20 MONTANA EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETIN 442 



tions in need of attention. 



The fact that the productive territories of Montana are over- 

 stocked has been an aid in bringing these violators to justice, for 

 local commercial beekeepers have given the inspection service 

 cooperation and support in coping with this problem. Law enforce- 

 ment officers of the different counties have been very cooperative 

 in helping to bring offenders to justice. 



VALUE OF HONEY BEES TO THE STATE 



Montana produces nearly one million dollars' worth of honey 

 and beeswax yearly. Since sugar is still controlled, honey is in 

 great demand to help ease the sweet shortage. Beeswax is a valu- 

 able by-product of the honey industry, in war for the manufacture 

 of munitions, and in peace for the manufacture of polishes, greas- 

 es, waxes, dental impressions, and many other items which add 

 to the health and comfort of mankind. However, honey and wax 

 are but a part of the value of honey bees. Their most important 

 role is played in the pollination of fruit and seed crops. The value 

 of bees for this purpose is greater than is commonly recognized 

 in Montana and should be encouraged wherever bee-pollinated 

 crops are grown in the State. 



