THE BEE-KEEPERS' REVIEW 303 



in the past and is one of much importance to the bee-keeping 

 industry. 



I believe that one of the best methods of reaching this class 

 of producers has been overlooked and entirely ignored in the past. 

 That method is through the institute work done by the state agri- 

 cultural colleges. So far as I know Michigan has never had an 

 institute worker in behalf of bee-keeping up to the present time. 

 Every year she sends a special instruction train through the state, 

 carrying exhibits as well as lecturers to talk to the farmers on 

 different topics. ^ly trip with that train this year demonstrated to 

 me that it was a splendid means of reaching the small bee-keeper 

 and of emphasizing the importance of the honey bee to the farmer 

 and business man. 



So I would suggest. Friend Chadwick, that to reach the man 

 in California who does not take a bee journal, that you take this 

 matter up with your state officials and arrange for a lecturer on 

 bee-keeping in the institute work. In addition, don't forget your 

 association of farmers' clubs, and if it becomes necessary I honestly 

 believe that a man can at least pay expenses to get up a good 

 lecture and travel from town to town giving lectures and demonstra- 

 tions in bee-keeping. The thing to guard against in these talks is 

 not to try to cover too much ground and also be sure that your 

 hearers do not get the impression that bee-keeping is a royal road 

 to wealth. In other words, don't attempt to influence every one 

 to keep bees. 



The Honey Crop This Year. 



The crop report blanks, which were sent you with the July 

 Review, have only partially been returned. In many cases it was 

 too early for the sender to give an estimate. This report is not to 

 be considered final, as a more definite report will be given in the 

 September number, but so far as they have been sent in up to July 

 30th, conditions are as follows : 



Throughout the eastern part of the United States, or the clover 

 belt, the crop has been a great deel heavier than last year. This 

 in spite of the heavy loss of bees last winter. Illinois, ^Michigan, 

 Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York [Maryland, 

 A^ermont, Xorth Carolina and Xew Jersey, have all had a heavy flow 

 of honey. From present reports the crop in Michigan will be only 

 about one-sixth more than last year, as the winter loss seemed 

 exceptionally heavy in this state. Canada reports an increase over 

 last year. In considering these reports we must not forget that 

 they are from the better class of bee-keepers, and that undoubtedly 

 a great deal more honey will be consumed in home markets, owing 

 to the fact that there will be no competition from the small farmer 



