WINTER MEETING AT LEBANON. 225 



which, if you think worth reading to the Society, you can do so ; if not, 

 it will only be the loss of time you take while perusing this. 



I notice that in the Minnesota Horticultural society honey and 

 amber cane were discussed, and knowing that horticulturists all like 

 things that are "sweet and lovely," I suggest that this subject be intro- 

 duced and discussed. 



When we consider the immense quantity of sugar used in our day, 

 and the trusts got up to raise the price, it seems to me it is our duty to 

 endeavor to remedy the matter. A colony of bees on my place, num- 

 bering nearly one hundred, give us no little pleasure, and furnish us 

 with a luxury such as but few other things can. 



There is enough of sweets furnished by the flowers of the land to 

 supply the whole population, if we only increase the bees sufficient to 

 gather them. 



There are no doubt members of our society who can throw much 

 light upon this subject and stir up a spirit of honey-raising that will save 

 an immense amount of sugar-buying. Honey can be used in so many 

 ways instead of sugar that if its raising were gone into properly, we 

 •could, with the addition of Amber and a few other causes, defy the sugar 

 trust and keep millions of dollars in the country that now go to foreign 

 countries for sugar. 



It is now too late to give the plan for this season, but will state 

 that twice have I made syrup from the juice of both Early Amber and 

 Yucatan cane almost equal to honey. To ten gallons of fresh juice I 

 used about two pounds of pure yellow clay ; mixed the clay with enough 

 of the cane juice to bring it into the consistency of cream; then pour 

 it into the mass, stirring well. Let it stand eight to twelve hours, and the 

 sediment will all be at the bottom, and the liquid as clear as pure water. 

 Pour off carefully, and evaporate quickly. 



There are fine syrups made around us here, but I never get any as 

 good as the above was. The cane taste is entirely absent. 



Here we have two ways of supplying ourselves with a luxury that 

 speculators and sharks make it difficult for the poor man to enjoy, and 

 in these we have a pure article without any adulteration. 



To those who are very fond of honey, but who cannot get it, I 

 would recommend jelly made of Seckel or Bartlett pears. It comes 

 nearest to it. Of course, this takes a little sugar, but only one-half the 

 quantity usually required for jelly will answer for this. 



Bodily absent, yet in spirit I am with you. Wishing you all a pleas- 

 ant and edifying meeting, Yours fraternally, 



S. Miller. 



h r — 15. 



