The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1891-03-26
OUR RURAL TOPICS.
Some Practical Suggestions for Our
Agricultural Readers
COLOR OF HIVES

Hives should be painted different cOiors, ana
If possible every hive should differ in color from
every other hive. In a large apiary this should
not DO done, for there would not be colors or
distinct shades enough to make every hive
prominent
But in large apiaries there may be blocks"
Of hives Of one color; that is, number hives
may be painted tho same color. 1t may be asked
why an ariary of ten hives may not have all
hives Of one color if in large apisry there
may be ten alike.
In a small apiary color locates hive exactly;
in large one approximately. Ii is not claimed
that it is absolutely necessary to paint all hives
of a different color in a small apiary, but it is
proved that the distribution Of color is a great
help under some circumstances. Let US see.
There is no doubt that bees distinguish col
ors If IL were not so there would be no object
in painting hives different colors, except 20 or
nament the apiary. In every apiary there is
active work. either for profit or pleasure. IL
may he necessary or desirable TO change hive
TO some other part Of the aPiary perhaps, in the
middle Of the day, when part Of the colony is
in the fields.
If the hive moved be different In color from
that Of any other hive the returning bees will
find it quicker than they would If all hives are
alike. II, in an apiary Of ten hives, all differ
cnt in color the red be moved, the returning
bees will go TO il almost directly. II all hives
be alike the returning bees, searching for their
owu, must visit every hive, dying down TO the
entrance aud lowering over il like robber bees
but not aligh,ing tin they find the odor that
belongs 10 their hive
in au apiary Of one hundred hives III all are
OF one color, the bees may visit every one be-
fore they find their own; but If five or ten
hives be painted the same color, they need
visit only those Of the same color as their own.
Aud it must be admitted that the use Of color
adds TO the picturesque beauty Of the apary,
whether the hives DO all different, rs i'm q small
apiary, or whether there be groups Of solid col
orS, as in a large apary. Further an apiary
thus arranged has more attraction for the
buyer.
The spreading or massing color pleases the
eye Of everyone, and more good 10 man is pro-
duecd by color than many suppose. At all
events hives must be painted Tor the sake Of
economy aud il costs no more 10 paint In color
than in white. But IL you do not paint in col
ors, or IL you paint in one color, do not paint
in white, for glariGg white in the hot sun is an
eye irriiant.-George 4. R0cl1rcli IN dmerioaa
Farm Ners
SUGAR BETS AND GRAPE DISEASE.
Two bulletins will shortly DO issued by the
United States Department Of Agriculture of
special interest to beet and grape growers.
The beet bulletin presents i'm a condensed form
the data in possession of the Department con-
corning which the most frequent inquiries arc
made by persons desiring 10 grow sugar beets.
IL will review briefly the climatic conditions
favorable 20 tho growth Of the sugar beet tho
81 Nr..eH. - lt
the varieties soil, fertilizers, rotation, preTa-
ration Of the land, planting, and all the details
OF culture up 20 aud including the harvesting
aud delivering the sugar bects at the factory.
Estimates are given of the cost OF growing
sugar bccts in various parts Of this country and
OF other countries. The production of seed,
20 the scientific methods Of which pursued in
foreign countries is chiefly due the cxtraOrii-
nary increase in the sugar content Of tie beat
which now makes 10 so profitable crop, IS
given a special chapter. The bulletin contains
also some suggestions and information in regard
10 the manufacture Of sugar Of a nature To DO Of
interest 10 all growers Of this crop aud some
statistical information showing the comparative
Development Of the cane and beet sugar in
dgstrcs, together with the consumption Of
sugar per head in the principal countries dur
ing the year 1859, aud a special table showing
the consumption in the United States. There
are several illustrations presenting the various
implements best adapted 10 the culture OF the
sugar beet The bulletin will be very brief,
thoroughly practical in ITS character, aud will
be issued IS Farmers Bulletin No. 3, Of the
United States Department Of Agriculture.
Applications should be made 10 tho Secretary
OF Agriculture or 10 the Chemist Of the United
States Department Of Agriculture, Washington,
ID. Q.
For thrco years or more the United States
Department Of Agriculture has been engaged
10 the investigation Of grape diseases the Oh
icct being % discover II possible, cheap practi-
cal and efficient Tcmed q for such troubles as
d0Wuy and ppwdcry milacw, black rot, anthrac-
nose, etc, aRd its Investigations will be pub-
l-hcd IN Farmers Bulletin No. L. A means
ofpTeyCnting all Of these diseases has been dis
covered and now thousands OF grape growers
all over the country are saving crops which "a
few years ago were totally lost. IL gives full
. directions Tor treating these diseases. 10 also
describes the diseases in such q way that any
grape grower viii be able 10 recognize them,
aUd closes with iull directions for mauufactur-
iag the remedies aud an estimate Of the cost Of
the entire work.