Lower coast gazette., 1913-04-26
A Neglected Industry.

The most Important "by-product" on the
farm is honey. The most useful insect known
to naturalists is a bee. The most neglected in
dustry in the entire country is bee culture. The
most profitable investment, all things consid-
cred, is that which equips a colony of bees for
service. Bee culture receives less attention
from lawmakers than any other industry.
The presence of bees on farm is of inesti-
mable value. They contribute more to the diff
fusion of pollen, thereby fertilizing all tree and
plant life, than any other agency. Clover, al
falfa and such other grasses produce a profit
able crop Of seed only when bees visit the bloom
in search of sweetness. that is to be developed
into honey. Melons, pumpkins, squashes and
runners of this class receive their fruit-bearing
qualities from the visitations of bees. Cucum-
bers will not produce under a glass, but as soon
as they are placed where bees can have access
to the blossoms fertilization results. Fruit trees
are rendered reliable bearers when bees are
plentiful. 1t is difficult to Innate the vast
benefits that accrue from the prevalenceofbee
Even the despised bumblebee is a most useful
adjunct to bloom fertilization. If bees did moth
ing more than to perform their mission Of dis
t~ributing the fertilizing principles of innumer-
able blossoms they would deserve more care and
protection than they now receive, to say moth
ing Of the value from the yield Of honey.
Like most insect life, bees have to fight a
deadly enemy. Foul brood, both the American
and European varieties, have gotten a strong
hold in all parts of the country and a vigorous
warfare must be Waged constantly in order to
protect what bees are now in existence. This
diseased condition has greatly discouraged bee
keepers and all of their efforts have failed to
arouse the people to action in an effort to pre-
vent the industry from humiliation.
Here in Iowa the Legislature has been APP
pealed to for assistance. While a bee inspector
in the person of Hon. Frank C. Pellet, of At
lantic, has been provided, yet he is without
funds to properly prosecute the work and he
has asked the Legislature to set aside a modest
appropriation to be used in connection with the
Department of Entomology at the college at
Ames. Through this department a successful
warfare could be waged against the encroach-
ments of foul brood, and when bee fanciers be-
come aroused to the Importance Of the industry
and to the ease with which the colonies can be
kept free from the disease when the proper
methods are employed, there would be a move
ment set on foot that would mean much to the
varied incentives that stimulate diversity and
interest in farm pursuits.
Bees are easily handled when their culture
has been properly studied. The housewife can
easily adapt herself to bee raising and man
agement and it will afford a happy diversion
from the dullness of ordinary household cares.
Boys and girls on the farm will find attention
to a few stands of bees a most profitable and
pleasant feature, and it will give them some
thing to do that will stimulate interest in rural
activities. The use of honey is increasing as
it's healthful qualities become better known.
It is far more beneficial as a 'sweet" than
sugar and the candies made from it. 1t finds
a ready sale at good prices. The bee industry
needs a fresh baptism of interest and enthusi-
asm.-Iowa Farmer.