1883.] BEE-KEEPING. 149 



To a person unacquainted with the large honey resources of our 

 farms and waste lands, the figures may seem greatly exaggerated. 

 I am candid when I say I believe they are under estimated. As 

 taken from statistics the annual production of surplus honey in 

 the United States is one hundred million pounds, equal to fifty 

 thousand tons, which at ten cents per pound would be ten million 

 dollars. 



Our annual export of honey amounts to one million two hun- 

 dred thousand dollars, and is constantly increasing. We have the 

 credit of producing the best in the world. When in Copenhagen I 

 ordered a sample of the best honey in market in order to compare 

 it with ours in America. Imagine my surprise to discover by the 

 label that it was American honey. It is needless to remark that 

 it was of the first quality. The wax product annually amounts to 

 six million dollars. Capt. Hetherington, of Cherry Valley N. Y. 

 in one year sold from his apiary over twenty seven tons. I 

 mention these facts merely to show what undeveloped resources 

 are afforded us in connection with agriculture. There is hardly 

 a field or hill but what contributes abundance of this greatest of 

 luxuries, which, when gathered and properly stored, will always be 

 a cash commodity in the market. You farmers really have 

 only to reach out your hand and take it. I say farmers for the 

 reason that they seem more favorably situated for the occupa- 

 tion, being s^irrounded by all that is essential to success and 

 supposed to be always at home during the busy season. 



To me the surroundings of a farm-house are very incomplete 

 without its stands of bees. These indicate thrift. A person's 

 success in apiculture indicates that he has the qualities to succeed 

 in almost anything. Why is there not more attention given to 

 this branch of industry, when there are so many points in its 

 favor; some of which are: 



First. When judiciously managed the profits are great com- 

 pared with the capital. 



Second. It requires no outlay in fields, for pasturage, as no 

 fences or division lines limit the bounds of their forage ground. 



Third. They are voluntary in their services, requiring no task- 

 masters. I am sorry to add that their industry costs them their 

 lives. 



Fourth. The little care and attention required, usually, can be 

 given, in odd moments and fractions of time. This will be a 



