i6 First Annual Report 



through the aericultural press, because nearly all farmers are already con- 

 sumers, and utilize its economic properties; we cannot educate the masses 

 through the metropolitan and general press, because they collate their 

 reading matter with a view to interesting the general reader. 



The speaker said he could see no plan for carrying on this educational 

 work so feasible as to take advantage of the large popular gatherings — and 

 especially Fairs and Expositions — where pure honey can be exhibited to 

 large quatities in its most attractive forms. Not only should the honey be 

 exhibited and sold, but our beautiful and gentle Italians should be manipu- 

 lated on the grounds, to attract the people through their instinctive curiosity; 

 now and then a comb might be extracted and samples exhibited through 

 the crowd; this, too is a good opportunity to explain the process of granu- 

 lation of honey, and how to liquefy it. The primary lesson in the consump- 

 tion of honey can now be instilled on the public mind by having a quantity 

 on sale in neat, attractive packages, and of proper sizes for family use. 



By offering liberal premiums and encouragement for apicultural displays 

 the agricultural boards and managers are not benefitting honey producers 

 alone. Tfit be their duty to assist in developing the natural and possible 

 resources of our country, they certainly by every means should encourage 

 these exhibits. 



A few years ago, 180 tons of comb honey were sent to England; and at 

 the Royal Agricultural Show it was arranged in a magnificent pyramid with 

 a large sign "American Honey," over it, with the "Stars and Stripes" 

 hanging in graceful folds around it. This not only took first prize, but 

 created such s. furor that the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Royal 

 family came to the apiarian department in carriages to see it; alighting, they 

 came in to examine it, and sought information regarding its production on 

 so large a scale and in such tempting packages. A dozen crates of it were 

 ordered for the Royal table, and, from the Queen to the peasant, all caught 

 the enthusiasm. 



I was amused at some of the effects of this display that I noticed in 

 London. While walking down several of the busy streets, I noticed here 

 and there that a crowd had gathered and blocked up the sidewalk. Coming 

 closer, I found a cause of the excitement; show windows had been filled 

 with comb honey, and a card announced that it was American honey and 

 for sale at 2s. 6d. per lb. (60 cents ) They stood and gazed upon it, their 

 very eyes seemed rived to the spot — but no word was heard — 

 "It seemed as though they saw a miracle. 

 And for very rapture ne'er would speak again," 

 while their eyes feasted on the magnificent display of concentrated sweet- 

 ness from 



"The land of the free 



And home of the brave! " 

 Not until sturdy policemen came to tjie relief of pedestrians could the 

 crowd be dispersed. The order to "Move on; move on!" was obeyed, but 



...k^i,... 



