THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST. 



59 



and our motives have been too often 

 misjudged because we claimed that 

 we could not depend upon the 

 dealer in supplies, who published 

 journals, to give these matters 

 proper attention. 



If those of our readers who are 

 acquainted with tbe literature of 

 apiculture, will look back and re- 

 view its history, they will find, in 

 far too many instances, that the 

 great object has been to dispose of 

 beekeeping supplies, regardless of 

 other and greater interests. 



Can we justly ask those who are 

 dependent upon the sale of those 

 supplies, to state facts through 

 these journals that would curtail, 

 and perhaps injure their supply 

 business ? 



No! and in view of this, it is 

 plain and conclusive that the good 

 times, and the relief that comes to 

 apiculture, must come through a me- 

 dium that is free to speak frankly 

 and openly any truths, that should 

 be made public. 



In order that such a medium 

 exist, each beekeeper must become 

 individually interested in it. It 

 cannot stand alone, and must be 

 supported by the united efforts of 

 the entire beekeeping fraternity. 



For over two years we have 

 shown through the" Apiculturist," 

 that there could be a journal pub- 

 lished, that would fully represent 

 the welfare of those whose interests 

 are involved. 



The work for which this journal 

 was instituted is only just com- 

 menced. We have rich treats in 

 store for our readers, and valuable 

 plans to put in operation ; but this 



takes funds, and while our sub- 

 scription list is steadily increasing, 

 yet we want our readers to take 

 hold just as though they realized 

 that the work was their own, and 

 help to increase our list. 



In order that you may be remu- 

 nerated for this, we have made 

 some very liberal offers and if you 

 wish, we will send you some of our 

 little "Companions," for distribu- 

 tion among your neighbors. 



We feel at liberty to urge you to 

 help us in our work (by obtaining 

 subscriptions), because we, in re- 

 turn, are devoting our whole time 

 and attention to your interests. 



But we would not neglect to ad- 

 vise our readers, regarding the 

 coming season's work. Remember 

 that the less you handle your bees, 

 and yet accomplish all that is nec- 

 essary, the better will be the re- 

 sults. 



While it is advantageous to stim- 

 ulate bees at a proper time, and in 

 a proper way, yet it is not advisa- 

 ble to force them to breed too rap- 

 idl}^, before they can fly without 

 too much loss ; also we are liable 

 to have extreme changes in early 

 spring ; and if there is more brood 

 than the bees can care for, it is li- 

 able to be deserted and chilled, 

 which is disastrous. 



In all the management of our 

 colonies, we should follow as nearly 

 as possible the natural laws which 

 govern the bees, and their habits, 

 a,nd only diverge from them, when 

 'absolutely necessary. 



Just as soon as convenient, clear 

 up around your colonies (if they 

 are on the summer stands) and 



