Wintered Without Loss.—I packed 41 colonies and they are now all living, and nearly all appear to be in good condition. My bees are flying to-day. Many bee-keepers in this country have lost heavily, and are much disheartened. I hope to be able to make a good showing when I report again, say about May 1.
J. J. Roe.
Buchanan, Mich., March 9, 1881.
CONVENTION NOTES
Champlain Valley, Vt., Convention.
This Association held its winter meeting at Brandon, Vt., on Jan. 20, 21, 1881. Pres. Crane in the chair. Col. H. H. Merritt gave an address of welcome, to which Pres. Crane replied, stating the object of the meeting and giving a brief narration of the ancient history of the honey bee, and of its improved management in the present age.
Mr. A. E. Manum said success depended on the man and circumstances. The bee-keeper should be a person of even temperament—not easily excited—should be somewhat acquainted with botany; and recommended small section boxes, to hold not more than 2 lbs. Everything should be kept ready and in order. He gave an estimate of produce in a good season with Italian bees, and also a poor season like the past.