64 Missouri Agricultural Report. 



separate times ; still others have their stamens in one flower and the 

 pistils in another. Thus we see conditions brought about requiring 

 the aid of animate or inanimate agencies for perfect poUenization of the 

 flowers before seed and fruit can be produced, and of all animate 

 agencies the honey bee is most important ; the only one that is profitable 

 outside the work of pollination. 



"When we fully understand that this work of poUenization in most 

 of our cultivated fruits is performed principally by animate agencies, 

 then can we see the necessity of properly paring for the honey bee, and 

 the advantages to be derived by increasing their numbers. It is to be 

 hoped that this important subject will receive more attention in the 

 future than it has in the past. 



In concluding my work I wish to say that I have to the best of my 

 ability endeavored to carry out the Avork of inspection and education 

 along lines I thought best to further the interests of apiculture, and to 

 educate the public to the importance of the industry. 



I have had more work than I could possibly do, so have worked 

 overtime to try to meet the demands for my service. In so doing, I have 

 donated a great deal of time to this work after the funds for this work 

 were exhausted, and have made many trips and paid my own expenses, 

 but the kind words and warm hands received along the way have made 

 me feel amply repaid. They have helped to lighten some of the labors 

 and smooth over some of the rough places. 



I entered upon this work with a love for the industiy and a desire 

 to see its full merits brought to the attention of the public; and I hope 

 that I have done enough, at least, to drive from the mind of any member 

 of your honorable body any possible thoughts that the Bee Industry is a 

 foreigner to your work, and a "stinger" on your hands. And further- 

 more, that when you come to knoAV it well, this collector and disseminator 

 of sweets is a true heir in your great farm family, one whose life work 

 beats in harmony with the great pulse of Rural activity ; one who makes 

 a modest claim of performing an important part in the economy of 

 modern agriculture ; and I sincerely hope that your honorable body will 

 see fit to include in your recommendations for appropriations a sum 

 sufficient to properly carry on this work. 



Respectfully submitted, 



M. E. Darby, Inspector. 



