42G BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [P. D. No. 4. 



to fill their hives with honey that common bees cannot 

 reach. Cross fertilization of the red clover by these bees 

 is likely to prove an important item, for which we are now 

 dependent upon the bmnblebees. The problem of "red 

 clover bees " is certainly worthy of attention on the part 

 of Massachusetts apiarists. 



In order to put bee culture on a secure footing in Massa- 

 chusetts, we need first of all a live and united association, 

 which shall reach practically every one who keeps bees in 

 the State. The purpose of such an organization wdll be to 

 stamp out brood diseases and keep them out of the State, 

 then to work hard for a few years to secure the general 

 adoption of modern methods and the maintenance of im- 

 proved stock. This should place the industry beyond the 

 reach of the bee moth, at least. The association may find it 

 necessary also to secure adequate legislation for protection 

 of the industry. Another need of the State is a model plant 

 at Amherst, and a strong course in practical apiculture. 

 This, Avhich we are glad to note has already made a begin- 

 ning, should grow to be the co-ordinating head and the 

 strong right arm of the association. It should l:)ecome the 

 centre in the State for needed instruction, for proper inspec- 

 tion and development of the industry, for all manner of 

 investigation and experiment, and, possibly, a depot for dis- 

 tribution of the best obtainable stock. 



While our subject is not, possibly, a cheerful one, still, 

 to be forewarned is to be forearmed. Most popular writ- 

 ings present the subject in all its most rosy lights, and this 

 ought to be so; for no other branch of industry has the 

 charm, the fascinating and absorbing interest which keeps 

 people young and happ}^ and tingles in the blood like a 

 veritable fever of delight, when once a mastery of the difii- 

 culties of successful bee culture has been attained. And we 

 have thus briefly presented some of its chief dangers and 

 difficulties, in the hope that more people may come to enjoy 

 its many " pleasures and profits." 



