Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1918-07-16
Honey crop Could Be Increased.

About 100000, 900 pounds of honey are
produced annually in the United States,
California being the leading State in the
production of this sweet. Honey pro-
duction in this country could be increas'
ed largely-tsn to twenty times the
present yield-without an apprecia6le
increase in the cost of production, for
the raw material-the nectar in flowers
lis at certain times practically unlimit-
ed. To produce more honey We just
need more colonies of beed properly
managed. The proposition Is very
simple to state, but decidedly difficult to
execute. Successful beekeeping requires
a high degree of skill, special training,
and faithful, persistent attention to the
business, 80 any marked increase In sue
cessful beekeeping hinges upon educs-
tional work among present and prospeo-
tive beekeepers. Permanent courses ~
bsekeep ping are being introduced ID
agricultural colleges, and extension
work in beekeeping is now being con,
Quoted in many states. The umted
states DEPARTMENT of Agriculture 10
conducting emergency extension work
in selected regions, where consider
able increase In the honey crop may
reasonably be expected In the immediate
future.
Losses of bees by disease, principally
foulbrood, range during the summer
from nothing to 10 per cent. winter
losses of bees range from 10 to 10 pei
cent. and In some states the loss was III.
most so Der cent during the winter OF
lQi6.17. Winter loses may be greatly
rsdncsd by more careful attention. The
honey production business, commercisi,
iy, is getting more and more IN .os
hands Of specialists, because disease sno .
winter losses discourage many VINO axe
unframed and unable to prevent sne's
losses BY proper treatment.
Honey became established some years
ago a. seasonal product rather
Than a staple food for use Throughout
the wear. The bulk of the honey wss
produced by farmers a. side line, tns
hees we're given little attention and tne
bonsy was produced at little expense
the crop was marketed at low prices
duripR the autumn, and stocks were
/ nsually exhausted during the winter
There was little demand and practicsiiy
| no supply during the spring and summer
But honey is now handled In large We,
a staple food product through the 70
| fiueuce of commercial beekeeping, wnioi
has had rapid development In reoen
years. 49,. to,,s
Comb honey, In 1-pound secsions .
commonly retailed; extracted OF iqui'
honey. which has been removed iron
the comb; bulk or "chunk" honey, y
vhich the comb 10 more or less mike
With the liquid honey. From IVA =
1917 the production of liquid honey =.
inorsssed In proportion to the commel
oIsl output OF comb and chunk money
The bees are able 10 produce Q iafge
quantity OF honey II they are not CON
nelled TO build comb for 1t, ana wne
the comb 10 smptied and replaced 10 sn
hive the bees are able. In Periods .
heavy nectar secretion, 10 proceed in
msdiately to the storage OF more none!
The United States Department a.,
Aariculture has issusd Bulletin NO. oos
: .Honeybea and Honey Produdtion
the United States," which viii % fonn
lvalusbie By beekeepers and persons y
tsrested In bsekeeping. Several otns
bulletins On beekeeping have been ISSUE
bv the department and are available ss
Z distxihutiou.