llf) 



The Canadian Horiicui.turist. 



>I1()L"1.1) 1 RLTl" C.KOWl.KS KHEl* MORK 1;I:KS? 



( )I" lung ago, I read an article in sonic newspaper, in wliieh 

 the writer statetl that a certain fruit grower was surprised 

 to find that in one corner of his orchard, in which were 

 l)laced several colonies of bees, the trees were heavily 

 'aden with fruit, while the trees more distant from the 

 l)ee-hives had set very s})aringly. 



Then he called to his remembrance the circumstance 

 that during the lime the trees were in full bloom, the weather was dull and foggy, 

 so that the bees flew but a very short distance from their homes. 



This remir.ded me that I had often heard my father remark that whoeve'' 

 would grow fruit abundantly should keep lots of bees, unless he was surrounded 

 by neighbors who kept them. 



At our annual meeting held in Hamilton last December, a city gentleman 

 stated that the fruit trees in his garden of rich soil were growing vigorously and 

 blossomed freely, yet yielded very little fruit. I felt at the time a strong desire 

 to ask him whether bees were kept in his neighborhood, but deeming him to be 

 a man of more than ordinary intelligence, I refrained for fear I might be sus- 

 pected of imputing ignorance. 



In 1890 the peach crop in Ontario was almost a failure, although there was 

 a fair show of blossom. During the time the trees were in full bloom, the wea- 

 ther was cold and rainy, which condition was very unfavorable for fecundation. 

 By the frequent heavy rains, the pollen was, doubtless, washed off the styles 

 without having the effect of impregnation. 



The fecundity of fruit-bearing trees is not always altogether dependent on 

 the instrumentality of bees or other insects, because, in clear, dry weather, the 

 wind spreads the pollen from one blossom to another, thus effecting the desired 

 operation. There are times, however, when the operation is chiefly jierformed 

 through the instrumentality of bees. Sometimes, when trees are in full bloom, 

 there are short periods of sunshine without rain ; then it is the bees seem to 

 work as if it was their only opportunity. 



Aside from being honey gatherers, bees arc of incalculable value. Some 

 fruit growers may not be fully aware of this fact, and that is my reason for calling 

 attention to it. 



Cataraqui, Out., March ijtli^ i8g2. 



1). Nicoi.. 



I'nKi.K roi.sONOU.s Plants — : The excellent article on this subject, wh.ich ap- 

 peared in our March issue, was written by I'rof. J. Hoyes Tanton, M.A.. of the 

 Ontario Agricultural College, ('iuel|)h, and unfortunately was not credited to him. 

 The mistake was wholly unintentional. 



