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THE AMERICAN BEE JOLkPiAC. 



Dec. 15, 1904. 



in some way. My "some way" is by advertising — letting the 

 people know the truth about honey. 



Again, the untrue statement that comb honey is manu- 

 factured — which was started in 1881 — still goes "marching on," 

 and is yet dealing its dreadful death-blows to the honey-busi- 

 ness. I believe the only way ever to "nail that lie," is for our 

 National Bee-Keepers' Association to advertise — give the pub- 

 lic the facts about honey for awhile. Very soon, I am sure, 

 the newspapers would "catch on," and the good work started 

 through such advertising would be kept going, so that in a 

 few years the evil effects of that misrepresentation about comb 

 honey would be counteracted ; and when that happy day is 

 here, there will not be enough honey produced to supply a 

 tenth part of the demand, and at good, paying prices to the 

 bee-keeper. 



Further, I would have our National Association to urge 

 bee-keepers everywhere to endeavor to get their local news- 

 papers to publish information about honey. The Association 

 could prepare such matter, and begin by getting its members 

 to use their influence to have it published as widely as pos- 

 sible. Then the bee-papers would undoubtedly do all they 

 could to have their subscribers do likewise. With such united 

 effort, who doubts that a great demand would soon be created 

 for honey — a demand that would take every pound of honey 

 produced, and at a good price? 



The satisfactory selling of honey that will naturally follow 

 the proper advertising of the same, presupposes a high-grade 

 article and suitable retail packages. Of course, comb honey 

 will ever be retailed by the single comb. E.xtracted honey, 

 whether in liquid or granulated form, must be in convenient- 

 sized packages. And all, whether comb or extracted, should 

 bear the brand or stamp of absolute purity, and that in such 

 a manner as to imply an undoubted guaranty of the same. 

 Once get it drilled into the heads of consumers that there 



is no such thing as machine-made comb honey, and that the 

 purity of the extracted article can be relied upon implicitly 

 — then there need be no further worry as to profitable prices, 

 or as to finding an outlet for your crops of honey, no matter 

 how large in quantity they may be. 



It is possible that a final and satisfactory solution of the 

 advertising of honey by the National Association may include 

 an Association brand. But I imagine a snag will be struck 

 here that, if not properly safeguarded, may cause more trouble 

 than benefit. I am not clear as to the Association brand busi- 

 ness. It might be a good thing. I don't know. Perhaps a 

 careful, competent committee to pass upon granting permits- 

 after examination of the credentials of an applicant would be 

 the best way to do it. But as there is no uniformity of grad- 

 ing on the part of producers, and no very universal agreement 

 as to taste or honey-flavors, this whole matter of an Associa- 

 tion brand becomes a very complex one. Of course the as- 

 sembled wisdom of this body may evolve something tangible 

 and adequate out of the chaotic condition that exists. If so, 

 we can swing our hats high with huzzas of victory. But let 

 us make haste slowly in this matter, lest our latter end be 

 worse than the first. 



In conclusion, I want to urge a thorough discussion of 

 the advertising of honey. It is worthy the best brain in our 

 ranks. It is also entitled to a fair trial, I think, provided the 

 Association's funds will warrant it. But I have no doubt 

 many who deal in honey would be glad to co-operate, and 

 surely every commercial honey-dealer in the land will be only 

 too eager to lend a hand — and also pay a few dollars annually 

 — in order to get the honey-advertising campaign properly 

 launched. For its beneficial results will be to all who have,, 

 for marketing, either few or many pounds of the sweet 

 product of the bees. George W. York. 



(Continued next week.) 



Conducted by Emma M. Wilson, Marengo, 111. 



The Chicag-o-Nopthwestern Convention. 



lam just back from the convention at Chicago, and 

 what a good time we did have. I thoroughly enjoyed every 

 minute of it. And to me the most enjoyable part of the 

 convention was the kindly spirit that pervaded, and the 

 pleasure of looking into the faces of so many old friends, 

 and meeting face to face so many that I had previously 

 known only through reading or hearing of them. 



Taking the convention as a whole, it was certainly a 

 very great success. The attendance was good, and the sis- 

 ters were not lacking, fully 10 percent, I should judge, being 

 women — wish I could give the exact number, but can not. 



I think those that were there were very glad they came, 

 and I am afraid that those who were not there do not realize 

 what they missed. It is surely a very great inspiration to 

 meet with so many enthusiastic workers, all anxious to 

 learn something new about the business, and willing to do 

 their part towards helping others. 



One in attendance said to me: "I think bee-keepers 

 area very unusual lot of people". So they are. In most 

 other pursuits, if there is discovered some new kink or 

 knowledge concerning the business, it is kept as secret as 

 possible. With bee-keepers it is so different. They seem 

 anxious to give each other the benefit of their experience. If 

 they discover a good thing they take pleasure in giving it 

 to the rest free gratis. 



It was a real pleasure — as it always is — to come in con- 

 tact with our Editor at a closer range than the usual 66 

 miles. As a presiding officer he is a success, and seems 

 always to be on the alert for anything that may add to the 

 interest of the meeting. A bright thought of his at the 

 present meeting took the form of a little paper tablet that 

 the brothers could put in their vest-pockets, and the sisters — 

 well, they are lacking in vest-pockets, and mostly in other 

 pockets, too — but these tablets were small enoujrh to be 

 easily carried in a hand-bag. They were to be used for vot- 



ing blanks, also for writing questions. You see, many of" 

 the sisters were too timid to speak right out in meeting, 

 but they could write their questions and have them discussed 

 on equal footing with the brothers. Very convenient were 

 these tablets, and thoroughly appreciated by all. Our Edi- 

 tor deserves a vote of thanks for the same. 



Now, I really wish something might be said to induce 

 more of the sisters to attend our next convention. Let's 

 have an attendance that will equal, if not exceed, that of 

 the brethren. I know you will all enjoy it, and, more than 

 that, it will do you good. Just try it and see. 



Thanksg-iving- and Good Honey Crops. 



Thanksgiving has come and gone. How many of the 

 sisters gave thanks on account of good crops of honey ?' 

 Tell us about it. 



A Report— Covering- Over Sections. 



Dear Miss Wilson : — As you have requested the sis- 

 ters to report the season's work and honey crop, I will give 

 my report. 



From 5 colonies I obtained 120 pounds of comb honey, 

 86 of white clover, and 34 of dark honey, besides about 20' 

 boxes half filled. 



Last fall I put away 12 colonies, all well packed and. 

 with plenty of stores. It was very discouraging last spring, 

 opening hives of dead bees, and one hive was stolen in the 

 night, fuse the Danzenbaker hive ; that is, about half of 

 my bees are in that hive, and half in the 10-frame Lang- 

 stroth chaff-hives. 



I would like your opinion on the best way of covering 

 sections on the hive. I use the Danzenbaker super with tall 

 sections, and follow his directions in covering sections with' 



