Fred M. Hart.
Traver, Calif.
A Little Experience with Bees.
Bee-keeping has about "gone to seed" in this part of the country. If a person undertakes to keep bees on modern principles, he is considered a crank. They think "pa" knew it all. "Pa" kept 15 or 20 colonies, and would get 20 or 25 pounds of honey from one colony. "Pa" would take care of his bees; he would put little blocks or nails under each corner of the hive, and then moths would not bother them!
I have read Quinby's book, "A B C of Bee-Culture," Gleanings for two years, the Bee Journal for one year, also "Bees and Honey," and with my practical experience, I feel that I am just beginning to learn my A B C's.
My experience is not very extensive. I ran one colony this year for increase, and made 10 colonies from it, and they only cast one natural swarm. I got the idea of artificial increase from "Bees and Honey." That alone has been worth ten times the price of the Bee Journal to me. Those 10 colonies of bees could not be bought for $20. People will say "times are too hard—I can't spare the money."
I can't close without telling how much I enjoy "In Sunny Southland." That alone is worth the price of the paper. Long live the American Bee Journal!
C. L. Doyle.
Fayette Corners, Tenn.