THE AMERICAN APICULTURIST. 



109 



that, when a change comes andthose 

 who have more than self-interest 

 for an incentive urge upon the 

 masses of beekeepers the necessity 

 of more thorough organization and 

 systemization in order to protect 

 their interests, tliere is a vast deal 

 of opposition from those who have 

 heretofore had it all their own way. 

 The majority of beekeepers are not 

 fools and manj' of the most promi- 

 nent apiarists know that there is 

 great need of reform and we are 

 glad to see that many of them have 

 manhood and backbone enough to 

 say so and stick to it. 



In the past the journals have 

 had it in their power to guide the 

 old ship just where they choose and 

 it is not strange that they chafe at 

 the new order of things, but all the 

 silent contempt or open scorn and 

 abuse that may be heaped upon the 

 Apiculturist for taking the posi- 

 tion that it does, will not alter our 

 decision or change our course. 

 We have entered into this work 

 fully understanding that it meant 

 war and we are prepared to meet 

 whatever may come. 



All that we ask is that those in 

 whose interest we are working may 

 come out like men and stand by us ; 

 we need more helpers and feel 

 thankful that so many have come 

 to our support. If every beekeeper 

 would speak his honestconvictions, 

 the course taken by tiiis journal 

 would be endorsed and supported 

 more thoroughly and fully ; but how 

 many persons must wait until any 

 reform is so popular that their own 

 individual interests are in no dan- 



ger ere they will stand by it. We 

 are glad that all are not so. 



We hope that our readers will 

 take an interest in these matters 

 and send us all the interesting 

 items that may come to their notice. 

 It is for you to help in making the 

 Apiculturist interesting and in- 

 structive. We can only do our 

 part ; you must do the rest. 



We have decided not to give any 

 bee notes this month as we are 

 crowded for room, but will refer 

 you to those of last month and to 

 our Questions and Answers. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 

 Ed. of Am. Apiculturist : 



Our Sunday school were in need 

 of new books for their library. 

 ^Festivals of the ordinary kind had 

 been held during the winter, and 

 in order to appease the popular de- 

 mand for something new I pro- 

 posed a honey festival. 



It came off early in February, 

 and was a success. I had several 

 sizes of Jones' cans, and arranged 

 thein upon the table so as to make 

 a display. I also had comb honey 

 lying around loose and in fancy 

 paper boxes. 



There was comparatively little 

 honey eaten,- but several purchased 

 packages to take home with them. 

 And although tlie evening was un- 

 propitious and our church a small 

 one, enough Avas realized to place 

 about thirty volumes in the library. 



The exercises of the evening 

 were singing, readings, recitations, 

 an address by the pastor, and an 

 address upon bees and honey by 

 the writer. As the latter may be in- 

 teresting to you, I send it herewith. 



