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AMERICAN BEE JOURNAL. 



the diversity of soil, climate and atmos- 

 pheric coflditions. 



I am glad to notice that the professors 

 themselves are endeavoring to overcome 

 these diflSculties, by attaining more 

 detiniteness in this matter. We must 

 await their further investigations and 

 the adoption of a test which will be 

 " infallil^le" before we risk the money 

 of the Union oti the prosecution of the 

 scoundrels who practice the adulteration 

 of our sweet product. 



Another phase of legitimate work for 

 the Union is to make its influence felt in 

 legislative halls — in preventing unjust 

 enactments, which are sought in the in- 



No. 6.—" Well, I did run for once, but if 

 I ever try the bee-sting cure again you may 

 kick me from here to Jericho !" 



terests of rival pursuits, or those who 

 are ignorant of the advantageous service 

 of the honey-bee in the economy of Na- 

 ture. In this line the Union has already 

 done noble service, but that is capable 

 of much enlargement. 



Test cases, in every State, where suits 

 against bee-keepers for maintaining a 

 " nuisance," are desirable, and these 

 can only be obtained by an organization 

 like the Union, for the costs would be 

 too much for individua efforts in that 

 line. 



The " moral effect " of the existence 

 of the Union is something wonderful. 

 Lawyers, judges, juries, as well as quar- 

 relsome neighbors, are all influenced by 

 the fact that there is an organization 

 ready and able to defend the pursuit 

 against injustice and maliciousness. 



The strength of a body corporate is 

 wonderful when it is exerted in the de- 

 fense of a righteous cause. 



Organization is the " one thing need- 

 ful " to-day. Apiarists must learn to 

 act with and for each other. Then they 

 can make their influence felt! Then 

 they can secure "their rights," and 

 command respect at all times and under 

 all circumstances. 



In an existence of only 8 years, the 

 National Beie-Keepers' Union has gained 

 victories to be proud of. It has com- 

 pelled the Courts of the land to render 

 just and fair decisions in cases where 

 the keeping of bees was involved, and 

 has won from the highest Courts prece- 

 dents which will be pointed to as long as 

 " law and order" shall endure. Cases 

 are now common where judges " refuse 

 to interfere with a business which the 

 Courts recognize as legal" — that is, the 

 keeping of bees ! 



In preventing trouble, the Union is 

 just as successful as it is with a case in 

 Court. It is always on the alert, with 

 well-directed guns, and " keeps its 

 powder dry." 



The National Bee-Keepers' Union is 

 now under the fostering care of the 

 North American Bee-Keepers' Associa- 

 tion, and I trust that it will endure for 

 "the ages to come," and will bless all 

 coming generations. We must not take 

 the selfish view that as individuals we 

 are safe from annoyance, and may never 

 require its services in our own behalf. 

 We should consider that we are " build- 

 ing " for posterity, and rearing a " tower 

 of defense" which shall last long enough 

 to be used by our childrens' children. 



The Union's " Legitimate Work " is 

 to follow in the line already marked 

 out, and to grapple with any foe which 

 may hereafter present itself — forming a 

 "place of refuge " for the unborn mil- 

 lions of the twentieth century of the 

 Christian era. 



The Bee-Keepers' Union has already 

 won a glorious record in the defense of 

 apiarian interests. It is true its nuinbers 

 are not as numerous as they should be, 

 but the organization has made itself felt 

 in every State and Territory, either di-« 

 rectly or indirectly. If this has been 

 done with a few hundreds — what might 

 be done with several thousands ? If a 

 small company of " soldiers '' have thus 

 caused the rights of the pursuit to be 

 everywhere respected— what may be 

 accomplished by " an army " equipped 

 for War ? 



Rise ! for the day is passing ; 

 While you are dreaming on 



