to my knowledge, for ten years, at least." Letters and claims from bee-keepers, all over the country, are coming in thick and fast, claiming that we should settle with them on her account. To all such we must say: There is no more justice in asking us to settle her bills than in claiming it of the "King of the Sandwich Islands!" She never had any interest in THE AMERICAN BEE JOURNAL, and all she wrote for it was paid for, "cash in advance, at good round figures." On February 10th, we addressed the following note to her: "MRS. ELLEN S. TUPPER, Des Moines, Iowa:-You are hereby notified that the contract made with me for your editorial services on THE AMERICAN BEE JOURNAL is this day annulled-severing your connection with that JOURNAL entirely. You are, of course, well aware of the cause of this action-and I need not repeat it here." THOMAS G. NEWMAN. We understand she is in a very weak and nervous condition. If she is insane, her "crooked" transactions are no doubt the cause of it, rather than the opposite. We wish her no harm, and greatly regret the necessity for this article-but justice demands that we should speak out. Let this suffice. THE BIENENVATER.-This is the title of a Bee Journal published at Prague, Bohemia, Europe, by Rudolf Mayerkoeffer, a good friend of the honey-bee, who writes us that there will be an International Agricultural Fair in Prague in May and June, and he is preparing for that occasion, several beautiful glass boxes with excellent honey. The Bienenvater wants to purchase Nos. 1 to 6, January to June, 1875 of the AMERICAN BEE JOURNAL. If any one has them to spare they may be sent to this office, and we will settle for them. R. S. BECKTELL, of New Buffalo, Mich., says that a neighbor of his has found a stone weighing about one pound, which looks as if it had once been a piece of comb-honey, broken and doubled over, so that it presents the cells in different shapes. Petrified honey! Well, why not? The National Society. The feeling seems to be general that after the Philadelphia meeting, the National Society should be abandoned. This Society appointed the 6th of September for its next meeting at Philadelphia. We think this time should be adopted for the Centennial Convention, and thus unite all interests. The President, Mr. G. W. Zim. merman, thus writes in reference to the matter: "After holding the meeting at Philadelphia, I think the Society had better adjourn sine die. I would recommend that each State having no organization, should organize and meet at least twice a year. The journeys to a National Convention are long and expensive, and as we can't get railroad fares reduced now, it is burdensome. This matter was fully discussed at the convention at Toledo, and those present from Ohio organized The Northern Ohio Bee-Keeper's Society,' whose meetings will be duly announced." What say the bee-keepers of the United States? Shall the National Society be abandoned or not? We hope they will speak out now, or "ever after hold their peace," on this subject, at least. It An exchange observes that it is a remarkable fact that the first month of this Centennial winter closely resembles that of 1776. The journals of that year speak of the unusual mildness of the season. was even said that the lack of the usual ice in Boston Harbor prevented Washington from crossing his forces and attempting a surprise on the city, and the Americans were enabled to continually send forth vessels from all parts of the harbor to the West Indies for munitions of war. The mild season enabled Gen. Schuyler, in the first days of January, to dispatch his well-planned little expedition up the Mohawk Valley to surprise the Highlanders under Johnson. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS. We commence a new idea in this issue of THE AMERICAN Bee Journal,— that of publishing Biographical Sketches and portraits of some of our “bee men.” Those wishing their face to appear as an introduction to the thousands of our readers, will please communicate with the PUBLISHER. Centennial Bee-Keepers' Convention. The Secretary of the Centennial Commission has sent us a letter stating that there would be a special show of honey, June 20th and Nov. 1st. We wrote him that the first was too early and the latter too late, and urged that the time be changed to August or September. We wrote several bee-keepers in different parts of the country, asking their opinion about calling such a convention -and also wrote the president of the National Convention for his opinion-all agree with us, that we should have a convention at a suitable and convenient time, say August or September. Now we ask for a general expression of opinion-and would like those who intend going, to say so now; to write us in time for the April number. Letters must reach this office by the 20th of March. Dr. Millett has sent us the following letter, which explains itself. HOLMESBURG, PENN. DEAR SIR:-I think the bee-keepers throughout the country, who wish to exhibit specimens of new honey and comb, ought to know that a certain time will be allowed in which to add fresh specimens, if those who have authority in the matter will make early application to Mr. Burnet Landreth, the chief of the Bureau of Agriculture. I write this, that the committee appointed by the N. A. Bee Association may let Mr. Landreth know what time will be most desirable-whether from July 1st to 20th, or later. In a late number, the idea was thrown out, that the honey of 1875 only could be exhibited. I have authority for saying that such is not the case. Arrangements may be made (if done soon) to exhibit the gatherings of the Spring of 1876. The same arrangements will be made for flow. ers and fruit and vegetables. It is very important that bee-keeping, in all its branches, should be fairly and fully represented-hives of all kinds, bee-books, bee-implements, etc., etc. There will never be such another opportunity. D. C. MILLETT. 23d Ward of Phila., Station M. This matter ought to be generally discussed and a decision arrived at before our next issue, and we hope to hear from hundreds during the next fifteen days, and then full announcements will be made in the April number of THE JOURNAL. In changing post offices, always give old as well as new offices. JAMES HEDDON and HERBERT A. BURCH, of Michigan, called on us, since our last issue. As we had never met either of them before, we were glad to make their acquaintance. We were deceived. We had pictured Mr. H. as a regular "Vinegar Bitters" man. Instead of that we found him pleasant, agreeable and very intelligent. He differs from many of us in his views of some things, but he has a right to his views, and the expression of them. He acknowl. edged that his remarks were too sweeping about the Bee Journals, and said he had no intention of applying his remarks to THE AMERICAN BEE JOURNAL. Mr. H. is earnest and persistent, and has a right to be heard. He has an article in this issue on "Whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad," in reply to remarks made by friends KING & SLOCUM of The Bee-keepers' Magazine, and friend Root, of Gleanings. Some remarks are severe; but in giving them a place, we do not wish to be understood as being in any way unfriendly towards our cotempo raries, for we are not, but simply as a matter of justice, to let Mr. Heddon be heard for himself. THE AMERICAN BEE JOURNAL has always prided itself upon the fact, that its columns were free to all-and is, has been and always will be-devoted to the interests of the honey-producers of the world, so long as it is in the hands of the present PUBLISHER. We are asked to give Geo. S. Wagner's address. We do not know just where he is-but he went to heaven some fifteen months ago, where he no doubt received a hearty welcome from his loving father-for many years the able editor of this JOURNAL. Mrs. W. is now left alone, and has returned to their former home at York, Pa., awaiting the angel's call. In order to give us more room and pleasanter quarters, we have removed our editorial and business room a few doors north. Letters addressed to either numbers will readily find us. Callers will find us at all times at Room 20, No. 184 Clark St., Chicago, and will always be welcome. Come and see us when in Chi. cago. A correspondent writes us, asking which would be the cheapest and most effectual way to reach bee-keepers-by circulars or an advertisement in the AMERICAN BEE JOURNAL? By all means the advertisement is the most effectual way of communicating with bee-keepers. Every bee-keeper of prominence or importance takes the JOURNAL and reads it through each month. The subject of economy does not admit of a question. Read what STAPLES & ANDREWS say in their letter in this number. As a proof that advertisers know where it pays them best to advertise, we remark that we do no canvassing all our advertisements come unsolicited, except by the merits and standing of THE AMERICAN BEE JOURNAL. By private letter we learn that Wm. McKay Hoge, alias John Long, who has been carrying on the Comb Foundation business in New York, is non est inventus. Also, that the Honey House of Mrs. Spaids, in New York, is closed, "To let," being posted on the door. Our readers should make a note of this. The warm weather of the past two months, all over the country, has caused the buds of fruit trees to swell, and either an early fruit season, or none at all, will be the result-to be determined by the presence or absence of Jack Frost during the coming month. In order to give the full report of the EASTERN BEE-KEEPERS' CONVENTION in this number, we were compelled to omit several pages of matter already in type, leaving it for the April number. We have added eight pages to the present number making it forty, instead of the usual thirty-two. Another eight may be added at no very distant day. L. B. Hogue, Lloydsville, O., writes us that the honey-mine story that we enquired of in the last number, is entirely without foundation. He says he was in that locality when the story was invented, and it was thought to be a "huge joke.” H. D. Mason, Onondaga County, N. Y., writes: "My recept for curing bee stings is kerosene oil, applied as soon as stung. It never fails with me." For the American Bee Journal. Moses Quinby. "An honest man is the noblest work of God." The friend of man in every peaceful way, Where science, knowledge, thought, afforded means, The gentle, kindly, open heart portray How low and little seems the conquerer's name, Nor narrow, selfish view was entertained, Until the world could profit by the thought, Your greatest pleasure-what mankind has gained. These are no empty terms of fond regard The gain of annual millions-nectar barred; To-day we miss that kindly beaming smile new, I list thy coming; mind doth so beguile, Is it all wrong? Why can you not be here? No want your guidance, greater heights to gain? What weak admissions are we wont to make, see? Where then the reason, but we stop our ear: But O, dear friend, your course was ever plain; I cannot say good-bye, much less farewell: It must through onward, endless cycles run. Hail life's grand anthein then. All are of Thee, Our "Notes and Queries" department will hereafter be conducted by Mr. Ch. Dadant, who is well known as a practical and successful apiarist. The matter prepared for this number is crowded out. Biographical. Joseph M. Brooks. JOSEPH M. BROOKS was born in Mt. Holley, State of New Jersey, June 8, 1844. At the age of two years his parents removed to Chagrin Falls, Ohio, where they resided until 1849, when they moved to the city of Cincinnati, thence to Columbus, Ind., where he now resides. Mr. Brooks is, by occupation, a tinner. At the age of thirteen years he commenced transferring them into frame hives and dividing and Italianizing them the first season. Not being satisfied with the Mitchel or Buckeye hive they were using, they, like all beginners, began to invent hives to their own notion, and as many times set them aside, until, finally, they decided on what is now called "The Brooks Non-Patent Hive. This hive is worked either as a one or two story hive. If run for comb-honey, it contains eleven, broad frames, 12x12 in. square, and has abundant room for boxes or small frames, directly on the brood frame. If extracted honey is wanted, an upper story with another set of same sized frames are set on, making twenty-two frames to the hive. They are now wintering fifty-four colonies (pure Italians) in these hives, and they believe them to be the cheapest and best form in use. Their success from the first has been remarkable, never yet having lost a single colony by dysentery or disease of any kind, while their neighbors lose more or less every winter. Mr. Brooks advertises freely in THE AMERICAN BEE JOURNAL, and to this, as well as to the fact that he keeps only the best of stock, can be attributed his business success. Correspondence. For the American Bee Journal. Adulterated Honey. Few topics, perhaps, pertaining to modern bee-culture, have received such general and wide-spread attention at the hands of apiculturists during the past year, as this subject of "adulterated honey." If it be true, as has been stated, that our American people like to be "humbugged,' it is no less true that they are ever ready to do whatever may be within their power to remedy any evil that shall work to their pecuniary detriment. Thus, when it became apparent to American bee-keepers that their products were compelled to compete with the cheap grades of saccharine matter under the guise of honey, they set resolutely to work to remedy the evil; nor have their efforts been altogether devoid of success. We saw it stated in the "old reliable" some time ago, that this "hue and cry" about adulteration had been a damage to the honey producer; since people had come to distrust all liquid honey as an impure or "mixed" article. This may, Mr. Editor, be true, in a measure at least. We hope it is. If the discussion of this subject has lessened the demand for manufactured honey, we are glad of it. If it has had a tendency to make consumers of honey look upon the liquid article in any shape, with suspicion, thereby rendering its already slow sale still more so, we are not sorry. Honey is essentially a luxury, and ought not to be compelled to compete with syrups that are sold by the gallon. But liquid honey must do this, and as long as it is offered on our markets, just so long will it haye to compete with the adulterated article, since liquid honey renders adulteration possible. When the price shall have receded below even that of the poorer grades of sugar, we think that our American bee-culturists will discover that their only alternative (if they would make the business pay) is to produce comb-honey exclusively, in small glass packages. In answer to numerous inquiries of our readers, we will say that "Money in the Apiary," for 1876 has not been issued, and will not be until Spring, perhaps not then. Due notice of its publication will be given in the advertising pages of this JOURNAL. HERBERT A. BURCH. So. Haven, Mich., Feb. 21, 1876. In giving address, be careful to give the full name of individuals, the post office, county and State, and do not write on the same piece of paper that communications for the BEE JOURNAL are written on. For the American Bee Journal. Origin of the Albino Bee. As I have received letters from a number of persons in different parts of the country, who wish to know something more definite in reference to the origin of the albino bee, I will here give a full description of their ancestry. The mother of the queen that produced the first albino bees, received from Mr. H. A. King of Neva da, Ohio. Let me say here, before I proceed further, she was the best queen I ever received from any person. The granddaughter of this queen is the one that produced the first albino. They were about half albino and half Italian. I have two distinct races of bees in the same hive. Now the difficulty arose in my mind how to get them pure albino. I knew it would be useless to try to breed them pure in my home apiary. So I took them to the South Mountain, out of the range of any other bees, in order to get them pure. I have succeeded in doing so, to my entire satisfaction, and will say, and I think without danger of contradiction, that they are the handsomest bees in the known world. The albino bees have three beautiful yellow bands. From the band to the end of the bee is quite white or bright silver color; their heads are dark velvet color, different from the Italian; the wings are also finer than the Italian. As for their good qualities, I claim the queens to be very prolific layers; the workers are excellent honeygatherers, they gathered more honey than the Italian last season; they are not as cross, and consequently more pleasant to handle. D. A. PIKE. Smithsburg, Washington Co., Md. On page 63 will be found the report of the Missouri Valley Association, held on the 15th inst. We would respectfully solicit communications or essays from all practical apiarists, to be read at our next meeting, which will be held on Tuesday, April 4th, "76, at the rooms of Mo. State Board of Agriculture, 41 Insurance Building, corner Sixth and Locust streets, St. Louis, Mo., on the following questions: "Do bees injure fruit?" "Will bee-keeping pay?" "What is the best hive for all purposes?" "The best mode of artificial increase ?" "Do bees make or gather honey?" "Are the Italians superior to the Black, if so, why?" "The best mode of obtaining box-honey." And we would request that all bee-keepers in and adjoin. ing this county, in Missouri and Illinois, and all that can attend our meetings, to send us their address, so we may notify them of all meetings of the association. You will oblige us by giving this a placc in your JOURNAL for March, so we can have time to hear from all interested before our next meeting. W. G. SMITH, |