The Northern Pacific farmer. [volume] (Wadena, Minn.) 1878-1885, 1880-08-05

Races ofBees and Different Crosses.
Ever since the introduction of the
gentle and Industrious bees of Italy
by the great master, DR.. Dizierzon,
intelligent bee-keeperS of Europe and
this country have labored to improve
their bees as well as by introducing
different races.
1t is well known that great differ
enccs are found in productiveness and
disposition among colonies of the
same apiary, even when belonging to
the same race. We also know that
these differences exist among the
several races of bees. This fact being
established. the bee-keepers of to-day
will have to take advantage Of it III
trying to procure the most profitable
bees.
I will first consider the improve
ment with a certain race of bees,
which I believe to be Of the highest
Importance. When bees increase
naturally (that is. by swarming) the
best colonies will first be ready to
swarm, and rear young queens, which
will generally cross with the droncs
from other good colonies. as such
will naturally produce dcones earlier
and more numerous than less prosper
Gus ones. This is entirely different
when we do not allow our bees to
swarm and compel them to raise
queens; great skill and experience
will then he required to keep our bees
from degenerating; we ought, there
fore. to initiate nature. for it is only
in this way. by crossing between our
best colonies, that We can procure the
most profitable bee, and even improve
nature.
The Improvement Of our bees by
foreign races is another important
point we gain over nature, as we can
take advantage of the good qualities
Of the bees we import from distant
countries. and reduce qualities which
are not desirable. This will he &C.
complished by cross-hreeding differ
ent races, which will lead us to the
much discussed question. of which is
the best race of bees? In reviewing
the different races Of bees, I will try
to give their respective good and bad
qualities as they appear to me, and
with as few words rs possible.
will begin with the common black
bee, the native bee Of Germany and
England. which at present is predom-
inant in this country. This bee has
some excellent qualities. their queens
are long-lived anil hardy. and the
comb honey produced by them is the
incest in appearance that we get.
Credit is also given them for working
OH huckwheat better than Italians.
Next I will mention the Italian bee.
Their appearance is so well known
that I will omit describing them.
The Italians are now generally ac-
kn0wledged to he more industrious and
and gentle than black bees. In time of
scarcity they will work on flowers
which black bees will not notice.; in
consequence, they store more honey.
They defend their hives better than
blacks against robbers and the moth.
In handling them they are more quiet,
and do not leave their combs as blacks
do, which enables us to find the queens
much easier; the light color Of the
queens also aids us in this last point.
They have. however, one bad quality;
they cease brood rearing too early in
the season, and generally go into win
ter quarters weak in numbers.
The Cerniolan OF Kramer bees are
not much different from the common
black bee. they are little more gray
in color than black bees and are said to
be more gentle, hut their swarming
propensity is very great.
The Egyptian bee has been imported
to Germany, and after thorough tri-
al it has been found worthless for
honey production.
Lastly, l will mention the Cyprian