112 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [P. D. 4. 



sugar for feeding bees, without discrimination, when it is so 

 urgently needed for household purposes. It is estimated that 

 in some quarters of the State colonies yet need on an average 

 of at least 10 pounds of additional stores. How this is going to 

 be supplied is yet a question. It is hoped that the public de- 

 mand for sugar will ease before bees are actually starving, and 

 hence make possible the supplying of candy to furnish the 

 needed stores of the colonies. Whatever assistance is possible 

 will be rendered to the beekeepers. It is at present urged, 

 if possible, to secure damaged, spoiled, dirty or water-soaked 

 sugar from whatever stores possible, and even in small quan- 

 tities. This may enable the beekeeper to utilize that which is 

 not of service to the baker or household. The latest informa- 

 tion, however, indicates that the Food Administrator will devise 

 a plan whereby beekeepers may, in the emergency, secure sugar 

 necessary for maintaining their colonies. It should be remem- 

 bered, moreover, that there are two forms of candy suitable 

 for emergency wintering stores, — soft candy ^ and hard candy. 



Displays at Fairs and Expositions. 



As in 1916, the State Board of Agriculture exhibited at the 

 Eastern States Exposition, Springfield. This year a larger dis- 

 play of honey was prepared, in which it was emphasized that 

 there was more than one kind of honey; that extracted honey 

 was the more economical to purchase; and that the flavor of 

 honey varies with its color. The grading of honey according 

 to its color was also shown. The display included, moreover, 

 comb honey, beeswax and beekeeping equipment. 



In preparing the display the best honey produced in Massa- 

 chusetts was solicited and bottled. Beekeepers were also so- 

 licited for beeswax. Most favorable comments were made as 

 to the instructiveness and attractiveness of the display. 



In the forepart of the illustration (frontispiece) showing a 

 general view of the honey booth is a bee log containing a wild 

 colony as captured in the woods near Springfield. This proved 

 an unlimited attraction. 



'Apiary Inspection Series, Bulletin No. 7A, entitled, "Soft Candy for Bees," may be had 

 upon request. 



