314 



AMERICAN BEE JOURNAL. 



THICK TOP-BARS. 



This subject was mentioned with the 

 remark that it was believed by some 

 that these bars wouid prevent the build- 

 ing of brace or burr combs. It was soon 

 apparent from the remarks that all the 

 benefits to be derived from this style of 

 frame, in the judgment of the "old 

 veterans" presept, was to prevent the 

 sagging of the comb and its support, 

 which thus enlarges the space between 

 the top-bar and the super, and conse- 

 quently causes the bees to build their 

 "ladders." It was believed that the T- 

 shaped top-bar would perform all that 

 was claimed for the thick bar, without 

 the waste of valuable space, and the de- 

 barring influence on the bees in entering 

 the boxes so far remote from their brood- 

 nest, which must follow from the use of 

 the thick bars. 



The convention then adjourned until 

 1:30 p.m. 



Afternoon Session. 



The meeting was called to order by 

 the President, and the roll was called. 



The election resulted in the re-election 

 of all ofScers, as follows : 



President— M. R. Wood, of Cortland. 



Treasurer — T. T. Barrows, of Groton. 



Secretary — C. W. Wilkins, of Homer. 



stopping swarms with noise. 



The meeting opened for discussion 

 with the question, " Through what rea- 

 son is it probable that bees alight, on 

 swarming, by drumming on tin pans, 

 ringing bells, etc., if they do, as used to 

 be believed?" 



Some thought it must be through con- 

 fusing the queen and bees by the un- 

 usual noise until they would alight to 

 rest. Others believed it was the like- 

 ness to thunder, which made them be- 

 lieve a storm was approaching, and to 

 avoid a soaking and possible drowning, 

 they cluster to be prepared. 



tiring out the bees. 



This is the way Mr. W. Houglin fixes 

 them. When he is on hand, and a 

 swarm commences to issue, as soon as 

 a part of them are out he closes up the 

 entrance and tires out those in the air 

 before allowing the next installment to 

 come forth. He then allows a part of 

 those in the hive to join the truants, 

 when the remainder are again subjected 

 to close confinement. He next allows 

 the remainder to decamp. 



His theory is, that they will alight 

 when part are tired, and that so few of 

 a large swarm are not apt to abscond, 



provided " her majesty " made her ap- 

 pearance with the first issue. But as 

 the last condition is unusual, that point 

 could not be depended upon. 



Several other questions of varying in- 

 terest followed, closing with one on 



wintering bees under snow. 



"Do bees winter as well under deep 

 snow ?" was asked. 



It seemed to be the general opinion 

 from experience and observation, that 

 the less snow around the hives the bet- 

 ter for the welfare of the colony ; al- 

 though the point was strongly main- 

 tained that snow in very cold weather is 

 beneficial. 



At the request of Mr. W. Houglin, of 

 McLean, it was decided to hold the 

 spring meeting at his residence, upon 

 the call of the Secretary. 



The convention then adjourned, sine 

 die. C. W. Wilkins, Sec. 



Homer, N. Y. 



CONVENTIOJV DIRECTORY. 



Time and place of tneetirig. 



1894. 

 Mar. 15, 16.— S.W.Wisconsin, at Boscobel,Wis. 

 A. A. Arms, Sec, Hurlbut, Wis. 



Mar. 16.— S. E. Kansas, at Bronson. Kans. 



J. C. Balch, Sec, Bronson, Kans. 



Apr. 4 5.— Texas State, at Greenville, Tex. 

 E. J. Atchley, Sec, Beeville, Tex. 



!I^~ In order to have this table complete, 

 Secretaries are requested to forward full 

 particulars of the time and the place of 

 each future meeting. — The Editor. 



North Amsricau Bee-Keepers' Association 



Pres.— Emerson T. Abbott. St. Joseph, Mo. 



Vice-Pres.— O. L. Hershiser Buffalo, N. Y. 



Secketary— Frank Benton, Washington, D. C. 

 Treasurer— George W. York... Chicago, Ills. 



National Bee-Eeepers' Union. 



President— Hon. R. L. Taylor.. Lapeer, Mich. 

 Gen'i^ Manager— T. G. Newman. Chicago, 111. 

 147 South AVestern Avenue. 



Capons and Caponizing^, by 



Edward Warren Sawyer, M. U., Fanny 

 Field, and others. It shows in clear 

 language and illustrations all about 

 caponizing fowls ; and thus how to 

 make the most money in poultry-raising. 

 Every poultry-keeper should have it. 

 Price, postpaid, 30 cents ; or clubbed 

 with Bee .Iournal one year, for $1.10. 



