30 EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 



When last we met we had with us, as for many years before, 

 the kindly presence and wise counsel of Charles Becker of Pleasant 

 Plains. Mr. Becker was an honored member of this Association and 

 had been our Treasurer for many years. His life was gentle and his 

 deeds were just and faithful, to him death came as a release from 

 long suffering. Knowing what he suffered, we cannot regret bis release; 

 but we can and do honor his memory. 



How far the offering by our j^oung manhood overseas of the last 

 full measure of devotion has touched our industry has not yet become 

 apparent. I suggest that measures be taken to compile a record, 

 that we too may have our roll of honor, and may testify our reverence 

 for their sacrifice, yet all our words must be poor and weak compared 

 with the splendor of their deeds. 



What's words to them, whose faith and truth 



On War's red touchstone rang true metal; 

 Who ventured life, and love, and youth, 



For the great prize of death in battle; 

 To him who, deadly hurt again 



Flashed on before the charges thunder, 

 Tipping with fire the bolt of men. 



That rived th' invader's line asunder. 



Since our last meeting another year of bee-keeping experience has 

 rolled around. To some of the bee-keepers of the State it was a year 

 of abundance, but to the vast majoritj^ it was a year of shortage due 

 to the cold spring and the early drouth season, and the cold and wet 

 fall causing the bees to go into winter quarter short of stores. But 

 the short crop of honey was offset somewhat by the high price of honey, 

 which no doubt was due to the sugar shortage, causing many people 

 to use honey. In fact the war may prove somewhat of a blessing to 

 the bee-keeper in the future as many have never before tasted the 

 "delightful sweet" and it will be well for bee-keepers to exert their 

 best efforts to produce more honey in order to supply the demand. 

 There has never been produced enough honey under normal conditions 

 to supply all who would eat it if they only knew that their health 

 would be better — their life pleasanter and sweeter— if they would add 

 to their regular daily "bill of fare" honey, that we bee-keepers produce 

 and offer for sale. When people once realize what a healthful food 

 honey is, there will be no further trouble about the price and a market 

 for our product. 



With the ravages of foul brood and the demand of the public 

 for honey, never was there a time, calling for the best in bee-keepers 

 and for better bee-keepers, to put forth their best endeavors to reap 

 the golden harvest. 



In conclusion I would urge bee-keepers to look at the selling of 

 his crop in a business way. Dismiss all enmity for your neighbor 

 bee-keeper. Such enmity has prompted many to cut prices year after 

 year until the local trade is ruined or demoralized to a point where 

 there is no profit in it. If you bottle your extracted honey figure 

 your time worth something and add it to the jobbing price along 

 with the cost of the bottles, labels, etc. Just as soon as you cut prices 



