272 ANNUAL REPORT 



In most of the states south and southwest of us, and in Califor- 

 nia, the crop seems to be a light one; and in the states east of the 

 Ohio, unusually light, owing to the extremely wet season they have 

 had, while we were having an extremely dry season in the North- 

 west. 



I have been requested to say something about the encouraging, 

 and the discouraging features of my business. 



As briefly as I can I answer. The most discouraging features I 

 have had to contend with have been winter losses, overstocked 

 markets, low prices, and difficulty of selling. 



Three times I have lost my whole apiary in wintering, to which 

 have to be added many smaller, but not inconsiderable winter losses, 

 and losses from spring dwindling which is only another name for 

 winter losses. 



I have followed my first impulse in naming winter losses as my 

 greatest source of discouragement, but my second thought challen- 

 ges the correctness of my first, and I am not at all sure but the 

 overstocking of our markets by California, and our neighboring 

 states, with consequent low prices and difficulty of selling, is much 

 the more discouraging feature of the two. 



The more encouraging features are that I find here a good honey 

 region, and I think the honey crop is as reliable as the wheat 

 crop. I also discovered that by careful management, I seldom 

 fail to obtain quite a satisfactory yield of honey in proportion to 

 the number of colonies kept. 



But I am making this paper too long, although I have tried to 

 condense to the greatest possible extent, and I must bring it to a 

 close and submit it to your judgment in all its crudity and imper- 

 fection, painfully conscious that all theories, plans and modus 

 operandi are to be tested by their success or failure; for failures 

 sadly discount the finest theories, while success alone can vindicate 

 their adoption. 



A letter about the sorghum industry, from Hon. Seth H. Kenney, 

 was then read by Mr. Miller. 



LETTER FROM HON. SETH H. KENNEY, 



OF MORRISTOWN, MINN. 



To the Secretary of the Minnesota State Horticultural Society. 



Dear Sir: Replying to your request to forward a statement re- 

 garding the amber cane industry for 1889, I report that we have 

 grown the finest cane of any latitude in the United States, the past 

 season; and the manufactured product is mnch sought after for its 

 purity and fine flavor. This, I believe, is largely due to our pure 

 air and healthful climate. I find the principle obstacle in Iowa, 

 Dakota, Wisconsin and Minnesota, has been the short seasons for 

 manufacturing, before heavy frosts. I have seen the products 

 from a great many factories, the past season, and our manufactured 

 products are much superior to theirs. 



