The Portland daily press., 1877-11-27
Facts for Ree-Keepers.

The National Bee-KeeperS' Convention, in
session at New York, October 16 to 49,, 1877,
aware of the general lack of information con-
corning improved methods of agriculture and
its products, respectfully submit the follow
!. ing statement of facts for general information
concerning large source of personal and
national revenue in preserving the honey
which God has caused to flow so abundantly
in the vast and varied fora of our country:
1. 1t is only a few years since the inven-
ton of movable comb hives has opened up
new era in Bookkeeping, and placed it on
the basis of successful business pursuit,
Such hives, adapted to climate, furnish every
facility for intelligent management of bees,
by regulating swans, guarding against moths
and manipulating both bees and comb.
2. The invention of the extractor, or hon.
ey-slinger, machine which empties
combs by centrifugal force. without injury, so
that the combs may be returned to the bees,
marks another great step in agriculture
Thus virgin honey, free from foreign admix-
ture, is obtained, having the flavor of the
flowers from which it is drawn.
3. The further invention of artificial
comb foundation, made of pure wax, first
successfully used to large extent this sea-
son, completes the requisites for placing bee
keeping on the basis of a great industry in
our country. Bees receive this artificial
comb foundation with readiness as recpeta-
cal both for honey and BROOD
4. Simultaneous with the first and all of
these Improvements, the introduction of
Italian bees and improved modes of rearing
queens, of transporting and introducing
them to colonies, have greatly improved the
value of the honey gatherers, both because of
the superiority of the Italian bee and in the
Introduction of new blood. New blood pre-
vents the danger from in-and-in breeding.
5. The greatest drawback to agriculture is
the sting or the bee. Danger from this source
is now largely overcome by the simple ap-
planes used for the protection of the person
and for subduing the bees. The mostvicous
colony may be subdued in very few min
uteS.
& 6. To consumers of honey, few facts are
necessary in this article to preserve them
from imposition. Nice white comb speaks
for itself and is generally admired, but the
price many lovers of honey can not afford.
1t makes beautiful dish for the table but is
no better than extracted honey. All comb is
wax, and wax in the stomach is perfectly in
digestabe. Extracted honey is the pure
liquid honey as it is taken from the combs by
the honey-slinger, free from any foreign ad-
mixture. 1t is entirely different from what is
known in this market as strained honey.
Consumers help to impose upon themselves
by the false idea that pure honey will not
granulate. They desire ungranulated hon
ey, and dealers will attempt to supply the
demand. Almost all pure honey will granu-
late when exposed for some time to light and
cold. The granulated state is fine evidence
OF pure honey. Much of the jar honey here
tofore sold in the markets, and recommend
ed not to granulate, is very inferior article,
composed largely of glucose, or some inferior
substance. Granulated honey can be reduc-
ed to its liquid state in a few moments by
placing the jar in warm water. When thus
liquitied it so remains for some time tbefore
again crystalizing. Consumers may be sure
OF a good wholesome article by purchasing
granulated honey and reducing it.
Z. To producers, by full use of improve
ments in Bookkeeping, the honey crop of
America may be almost indefinitely increased
and become great source of national reve-
nue.. None need fear over-production. The
home demand and consumption is largely in
creased whenever people learn to know the
superiority Of such honey. Dealers in New
York have already commenced large export
trade, and they tell us that their only diff
Guilty is in procuring honey in proper shape
and quantity to supply the growing demand.
Trade demands that they be put up in nice.
attractive packages, and in small parcels or
jars, so as to be readily handled by grocers
and consumers. Honey was for centuries the
principal sweet known, and is the most
healthful of them all. Improvements in re-
filming sugars have within the last two or
three centuries led 10 its general adoption.
Why may not also new improvements in api-
culture restore it to its true place as gener-
al favorite, which was lost by bad manage
ment and the consequent corresponding
limited supply?
We believe that improvements in bee-keep-
ing, as compared with old methods, are not
less than those seen in railroads aud steam
boats, as compared with former modes of
travel.
For mutual information we would advise
the organization of local societies and con-
ventions to further this business among all
interested in agriculture.