86 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



Always use smoke in handling them, not too much, but just 

 enough to keep them quiet. Do not handle them immediately 

 after a long rain or on a cool day if it can be avoided. Do 

 not jar the hives or blow the breath directly on them. Handle 

 them carefully, and avoid crushing even a single bee, as the 

 odor of the poison angers them. Avoid being nervous and be 

 kind and courteous. By observing these simple rules a yard 

 may be kept quiet and orderly often for the entire season. 



In conclusion, I would say that I advise no one to embark 

 in this occupation who believes in luck, or that he can succeed 

 without hard labor and diligent study, but I know of no 

 branch of agriculture that, for the capital and labor invested, 

 pays as good returns, not only in dollars alone but in health 

 and vigor, and the knowledge that your occupation is a bless- 

 ing to your community, and that it brings you in close touch 

 with that Infinite Mind who has placed in your hands His 

 tiny workmen that wiU reward you according to your faith- 

 fulness. 



Secretary Ellsworth. I hoped that there would be great 

 interest in this bee session, for the committee thought it one 

 of the prominent subjects that should be brought forth and 

 discussed, not only because of the business of keeping bees 

 and making honey, but because of the importance of having 

 bees on our farms to fertilize the flowers of our various fruits. 

 Another reason why this subject is brought forth is on ac- 

 count of the bee disease that is prevalent in a number of places 

 in Massachusetts, and the committee thought it should be 

 fully discussed. The bee industry is of greater magnitude 

 than some of us are aware of. I had the pleasure of attending 

 several bee conventions this last summer, and I learned among 

 other things that tons of honey are being made and sold on the 

 market at a great profit. 



Question. Is there any danger of hurting the bees or the 

 honey by spraying fruit trees with arsenate of lead, etc. ? 



Mr. Stewart. There has been in 'New York State some 

 instances of harm and great damage to surrounding apiaries. 

 Of course the fruit men did this unknowingly, perhaps; but 

 it seems, if I understand the fruit question right, that just 



