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we have for several years been observing. In meeting with the bee men 

 of different parts of the State and in talking with them at their con- 

 ventions, in studying the flora in different localities, and in observing 

 the markets, we have become convinced that Massachusetts is pecu- 

 liarly fortunate. 



Resources of the State. 



Vermont and New York are famous honey-producing States, both 

 from the size of their crops and the quality of their honey. In a more 

 limited area, Massachusetts combines most of the desirable conditions 

 of these States. For instance, in the Champlain valley of Vermont 

 the crop from white clover is superior and large. In Massachusetts the 

 Connecticut valley has a tangle of clover, and, what is more, it is sup- 

 plemented by fall flowers, golden rod and asters, which are excellent 

 nectar yielders. In this valley we are told that the flow is almost con- 

 tinuous from spring, when the fruit blooms, until the asters and the 

 golden rod have been killed by the frost in the fall. In the northern 

 part of the State is a belt of bass wood, which, too, is found in sections 

 of Vermont and in New York, and which is reported a heavy yielder in 

 Massachusetts. There is also a superior yield of raspberry, so prized 

 in Michigan. Looking to the coast, we find a flora peculiar to that 

 section. It is hardly to be expected that a good crop could be taken 

 from the sand of the Cape. Clethera and sumac, supplemented by 

 shore plants abounding there, produce, to our knowledge, a fine grade 

 of honey. 



Much of the State is under cultivation, where bees will surely thrive, 

 especially if there is orcharding and production of clover crops. Some 

 of the most delightful honey in the world is taken in the fruit belts, from 

 apple bloom. The first prize extracted honey at the Worcester Bee 

 Show, 1906, was from this source. 



Climate. 



The New England climate, sometimes looked upon as the great 

 hindrance to the industry, is not so bad, after all, if you are careful and 

 know how to manipulate. It does interfere with the nectar secretion 

 at times; but, on the other hand, is responsible for much of our fine 

 honey. The winters, by some, are supposed to be dangerous to bees. 

 But these are not hard to cope with if you will but take pains to see 

 that your bees are strong, and that ordinary protection is afforded them. 

 (Some hints of how successful bee men manage will be found below.) 



Market. 



In the peculiar condition of the market of Massachusetts there is a 

 mine for the bee keeper. In no other State is there the combination of 

 harvest and market which is to be found here. In a relatively small 

 area there is a mass of people who we find are hungry for good honey. 

 Here you have the key to a situation. Produce your honey, and sell 

 it close at hand. This is not sufficiently reahzed by most people; but 

 it is the future of the honey trade and the bee man's profits in Massa- 

 chusetts. Were you living in the west, it would not be possible for you 

 to dispose of your honey at home ; but here it is not only possible for 

 you to sell all that you can raise, but, with proper management, to buy 

 and retail successfully. In other words, you have in Massachusetts an 

 almost unlimited demand to fill, with a local crop at present limited. 



