Mower County transcript., 1871-12-28
FARM, GARDEN AND HOUSEHOLD.
Bee Culture.

questions in relation to Bee Culture
were read and valuable papers read
We CLEAN from the Leader fair syn
opsis of some Of them:
Mr.. E. Rood spoke OH "Foul Broods"
His remarks were in the highest degree
interesting, and he exhibited knowl-
edge of the important subject which
can only be secured by years of thor
ouph investigation and experience. The
views which he advanced, provoked
considerable discussion, as he frequent
ly called for questions from those pres
ent, and many we're found whose views
failed to correspond with his own. He
took the position that the disease is
contagious, no one knowing whence it
comes or what is the cure. He spoke
Of various opinions to the contrary
which haG been advanced, but consid-
cred them unsupported by the proper
evidence
He did not consider the disease the
product of any particular locality, or
external influences of soil or shrubbery,
rs evergreens, as had been asserted by
some, as he had known of its existence
under variety of conditions, and in
localities differing in all these respects.
He mentioned several courses of treat
ment which we will not specify, as the
subject will undoubtedly be more fully
considered at a subsequent stage of the
meeting.
Several members asserted that they
hud never been troubled with the dis
ease, and that it was certainly unknown
in their neighDorhoods, and vote ia
| lyo, H..
almost equal division, nearly one-half
having tailed to experience any dam
age from it. Mr.. j. w. Hicks, Of Indi-
ana, purchased several hives of bees
some time since, and after few weeks
discovered the existence of " Foul
Brood" He applied remedy consist
ing of ,.udanum and salt, dissolved and
mixed with syrup of good coffee sugar.
The inside of the hive was saturated
with this solution, which proved effica-
cious, and he had never known it to
fail, although put to the test on several
occasions since that time.
The question "Why do bees swarm"
which elected remarks from Messrs.
r. G. Otis, G. Buhrer, H. 81. King, A.
F. Moore, 8. w. Cole, A. J. Root, E.
Rood and r. Oilkin. A short paper
was also read upon the same subject
by Mr. D. L. Adair. The question was
! under consideration for an hour, and
the sum of the theories and opinions
| of the several members differed some
what us to the real reason of the swarm
ing OF the bees, it was generally con.
ceded that it is the natural instinct of
the bees to swarm, but as to the times
| of their doing it some thought it to be
when the hive had become iull by propa-
cation of the species and the abundance
of honey, others that the matter was
entirely governed by the age or inclina
tion of the queen. All the speakers
gave their various experiences and ex-
periments in the matter, and made the
subject one of much interest.
The next question was, 'tWhat is the
best method OF swarming bees altifi-
cially9" upon which Messrs. Root,
Buhrer, Moon and Adair and Mrs.
Upper spoke. Mr.. Moons and Mrs.
Tupper's manner Of accomplishing
this seemed to meet with the most gen
eral approval of the meeting.
The former said that he
took one card from the CEN
ter OF each of his full hives, and placed
these in an empty hive, putting in
their places in the old one new card.
In the new hive there would be in a
few days regular swarm with good
queen of it's own. Mrs. Tupper's plan
was to take from each full hive two
cards, and replacing those in the old
hive with fresh ones, to put the newly
formed hive in the place of the old and
carry the old hive to another place. A
certain portion of the bees will then re-
turn to the old place and new hive and
there form new swarm, while the old
swarm will still flourish in the old hive.
"What is the best method of hand
ling bees 80 as to avoid angerlng
them2" was then proposed for re-
marks, which we're made by Messrs.
Moon, Mckay, Buhrer and Mrs. Tup
per. The former said that he never
used tobacco smoke for subduing the
bees, but set fire to cotton rags, and,
after blowing several whltfs Of this
smoke into the hive, he could do any
thing he wished with the bees without
the slightest danger of being stnng by
them. Mr.. Mckay said that he never
used smoke at all, but that he always
approached the hive quietly, and, by
careful handling of the bees, had neve,
had any trouble with them. None OF
the speakers were in favor of the use
of tobacco smoke to subdue the bees
with.
The next subject was, "What are the
best honey producing plants9' Upon
this many members spoke, and before
they had got done almost every one OF
the principal honey producing bios
SONS had its separate supporters as be.
ing the best one of all. Buckwheat,
white clover, locust, golden rod, linden,
poplar and blackberry, were severally
recommended for their superior quail
ties for the food of the honey makers
Good Feed for Stock In Early Spring
We wish we could impress upon eacb
one of our readers, the importance OF
good care and feed for all kind of stock
now. It is quite common impression
that it is safe and best to feed sparing.
ly in the fall and early winter so as tc
insure good supply at the close Of the
season. While extravagant and waste.
ful feeding is never advisable, and in
sufficient feeding is always to he avoid
ed if possible, we believe that if these
two extremes are to be had, it is better
to waste feed in November and Decem
Der, rather than in March or April il
other words good feeding is more i'm
portant ut the commencement than al
the close of the winter season.
If stock is allowed to lose flesh
strength and v1gor now, they will de
rive less benefit from their food after
ward, and larger amount will be re
quired to bring them out in fair con
d1tion IN the spring. than if they are 81
fed now as to retain the flesh gained or
the summer pasturage.
This applies not only to animals de
signed for the butcher, but to milcl
; cows and young stock. 1t is better
decidedly, to feed bran, meal or grai1
to the mich COW now, and give h ,r onl
hay IN March, than to keep her on ha,
or straw now, and feed heavily in Marcel
; and so Of calves, sheep, and pigs.
Effect Of the Food OF Cows on the Com
position of the Milk.
A series of experiments prosecuted
not long since in Germany led to tn
conclusion that, contrary to the usua
impression on the subject, very consid
, cradle changes in the composition 0
, food may be made without inducin,
corresponding changes in the relativ
constituents of the milk of the COW
t the only effect being in the amount O
f concentration of the milk.
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