FIFTEENTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK — PART VIII. 493 



recognize the value of educational work in other agricultural 

 lines and the bee keepers feel that they should receive the same 

 consideration. By following the plan above outlined no addi- 

 tional burdens will be laid on the general taxpayers. 



COMMON CAUSES OF FAILURE. 



When one goes into the apiaries in all parts of the state as an 

 inspector is compelled to do, he is impressed with the fact that 

 the standard of Iowa's professional bee men is a high one. The 

 crops they raise and tlie general showing they make is surprising 



Group of bee men at Strong apiary, Clarinda. 



when one considers how little attention has been given to the 

 development of bee culture in this state. On the oth^r hand the 

 standard of the mass of bee keepers is deplorably low. The 

 average production per colony is not more than 20 per cent 

 of what is possible and what reasonably should be expected with 

 proper attention. 



One of the common difficulties is excessive swarming at the 

 time of the main honey flow. Too often only one super is placed 



