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American Bee Journal

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Production; Pollination Studies," will be of interest to those of our readers who are scientifically inclined on this subject.

Temperature of the Cluster in Winter

Bulletin No. 93, of the Department of Agriculture upon the above subject, is a report of special studies made by our well-known and able friend, Dr. E. F. Phillips, in charge of bee-culture investigations, and his assistant,- Mr. Geo. S. Demuth. The wintering problem was their aim, both indoors and outdoors. A number of colonies were studied and kept under close control with thermometers within the cluster, and in different parts of the hive. Electrical thermometers were used, by means of which readings could be made without approaching the hives, thus avoiding disturbing the bees.

The bulletin contains 16 pages, and may be had from the Department of Agriculture in the usual way. We will make a few quotations from it.

It was formerly admitted, without proof, that the temperature of the cluster in the hive, was at all times about that of human blood. But it appears that it may be much lower. The bulletin says:

"When a colony is without brood, if the bees do not fly and are not disturbed, and if the temperature does not go too high, the bees generate practically no heat until the coolest point among the bees reaches a temperature of about 57 degrees F. At temperatures above 57 degrees a compact cluster is not formed, but the bees are widely distributed over the combs. At the lower critical temperature, which is for the present stated as 57 degrees, the bees begin to form a compact cluster, and if the temperature of the air surrounding them continues to drop they begin to generate heat within the cluster. * * At the temperature at which other insects become less active (begin hibernation) the honey-bee becomes more active and generates heat; in some cases until the temperature within the cluster is as high as that of the brood-nest in These conditions

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facts which practical beekeepers have noticed. For instance, when a hive is opened in cold weather, the bees are found to form a compact cluster. But those on the outside of the cluster are less active than those in the interior of the cluster.

"When a comb from the center of the cluster was shaken, the active bees in the center of the circle dropped off readily, and those in the outer shell which were somewhat sluggish were removed with more difficulty. * * Evidently the bees in the shell, whether in the cells or between the combs, are less active than those in the interior of the cluster."

Also it was noticed that "bees fan to heat the cluster in winter as well as to cool the hive in summer. Observations of this kind were repeated beyond number, and this theory of the method of heat production is entirely supported by the repeated observation of a humming noise from the cluster during the cold weather." Like human beings, they stir more or less to keep warm.

This study is very interesting, but as Dr. Phillips states: "Too hasty conclusions must not be drawn from the facts here presented."

One point is not mentioned which we think is of importance, it is the comparative strength of colonies experimented upon. We have often seen colonies so powerful that they were ready to emerge from the hive at the least disturbance in the coldest weather. Such colonies must generate greater heat than weaker ones, or must sustain it more evenly. We would suggest

MISCELLANEOUS

Cyprian Queens.- Unfortunately we have misplaced our list of subscribers desiring to obtain Cyprian queens. Those interested should write to W. B. Davis, of Aurora, Ill. He has some pure stock.

Large Crop for Russia,-In the Russian Beekeepers' Review, Mr. Kormilcev, of Powelen, reports 688 pounds of honey from one colony in 1913, in an American hive.

Education by Cinematograph.- Educating the people concerning bees by the moving picture show is one of the growing methods. At the French Aggricultural Exhibit in Paris, in January, they showed agricultural scenes. such as plowing, harvesting, etc.; they

comparative studies (if not already made) of the largest and strongest colonies with medium and weak ones, both indoors and outdoors.

As this is but the beginning of the scientific study of the winter problem, we may expect tangible and very useful results in the near future, if the Department of Agriculture continues the employment of capable and steady workers who will persist in accomplishing tasks like this. The wintering problem is a constant menace to the beekeepers of the North. It needs to be thoroughly studied.

Good Advice for Michigan

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Mr. F. E. Millen, State Apiarist and Inspector from Michigan, has a very good article in the April 25 number of the Michigan Farmer "Spring Work in the Apiary." Unlike many aricles which appear from time to time in farm papers, this article does not try to emphasize how to keep a pocketful of dollars by big crops of honey. Mr. Millen gives some practical advice applicable to such conditions as a beekeeper is apt to meet in spring just before the crop is on.

One point made, and one which is often misunderstood by the smaller beekeeper especially, is that the clipping of queens' wings does not have anything to do with prevention of swarming; it simply keeps the swarms from absconding after they have issued, owing to the fact that the old queen is unable to follow.

NEWS ITEMS

also exhibited insects in their changes from eggs to larvæ and thence to winged insects. They also showed the transferring of bees from the common skep to the movable-frame hive, swarm harvesting, queen laying, honey extraction, etc.

The picture show, which is so often used for sensational exhibits, may thus be put to excellent use for the education of the masses.

Oldest Living Member of the National Association. On the first page of the May issue, Dr. Miller asks if there isn't some mistake in reckoning concerning who is the oldest member of the National Association. The Editor had given 81 years as my age, which is correct. But he should have stated that I was the oldest living member in attendance at the first National con

vention of beekeepers ever held in America, which met in Indianapolis, Ind., during the winter of 1871.

In case Dr. Miller was at that convention and is 83 years old, he will pass, but not otherwise. Mr. M. M. Baldridge, of St. Charles, Ill., was at the convention, and I think is still living, but I do not think that he is as old as myself.

G. BOHRER, M. D., Chase, Kan.

American Bee Journal

Save Your Beeswax Refuse.-Beeswax is high in price now, some producers have been offered in the neighborhood of 35 cents per pound for their accumulations. It behooves the beekeeper to save every scrap that may be turned into beeswax. While on the rounds of our apiaries one hive was found in which the combs had been completely demolished by the moths last fall, after they were thought to be safe. It seemed plausible that this sediment left by the moths ought to contain at least a small percentage of beeswax. The black looking dirt was gathered up and carried home to be run through a Hershiser wax press as a trial.

From what had been 10 full combs, Dadant size, was extracted 14 ounces of beeswax. This, too, in view of the fact that the lot made so small a batch that not a little proportion of the wax must have been left in the burlap packing when pressing.

Do not let the moths destroy your combs by any means, but if they do destroy them, do not throw away the residue as unfit for any use. Save it together with bits of bur comb, and render it together with your other slumgum, or, if you prefer, send it to some of the supply men who make a business of rendering old combs and slumgum into wax.

A good way to preserve old and crooked combs from moth until you have leisure time to render them is to keep them covered with water in a tub or barrel.

Development of Ap'culture.-Russian apiculture progressed last year, the production of honey being above the average. The year was an unusual one in many respects; the spring was early, warm weather setting in as early as March, and many beekeepers brought out the hives from their winter abodes. At the end of March the first honey appeared. However, the warm weather was not of long duration; after the middle of April a wave of cold spread over Russia. In the southern regions this happened during the flowering period of the fruit and destroyed buds and blossoms. The cold weather lasted for some time, and May, which is usually the chief month of the bees' activity, proved unsatisfactory, the bees not resuming work until June. In well

kept apiaries, where the bees were provided with warm hives and sufficient food, they did not suffer much from this delay, but in the ordinary apiaries of the peasants a great number perished of hunger and cold; and those that survived were able to collect later in the season only the necessary winter supply of honey. A great improvement was noted in June in the central, eastern, and southern provinces of Eupean Russia, where white clover, buckwheat, sunflowers, and many other plants furnished a large supply of food. In the western territories the weather continued cold and wet through June. In the wooded districts, where the production of honey depended upon the flowering of trees and shrubs, the outcome of the season was poor. For instance, the honey obtained from lime trees, which is preferred to other kinds by the consumers, and is produced in large quantities in the province of Nizhni-Novgorod, was very scarce last year. On the other hand, apiaries situated in the open country and the steppes showed a large yield.

Good results were obtained from the following provinces of central Russia: Kostroma, Vladimir, Moscow, Ryazan, Tamboff, Penza, and part of Tula; and in the following northern and eastern provinces: Vyatka, Perm, Ufa, NizhniNovgorod, Simbirsk, and Kazan.

Detailed statistical data have been obtained from the instructor appointed by the Department of Agriculture in the province of Kostroma. In this province there are 100,000 hives, and the yield of honey has been good, averaging 41 pounds per hive; the yield of wax averaged 0.7 pound per hive. In several rare instances as much as 433 pounds of honey were obtained from one hive. The average prices were 15 cents per pound of honey and 37 cents per pound of wax. The total revenue from apiculture in Kostroma for 1913 amounted to more than $500,000.

A satisfactory yield was obtained in the provinces of Kovno, Grodno, Smolensk, St. Petersburg, and Pskov, and an average yield in Volhynia, Podolia, Samara, Saratof, and Tver; but in both regions the production was inferior to that of the previous year. These territories show a great variety of prices, depending upon the facilities for marketing the product. Results were unsatisfactory in Poland, Vitebsk, Vilna, and Orel, where in many apiaries the honey produced hardly sufficed for keeping the bees through the winter.

Last year again demonstrated the lack of organization in the marketing of honey, and the dependence of the beekeepers on the wholesale purchasers who often make a profit of 200 to 300 percent.

Serious drawbacks to apiculture were the prevalence of sickness among the bees brought on by the unfavorable weather and the beekeepers' ignorance of modern methods. Apiculture is developing every year, and the need of instruction in scientific beekeeping is recognized by most of the producers. The Government has been asked to provide such instruction.

Necrology. Died, at Paris, March 30, at the age of 74, Mr. E. P. Caillas, vice

president of the Central French Beekeepers' Association. He was secretary of the International Congress of Beekeepers at the Paris Exposition of 1900. Mr. Alin Caillas, the chemist, is his son.

Meeting of Iowa Beekeepers at Delmar. -The meeting at Delmar, July 7, will be held at the Coverdale farm. Mr. Coverdale has become famous as a grower of sweet clover, and is considered authority on the subject. He has experimental plots showing what sweet clover will do when handled scientifically. Mr. Coverdale will deliver an address explaining what sweet clover will do for the farmer and stock raiser. Any one contemplating sowing sweet clover can well afford to make a trip across the State to hear Mr. Coverdale, and see his experimental plots as well as his large acreage.

Mr. C. P. Dadant will probably attend and deliver an address. He has been asked to choose his own subject.

Mr. Frank C. Pellett, Iowa's State bee-inspector, will also speak on foulbrood conditions in Iowa, foulbrood laws, etc. Mr. Pellett is a lecturer of note, and is president of our State Association and a live wire. He isn't very large, but you will know he is at the meeting all right. Other subjects will be discussed informally, but the three addresses will be well worth your time.

Don't forget the basket dinner.

Let everybody come whether a beekeeper or not. Let us all boost for the Delmar meeting. W. S. PANGburn.

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Beekeeping in Germany.-At the end of 1912 there were counted 2,619,891 bee-hives in Germany, over half of these being in Prussia. Silesia leads the Prussian provinces with 187,264, and all of the non-Prussian States, only Bavaria has more (over 400,000). The province of Posen counted 122,705.

The Silesian Chamber of Agriculture is given a fund to promote bee-culture, which it uses according to plans proposed by the General Association of Silesian apiculturists. The association is composed of 163 societies with a total membership of 7300. The provincial exhibition was held last year at Hirschberg. The chief instruction course was given in a Breslau suburb, and auxiliary courses at Trachenberg and Richtersdorf. Seventeen observation stations were in operation during the year. The chamber also advises in legal matters, assists in marketing honey, and maintains a library of books on bee-culture. A trial honey market

American Bee Journal

was held in connection with the fruit market in Breslau from Nov. 12 to 14, and good sales resulted. Nearly all the societies used the privilege of tax-free sugar for winter feeding. While the highest honey production of a colony was 24.9 pounds, there was a considerable variation in the colonies, the lowest result being 4.19 pounds. The average was 12.1 pounds against 15.4 pounds the year before.

The widespread attention given to apiculture makes this district a good market for beekeepers' supplies. A list of special dealers in various cities of Silesia and Posen is forwarded [and may be obtained from the Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce].

BEE-KEEPING

The list also contains the addresses of the six members of the Silesian Chamber of Agriculture that constitute the standing committee on apiculture, poultry breeding, etc., who would probably be interested in catalogs of American firms.

Unfortunately it is difficult to get business from circulating printed matter in English, and the consulate is unable to predict results when this is relied upon. If manufacturers will inform the consulate to what extent they are prepared to go after the trade and what methods they have hitherto used in foreign business, more detailed suggestions will be cheerfully furnished.Daily Consular and Trade Report.

FOR WOMEN

Conducted by MISS EMMA M. WILSON, Marengo, Ill.

Encouraging the Use of Honey in Cooking

I thank you for your prize of the American Bee Journal I received at the Northern Michigan State convention. We had a nice time. I also received a prize on my honey candy. In my display I had both comb and extracted honey, honey candy, honey cake, a mince pie sweetened with honey, and honey fried cakes. I think if the beekeepers' wives would go to the conventions and take some of the good things that can be made with honey with them, and then do as we did, cut them up and pass them to the visitors, we would have more call for honey. [MRS.] Jos. BURKHOLDER.

Mancelona, Mich.

Your idea of having beekeepers' wives display their honey, and the toothsome things made with it at conventions is good. Such a display will stir up other beekeepers' wives and daughters, and then if they in turn can be induced to offer such displays at State and county fairs where the mass of the people can be reached, larger results may be obtained.

Ventilating Comb-Honey Supers

Referring to what is said on page 83, Harry Bell writes that what was said on page 30, was based on actual experience and not on supposition. He says:

"We know our colonies in doublewalled hives and double walls around the comb-honey supers with the 3%inch entrance have given us the best results. It may be all right to ventilate in your locality, but it would not work here in the production of comb honey."

"Put-Up" Hives

A correspondent who has read "Fifty Years Among the Bees," and has also read what is said about "put-up" hives on page 121 of this journal, is puzzled to know how bees get out of the upper, or "put-up," hive, seeing there is no

communication between the two hives His trouble probably comes from not making the proper distinction between "hive" and "hive-body." and he has made the mistake of supposing that a hive-body is put up instead of a hive. When a hive is mentioned, its bottomboard is generally supposed to be with it, and if the bottom-board be taken away the hive-body is left. As here stated, each hive has its own bottomboard.

The accompanying outline sketch shows a hive with its supers, and a put-up" hive over all.

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Variation of "Put-Up" Plan

On page 121, something was said in this department about what we did last year in the way of treating colonies that swarmed or were likely to swarm, saying that we followed the plans laid down in "Fifty Years Among the Bees," generally the put-up plan, which is given on page 167. Referring to

THE "PUT-UP" PLAN..

this, a Pennsylvania correspondent says he has looked it up in the book and does not comprehend it. He seems to think that he must go from page 167 to 168, 184, 186, and 189, and says: "Now I would be pleased to see this plan set forth in one body of statement from A to Z." Then he says he is against finding queens, and does not want to have clipped queens, and that when on page 167 the return of queens is mentioned that seems to presuppose clipped queens.

All of which leaves one a bit dazed as to how to meet the case. Our Pennsylvania friend plainly understands the plan to involve the finding of queens and the clipping of queens, but wants the plan to be given in detail. What good to give the plan if he rejects two of the important factors? Sounds like saying, "I've decided I'll not follow the plan, but I want you to give it all very clearly in detail."

Let us, however, do what may be done to straighten matters out. In the first place, if Pennsylvania will

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MRS. BURKHOLDER, OF MICHIGAN, again turn to page 167, and read straight through to the end of the first paragraph on page 170, he will find the plan "set forth in one body of statement from A to Z." To be sure, the matter is referred to again further on, but does not militate against the fact that the whole plan is given all in one statement in the place mentioned.

On page 167 the statement opens by saying: "When a swarm issues and returns." Pennsylvania is quite right in thinking that this presupposes that the queen is clipped, for swarms with unclipped queens do not usually return. His queens are not clipped, so

that knocks out returning swarms. That, however, does not knock out entirely his using the plan, for he may anticipate the swarming by dealing with the colony before swarming; that is, when he finds queen-cells well advanced. Indeed, that may be better than to wait for actual swarming.

American Bee Journal

But he does not want to search for queens. That's a more serious affair. Yet even then, something like the plan may be followed. Here is what may be done, giving details as fully as may be allowed: When it is found by the presence of sealed queen-cells or large grubs in queen-cells that the bees are bent on swarming, go to the hive containing the colony to be treated, which hive we will call A, and set beside it an empty hive which we will call B. Lift A off the stand, and set B in its place. One by one lift the frames out of A, brushing back into a A every bee from each comb except one, and then put the beeless combs into B. In this way it is made certain that the queen will be left in A. The one comb is left in A so that bees and queen will not desert. The vacant place left in B may be filled by a dummy or by a broodcomb of any kind from elsewhere. Fill out A with frames of foundation or

BEE-KEEPING

comb. If supers were on A, as most likely there were, they were of course set aside temporarily while making the changes of comb mentioned. Now set these supers on B, and over them place the cover. Set A on top of all, and cover it up.

There is no communication between the two hives, each having its own bottom-board and its own entrance, as also its own cover. A large part of the bees are in A, but none of the fieldbees will remain in it, for upon their return from their first journey afield, they will steer straight for the lower entrance and enter B. Of course all cells upon the combs were killed at the time the bees were brushed from them. Ten days later all cells again started are killed, and the brood-comb with its adhering bees is taken from A and put in B, after which all bees remaining in A are brushed upon the ground in front of B, and allowed to run in at the entrance. A is now taken away entirely, and any combs in it disposed of wherever desired.

This plan with its variation is not by any means given as an improvement, but as fulfilling the desire to operate without being obliged to hunt for queens or to have them clipped.

IN DIXIE

Conducted by J. J. WILDER, Cordele, Ga.

A Good Honey Crop for Dixie

Up to this date (May 5) the reports from all sections in Dixie show that we have already had an average honey crop. Mr. S. S. Alderman, a beekeeper down on the Apalachicola river, in the great tupelo gum belt, reported some time ago that the bloom was not as great this year as usual, and he feared the flow would be correspondingly light, but my apiarist in the tupelo gum region reports a good crop.

South Florida has again had a great crop. The poplar and other spring honey plants up in the hills and mountains are now giving a great yield.

The market is practically bare of honey, and at present new honey is bringing a good price, and shipments are moving rapidly. As we have no uniform prices for honey in Dixie, it is needless to state a figure, but let me suggest that every beekeeper add one or two cents to his former prices; this will mean considerable in the wind up against the higher prices of beesupplies.

Wants to Move Bees to Make Increase

Mr. Rish, a beekeeper down on the Apalachicola river, wants to know if he could move 50 colonies of bees up the river 75 or 100 miles to the cotton fields, and increase them to 100 colonies during the cotton flow?

Yes, this could be very well done. The cotton is a good honey plant, also a great pollen plant, and the flow is

long, and bees would naturally build up rapidly, and probably store enough surplus to carry them over winter. But I entertain a doubt whether it would be best to undertake this venture or make the increase right where they are. There is always some honey coming in on the river from snow vine and other similar vines, and this would make it ideal for increasing where they are located.

Mr. J. K. Isbell and S. S. Alderman, of Wewahitchka, Fla., have for a number of years moved their bees up the river to the cotton fields in order to build them up in numbers and stores for winter, and at the close of the cotton flow moved them back down the river for winter and spring, but their latest report shows that it does not pay them, and that they expect to discontinue this practice. If the flow should not be heavy enough to make the desired increase, a cheap grade of honey could be obtained and a slow feed kept up with good results. It is a lot of trouble and expense to move bees, and this compared to feeding might prove more unfavorable than leaving them where they are for this job.

Back to the Blue Ridge Mountains

On June 1, myself and family, consisting of wife, small daughter and an orphan girl we have taken to rear, will leave for our summer cottage up in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where we expect to spend the summer months. My

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mother, who has had the privilege of visiting us but one time in 18 years, on account of sickness in her family, will join us and spend the time there with We used to spend this time at the seashore, but find that it is more satisfactory in the mountains. This is not done so much on account of my broken down condition as for the betterment of my wife, who has been almost a helpless invalid for years. But I am usually almost to this point in health at the close of the spring work, after the heavy strain of mental and physical labor.

It may be a surprise to those who have never visited me, to know that I take a cheap helper and work from two to five apiaries daily during the spring months. This work consists of looking over brood-nests, ventilating hives, adding storing room, making increase where it is wanted. and keeping it down where it is not wanted. I cannot make the trips by an automobile, but very often travel by rail. At this time all of our experienced helpers have all they can do, and are usually under as great physical strain as I am, but the responsibility of the entire field is on me. Besides this, from 10 to 30 letters go out every 24 hours to beekeepers in different parts of the country, who are not in any way connected with my own beebusiness, but desire information. This all plays heavy on a small, frail man; and he must get out from under it as soon as he can.

By June 1, the spring crop of honey is gathered, and removing, packing and shipping is under full way. This can all be done by the well-trained helpers I have without my constant oversight. The sales of the crop of honey made falls to me, and I am more centrally located up in the mountains to do this work. The summer and fall flows come on slowly, and are not so heavy, and no danger of swarming if the bees have plenty of ventilation and storing room, and our help can easily keep up this work. By the time this task comes on, the surplus spring honey has been removed and packed.

At the close of the slow summer flow I am back, and take up the work of making the last increase, requeening and the last general apiary work. My correspondents will please take notice and address me after June 5 at Mountain City, Ga.

The Cause of Swarming-Ventilation the Deciding Factor

The Editor commenting (page 152) on Mr. Randolph's article under "Swarming Notes," page 164, strikes a "key note" when he says, "While there are no doubt cases in which other factors so strongly favor swarming that no amount of ventilation will prevent it, the likelihood is that when other factors are almost but not quite strong enough to carry the day, lack of ventilation is the deciding factor to cause swarming."

Bees for several seasons under the care of a thoughtful and prudent apiarist with good equipment, will swarm but very little naturally during a honey flow if weather conditions remain good during this time, so that the field becs

American Bee Journal

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eep at work in the usual manner. If during this time we have adverse weather conditions, and the field-bees are confined more or less to their hives, they may naturally acquire the swarming fever, for they seem to have nothing else to do. Under the former conditions the question of ventilation would have had very little if any importance, but under the latter it is the deciding factor.

Not many bees will be seen clustered about the bottom of a well ventilated hive during ideal weather, but when the reverse comes, even the large well opened entrances will be filled with bees, and the spaces between the bottom frames and up between the frames for some distance will be found clogged with bees. They have a job to maintain the heat of the colony and stay about the bottom, and do not crowd the upper part of the hive. As soon as the weather clears these bees clustered about the bottom will return to the field, and there is no more added to this swarming impulse than usual.

There is nothing I dislike more than to find a strong colony of bees with only a small entrance, and with a great

CALIFORNIA

fanning corps all about the entrance roaring as if about to smother. If they are not clustering about the entrance, you will find them in small clusters up through the hives, and those scattered about over the comb running as if panic stricken.

This method is poor policy, poor beekeeping, and the cause of poor honey crops. We have tested it too many times. Bees cannot work properly in a hive under such conditions, neither can they evaporate very much nectar, especially if it contains a great amount of water, as it would naturally make thin honey, if not evaporated well. This makes the comb of capping brown over as fast as the honey is finished, and it is hardly marketable.

So we ventilate a reasonable amount by placing under each side of the hive,

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Conducted by J. E. PLEASANTS, Orange, Calif.

Crop Notes

On April 17, 18, and 19 there was a very hot dry wind, the temperature rising to 90 degrees one day. This, as is always the case when the temperature reaches that point early in the season, did much damage to the plants in bloom at that time. The black sage (our best honey plant), which was well in bloom, suffered most. It looked for a time as though it were wilted, but in two or three days following the hot wave the weather changed, and the two weeks following were damp. During this time 1.35 inches of rain fell. gave new life to the plants, and bees are still working on black sage. The beauty of the sages is that they remain in bloom so long, especially the black variety.

This

While the bees were checked some in their work by the rain and cloudy weather, they have built up rapidly, and most apiaries are strong in bees, and ready for the fine working weather which we have been having of latefoggy mornings and warm sunny days. While few have extracted much yet, except from the orange flow which was light, the outlook now is more favorable.

There is an excellent growth of white sage, though little of it is in bloom yet. It is too early to tell about sumac, but it has come out well from last year's freeze, and ought to give us some yield. There is a report from San Diego county of a lack of early nectar and pollen, causing the bees much loss. A shortage of pollen in

southern California is a very unusual thing.

Some Native Honey Plants of Southern California

As California ranks well as a honeyproducing State, and as the native flora shows a marked difference from other sections, perhaps a short sketch of our wild honey plants may be of interest. As we go from the cultivated valleys

of the south where irrigation is universal to the foot-hills, we begin to notice that the distant purple of the mountains is changing to a soft blend of gray and green. We go higher and are in the midst of the great wild bee-pasture of southern California, the home of the sages, the sumac, and countless others which make what the botanists call the "chaparral belt." They form a dense covering over the mountain sides from the foothills up to about 6000 feet elevation, where this dense growth gives way to the pine forests.

Along the canons are live oaks and sycamores, whose decided dark and light greens lend a pleasing contrast to the duller tints of the mountain sides. This is the bee-pasture which furnished our large crops of the '70's and '80's, before orange or bean nectar were commercial assets.

The black sage is king of them all. When climatic conditions are favorable I think black sage can be relied upon to produce more "gilt edge" than any other plant in the West, and for body and flavor it is hard to excel. It blooms for weeks. The blossom is small and inconspicuous, but what a flow of nectar it can yield!

The white sage is a much prettier plant. Its soft gray leaves and tall blossom spikes make it quite showy; while its pleasing aromatic odor breathes the very essence of wild perfumes. But this queenly plant is much more inconstant than its plainer sister. Some years it produces a good harvest, others very light.

The silver or purple sage, which has silvery leaves and brilliant light purple blossoms, is usually a good producer, but is much restricted as to locality. All the sages produce delicately-flavored white honey.

The "wild alfalfa" is a small legume much resembling alfalfa in habit of growth, but has bright yellow blossoms.

The California sumac is a dull green bush, not so attractive as its eastern relative. It is quite dependable, and produces an amber honey of good flavor. Last year the sumac was badly

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