158 A B C OF STRAWBERRY CULTURE 



readers of this little book who are not acquainted with me 

 through our journal, Gleanings in Bee Culture^ may think it a 

 little unusual that an entire stranger should write in a way that 

 may seem extravagant, I may say, by way of apology, that 

 such letters have, during the years of my labors with the bee?, 

 strawberries, and other growing crops, been worth more to me, 

 a hundred times more, than the money I have received from 

 my work as a journalist, as a- bee-keeper, and as a market-gar- 

 dener. 



BEES, STRAWBERRIES, AND ETERNAL LIFE. 



Friend Root : You have been a friend indeed to me for ten years 

 (through Gleanings), and great has been the pleasure and considerable 

 the profit from this friendship, which I hope may increase until we may 

 meet together on this earth if possible; if not, in another and brighter 

 one above. I have followed you faithfully through your different chan- 

 nels of " what to do and how to be happy doing it ; " and although I am 

 employed at good pay, ten hours a day in a factory at my trade (die-sinker 

 and mold-maker), I utilize my spare moments in caring for my bees and 

 helping things to grow. 



The Honey Statistics for Aug. 15 doesn't seem to do our State justice. 

 If you will send me your cards I should be pleased to report at any time. 

 I am situated in the exact center of the State, as the town signifies (Mid- 

 dletown). From 13 colonies I have taken about one thousand pounds sur- 

 plus, 400 Ibs. of which is comb an average of 77 Ibs. per colony, and in- 

 creased to 19. Our honey is all from white clover, and all gathered in 

 June. The hive on the scales showed a gain of 10 Ibs. per day for three 

 days, and 9J^ one day. 



I have also been in the strawberry business, and you can't send me the 

 strawberry book by Terry any too soon. I have read all his books, and 

 am anxious for more, with the enthusiasm that goes with them. 



My strawberry-bed is composed of seven square rods, from which I 

 picked nearly eight bushels (250 quarts); market price, $37.50. I not only 

 supplied my neighbors with nice fresh strawberries at paying prices, 

 but have given a great many the strawberry fever, and now am 

 supplying them with plants and advice (I charge only for plants). I have 

 also raised 40 bushels of potatoes, getting $1.00 per bushel for 20 bushels of 

 early ones ; and, dear brother, this is not all I have received from your 

 teachings and example. I have received the pleasure and blessings that 

 come to one who strives to serve the Master, and do his will. I am an Ac- 

 tive member of the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor con* 

 nected with the Congregational church, of which I am a member. I thank 



