The Canton advocate. [volume] (Canton, D.T. [S.D.]) 1877-1897, 1877-10-10
Communicated
Reesin Dakota.

NOt only Is IL tllnc tnat we III tnlS new
country, can profitably turn our attention
to Sheep as we'll as stock raising, but there
is another interest entirely neglected,
which will be found most profitable and
to start in it requires very little out
lay. We refer to Bee keeping; so far as
we know not one stand of bees is kept IN
the whole territory, and there is in every
part of it most abundant honey to be had
for the gathering 49,, ILL.,,
Honey for our own use would be a
great luxury on our homesteads, and any
surplus we might have would command a
ready sale at good price at home.
There are many erroneous ideas preva-
lent respecting bees. Many think they
will not do we'll on the prairie, others
that they will not do we'll when the win.
ters are cold, and Others that it requires
some special "knack" to keep bees success
fully. All these are wrong. Some Of the
greatest reports OF large amounts ofhoncy
gathered come these last few years from
those who keep bees on the prairie, and
thev do much better in colder than in too
warm climates. All difficulties of winter
ing bees are now easily overcome by those
who understand the matter.
From careful examination Of the sub
iect, after two summers residence here we
are sure that pasturage for bees is very
abundant now, and that it will be growing
better every year, as The country is settled.
| There is not homestead where dozen
hives would not gather large sur
plus every year, and in every town many
bees may be kept, and gather sweets from
the surrounding country that are now ut
terly wasted. Let us consider the sources
from which this honey is to be gathered
There are several species Of willow which
afford early honey near creeks and streams
these we do not have on the prairie. Here
our first supplies come from the wild flow
ers, several varieties Of which bloom be-
fore the wild roses These are very rich
in honey, and bloom long time. Mus
tard and rape both are "coming in" on
many farms, and both yield much deli.
cious honey Then as the season advances
the bees will find much honey from the
fax which will be cultivated more and
more here, and is one of the very best
nlants for bees. 1t is estimated that $50
pounds of~honey may be gathered from
eyery acre of fax, and that without injury
to the crop Of seed. Then from cora las.
sells rich honey and pollen is gathered.
Not much buckwheat is now raised, but
that and clover will soon come as oul
farmers get settled to business.
But the fall pasturage here is wonder
fully rich! The golden rod, the wild sun:
flower and aster, with the purple gentiaa
and other seeds too numerous, to mention,
produce the richest honey until frost.
These worthless weeds, as they are now
will all be turned into a source Of wealth
! and comfort as soon as we procure tht
bees to gather them. We inte nd giving
hints as to the care of these valuable IN
sects from time to time, but can at presen
only advise every one to examine the sub
iect, and procure If possible . start il
bees" Beyond a little expense for hive;
they are selfsupporting, gathering what i
now wasted, and the time devoted to then
4 is never missed. A farmer once told "
4 that he came into town with two large
wagon loads Of corn, which brought hin