W. M. Kellogg, Oneida, Knox Co., Ills.
A Mr. Abbot, of Wakeman, O., uses leather instead of Quilts. He says the leather is cheaper and does not rattle or stick. He fits them tight on the top of frames and they did not mould last winter and the bees wintered better than under quilts or tight frames. My bees in my hot-house when it has been warm enough for them to fly (no fire as yet) readily find their way back to their own hives, while those on their summer stands (though protected on the top and north sides) died by hundreds if not thousands on the snow as they lit and fell on it last week.
T. L. Waite, Berea, O. Feb. 4th. ’75.
We had an intimation some time ago that Mr. Abbot had a remedy for propolis, above the frames. Leather being porous, might do very well, but will it not kill bees when pressed down on them? Again, can we get a piece that will cover a hive for the price of a quilt, and what kind of leather is best? Mr. Abbot claimed that he had some valuable information to sell, on the subject. We presume most of you have discovered that those who claim to be possessed of valuable information, not to be found in books, are generally somewhat of a fraud; never mind friend Abbot, if you have by experimenting got hold of something valuable, bring it along. We will pay you for your time and trouble.
I had to-day to open the entrance full size to almost all hives. Bees keep up a lively hum and are carrying in loads of pollen equal to spring work. Considering your mortality from disease and cold in the North and your continual trouble and anxiety, I think we have far the advantage of you.
I lost one very weak swarm this winter by robbers. This is by far the worst enemy I have to contend with.
J. B. Ramsey, Abbeville, La. Jan. 21st, ’75.
And with your advantages, friend R., why do you not build up larger Apiaries, and raise honey by the car load as do our friends in California? We can imagine the smile of relief that would spread over the faces of some of our readers, had they no worse trouble than robbers to contend with.