which
may be genuine, 1.77 per cent. Judg-
ing from these analyses I would say
that it is a rare thing to find a gen-
uine honey which contains more than
four per cent sucrose. In the two
samples of California honey, Nos. 41
and 42 the percentage of sucrose is
very high. Doubtless the kind of
flower and climate have much to do
with this and it would not be strange
if California honey, produced in the
unique conditions of climate and
flora which there obtain, should de-
velop some constant difference from
honeys produced in other parts of
the world.

Detection of cane st4gar in honey.

The presence of cane sugar in
honey is easily detected by the proc-
ess of double polarization. Illustra-
tion : Sample No. 14, weight of
sample taken, 16.2 grams in 100 cc,
length of observation tube 400 mm. ;

9 Op. cit.

reading of scale, -15 ; divide this
number by two gives -7.5 divisions,
correct reading for a 200 mm. tube.
After inversion the reading in a 220
mm. tube was -20.5 divisions, tem-
perature 23° ; difference of the two
readings 13 divided by 144- 11. 5
equals 9.18 per cent; equals sucrose
present.

The method of double reduction
of Fehling's solution once before and
once after inversion of the cane sugar
can also be employed. The optical
method is quicker and, when properly
conducted, more reliable than the
method by reduction. If the rota-
tory power of the sample is quite
small, two or three times the normal
quantity may be taken and the polar-
ization conducted in a 400 or 500
mm. tube.

3. INVERTED CANE SUGAR.

As an adulterant of honey the in-
verted cane sugar is much superior
to the sucrose itself. It does not
crystallize and when properly made
is palatable and wholesome. Sucrose
is usually inverted by heating with an
acid and for commercial purposes
sulphuric acid is the one generally
employed. The difficulty of remov-
ing all traces of this acid renders the
detection of inverted sugar somewhat
easy by the presence of the traces of
the sulphuric acid which still remains
in the solution. It is now said, how-
ever, that inverted sugar is made in
large quantities by treatment with
brewer's yeast and without the use
of acids of any kind. When added
to honey in large quantities it can be
detected by its great Isevo-rotatory
power which however decreases rap-
idly as the temperature rises. At
23° a pure invert sugar solution would
mark -32.5 divisions. In the present
state of our knowledge it would be
difficult to detect the addition of a
small quantity of invert sugar to honey.
From the above studies it appears
that pure honey is essentially com-

272

THE AMERICAN APIGULTURIST.

posed of invert sugar together with
a certain portion of sugars optically
inactive (anoptose), water, a small
quantity of albuminous matter, ash,
and solids not sugar, i. e., those which
while resembling sugar in chemical
composition are yet not detected in
the ordinary process of analysis.

In addition to the above it appears
from the results of a large amount of
work done at my suggestion by Mr.
G. L. Spencer, that pure honey con-
tains a varying amount of dextrine
which in some cases amounts to as
much as four per cent.^*^

This investigation is still in progress
and therefore its result cannot yet be
announced. The presence of dex-
trine in honey doubtless accounts for
the phenomenon that in some sam-
ples of pure honey the Isevo-rotatory
power is very small or, according to
some authors, entirely disappears,
which would not be the case except
for the presence of some highly dex-
tro-rotatory substance.
Agric. Dept., Washington, D. C.

FOREIGN NOTES.

By Arthur Todd.

Frank Cheshire of London, Eng.,
has been kind enough to send me
the first two parts of his new work
entitled, Bees and Beekeeping: Sci-
entific and Practical.

Not having time fairly to examine
or pass any opinion on them, I
sent them to Professor Hasbrouck,

1" Since this investigation wns nnflevtaken
the :mtlior(Kei). Anal. Cliem., 18So, p. I(;3)lia8
shown that lioney gatheied from jjine i'oiests
contains rlextiine, often in such quantities as
to become dextio-rotatory. Klinger claims
that this phenomenon is not exclusively con-
fined to honey of conilerous origin. Accord-
ing to our observations even left-handed
honey may contain marked quantities of dex-
ti'ine. If this be so it can hardly be true as
W. Lenz (Cliem. Zeit. 8, (il3) affirms that after
fermentation honey yields no optically active
substance.

and requested him to kindly give me
his views. The following are his
words :
Boimd Brook, N.J., Oct. 28, 1885.

I have read first and second parts
of Frank Cheshire's new book, Bees
and Beekeeping: Scientific and Prac-
tical, and I have been pleased with
it, as with no other new book that I
have seen for a long time. It will
be a very valuable contribution "to
general entomology, and the only
exhaustive work on bees yet written.
The plates are magnificent, original,
and so skilfully arranged as to dem-
onstrate the anatomy of the "bee,"
as has not heretofore been done.
They prove Mr. Cheshire to be one
of the very ablest microscopists in
the world.

The publishers also deserve great
credit for the elegance with which
they have done their part. Every
beekeeper.oa this side of the water
will want this book, and if the prac-
tical part proves to be as much in
advance of all competitors as the
scientific part is, we shall all be
obliged to have it.

[Signed,] S. Hasbrouck.

The British Bee Journal in com-
menting on the work speaks most
highly of its merits as seen in the two
parts issued, and only regrets that it
will be at least nineteen months be-
fore the work is complete.

It appears by a recent decision
in a Sheriff's Court in Scotland
that the ancient laws relating to
bees are not binding if the circum-
stances attending their application
are considered strained, by the light
of modern usage and thought. The

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

273

action was brought by the pursuer for
5.00, the value of a swarm of bees.

The pursuer resided with his
mother, Mrs. AHison in Glenluce.
He was from home the morning the
bees swarmed, and his mother (an
old woman) was watching the bees.
She saw they were working as likely
to swarm. Her garden, where were
the bees, runs along the roadside.
She went in the house for some ten
minutes, and when she came out,
she saw the defenders standing on
the road beside a horse and cart.

The bees during her absence had
come off, and the two men were hiv-
ing them into a skep.

She went forward and told the
men the bees were hers. They said
she was too late in coming, and she
replied she was here now. She did
not see the bees leave the skep, but
she knew they had come out of her
garden. The defenders stuck to
them, and took them with them.
Other evidence was given to show
that when the bees were being
skepped, there were bees flying back-
ward and forward between this swarm
and the skep in the garden, and that
it was the habit of bees when they
came off, if they alighted in the
neighborhood of the place, to keep
coming and going in this way.

There were no other bees hived
in Glenluce that day.

The evidence of the defenders
was to the effect that they were pass-
ing into Glenluce when they discov-
ered this swarm of bees hanging to
a branch on the side of the road.
They were on the opposite side of
the road from Mrs. Allison's garden.
There was no one there looking after

them, and they considered they had
a right to take possession of them.
McKie remained with the bees, and
Lockrie went for a skep.

After they had got them into the
skep, and were putting the cloth over
them, Mrs. Allison came, and looked
over the bank, and said, " Men, these
bees are mine." McKie replied that
she was too late of coming, and that
she had been rather careless about
her bees. He was detained about
an hour over the bees. Mr. McFad-
yean contended that according to the
law, as laid down by Erskine, when
bees hived and got away, they re-
covered their natural liberty, and be-
came the same as wild birds, the
property of the first person who cap-
tured them again.

The sheriff said he had a great re-
spect for Erskine, and would be
sorry to upset the law of Scotland,
but he would be still more sorry to
allow an old woman's bees to be
taken in this way within five yards of
her own door, because they had
swarmed when she was absent for a
few minutes, and she had not in-
stantly pursued them. He thought
this was a barefaced case of appro-
priation of another person's property.
It was a case that should never have
been defended. For two respectable
men to appropriate another's bees
in this way was disgraceful. It was
all very well to quote an old law that
when bees got away they became
wild ; but he could not hold that
they had got away or were wild, so
long as they were within a few yards
of the house to which they belonged.
He gave decree for £1 and expenses.

274

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

The central association for the en-
couragement of beekeeping in Italy
has lately held a meeting at Milan,
and guests from Switzerland, France,
Germany and England were there.
Wm. Cowan, editor of the British
Bee Journal was there, and promises
a detailed description of his visit,
the meetings, etc., and in future
numbers of " Notes," I shall hope to
give a few extracts from the same.

The great bee master, Dr. Dzier-
zon is to have a Golden Jubilee
shortly, and festivities are being or-
ganized in Germany to celebrate the
same with befitting splendor. Del-
egates from Italy and other countries
are to visit the doctor.

A prominent Britishbeekeeper has
started for the region whence came
the Carniolan bees, with a view to in-
vestigate in their birthplace the mer-
its claimed for them. He proposes
taking in, on his return journey, the
various countries on the eastern
coast of the Adriatic sea, and also
visit several queen-rearing apiaries in
Italy. For their gentleness, Carnio-
lans seem to be getting into favor in
England, but from what I have heard
their great swarming propensity is
against them for a business bee.

The honey harvest in Switzerland
for 1885 has been one of the finest
of the century ; 50 to 100 lbs. is an-
nounced on every side, and often
from 100 up to 200 lbs. per colony.

In England the season has been
good, and one beekeeper in south of
England expects to record by end
of the season a minimum crop of
200 lbs. per colony.

Compared to the returns from my
bees in Pennsylvania, such news al-
most makes me wish myself back in
old England again.

The price of honey has fallen con-
siderably in Switzerland, principally
from too much haste on part of pro-
ducers to rush their crop on the mar-
ket. There is no harmony of action
amongst beekeepers there any more
than here, and honey is rushed in
quantities into the great centres of
population while the smaller towns
are left unworked.

Lately there has been a great cry
out about the manufacture of honey
in Switzerland ; and Monsieur Bert-
rand took the trouble personally to
investigate the matter. He found
there was only one factory for false
honey ; buying its glucose in Germ.any,
and its honey in Italy. He found
two small shop-keepers who mixed
their honey with glucose before sell-
ing their patrons the pure Swiss
honey from the Alps, but, otherwise,
the mountain of talk brought forth
a very small mouse of adulteration.

Many merchants in France and
Germany decorate adulterated stuff
with the name of Swiss honey, Alpine
honey and so on, and such conduct
has contributed to discredit Swiss
honey more than anything else.

Fhila., Fa.

BINTS FOR BEGINNERS.

By J. E. Pond.

HIVES AND THEIR MANIPULATION.

In beekeeping it is well to follow
the old rule, viz. : — "first get your
cage and then your bird." This

THE AMERICAN APIGULTURIST.

275

rule should be followed by the begin-
ner, for the reason that fully as much
depends upon the choice of hive as
upon any other one thing connected
with the business. In choosing a
hive I need not say that movable
frames are indispensable ; as it is now
well known that no others can give
even fair results. In the choice of
frame, regard should be had to the
condition and surroundings of one's
locality, and the purposes which one
has in view, viz., gathering surplus
comb or extracted honey. A hive
should be constructed as plainly and
simply as possible, and as few " con-
traptions " as necessity alone requires
should accompany it. A plain box
with rabbets for the frames to rest
upon is aU that is needed or re-
quired, and any expense made be-
yond that point is so much money
thrown away or simply expended
for mere looks. The construction
of the hive should merely be such
that it will accommodate the style
and size of frames decided upon ;
and I will say right here in the most
imperative manner, that but one
size and style of frame should be tol-
erated in a given apiary. As upon
the frames depends the whole meas-
ure of success or otherwise, they
should be constructed with the great-
est care, and as nearly mathemati-
cally exact as is possible, so that they
may be interchangeable not only in
a given hive, but with the frames of
every hive in use. The necessity of
this if not seen now by the novice,
will be at once appreciated the mo-
ment he begins practical work. In the
choice of hive it should be borne in
mind that good results can be ob-

tained from any of the frame hives
in common use, but that some of
them are more in use than others,
and of course it follows that those
are the most valuable, that have
the largest endorsement of beekeep-
ers of experience by their use of them.
Probably the praise given to the
different forms of frames is so
given because their owners have be-
come accustomed to using them, and
don't care to change ; but it is prob-
able also, that had they chosen a dif-
ferent form at the start, they would
have given that form the same praise.
For myself, I have for years used
the " L" frame so called, and have
found that " it fills the bill " far bet-
ter than any other ; and I have given
nearly all a fair and thorough trial.
I do not propose here to advertise
any form of frame, however, but
leave its selection to the choice of
each individual. While movable
frames will allow of their being taken
out of the hive and examined at any
time, it is not advisable, save for
the purpose of gaining manual dex-
terity in manipulation, to examine a
hive unless for a special purpose. A
colony of bees cannot, it will be seen
at once, be pulled over, taken out
and returned, without creating con-
siderable disturbance, and such dis-
turbance ean be but detrimental to
the working of that colony.

The rule to follow then should be
never to open a hive unless with
some special object in view. If it is
desired to show friends or visitors
the ease with which bees can be op-
erated upon, it will be well to devote
one colony to that particular pur-
pose ; by this means the minimum of

276

THE AMERICAN APICULTUEIST.

disturbance will be made. As I said
in my first article, the time to pur-
chase bees is in the spriag rather
than the fall, for while they can be
purchased more. cheaply now, the
extra cost in the spring is not so
great as to overbalance the chance
of loss during the winter, especially
with the actual beginner.

Hives should be purchased in the
fall, however, and some portion of
the time during the winter devoted to
examining them, removing and re-
placing frames, sections, and surplus
honey receptacles ; by this means
manual dexterity will be gained, and
such dexterity is greatly to be desired.

It is a mooted question whether
surplus comb honey or extracted
pays the best. This is an individual
question, and each must determine for
himself. Much will depend upon
the locality, and much also upon the
operator. If surplus comb honey is
decided upon, then a study should be
made of the various methods in
vogue of storing the same, and here
there is so great a variation of opin-
ion, that it is hard to decide which
is the best ; but as all are largely used
and with success, any choice then
will ordinarily show goQd results.

In the gathering of extracted
honey, the weight of evidence is on
the side of two or more story hives,
each story of course being a dupli-
cate of every other. Probably the
beginner will succeed better the first
year in working for extracted honey,
as swarming is brought more under
control by so doing, and of course
much trouble is thus avoided. It is
difficult to advise any given person
in regard to apiculture, because so

much depends upon the person
himself, his disposition, strength of
mind, power of fortifying himself
against losses that are always liable
to occur, and patience to work with
insects that have so formidable a
weapon of offence and defence ; and
also to bear up under difficulties that
happen even in the best regulated
apiaries. A careful course of study
on all the points indicated in this
article will be of value in forming
an opinion and making a choice ;
and about all that can be done in
the limited space allowed me, is to
guide my readers to the right path,
rather than to attempt to make that
path for them.

The golden rule of beekeeping is
one that should ever be borne in mind,
for unless it is kept constantly in view,
and closely followed, nothing but dis-
aster will result. It is the rule of O^^o,
viz. : — "Keep your stocks strong."

Beekeeping is made up of two
parts, viz., theory and practice, and
they should go hand in hand to-
gether ; not however like a party
whom I once knew, who bought sev-
eral works on beekeeping and never
looked at them excepting when
something turned up out of the usual
course of things ; and many an acci-
dent happened, or loss occurred to
him, for the reason that he would
not look up a point till obliged so to
do by something unusual taking
place among his bees. Study, and
careful study too should be prelimi-
nary, and the theory being well
learned from the books, then one is
ready and able too, to apply princi-
ples to actual practice.

Foxboro, Mass.

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

211

FEEDING BEES AND
FEEDERS.

By P. R. Russell.

No. 2.

I begin feeding about the first of
Oct. and intend to finish about the
15 th. No use to feed before this
time for winter stores because the
bees are still getting honey and too
much brood still remains unhatched.
No need to fear unsealed stores.
After the feeders have all been re-
moved, there are no great heaps of
rattle-traps to lumber up the store
house as with other kinds of feeders
because I have the jars all filled with
nice pear, quince, tomato or other
sauce for winter ; you see I have all
my fixings do double duty if possi-
ble.

The bees are now all ready to
pack for wintering on their summer
stands. I replace the feeding board
with a light frame covered with wire
cloth and reinforced centrally with
two cross bars to prevent sagging.
This I place on the frames, wire cloth
down, which allows bee space under
and that is all I want. I want my
bees to winter on their combs and
not cluster in a ball on top of them ;
An old piece of carpeting is laid on
the wire frames and then the big
chaff cushion with plenty of venti-
lation above it through the gabled
roof. I give them but very little at-
tention during the winter, save once
or twice I draw out with an iron rod,
hooked at the end, any dead bees
that may fall to the bottom board.

I open the spring campaign about
March ist by offering a bounty of

the well known candy mixture to en-
courage the recruiting of young
bees. We now begin the "grand
rounds." I approach the first stand,
place my ear at the embrasure,
knock lightly on the sally-port, when
I hear from within the old familiar
challenge :

Halt ! Who comes there ?

"Friend with the countersign."

"Advance friend and give the
countersign."

"Good candy."
Countersign correct, advance
friend.

Having removed the covering it
gives me great joy to see the little
soldiers all massed up against the
wire cloth at "present arms" waiting for
their rations. All is clean and bright,
no foul odor arises, but the fragrant
sweet waxy smell of the hive. I
take from my haversack their quota
of candy dough, place it on the
wire cloth directly over the bees,
cover it with a little patch of enam-
elled cloth, and then go to the next
hive and repeat the operation and so
on until all have been supplied. If
this food is not mixed too thick and
only powdered sugar is used, it will
all be eaten up clean. But if it is
placed so that the bees can run all
over it they will suck the honey out
of it and leave the sugar to fall down
on the bottom board. I keep them
supplied with this food as long as
they appear to need it. During the
pleasant days of April I place a suit-
able feeder in the open air, in a
sunny nook, some rods away from
any hive and each day supply it with
a quantity of sugar syrup made some-
what thinner than that used in the

27i

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

autumn. This manner of feeding
will not do, however, if there are
other bees in the neighborhood, or
in the fall of the year. By the side of
this syrup feeder I supply plenty of
rye meal and it is just fun to see
them carry it off. I discontinue all
feeding with the first bloom of the
cherry tree which will be about the
loth of May. At this time if I
have fed judiciously, my frames will
be well filled with brood way up to
the top bar and but litde food will
be found in the hive. The bees are
now ready for the approaching har-
vest. This closes up feeding opera-
tions for the year.

I seldom have occasion to feed
during the summer months, but if I
should this is the way I should do it,
and this idea alone is worth in my
opinion a whole year's subscription
to the journal. Place the fall feeding
board with the three-inch hole, in
the centre of the hive ; then take any
tin cylinder three or four inches high
without top or bottom that will fit
into the hole in the board and set it
in the hole. Then fill it with the above
mentioned sugar dough and cover it
over. The food will pass through
the wire cloth no faster than the bees
take it and is much safer for a sum-
mer food than liquids which always
incite robbing.

I saved a weak colony this sum-
mer that was being ruined by robbers
and on the point of starvation. The
robbers left and it built up rapidly
by the above plan ; but success will
largely depend upon having this food
of the right consistency which you
will soon ascertain by a litde prac-
tice. I have quite a number of the

popular feeders lying round that
have been mustered out of service
for disability, among .the poorest of
which I count those that are used at
the entrance. These latter have all
been court-martialed and drummed
out of camp. To my beekeeping
comrades who have, "read a fiery
gospel writ in burnished rows of
steel," I give you a soldier's greeting
hoping some thought in these strag-
ling sentences may lighten the labors
of your "forward march."
Lynn, Mass.

A GUIDE TO THE BEST
METHODS OF BEE-
KEEPING.

5r J. L. Chkist.

R. F. HoUerman, Translator.
(Continued from p. 228, Vol. III.)

The grating is placed in line with
the entrance and the bees are almost
compelled to build their combs regu-
larly to it, so they build up the
pane .of glass only very seldom, and
also in winter and early spring mould
is seldom found even in damp
weather as the air has communica-
tion with all the spaces and can
draw through the combs. ^

'This grating is much preferable for a freer
passage of air and the tendency to regular
building of comb than a board witli a round
or square hole in the centre through which
the bees went on building. Tliia circum-
stance made me resolve even in the earliest
years to discard the board and favor the grat-
ing. On the former the capping of wax
from the winter stores and all otlier refuse
remains lying, which not only makes it
very dUncult lor tlie bees to carry out from
amongst tlie combs but it gives the motlis
nourisliment and a place to locate. Also by
many top stories through the irregular l)uild-
iiig and cross running combs the pane of

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

279

One can also by this arrange
through opening the sHde before the
openings between combs, upon sul-
try days, to give the bees great reUef
with the fresh air and draft which
the strong colonies require very much.
In winter during wet warm weather
one can make the hive cooler which
is often very serviceable ; yes, even
necessary, as I have found honey
running out of the hive at such a time.

In addition to all this my wooden
hives stand solid, fit exactly one
upon another and have no instance
as yet, although they stand simply
upon one another without fastening,
of any being blown over; but how
often do the straw skeps stand lame,
get crooked and are bent with the
weight of honey.

What havoc can the mice create
in the winter in the straw skep ; but
with the wooden their energies to
get in are vain.

Lastly, the straw skeps are gener-
ally too large and lack many advan-
tages in consequence. One can
easily take in such, too much honey
from the bees, although not easily
too little ; but one can only leave to
much as one year's honey may be
worth more than another, even if
bees are left two winters of stores,
there is little lost as one can harvest
so much the more next year as the
bees will consume not a drop more.
Yet it is well when one can conven-
iently take the extra stores and the
interest from capital in the apiary
drawn yearly and renewed.

glass is built over so one can only sec one
comb. Also a board through changing from
moist to dryness, crack and warp which is
unpleasant and injurious it' not known in
time.

In placing underneath large straw
skeps I can furthermore not always
hit the time so that the last one will
be built full and this empty space is
very injurious in winter because of
the cold as well as in the fall and
particularly in spring because of
robbers.

Again, my little wooden top stories
have many advantages which one
sees and finds only after using them,
one can reap a harvest with them in
even very moderate seasons.

One can supply small, medium and
large swarms proportionately top sto-
ries and give them three, four or five
stories as is best. One can always
enlarge them as long as there is
nourishment in the field. One
can in the fall, middle of winter, in
spring, or when one wishes, help other
bees in want of stores and give
them one or two stories from colo-
nies having abundance of stories set
away. One can at all times of the
year in a few minutes unite two or
three weak colonies, place a weak
colony over or under a strong one.
If one has a strong colony which
swarmed late and did not have
enough time to supply itself with suffi-
cient nourishment for winter and one
does not wish to unite it with another
swarm one can give them a story
with honey and next season it will
be the youngest and best swarm, and
if he has not enough combs he can
get a lower story with empty combs
and there are many more advantages
of which experience is constantly re-
minding us.

I would hesitate to recommend
this kind to all lovers of bees, had I
not been convinced of their superi-

280

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

ority by much experience and long
use, as do also all that have copied
me recommend them strongly. Yes,
I am prepared to give as a thank-
offering my whole apiary to any one
that will show me a better and more
useful dwellinsf for the bees.

HOW TO MAKE THE SAME SERVICEABLE
IN RAISING BEES.

Out of the preceding much light
has been given as to how to use the
stories. If one wishes to have put
in a new swarm, place (if the swarm
is strong) four such stories- one upon
another quite free without attaching
them in any way ; only should they
not fit exactly on one another they
should be glued in the cracks, and
the swarm put into it. If, after two
or three weeks, the fourth story is
half full, if four have been taken, or
it is three-quarters full, place another
story under to prevent the bees from
throwing a swarm which is not good
in fact injurious, when the fifth is full
as before, put on the sixth and so on
until the bees build no more, which
generally takes place in August.

As soon, however, as one has placed

2Ia such cases one must put neither too
many nor too few stories. If one takes too few,
if the next day is a warm one, the bees may
move out as tlie heat forces them out; but if one
takes too many and the room is too great in
proportion to their number they are discour-
aged and will not build out. For an ordinary
swarm three stories are generally sufficient. In
my presence some years ago two swarms is-
sued about the same time from equally strong
parents, one was put in three stories the other
in four. Tlie llrst not only filled its three
stoiies but a fourth I placed underneath it;
the others quit building wlien two were filled,
60 I took the fourth away and they at once
commenced building again and eventually
filled the fourth one.

a Story underneath, it is necessary
to close up the upper entrance after
two or three hours or the bees will
not continue building readily ; it is
also necessary with old stocks which
one does not wish to let swarm or
from which one does not wish to
make nuclei. One gives them in
April, if they are populous enough
(before, they will not build) and they
have enough stores ; the robbing time
is past and it is warm enough to build
an under story ; for to give several
at once is not serviceable. First, the
bees prefer building in one rather
than two empty ones ; next the in-
carrying bees lose too much time
running up the empty story ; then
they cannot guard the entrance thor-
oughly against robbers, ants, moths,
etc. When this story is more than
half filled give them another and so
on ; I always did this placing-under
early in the morning when the bees
were yet quiet, particularly if the
morning is somewhat cool ; one pla-
ces a story upon a board^ and stands
with the same before the hive. Your
assistant stands behind it, raises it.

3 I generally call this the under-story board,
it might also be called the alighting board. It
sliould be allowed to project half a foot, so the
bees can conveniently fly from it, rest and sun
themselves, it is inconvenient for them if they
cannot have considerable room at the en-
trance. The alighting board is, tlierefore, to
be one foot eight inches long and one foot
three inches wide. In front it can be made to
slope away or cut rounding. With the thick
board, I had for many years much trouble on
account of warping. I used an oak board
which was particularly bad if cut from the
whole log, viz., through heart and all; after
some rains and sunshines on account of the
strength of the board, raised up hive and all
from warping. Therefore take lighter half-
inch and not such strong material. Let the
board have less strengtii than the weight of
the colony can resist. Pine is good.

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

281

then draws out the old board'* and
r ^places the new story upon the board ;
this must be done rapidly. This
is always essential in handling of bees
and everything should be ready be-
forehand that nothing be wanting in
any operation, and one should be
fortified with bee-cap, gloves and
boots.

RodheiDi, Gc7'maiiy, Jiih\ 1783.
\To be continued^

EDITORIAL.

With this number closes another
year and the third volume of the
Apiculturist. While our cares and
burdens during the past season have
been very trying, yet we are wonder-
fully cheered and encouraged by the
steady and healthy growth of our
journal, an omen of future pros-
perity.

The Apiculturist enterprise was
entered into as an experiment and

* One must take away the old board as gen-
erally there are a number of bees upon it and
many would be crushed if one should shove or
place upon it the old story. These bees re-
main sitting upon the board in the morning
and often re-locate themselves. One should,
therefore, lay the board near tlie stock or upon
a stool in front of the stock so the bees can
run in again. If the weather is wet one sliould
turn them upon the new alighting board with
a goose wing, so none of them will perish. It
is in manipulating, and particularly placing
under very much easier and better, if one can
leave between each colony enough room to
place another colony. Upon this place
one should set the empty under story and
board, then place the colony upon it and re-
place tlie whole upon the old stand. This is
the most rapid and best way and no bees are
crushed. If one has not sufficient room for
this, however, it is easier to place the
board and under story underneath the colony
the evening before ; the next morning one only
lias to raise the colony a little, draw out the
alighting board and let the stock rest upon the
new under story; this is a good way.
25

now we are warranted in making the
statement that, so long as we retain
the confidence of the keekeepers by
continuing in a straightforward, man-
ly course, there is no question as to
its future success.

We are pleased to know that the
most prominent and practical apia-
rists are gradually gathering about us
and endorsing our position so that
the richest thoughts of the ripest in-
tellects will be found in our columns.

We can safely say that the Apicul-
turist for 1886 will be far more in-
teresting and valuable than ever
before. We mean always to maintain
the same independent course in con-'
ducting our journal which has char-
acterized it from the start, and all
those who send articles for publica-
tion may rest assured that they will
be treated with careful consideration.

There are those who seem to feel
that they can pursue any course that
they choose no matter how injurious
it may be to apicultural interests, and
then suppress any opposition to, or
public investigation of, the same.

So far as they can control the
public press and the writings of oth-
ers, this may be possible ; but we wish
it plainly understood that the columns
of the Apiculturist are always open
to truthful investigation and the free-
expression of thought and opinion s<j
long as such are clothed in courteous
language and intended to further the
interests of apiculture.

One of the most important subjects
for present consideration is associa-
tion work and, as we have often said,
there must be more united action
ere apiculture assumes its legitimate
position. We have in the National

282

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

Beekeepers' Association the nucleus
around wliich our interests should
cluster and to which our efforts
should be directed. The only effect-
ual method of producing the desired
results is to make. our associations
representative in character, and this
should be done at once. We trust
that at Detroit this matter will receive
careful consideration.

Having had a severe attack of ner-
vous prostration we have been unable
for the past three months to do justice
to our journal work ; but, thanks to a
kind Providence and a strong consti-
tution, our health is rapidly improving
and we expect to be able to join
hands with our western friends at De-
troit and bring home to our readers
considerable valuable information.

We take great pleasure in extend-
ing our heartfelt thanks to the many
beekeeping friends for the unwaver-
ing, confidence and continuous sup-
port which they have rendered us.
W^e will not attempt to say more for
words often fail to convey an ade-
quate expression for such indebted-
ness, so we would ask our readers and
patrons to continue such support in
our work and to increase the circula-
tion of our journal, just so long as
they consider that we properly repre-
sent and foster the interests of the
beekeepers.

As we pen the closing lines of our
last editorial for this year, we are
impressed with the solemn sense of
the weighty responsibility resting up-
on us, and we look to the Source of
all wisdom and strength for guidance
in the work that is almost as dear to
us as life itself.

During the past year many ad-

vances have been made in apicul-
tural knowledge, and we look forward
to still greater and grander develop-
ments in the near future.

Our readers can render us much
assistance by distributing sample
copies among their beekeeping
neighbors, and we will cheerfully
furnish, /r*?*? of cost, all the sample
copies needed for that purpose, if
you will call for them.

With you we bid adieu to the old
year, trusting that we shall again
meet you at the commencement of
the new year, with renewed ener-
gies and a stronger determination,
with your help, to make the Apicijl-
TURIST the most reliable and best
representative of the interests of the
beekeepers.

CORRESPONDENCE.

invertible hives.
Dear Editor.

I have read with much interest
Mr. Shuck's article on Invertible
Hives in the last issue of your val-
uable journal. (I beg Mr. Newman's
pardon, I should say valuable bee
paper). "Manipulation of the right
sort" says Mr. Shuck, "stimulates the
colony and causes the brood to
spread," etc. If we can, by simply
inverting the hive get rid of the
trouble of opening up, spreading
frames apart, uncapping honey to
stimulate, etc., as is generally prac-
tised in the spring, we have advanced
a long step in bee culture.

What I notice more particularly in
the article and which I think ought
not to be lost sight of is the fact
stated that "when a hive is inverted
the bees at once proceed to destroy
queen cells." "Nine similar trials
your correspondent made with the

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

283

same result." Have we not here an
easy method of preventing after
swarms, superior to the "Heddon" or
any other plan? Eight days after a
first swarm has issued invert the
hive, 4he ' bees will destroy the re-
maining queen cells and the thing is
done. ' How many readers of the
"Apiculturist" will try this plan and
tell us how they succeed?

' Apis Canadensis.
Kingston, Ontario, Nov. i§, /S(?5.

NOTES AND QUERIES.

— We have omitted the Dealers'
List, and some other matter to give
room to Prof. Wiley's valuable paper
on the adulteration of honey and
trust that the dealers will pardon the
omission.

— ^^'ill those who have articles for
the " Apiculturist " kindly send them
in at once so that we can send out
the January number on the first of
the month.

—Our old subscribers must not
forget our liberal club offers, but re-
new their subscriptions promptly and
. take advantage of them. Remember
that all who renew can secure a choice
warranted queen either Italian or
Holy Land for^i.oo extra ; the pay
for th^ same not to be sent until
spring, after you have been notified
in the journal that we are ready to
send our queens. New subscribers
can secure one of these same queens
for 50 cents extra under the same
conditions.

, .A§.,\v§ shall ,book. your calls for
queens as your snbscjriptions are sent
in, you must be prompt if you want
your queen early in the season.

— The advantages- offered by us
to advertisers are not excelled. Try
our journal and see if we are not cor-,
rect. ' ■ - •, ■ ■

— When taking convention reports
" boil them down ;" give us the facts
and the cream of the proceedings.

Avoid repeating old methods or say-
ings that have appeared in print
over and over again ; then we can
give our readers much more infor-
mation in the same space.

— Have you discovered any liew
and simple methods of manag'ing
your colonies? Have you had bet-
ter results in introducing queens or
caring for swarms, etc. ? Have you
found any difficulties hard to over-
come or any new methods of avoid-
ing any particular difficulties ? If so,
please tell our readers all about it,
and ki^ return others will perhaps give
you some valuable information that

■ will doubly 'repay you for your efforts.

Lef us be' one great family, each
one 'wining ■ to ' assist his neighbor,
and we fcan assure you that the re-

■ suits will be pleasant and-;prpfi,tat)le.

— We are preparing a rich feast
for our readers which will appear in
the January number. Be sure and
watch for the same.

— Some of the prices in the Nov-
ember club list were incorrect, but
they are all right in the present
number.

— On page 236 of our journal will
be found a note referring to the adul-
teration of honey.

This . note was prepared whil^ I
was. at home sick, and escaped my
notice when ;the jourjial was printpd.
While it is a fact a large portion of
the " tumbler ". or " prepared "
honey found in the grocery stores in
this section is justly described in said
note, yet* I have no hesitancy in say-
ing that whenever a package of
honey is labelled with the address
and signature of the producer of
said honey it will be found pu7-e.

I; have yet to learn of a bee-
keeper who puts adulterated honey

■ on the market. And it would cer-
tainly be folly for him to do so under
his own signature.

I would heartily urge the beekeep-
ers not only to " put up " their

284

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

honey in "tumblers," but also in
every kind and class of receptacle
that will attract the attention of the
customer.

While we cannot prevent the adul-
teration of honey, yet we can make
a sale for pure honey by making a .
liberal offer for any adulteration found
in any of 01/ r honey ; placing such
offer on our labels over our own sig-
nature.— Silas M. Locke, Editor.

— Of late there has been a question
raised as to the advantages and dis-
advantages of using smoke to induce
bees to fill with honey and become
quiet.

While it is true that a smoker in-
judiciously used is a detriment, yet
in our experience we have found it
indispensable. Generally, a few puffs
at the entrance and a few puffs as
the cloth cover is carefully re-
moved are all that is needed with per-
haps a few puffs occasionally where
the bees seem determined to run or
fly out at the top of the hive.

One must acquire a knowledge of
the habits and disposition of the
bees under his charge, else he will
have trouble, smoke or no smoke.

With the Cyprians, smoke has the
the effect of making them almost
desperate, and it affects the Holy-
lands somewhat similarly, although
the latter are not so irritable.

Our advice is, keep your smoker
at hand, but use as little smoke as
possible to produce the desired re-
sults. This must be acquired by
practice.

TESTING BEESWAX.

— When beeswax is chewed it
should have no disagreeable taste
.and must not stick to the teeth. In
the adulterated wax the nature of
the foreign material can generally be
detected by the taste ; the addition
of fat can generally be readily de-
tected. If it sticks to the teeth, the
presence of resin may be assumed.
A simple method of detecting the
presence of fat in wax consists in

melting it and placing a drop on a
piece of woollen cloth ; after it is
perfectly cold and solidified, pour on a
few drops of ninety per cent of alco-
hol and rub the cloth between the
hands. The wax will be converted
into dust, and will easily separate
from the cloth if it contains no fat
and will leave no stain ; when it con-
tains fat it will leave grease spots. —
British Bee Journal.

— One of the most remarkable
yields of honey ever heard of has
just been gathered at an apiary near
Riverside, Cal. The yield from
thirty-three colonies was seven and a
quarter tons, an average of 414
pounds to the colony. — Canadian
Bee Journal.

— Another member of the Los An-
geles County Beekeepers' Associa-
tion has been called away. Peter
Philipi one of the oldest and most
skilful apiarists of this county, died
on the 1 7th of August last, at his
apiary, near San Fernando. Mr.
Philipi was born at the ancient city
of Frier, on the river Moselle, in
Prussia, in 1831, and learned the
trade of weaving. During his ap-
prenticeship he took care of his mas-
ter's bees, and took a deep interest
in the business. He came to the
United States in 185 1, and located
at Los Angeles in 1858, and soon
after commenced beekeeping, start-
ing in the business with only a few
colonies. He made his settlement
on government land at the Tujunga
in 1 87 1, and took with him forty-
eight colonies of bees. By the open-
ing of the season of 1876 he had
increased them to 180 colonies, and
during that season extracted 75,000
jx)unds of honey. During the sea-
son of 1884 he extracted about
45,000 pounds of very superior
honey.

]\Ir. Philipi was one of the found-
ers of the County Association, and
for many years took an active part in
our meetings. For the last four

THE AMEBIC xiN APICULTURIST.

285

years he had been afflicted with par-
alysis, but was able to attend to his
apiary until about four months before
his death. He leaves a wife and
two daughters to mourn his loss, and
a wide circle of warm friends who
sympathize with them in their sorrow.
— Rural Califoniian.

CONVENTION NOTES,

WESTERN BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION.

The fourth annual meeting of the
Western Beekeepers' Association con-
vened in the Court House at Independ-
ence, Mo., at ten o'clocli, a. m., Oct.
15, 1885.

President A. A. Baldwin occupied
the chair. The morning session was
taken up with the order of business.
The committee appointed by the North
Am. Beekeepers' Societv said that the
following railroads (A. T. & S. F., M.
P., U. P. and H. & St. Joe) gave flrst-
class freight rates on honey in glass
and third-class on extracted honey.
The committee also suggested that in-
asmuch as the transportation compa-
nies held monthly meetings that a com-
mittee be appointed that had more
time than the present committee to
prosecute the business further by vis-
iting these meetings and if possible ob-
tain a better schedule for beekeepers.
Report received and the appointment
of a committee deferred for the pres-
ent.

The association next proceeded to
the election of oflicers for the coming
year, resulting in the choice of E. M.
Hayhurst of Kansas City, Mo., Presi-
dent, R. M. Leahy, Higginsville, Mo.,
Vice President, JainesH. Jone.s, Buck-
ner, Mo., Treasurer and P. Baldwin,
Independence, Mo., Secretary. The
remainder of the morning session
passed pleasantly in the discussion of
several interesting topics relative to
bee culture ; and as tlie object of the
morning session was to get the ma-
chinery oiled up ready for business,
the president appointed a committee
to prepare subjects for the afternoon's
discussion, and the association ad-
journed to 1.30.

Afternoon session. — The association
was called to order by president Hay-
hurst at 1.30.

Several ladies took seats with the

beekeepers, snd although they took no
part were very encouraging listeners.
The committee to prepare questions
brought out the following which were
taken up in order: "Does it pay to
feed extracted honey in order to pro-
duce comb honey and what way can it
be done the best?" Mr. Couser : I
think it takes about three pounds of
extracted honey to get one of comb
and do not think it will pay. I feed by
tipping the hive back and pour the
honeyln at the entrance ; I do this at
night.

L. W. Baldwin : I feed only to get
unfinished sections completed which
can be done just as the honey harvest
is closing and not allow the bees to
stop comb building. There is money
in it if carried out in this manner.

A. A. Baldwin : I have fed extract-
ed honey for this purpose and think it
will pay but have not tested it by act-
ual weighing and experiments.

2. "Which race of bees is best to
keep for the purpose of getting comb
honey?" R. B. Leahy came forward'
with a plea for the blacks as far as get-
ting white capped and finished up
comb honey for market. I think they
enter the sections more readily before
swarming and are less disposed to
swarm. All things considered I pre-
fer the Italians.

James H. Jones : I would*not keep
bees if I had to keep the blacks. Here
the discussion was quite animated in
bringing out the difierent traits of the
two races, but the association came
down solid for the Italians.

Other races of bees were spoken of,
but no oue had handled them suffi-
ciently to be very enthusiastic over
them.

3. "What way is best to winter
bees?"

L. W. Baldwin : I winter my bees in
the cellar and have found by the scales
that on an average bees consume from
ten to twelve pounds more honey per
colony when wintered on the sunnner
stand than when wintered in the cellar.
This is quite an item in wintering a
large ajfiary.

A. A. Baldwin : I think that outdoor
wintering brings the bees through
with more vigor and they usually
swarm earlier, and I feel confident
that bees packed with chaff will con-
sume at least five pounds less honey
than if not.

Pres. Hayhurst : I think chafl'-pack-
ing saves stores.

The general opinion was that bees
wintered on the summer stand should

286

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

be crowded on to as few combs as they
can occupy with 20 to 25 pounds of
stores and well packed.

4. "Does it pay to use reversible
frames and section boxes? "

No one present had made any use of
them except Mr. Conser who had used
them and was well satisfied with
them.

5. "How far from each other should
larye apiaries be located in a good
honey country? "

This question brought out from some
of the members statements of long
fliglits for honey, but the opinion most
generally accepted was that if placed
not less than four miles apart there
would be no conflict.

Association adjourned till nine
o'clock next morning.

Association met at nine o'clock. The
president not having arrived, vice
president R. B. Leahy took the chair.
L. W. Baldwin was selected to pre-
pare the table of statistics. There
being no other business- to be trans-
acted the list of questions was taken
up and opened with the question :

6. " Does it pay the trouble to use
wired fi-ames? "

A. A. Baldwin : I have had but very
little experience with them, but all I
have examined showed the wire.

Mr. Conson: I have used them.
Where a m&n is shipping bees I think
they are of great benefit. In handling
combs at home they are not of so much
use.

L. W. Baldwin: I have had probably
as much experience as any one present
in handling and moving bees for several
years and in all that time have not had
a half dozen combs injured even if
transported without springs and as far
as I have ol)served cannot see any use
for wires.

R. B. Leahy : If I were going to run
for comb honey, using a frame with a
short top-bar, I should not use wires.
In handling, I had rather have them
wired, especially for lower story.

7. "How can we remedy the turning
out of the starters in the sections as
the bees work them?" •

This question called out this sea-
son's experience of several leading bee-
keepers, and it was generally thought
that the cause was the slow flow of
honey, cool weather and colonies
light for bees ; some advocated using
smaller starters, others turning the
sections around, while others thought
to crowd the bees would remedy it.

8. "What direction is best to have
the hives face in winter time?"

Mr. Thorn: I would have them face
the same way summer and winter.

S. W. Salisbury : I have loose bottom
boards and raise the hive in summer
and prevent the bees from lying out
and let them down on the bottom board
in winter. I think the hives should
face the south.

7. "How should young swarms be
handled to secure the largest amount'
of honey?"

James H. Jones : Ihavetrie'd several
different methods year after year and
am not satisfied yet.

S. VV. Baldwin: I make a nucleus
from the swarm and put the rest in the
parent colony. , .

r. Baldwin : A good way is to shut the
swarm on five or six frames and compel
them to go into the sections at once.

10. "Is there any successful way of
introducing queens?"

E.M.Hayhursthavingmade the state-
ment that he could introduce five hun-
dred queens without the loss of one
was called on to give his method which
is as follows : After making the colony
queenless I have a young queen caged
in a Peet cage and place the cage di-
rectly over the cluster of bees and leave
it there till I see the bees are perfectly
reconciled to the queen; this will re-
quire two or three and sometimes
several days. I then remove the queen
cells and place the cage on an outside
comb over some honey, remove the
slide and rim out a plug through the
comb letting the plug remain in place
and leave it undisturbed for a week.
If the bees are disturbed before the
queen begins to lay she will become
frightened, running and piping and the
bees will chase and kill her. The im-
portant point is to have the bees rec-
onciled, every cell out and no robbing.

L. W. Baldwin : I have found that
colonies long queenless are very difli-
cult colonies to introduce queens to,
almost impossible with me.

Adjourned to L30 p. m.

Closing session.— Meeting called to
order at L30, president Hayhurst pre-
siding.

Several persons came forward and
became members of the association.

A member handed in the question
" What is the most simple, cheap and
expeditious way for the practical bee-
keeper to change his stock by re-
queening?"

L. W. Baldwin : I put in cells after
the colony has swarmed and again im-
mediately after Ihe honey harvest by
taking the queen from the colony and
the next day give it a queen cell.

THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST.

287

A. A. Baldwin: I had just as soon
as not have my colonies queenless for
twenty days after the honey harvest
and would take this time to give them
a queen.

■ S. W. Salisbury: I rcqueen with
swarmins cells.

The question " Is it advisable to clip
the queen's wings? " brought outalively
discussion.

J. H. Jones : I prefer to have my
queens clipped.

S. W. Salisbury: I have tried clip-
ping the queen's wings and think it in-
duces the bees to supersede the queen
immediately. I also have a great deal
of trouble in finding a clipped queen
when swarming.

L. W. Baldwin : The ease and facility
in handling swarming are much in favor
of clipped queens. I lilce the practice.

A. A. Baldwin : I do not think that
clipping the queen's wings causes the
bees to supei-sedeher. The past season
with an apiary of 135 colonies only two
were superseded and they through nat-
ural causes.

A great majority of the members
present practised it.

James D. Meador was appointed to
endeavor to get a better schedule on
apiarian products from the railroad
companies.

Adjourned to meet in Kansas City,
next spring, at the call of the executive
committee.

W. B. Thorn of Glen. Kans., had on
exhibition a colony of Holy Land bees.
Mr. John Conser, of Glen, Kans., made a
display of extracted honey. There was
no general display.

The following is the number of colo-
nies of bees, pounds of honey and wax
represented:

No. colonies last fall. 1,528

" " this spring, 1,138

" lbs. comb honey, 33,557

" " ex. honey, 10,285

" " Avax, I'JG

P. Baldwin, Secretary.

THE NORTH AMERICAN BEEKEEPERS'
SOCIETY.

This society will hold its IGth annual
convention on Dec. 8, 9 and 10, 1885,
at Detroit, Mich. The hall in whicli
the meeting will be held is known as
the " Red ^Nlen's Wigwam," and is lo-
cated at 63 Michigan Avenue, one block
west of the City Hall. Just across the
street from the "Red Men's Wigwam"
is the Antisdel House, wliicli will be
the hotel at which the society will make
its head-quarters. The regular rates

at this hotel are .$2 per day, but they
have been reduced to §1.25 per day to
those attending the convention. There
will be reduced rates on all Michigan
i-ailroads, also as far east as Bufl'alo, as
far west as Chicago, and as far south
as Toledo. Efforts are being made to
secure reduced rates to still further
points, but at present the prospects of
success are not very promising. No
certificates will be sent out until about
Dec. 1; but all who expect to attend
should write to the Secretary at once,
and certificates will be sent out as soou
as they are ready.

W. Z. Hutchinson, Sec,
Bogersville, 31ich.

PROGRAMME.
first day.

Tuesday FORENOON SESSION — 10a.m.
— Convention called to order. — Address
of Welcome, by Edwin Willetts, Presi-
dent of the Michigan Agricultural Col-
lege.— Response by tlie President, L.C.
Root. — Calling the roll of members of
last year, payment of annual dues, re-
ception of new members, and distribu-
tion of badges.— Reading the minutes
of the last meeting. — Reports of the
Treasurer and Seci'etary. — Announce-
ments.—Miscellaneous business.

Afternoon session. — 2 p. m. — An-
nouncements.— Annual address of the
President. — Miscellaneous business. —
" Production of Comb Honey," G. M.
Doolittle, Borodino, N. Y.-" Produc-
tion of Extracted Honey," Chas. Da-
dant, Hamilton, III. — " Marketing Hon-
ey." C. F. Muth, Cincinnati, O.

Evening session.— 7.30 p. m.— An-
nouncements. — Miscellaneous busi-
ness.— Discussion of questions tliat
have accumulated in the question box
during the day.

SKCOND day.

Wednesday morning se.ssion.— 9
A. m. — Announcements. — Miscellane-
ous business. — "Bee Pasturage, !'Thos.
G. Newman, Chicago, 111. — "Selling
and Shipping Bees by the Pound," E.
M. Hayhurst, Kansas City, Mo.— Selec-
tion of place for holding next conven-
tion, and election of officers.

Afternoon session. — 2 p. m. — An-
nouncements. — Miscellaneous busi-
ness. — " Excellence or Cheapness :
Which?" A. I. Root, Medina, Ohio.—
"Comb Foundation," John Vandervort,
Laceyville, Pa. — "Beekeeping as a bus-
iness," Dr. C. C. Miller, Marengo, 111.

Evening session. — 7.30 p. m. — An-
nouncements. — Miscellaneous busi-

288

THE A3IEBICAN APICULTURIST.

ness.— Discussion of questions in tlie
question box.

THinD DAY.

Thursday morning session.— 9 a.m.

Announcements. — Miscellaneous

business.—" Reversinj? combs," James
Heddon, Dowagiac, Mich.—" The Pol-
len Theory," Prof. A. J. Cook, Agri-
cultural College, Mich.

Afternoon Skssion.— 2 p. m.— An-
nouncements. — Miscellaneous busi-
ness.—"Wintering Bees," Ira Barber,
DeKalb Junction, N. Y. — " Different
Races of Bees," D. A. Jones, Beeton,
Ont. — Adjournment.

W. Z. Hutchinson, Sec.

Clinton, Mich.

As many do not fully understand the
use of the certificates to secure the
benefits of reduced rates, I will try to
explain their use.

It makes no difference whether you
belong to the North American Beekeep-
ers' Society, or any other society, or
ever expect to, if you wdsli togo to De-
troit, Mich., to attend the annual meet-
ing of the several beekeepers' societies
to be held at that place on Dec. 8, 9 and
10, you will simply write to W. Z. Hutch-
inson, Rogersville, Mich., asking for as
many railroad certificates as you can
use. Mr. H. will book your name and
the number of certificates you want,
and as soon as he obtains the certifi-
cates from the railroad companies,
which will be about Dec. 1, he will mail
them to you. You will fill out the blank,
and when you buy your ticket have the
railroad agent fill out his part. If you
cannot buy a through ticket to Detroit,
buy one for as far as you can, and when
you procure a new ticket have the agent
endorse on the face of the certificate
that he sold you one lull-rate ticket
from that place to as far as you get
your ticket. You may be obliged to
get tickets at several places, but always
iiave the agent certify that he sold you
a full fare ticket.

AVhen you arrive at Detroit, present
your certificates to Mr. Hutchinson,
and he will fill out the blank left for that
purpose, certifying that you were in at-
tendance at the above-mentioned meet-
ing. Tlien, on presentation of your
certificate properly filled out, you will
be able to procure a return ticket by
paying one-third the regular fare, thus
saving to you two-thirds of the reg-
ular fare one way.

This is a great reduction, and will
enable many to attend at Detroit that
would feel that it would cost too much

to go. Then, with the reduced rates at
the hotel, it will make your expenses
very low. Your committee is still at
work trying to make it pleasant for you
when you arrive in Detroit. We hope
you will all come and make this meet- ■
ing one long to be remembered by those
present. A large sample room at the
hotel has been placed at our disposal
where you can have every facility to
show anything new or of interest to the
Society.

Let every beekeeper canvass his
neighborhood and find how aiany will
attend, then send to W. Z. Hutchinson
for certificates as soon as possible, so
that he will know how many to apply
for.

H. D. Cutting.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWEES.
questions by henry alley.

1. Which do you prefer, a dove-
tailed or a nailed section ? Please give
your reasons for the preference.

2. Will a good colony of bees store
as much honey in forty one-pound sec-
tions as they will in twenty that hold
two pounds each?

3. In tiering up sections, how long
would you let the bees work in a set
of sections before raising them and
placing another set under?

4. Have you ever used sections on
a hive without a honey-board between?

5. What was the space between
bottom of sections and top of Irame?

6. What was the width of top-bar
of brood-frame and width of space
between each two frames?

7. Were you troubled by the bees
building comb between the top of the
frames and underside of the sections?

questions by d. d. marsh.

8. What is the best material to put
in cushions, chaff, or sawdust, or
leaves?

9. Does it injure a swarm to drive out
a half peck or so of bees about the mid-
dle of July to sell? the conditions being :
it has abundance of bees; the clover
harvest is over: no busswood in the
locality; and golden rod abundant in
September. Will a hive thus treated
winter just as Avell?

ANSWERS BY J. E. POND, JR.

1. A dovetailed as a rule, unless the
price is far greater than those to nail;
for the reason that they can be put to-
gether more quickly and, if made as
they should be, they are plenty strong
enough; if, however, one should be

THE AMERICAN APICUTURIST.

289

found occasionally that does not join
tightly, a nail or two will make it a
nailed section, to all intents and pur-
poses.

2. In my experience (and in an-
swering any questions that may be
propounded, I intend simply to give
my own views, and not to say that I
ni'n right and all who differ, wrong) it
will depend on circumstances. If the
sections are all placed upon the hives
at once, early in the season, the 2-lb.
sections -will be filled first; but if they
are put .on as they should be, viz., a
few at a time, till the strength of the
colony is ready to work in them, it will
make little, if any, diflerence. So, if
all are put on the hives at height of
season, little difference, if any, will be
found.

3. Until they are most of them partly
sealed over, unless it appears that more
room is needed to prevent swarming
or to keep loafers at work. In this lat-
ter case I should give all the sections
they would occupy, no matter how high
they were tiered up.

4. Yes ; quite often and with good
results.

5. I have set sections directly on the
frames and allowed a space of about
three-eighths of an inch. The results
in both cases were about the same.

6. I have used top bars from I inch
to \\ inches in width. The sections
should correspond in width to width of
top bars. The spaces required for the
bees to travel up into sections being
scant h inch they should have tops and
bottoms made same width of the frames
used, while the sides should be enough
wider to allow of this space between,
Avhenthe sections are crowded together
on top of frames. A | inch top bar
Avould require sides of sections to be
about J%f' in. wide. A 1^ inch would
require the sides to be correspondingly
larger.

7. Not to do any harm. Of course
some brace combs will be built, but as
a rule, not enough to be of any great
disadvantage or to cause much extra
trouble or labor.

8. I do not use cushions at all, for
the reason that tlie material used for
filling them must necessarily be crowd-
ed more compactly than is advisable.
I prefer forest leaves pressed lightly
on top of frames. I think coarse chaff'
would 1)6 preferable for cushions; the
principle of the preference is stated
above.

9. No, I can't see how it can cause
any injury. All that is required being
to "bring the colonies up to full strength

before the time comes for packing for
winter. I have built up many small
three-frame nuclei to the strength nec-
essary for safe wintering after Sept. 1.
A hive thus treated will winter just as
well as though not so used, if built up
strong afterwards, and no trouble will
be found in so building up.

ANSWKRS BY D. D. MARSH.

1. A dovetailed, because it looks
more attractive, and can be made of
thinner stock.

2. I should think the bees would fa-
vor the two pound sections, but the
market prefers the one pound.

3. Till the comb begins tocroiod the
bees in the sections.

4. I have.

5. Three-eighths of an inch.

6. One inch and an eighth, and the
same apart.

7. Never have been to any great
extent, so I could not get the sections
ofl' readily.

ANSWERS BY L. C. ROOT.

1. All things considered I prefer them
nailed. The' average person will make
a better box and one that will keep its
shape best in this way.

2. As I figure they must store nearly
the same but not as quickly.

3. If the honey fiow has just com-
menced and is abundant I would add a
second tier of boxes as soon as they
have started to work in all of the first
tier.

Some seasons it will work better,
and some colonies will seem to work
best, if the additional tiers are added
at the top instead of placing them un-
der.

4. I have used them more this way
than any other.

5. Three-eighths of an inch scant.

6. Seven-eighths of an inch, with
five-eighths of an inch between frames.

7. No, not if sufticient surplus room
was provided.

8. Chaff. I use cotton.

9. If they have an abundance of
brood and suflicieut honey they should
not be harmed for successful wintering.

ANSWERS BY G. W. DEMAREE.

1. If the section is to be in four
pieces, I prefer the nailed section. Rea-
son : because the dovetailed sections
are too cranky for my use and patience.

2. Yes, if the apiarist knows just
how, and when to do the "tiering up"
necessary to the best results. •

3. I can get the best results by lift-

290

THE AMERICAN APICUTURIST.

ing the cases and "tiei'ing" them when
the bees commence to cap the fullest
sections, say, when two-thirds of the
section combs are drawn to foil length.

4. Yes, I have produced thousands
of pounds of honey in that way.

5. Practically /„ of an inch.

6. The top bars of frames were
seven-eighths of an inch, and space
between tlie top bars as pertains to
the wood about one-half inch.

7. Yes. Worried out of all patience.
But I accepted the "braces" rather
than to accept a pesky honey board. I
now have a better system of produc-
ing comb honey which will be made
plain by my article published in the
next "Api".

8. Don't make any cushions. I pre-
fer chaff or cut straw, as a packing for
bees. '

9. It would depend on how much
brood was in the hive. If there are,
say, eight combs of brood and young
bees cutting out all the time, the young
bees would be ready for the fall har-
vest, and the bees taken from the hive
would mostly die off before winter any
way, and I don't think they would be
missed much. Still I would not like
to draw on my colonies so late as that.

ANSWERS BY G. H. SIAKTIX.

1. Dovetailed more quickly put
together.

2. They will not store as much, but
if you reduce the width of the section
they will store as much. Sections one
and three-fourths will hold a pound if
well fdled sections; one and one-half
will hold three-fourth pounds and bees
will put as much honey in tliese as in
two pound boxes : at least, that is my
experience.

3. Until nearly capped.

4. Yes.

5. Three-eighths inch.

7. Yes.

8. Fine chaff, but I prefer loose
chaff or leaves with a few inches of
sawdust on top.

9. It does in this locality. To win-
ter well we want fall flowers or fall
feeding to stimulate breeding and have
plenty of bees.

AXSWKRS BY WILL. U. KELLOGG.

1. I prefer a nailed section by all
means and would not take the dove-
tailed section as a gift. My reasons
are, tliatat no time are the dovetailed
sections anytliing but frail affairs at
best. The least little rack and their
stability is gone; one dropped on the
floor is a total wreck. They cannot

be put together ahead of time with
any surety that they will be in good
order when needed. In taking off
honey, the sections are always stuck
fast and the dovetailed needs to be
handled very carefully or a loose piece
of honey is the result. It is argued
that one can put them up so fast that
we need not fold them till time to put
them on tlie hives. I, for one, am so
crowded with work at that time of the
year, that I can't spare even that much
time. My surplus arrangements must
be ready before the hurrying time. I
use one and one-half pound sections,
sawed to nail. I can put together one
thousand in ten hours, and that is fast
enough for me. Can tumble them in a
heap in the corner, or pile up, and they
keep true. In taking off honey, I work
fast, and very seldom crack a comb by
the giving of a section.

2. No. The larger the section the
more honey will be stored. Give the
bees an empty cap if you want to get
the most honey.

3. Till they'have filled the first tier
two-thirds or three- fourths full.

4. Yes.

5. Not any space.

6. Top bar of frame I inch. About |
inch space between each two frames.

7. No, could not be.

8. Oat cliafl' undoubtedly.

9. No. Because the less honey eaten
at such a time the belter, provided you
keep the queen raising more. It will
winter as well because the bees for
winter should be raised later, and
those you sell will be dead long before
winter comes any way.

ANSWERS BY A. J. COOK.

1. Dovetailed. I can buy them nicer
and cheaper than I can nailed, as they
are in the market.

2. Yes, if rightly handled.

3. Long enoufth to be in all sections
and to commence capping central ones.

4. Yes, for years; but shall not any
more.

5. Set on frame or else -j% in. above.
G. Varied at difterent times.

7. Yes, and also by their sticking with
propolis.

8. I like fine dry sawdust.

9. Yes, when strong. Especially if
fed a little.

Erkata.

On p. 249 fNov. No.) in 4th line of J. M,
Slnick's article, thin combs should read their
combs.

On p. 202. in Ans.by L. C. Root, 25th line,
bad hives should read box liives.

INDEX.

A few facts concerning bees

wax, 25G.
A guide to tlie best metbort of

beekeeping, 10,28,50, 87, 1-27.

220, 278.
A trip to tbe home of the Car-

niobin bees, 274.
A .visit to tlie bee farm and

otlier matters, 20.5.
AblK)tt, E. T., St. Joseph (Mo.)

K.xposUion, 233.
Adulteration of honey, 283.
— '■ — '— iii France

and Germany, -2741 . .
Advanced bee culture, 196.
After swarms, are the}' profit-
able y.il.
Allev, Henrv, Answers to

questions, litl, 2.!8,2{)2, 263.
Alley, Henry, Drone trap and

bow to use it, 101.
Alley, Henry, How to form

nuclei. 127.
Alley, Henry, Utility of feed-

ers

Analyses of honey. 267, 269.

Apiculture and agriculture, 37,
96.

Apis canadensis, A new man-
ual, 18.

Apis canadensis. Is beekeep-
ing profitable, 61.

Apis canadensis, Tlie coming
frame. 207.

Apis canadensis, invertible
hives, 282.

Artificial pasturage for bees,
211.

Arundell, T. F., Is beekeeping
lirofitalile? 130.

Avery, li. D., Questions by,
191.

Bee culture in the soiitli, 171,

199, 241.
Bee farm, visit to, and other

matters, 20.5.
Beekeepers' union, 167.
Handy Book, re-
view of. 140.
Beekeeping as a pursuit, 121.

, does it pay Y 147.

lor women, 246.

in the south , 34.

Bee i>oison, active prniciple

of. 269.
Bee poison, a preservative of

honey, 2<;n.
Bee poison, an antisei)tic, 270.
Bees and l)eekeei)ing, scien-

entific and practical, 272.
Bees, industry of, 69.

in orchards. 212.

natural history of. new

observations on, 03, 94, 133,

1.56, 181,204,229.253.
Bees of India. 14,5.

poisoned by glucose, 212.

wax, how made, 2.56.

wintering of, 9, 25, 43,

.56, 86.
Benedict, Secretary, Address

by, 114.
Best management of apiarv

for comb honey, 114.
Bienenzeitung, "notes from,

149.
Black bees, more disposed to

rob and more liable to be

robbed than Italians, 197.
Blackford, Francis W., Notes

from "Dun Glen apiary,"

206.
Bonney, A. E., Foul brood in

Australia, 33.
Bonnev, A. E., Notes from

Australia, 234.
Bonney, A. E., Questions by,

203.
Book notices and reviews, 41,

140. ■ ■

Bosworth, James H., Visit to

tbe bee farm, 205.
Building up, 146.
Bunker, A., Bees of India,
.145.
Burnham, Luther B., Visit to

the New England fair, 233.

California honey crop, 213.
Canadian department, 67, 102,

140, 231. 257.
Cane sugar (sucrose), 271.
detection of, in

honey. 271.
Cell formation, Holman's il-
lustration, 60.
Cells of the hive bee, origin

of, 52.
Chafl" hives and destruction of

brood. 137.
Cheshire, F. R., Heceptacu-

Inm seminis of bees, 73.
Christ, J. L.. A guide to the

best methods of beekeeping,

10,28,56,87, 127,226.
Clark, J. C, Honey extractor,

136.
Clark, W. F., Wintering bees,

43.
Colton, Cbas. L.. The spider

as a comb protector, 209.
Comb foundation, 109.
Commercial glucose, 270.
Composition of honey, 265.
Convention notes, 20,41, 2.57,

285.
Cook, A. J., Answers to ques-
tions, 45, 47, 71, 168, 214, 238,

261, 290.
Cook, A. J., AVby the bees die,

244.
Cornell, S., Dry freces. 174.
, Improprieties in

jonrnaliKm, 221.
Correspondence, 16, 32. 63, P8,

136, 102, 184. 205, 233, 2.55,282.
Cowan, A. P., Answers to

questions. 44.
Cowan, A. P., Report for 1SSS5

on wintering, 162.
Cuban honev, petition respect-
ing, 109, lio.
Cushman, Samuel, Questions

by, 237.
Cyprians, disposition of, 254.

Dadant, Charles & Son, The

honey extractor, 162.
Davis. Hilas D., Safe wintering

of bees, 36.
Davis, Rebecca Harding.

Women as beekeepers, 214.
Deadman, G. A., Record of

queens and colonies, 150.
Demaree, G.W., Attei- swarms,

are they profitable ? 51.
Demaree, G.W., Answers to

questions, 22, 46, 72, 214, 238,

289.
Demaree, G.W., Bee culture

in tbe south, 171, 199,241.

Demaree, G. W., Does bee-
keeping iiay, 147.
Demaree. G.Sv., Hard winter

on bees, 100.
Detection of adulterations

with glucose, 270.
Detection of cane sugar in

honey, 271.
Diphtheria, cure of, by honey,

39.
Dollar queens, their efl'ect on,

the stock of the country, 107.
Drone trap and how to use it, '

101.
Drones, observations upon,

217.
Dry faeces, 174.

Eilitor. Answers to questions,

120, 191.
Editor, questions by, 21, 71,

168, 190.
Editorial. 13. 30. .58. 90, 134, 152,

179, 201, 228, 251, 281.
Elwood, P. H., Moses Quinby

and his life work, 1.
Elwood, P H., Whose hat is it?

85.
Enterprise apiary, jottings

from, 208.
Exchanges, 37, 60, 9(i, 139, 156,

213.
Experimental bee farm notes,

134, 157, 182, 230, 254.
Extracted honey, how to in-
crease tlie demand, 109.

Feeders, ntility of, 223.

Feeding bees. 285.

Feeding bees and feeders, 244,

Feeding bees, proper time for,

67.
Ferris, Chas. G., New York

and Florida, IS, 63, 98, 138,

163, 184.
Foreign notes, 169, 193,218,272.
Foul brood, 5, 33, 112.

in Australia, 33.

cause and cure of,

112.

Golden jubilee of Dr. Dzier-
zon, 274.

Goodspeed, C. M., Buildingup,
146.

Goodspeed, C. M.. Jottings
from Enterprise apiary, 203.

Goodsjieed. C. M., News from
New York, 138.

Goodwin. A. J., M.D., Bee-
keeping in the south, 34.

Haldemand beekeepers' asso-
ciation. 165.

Hall, J. B., Answer to query
of. 171.

Hall, J. B., Answers to ques-
tions, 23.

Hard winter on bees, 100.

Hasty, E.E.. Answers to ques-
tions, 45.47, 214,2.;S,262.

Havens, Francis D., News
from California. 208.

Hicks, J. M., How can a vir-
gin queen be safely intro-
iluced?207.

Hicks, J. M., Notes from the
Bienenzeitung, 149.

Hicks, J. M., Loss and savmg

of honey comb, 188.

Hints for beginners, 274.

(291)

292

INDEX.

Hives and their manipulation,
274.

Hives, invertihle, 249.

Hiving bees. 210.

Holteinian, R. F., Trans, of the
German of J. L.. Christ,
10, 28. 5fi, 87, 127. 226, 278.

Honey analyses, 2(57, 209.

Honey and its adulterations,
2G5, 283.

Honey, composition of. 265.

Honey extractor, 13(3, 162.

Honey harvest in Switzer-
land, 274.

Honey market, 205.

Honey market in Switzerland,
274.

Honey report from England,

How can a virgin queen be
safely introduced ; 206.

How to form nuclei, 127.

Howes reversible frame sup-
port, 124.

Huber, Francis, New observa-
tions on the natural history
of bees, 63, 94, 133, 156, 181,
204, 229, 253.

Hybrid honey sages of Cali-
fornia, 49.

Improprieties in journalism,

Indiana state fair, 213.
Insects, muscular strength of,

45.
Instructions to beginners, 130,

159, 175, 250.
Interesting notes, 105.
Introducing queens, 107, 286.
Inverted cane sugar, 271.
Invertible hives, 249, 282.
Is beekeeping profitable ? 64,

Italian beekeepers' meeting
at Milan, 274.

Kangaroo Island enterprise,
259.

Kellogg, Will. M., Answers to
questions, 261, 290.

Lake, C. H., A few facts con-
cerning beeswax, 256.

Langstroth, L. L., Hlack bees,
more dispo'^ed to rob and li-
able to be robbed, than Ital-
ians, 197.

Langstroth, L. L., Observa-
tions upon drones, 217.

Lashier, J. L., Which is the
most profitable race of bees?
125.

Letter Box, 24, 120, 143, 192,
216, 239, 264.

Limitation of the visual field
of the worker lioney bees'
ocelli, 139.

Locality to be considered in
management of bees, 244.

Locke, S. M., Introducing
queens, 107, 108.

Loss and saving of honey
comb, 188.

Marketing honey, 42.

Marketing products, 103.

Marsh, D. D.. Answers to
questions. 262.

Marsh, D. D., Locality to be
considered in tiie manage-
ment of bees, 242.

Martin. ,lohn H., Answers to
questions, 261.

McCaul & Hildreth, The hon-
ey market, 205.

Moses Quinby and his life
work, 1.

Muscular strength of insects,

Nebraska beekeepers' associ-
ation, report of, 48.

New inventions and discover-
ies, 112.

New bee disease, 2.58.

New Jersey and eastern bee-
keepers' association, 213.

Newman, Thos. G., Marketing
honey, 42.

New manual, 18.

New obsei vations on the nat-
ural history of bees. 63, 94,
133,156,181,204.229,253.

New vs. the old, 200, 222.

New York and Florida, 18, 63,
98, 138, 136, 184.

New Zealand, shipment of
queens to, 16.

News I'rom California, 208.

News from New York, 138.

North American beekeepers'
convention, report of,41.

North and south in bee culture,
225.

Northeastern beekeepers'asso-
ciation, 69, 106.

Notes and queries, 19, 39, 68,
102, 141, 165, 188, 209, 234, 258,

Notes from Australia, 234.

Notes from California, 65.

Notes from New Zealand, 66,
99.

Notes from Norway, 32.

Notes from "Dun Glen"
aitiary, 206.

Notes from the Bienenzeitung,
149.

Nuclei, how to form, 127.

Observations upon drones,
217.

Oliver, Henry K., Ox-cow
queen bees, 186.

On the origin of the cells of
the hive bee, 52.

Peet, T. O., The big drum, 172-

, The new vs. the

old, 200. 222.

Phelps. W. G., Why not keep
bees ? 27.

Pond, J. E., jr.. Answers to
questions. 21, 71, 191, 237,
239, 261, 289.

Polarization ot honey, 268.

Premiums awarded at Iowa
state fair, 236.

Preparing bees for winter, 277.

Pryal, W. A., Hybrid honey
sages of California, 49.

Pryal, W. A., Notes from Cal-
ifornia. 65.

Queens and colonies, record
of. 1.50.

QuestionbyJ.B. Hall, 47.

Questions and answers, 31, 71.
119, 168, 190, 214, 237, 2,50, 288.

Questions by a novice, 46.

by a beekeeper, 216,

239, 263.

Questions by a reader, 260.

by H. Alley, 288.

by D. d: Marsh, 288,

by W. J. Rasin, 47.

Races of bees, 285.

Rearing queens, 106.

Receptaculum seminis of bees,
73.

Record of queens and colo-
nies, 1.50.

Remarkable yields of honey,
284.

Report from Milledgeville,
111., 34.

Reversible frame, 116.

Root, L. C, Advanced bee
culture, 196.

Root, L. C., Ans. to questions,
23, 71, 72, 168, 238,262, 289.

Root, Jj. C, The honey mar-
ket, 110,

Root, L. C, Wintering bees, 9,

25, 56, 86.
Russell. P. R., Feeding bees

and feeders, 244.

Safe wintering of bees, 36.
Scottish court decysionon a

bee-trial, 272.
Sherman, Sallie E., What a

woman can do with bees,

225.
Sherman, Sallie E., Beekeep-
ing for women, 246.
Sliipment of queens to New

Zealand, 16.
Siiuck, J. M., Invertible hives,

249.
Simmons, J. C, Chaff hives

and destruction of brood,

137.
Smith, Chas. H., Question bv,

263.
Smoking bees, 284.
Snell, F. A,, Report from Mil-
ledgeville, 111., 34.
South, bee culture in, 177, 199,

241.
Si)iders as comb protectors,

209.
Spring feeding. 279.
Spring dwindling, cause and

prevention, 70.
Stachelhauseu, L., Foul brood,

5.
Stachelhauseu. L., Something

new fiom Germany, 83.
St. Joseph (Mo.) exposition,

2.33.
Swinson, Abbott L., North and

south in bee culture, 225.

The best frame, 247.
The big drum, 172.
The coming frame, 207.
The lioney market, 110.
Tinker, G. L., The best frame,

247.
Todd. Arthur, Beekeeping as

pursuit, 121.
Todd, Arthur, Foreign notes,

193, 218.
Todd, Arthur, Muscular

strength of insects, 25.
Todd, Arthur, On tlie origin

of the cells ot the hive uee,

52.

Utility of feeders, 223.

Virgin queen, how safely in-
troduced, 207.

Visit to the New England fair,
233,

Wabash (Ind ) convention, 213.

Western beekeepers' associa-
tion, 285.

What a woman can do with
bees, 2.55.

Which is the most profitable
race of bees ? 125.

Whose liat is it? 85.

Wliy not keep bees ? 27.

Why tlic bees die. 244.

Wdey, honey and its adultera-
tions, 265.

Wintering bees, 9, 25, 43, 56,
162.

Wintering, report on, for 1885,-
162, 285.

Wirdman, J. H., Answers to
questions, 120.

Women as beekeepers, 214.

Young, Ivar S., Notes from
Norway, 32.

Zabriskie, Limitation of visual
field of ocelli of Morker
honey bee, 139.