The Osceola times. [volume] (Osceola, Ark.) 1870-current, 1877-12-01
AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT.
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The national bec-keepers convention,
in session at New York, Oct. 16 10 19,h,
1877, aware Of the general lack OF infor-
nation concerning improved methods OF
agriculture and its producta, respectfully
submits the following statement OF facts
for general information concerning a
large source of personal and national
revenue in preserving the honey which
God has caused TO flow 30 abundantly IN
the vast and varied fora of our country !:
1t is now only few years since the
invention OF movable comb hives has
opened up new era in bee-keeping, aud
placed it on the basis OF successful
business pursuit. Such hives, adapted
TO climate, furnish every facility for in
telligent management of bees by regu-
lating swarmipg, guarding against moths,
and manipulating both bees and comb.
The inventors of the extractor or
honey singer, machine which empties
the honey from the 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 adj
mixture Is obtained, having the flavor Of
the Hover from which II is drawn.
The further invention of artificial
comb foundation, made of pure wax, first
successfully used to a large extent this
season, completes the requisites for plac.
ing Bookkeeping on the basis OF a great
industry in our country. Bees receive
this artificial comb foundation with
readiness as receptacles both for honey
and brood.
Simultaneous with the first and all OF
these improvements, the introduction OF
Italian bees and improved modes of rear
ing queens, of transporting and intro
ducing them to colonies, has greatly
improved the value of the honey gath.
erers, both because of the superiority OF
the Italian bee and the introduction OF
new blood. New blood prevents the
danger from in-and-in breeding.
The great drawback to agriculture ID
the sting of the bee. Danger from this
source is now largely overcome By the
simple appliance used for the protection
of the person and for subduing the bees.
The most vicious colony may be subdued
in very few minutes.
To consumers of honey, a 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 cannot
afford. It makes a beautiful dish fer the
table but it is no better than extracted
honey. All comb is wax, and wax in the
stomach is perfectly indigestible. Elk.
tracted honey is pure liquid honey as it
is taken from the combs by the honey
singers, free from any foreign admixture.
1t is entirely different from what is known
in tire market as strained honey. Con-
sumers help to impose upon themselves
by the false idea that pure honey will
not granulate. They desire ungranu-
lated honey and dealers will attempt to
supply the demand. Almost all pure
honey will granulate when exposed for
some time to light and cold. The gran.
ulated state is a fine evidence of pure
honey. Much of the jar honey hereto
fore sold in the market, and recommended
not to granulate, is a very inferior article,
composed largely of glucose or some
inferior substance. Granulated honey
can be reduced to its liquid state in a
few moments by placing the jar in warm
water. When thus liquifed It so remains
for some time before again crystaliziDg.
Consumers may be sure of good whole
some article by purchasing granulated
honey and reducing it.
To producers. By full use Of improve
ments in bee-keeping, the honey crop Of
America may be almost indefinitely
increased and become a great source Of
national revenue. None need fear over.
production. The home demand and
consumption is largely increased when
ever people learn to know the superior
ity OF such honey. Dealers in New York
have already commenced large export
trade, and they tell us that their only
difficulty is in procuring honey in proper
shape and quantity to supply tho grow
ing demaud. Trade demands that they
be put up in nice, attractive packages,
and in small parcels or jars 30 as TO be
readily handled by grocers and consum-
crs Honey was for centuries the prin-
cipal sweet known, and is one Of the
most healthful of all. Improvement In
refining sugars have within the last two
or three centuries led TO Its general adop'
ton. Why may not also new improve
ments in agriculture restore it to its true
place as general favorite which was lost
by bad management and the consequent
corresponding limited supply?
We believe that improvements in bee
keeping as compared with old methods
are not less than those seen in railroads
and steamboats, as compared with former
modes of travel
For mutual information We would
advise the organization of local societies
and conventions to further this business
among all interested in agriculture.