52 



destroy them, however. Again, if meddlers hang around 

 the hive and tantalize the busy workers, as they turn 

 away, they often feel a "sting behind." "We learn by 

 this that it is always best to "mind our own business." 



STATISTICAL REPORT. 



There were two lots of honey presented for premiums. 

 One by Mr. D. S. Cowles of Hadley, contained twenty 

 pounds, and to him we awarded the first premium of two 

 dollars. Another by Mr. Joseph Root of Enfield, con- 

 tained ten pounds, and to him we awarded the second 

 premium of one dollar. Both specimens were extremely 

 nice, and looked temptingly sweet, securely enclosed be- 

 yond our reach. 



SYNOPSIS OF MR. ROOT'S STATEMENT. 



Mr. Root has tried several patent hives, but prefers 

 among them, Colton's patent. The chief difficulties in 

 keeping bees and managing them successfully, are — win- 

 tering them, getting them in a condition to swarm early, and 

 keeping them free from the bee-moth. Bees want plenty 

 of fresh air. They do not die from cold or frost, but from 

 want of air. The moisture in the hive freezes in cold 

 weather, and makes ice between the layers of comb, and 

 keeps the air from the bees. This happens oftenest at the 

 bottom of the hive. To remedy this evil, he vents his 

 hives in the middle, so as to let in plenty of air. Few 

 bees treated in this way will die, and the colony will be 

 in good condition to swarm early, if they winter well. 

 He has never lost a swarm of bees by moths in twenty 

 years' experience, keeping from teii to twenty swarms 

 annually. To keep off the moth, he planes or scrapes the 

 bottom board in the spring, and gets off all the cement 

 and comb that makes a lodging place for the eggs of the 

 miller. He also keeps the board clean, by daily brushing 

 during the spring. After the comb is covered, there is 

 no danger from vermin. He sets his hives in the open 

 air, without any bee-house of any kind. 



