186 THE BEE-KEEPERS' REVIEW 



ested, a copy will be sent each of them also. I understand it is for 

 free distribution, and should be a valualjle addition to everv bee- 

 keeper's library, for sweet clover ranks as a splendid honey plant, 

 and is something that farmers as a rule know but little about. 



I have also had the pleasure of reading a circular written by 

 E. E. Barton, and published by the Bokahara Seed Co.. of Falmouth, 

 Ky., which covers the subject thoroughly, and is well worthy the 

 attention of anyone interested in this wonderful plant. This circu- 

 lar can be had free bv addressing the above named firm. 



California Prospects. 



On January 13th. ]\lr. ^I. H. Alendleson wrote me that they were 

 having a severe drought there, and that horses, cattle and sheep 

 were suffering. In fact, many were in a starving condition. Since 

 then I have received word that rains have arrived, and that the pros- 

 pects now are good for a part of a crop at least, with prospects 

 of an average crop if they get late rains. 



Historical Notes on The Causes of Bee Diseases. 



If you are at all interested in the "\\"hy" of l)ee diseases, you 

 should send to the Bureau of Entomology, Department of Agricul- 

 ture, Washington, D. C, for the book with the above title. It is 

 compiled by Dr. E. F. Phillips and Dr. G. F. ^^dlite, and gives a 

 comprehensive treatise on the work done by the various investi- 

 gators wdiose papers are discussed in the book. It is for free distri- 

 bution, and every bee-keeper should send for a copy. 



Winter Losses. 



The need of a proper system of gathering reports for the 

 benefit of bee-keepers is again apparent. I might "guess" on the 

 results of the past winter, but it would be only a guess after all. 

 Reports are conflicting. Some report an almost total loss, while 

 others have come through with hardly the loss of a colony. Indica- 

 tions are that the loss in general has been heavy. 



But to get back to the need of a system. We get a report from 

 a section which says "bees nearly all dead in this section.'' To 

 what does he refer ; to those kept by the farmer bee-keeper, or to 

 those belonging to the specialist? Sometimes the loss of the 

 former is heavy while the latter, the one who really produces the 

 honey which affects our markets, is very slight. Again, with but 

 scattering reports it is hard to get the truth. AMiat we need is a 

 SOLID report from the different sections, and this we will never 

 get except through a definite system for gathering such reports. 



This is another work that can be taken up by the National, and 

 I hope to see in the near future this very thing- done. AA'ith our 



