452 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



acknowledged parent. The price for women's work was so low — down among 

 nickels and pennies, like the money in a church contribution-box — that help could 

 not be obtained here. She must seek relief elsewhere, and she timidly knocked at 

 the door of the bread-winners. Her reception was not cordial, but in she came, 

 and took her place at the case in printing offices, at the book-keepers' desk, always 

 ready to take advantage of any opening in the ice floe around her, and finally sail- 

 ing into the pulpit and rostrum. 



An instance of woman's ability to do mechanical work occurred lately at an 

 organ factory. The men complained to the proprietor that the women had spoiled 

 the instruments. They were silenced by the wily manufacturer, who assured them 

 that in their absence he had exchanged their work, and that the instruments they 

 complained of being spoiled hj women were -made entire by themselves. 



Women are now on the qui vive to obtain employment to be performed in the 

 seclusion of their own homes, and in the fresh air and sunshine, which means life 

 to many. She is especially adapted to the rearing of plants, flowers, and small' 

 fruits ; she is an adept in rearing the downy chicks, and is now occupying front 

 rank as a producer of honey and wax by the culture of the honey bee. The time 

 is not far di^ant when she will be arrayed in robes of her own production, by the 

 cultivation of silk worms. 



It is an old saying that " He is a benefactor to his race who causes two blades 

 of grass to grow where only one grew before." There is satisfaction in being a 

 producer, adding to the wealth of the country and the world. The production of 

 honey and wax saves to the world a healthful sweet, which would soon have 

 passed away, benefiting no one. 



The adaptability of woman to and her interest in bee cultui-e is manifest in the 

 presiding officer of this State convention. It is owing in a large degree to her in- 

 defatigable pluck and energy that so many of us are here to-day, many States being 

 represented. She put aside excuses and regrets with a magic wand, and, woman- 

 like, had the last word, but worked early and late to accomplish the desired end. 

 Many women have been and are successful apiarians. Mrs. Tupper's name is 

 familiar to nearly every bee keeper in the land, and the largest honey producer in 

 Illinois in 1882 was a woman. But the road is broad enough for us all to travel 

 therein, brothers and sisters, without jostling each other. And, "wishing each of 

 you, individually, the fullest measure of success, and hoping for a cordial coopera- 

 tion for the good of our fraternity. I extend to each and all of you" the right hand 

 of fellowship. 



On motion, Mrs. Harrison was made an honorary member. 



Mrs. Noe, President of the State Fair Association, being present, was invited to 

 address the convention, and responded as follows : " I stand before you as a repre- 

 sentative of a society coming to the front as fast as this Bee Keepers' Association. 

 As President of the State Fair Association, many of you know that some seven 

 years ago we began in a small portion of the Exposition building, and for two 

 years it was recognized by our worthy State Board of Agriculture, and had one of 

 its members as superintendent. They have come to the conclusion that women 

 were capable of carrying on that themselves, and year by year they have shown us 

 more confidence, giving us every opportunity to bring the women of the State, in 



