248 ANNUAL REPORT 



in this way. Here in Minnesota we have an abundance, if we will 

 but use the means in our power to aecure it. Let us all resolve, 

 then, in going away from this meeting, that we will make more of 

 our opportunities and bless ourselves and others in the abundance 

 of the earth in this respect. 



Mr. Barret. I move that a vote of thanks by this society be 

 tendered Prof. Sanford for the interesting horticultural address 

 she has delivered this evening and that such be put upon record. 



Seconded by Mr. Wilcox and carried unanimously. 



President Elliot. We have with us this evening Prof. McLain, 

 I believe he is going to give us something in relation to bees. 



Prof. McLain then gave a very interesting illustrated talk in re- 

 gard to bees and their habits the following summary of which he 

 has kindly prepared. 



THE LIFE HISTOKY, ANATOMICAL STBUCTUBE, THE 

 HABITS AND INSTINCTS OF THE HONEY BEE. 



By Prof. N. W. McLain, St. Anthony Park, Minn. 



No department in natural history presents a wider or more fruit- 

 ful field for observation and research than does the department of 

 Entomology — that branch of Zoology which treats of the history, 

 structure and habits of insects. 



Insecta far out number all the other members of the animal 

 kingdom combined, and concerning the geographical distribution 

 of insects it may be said that no part of the earths surface is with- 

 out them, for they have been discovered in the Artie and Antartic 

 regions at the highest latitude reached and even showy butterflies 

 of several species enliven the dreary solitudes of everlasting ice 

 and snow. 



This is clearly shown by the report of the naturalists who ac- 

 companied the expeditions of the Alert and the Discovery who 

 found them almost up to 83 degrees north latitude. 



Evey department of natural history is full of interest, but the 

 study of those species of insects that dwell in communities possess- 

 es a charm which is sure to make an enthusiast of every patient 

 and painstaking student who observes their habits. 



From its singular instincts, its active industry and the useful 

 products resulting from its labors, the bee has from the remotest 

 times attracted attention and interest such as has been given to no 

 other class of insects. 



The patience and ingenuity of the naturalist have found an 

 ample field for exercise in the study of the structure, physiology 

 and domestic economy of bees; and their increase and preservation 

 have been the source of painstaking care and their reputed per- 

 fection of policy and government have been the theme of admira- 



