126 DEPARTJMENT OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



Sugar, in the fall of 1917, was scarce, and, in many instances, 

 the beekeeper had no choice other than to allow the bees to 

 attempt to winter on the poor stores which they had gathered 

 in the fall. In January it was possible to afford the beekeeper 

 soft candy, which materially assisted in counteracting the lack 

 of stores and the poorness of them. The soft candy was sup- 

 plied through four distributing centers. 



The factor which caused considerable loss was the poor prep- 

 aration and protection of the colonies. In the fall of 1917, the 

 beekeepers were warned to protect their bees. Printed in- 

 formation was sent out to each beekeeper in the State. Most 

 of the beekeepers also had the recommendations of the United 

 States Department of Agriculture for packing bees which are to 

 be wintered out-of-doors. The inspectors and others have 

 noticed that those beekeepers who carefully prepared their bees 

 for the winter according to approved methods usually succeeded 

 in wintering them better than those who gave their bees no 

 preparation or protection. The results of the winter of 1917-18 

 should impress upon each beekeeper that outward protection 

 of bees wintered on summer stands is necessary. 



The conditions prevailing in the fall of 1918 suggests that 

 there may be a winter mortality resulting from short stores. 

 This year the stores are generally good, but rain during Sep- 

 tember prevented many colonies from completely satisfying 

 their needs. Of the necessary sugar for feeding bees 100 per 

 cent has been available through the Food Administrator. 

 Measures are being taken to provide beekeepers soft candy for 

 additional stores. It is hoped that the beekeepers will care- 

 fully determine deficiencies in the provisions of their colonies 

 and supply these in time to save their stock. 



Miscellaneous Work. 

 Corres'pondence. 

 During the year there has been an increased request for bulle- 

 tins. In the spring there was a widespread suggestion, stimu- 

 lated probably by the scarcity of sugar, that any one might 

 profitably keep a colony of bees and thereby supplement their 

 sugar supply. Such propaganda is unwarranted, and, as a 

 result, increased the correspondence. Beekeeping being an ex- 



