Half a Crop—Golden Italians, Etc.
The common verdict regarding the honey season in this locality is but half a crop. A cold, wet and late spring left the colonies in such a weak condition, that were they not stimulated, they would have been in no condition at all when the honey-flow came. We had a splendid flow from honey-locust, although there were such high winds and continual rains during the bloom, that the bees could work scarcely a day at a time.
Right here I want to say one good thing for those golden 5-banded Italians, which race almost every one wishes to condemn. They were working almost every day, while the others did not dare venture out. This shows them to be very strong on the wing, but as to their superiority as everyday honey-gatherers, over the leather-colored variety, I am not prepared to say. For a hardy strain, long livers, and a business class of bees, give me uniformly marked leather-colored Italians, every time.
To return to our honey-resources: White clover was almost a total failure, as a severe drouth existed during the bloom, and it did not secrete much nectar. Smartweed was our main stand-by, with golden-rod a close second. They yield an excellent honey.
My style of marketing is three one-pound sections in a frame, for which I had no trouble in obtaining 60 cents. Extracted brings 12½ cents, although there is complaint of adulteration in our market.
Our bees are in fine condition for winter, and we have hopes for a better season next year.
J. C. Wallenmeyer.
Evansville, Ind., Dec. 17, 1893.