Kenosha tribune & telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1856-1859, 1857-05-07
BELyIDE. f, April G, 1857.
Z. c. OILS, Esq. .


Dear Sr-I have at length finished the perusal o
Mr.. Langstroths Bee Treatise, and have, think
been much benefited by SO doing. The work
bounds with the relation of great variety of facts
and suggestions most of which have come under
my own observation, and which are absolutely in
dspensabe TO successful bee cultivation. differ
from him, however, in opinion in few particulars
LIST On the nexhaustible resources of honey in any
given district 2nd. On the ilnpregnation of the
queen for life once meeting drone and forever
after remaining at home. Bird. On the unimpreg
mated mother breeding drones producing life in
any form whatever. But the bulk of his practice
only tends to strengthen and confirm my prey ious
opinions on the subject
There are, however, atlcast to me, some new ideas
on feeding which think are invaluable especially
III the western or prairie States, where swarning is
generally postponed until July or August viz: tie
substitution Of -four for bread and candy for honey
There is usually very little bee bread gathered in
this district until june and consequently breeding
is more less retarded for the want of it, which
casions want of working bees at the commence
ment of the seasOn which Is about the first OF June.
| was feeding n common swarm honey through q
hole IN the top of hive, and was instantly beset
by countless number of bees. After placing some
refuse honey in comb over the hole, placed a hon
ey box over 1t with glass in the top and used Hour
to prevent the bees from smelling the honey, which
| soon found missing, both from the dish i'll which
brought it and in the crack in which had placed
it, but supposed that the bees had blown it away
in lowering over of it. | have been feeding largely
with flour since you left and am better pleased with
the effect produced every day. think see in the
distance very many advantages to bee culture in it.
In the first place ii gives lite and animation TO the
whole bee population in my yards at time when
under ordinary circumstances all would be noise
and confusion and wandering about in search of
something TO do, Secondly, it cures thieviRg pro-
pensties. Thirdly, it determines what families are
IN a healthy condition. Fourth, it shows at once
the relative strength of each stock. Fifth, It en-
courages the weak and feeble to renewed exertion
to recover their fortunes Sixth, it promises to re-
the great backset to bee culture in Illinois viz;
late swarlning. Seventh il gives the bee keeper
opportunity to make all necessary observations TO
promote the general welfare of his entire bee com
munity. Eighth, it cures ideness, which Is the
fruitful source of almost all the evils that bees
heir to. Ninth, ii induces the bees at very early
day general cleaning out of hive and comb. All
moth that has through careessness or neglect been
suffered to remain in the hive during the winter is
dragged from It's hiding places and hanlshed the
abode. In tact the work seems to be prosecuted as
vigorously in doors cold days as on warm days
out doors. Tenth, it affords me an almost mex
haustlb!e source OF pleasure TO witness so much lite
and animation, industry and friendly feeling as
peryaded my entire yard, and all full one month
earlier than usual. think see an admirable adaE-
tation of Mr. Langstroths movable comb frames TO
my hive, and think they combine all the good quail
titles Of two of the best hives in use, and throw
away the bad, for would hot exchange mine for
all the Improvements combined, his excepted.
You have conferred great favor by put
ting Mr. Langstroths work into my hands, for which
shall be ever thankful Very respectfully,
III. ID. MAY.