^4 First Annual Report 



draw our own conclusions. Our only objection to the term bug juice is that 

 it prejudices the mind of the honey consumer, and leads them to believe that 

 it is worse than it really is. 



Webster tells us that exude means to dischargee as sweat through the 

 pores. And the American Cyclopaedia tells us that most kinds of Aphis 

 exude a sweetish substance (called honey dew), through a pair of tubular 

 horn-like processes. 



We take it then that the difference between the honey bee and the 

 aphis is, that one gathers from Howers and exudes wax and honey in the 

 hive; the other gathers from leaves and exudes honey in a spray which 

 settles on the surrounding leaves . 



And further. The fact that the Aphis does exude this sweet undigested 

 (not being required for its sustenance) proves that the sweet is in the leaf, 

 and the American Cyclopaedia, in citing the case says, "On the other hand, 

 it seems to be equally well established that somfetimes this liquid is exuded 

 by the leaves of trees without any insect being concerned in the operation," 

 etc. But we leave this subject. 



Notwithstanding our honey crop was a short one, we had good exhibits 

 at many ot our fairs. And at our Sangamon Fair, the best we ever had, 

 and we conclude that where the premiums are what they ought to be, there 

 will always be a good display. And if the premii!lm list is not right whose 

 fault is it ? We found the Board of our fair willing to place the premiums 

 just as our committee asked of them. I 



The Superintendent of the St. Louis Agricultural and Mechanical Ass'n 

 writes us as follows: "Will you please let us know of any measures which 

 may be taken at the coming meeting of your Association by which the pros- 

 pects of bee-keepers may be improved at fairs ? It is the wish of our Presi- 

 dent, Mr. Rolla Wells, and the directors of this association, to encourage 

 the apiarian industries in every way, and we shall be glad to have you point 

 out to us, how best you think we can meet you." 



Is not this plain enough so that he who runs may read ? 



One of the most perplexing questions that seems to be staring us in the 

 face is that of bee pasturage. And it is our opinion (oft repeated) that the 

 sowing of Alsike clover, when its value is more fully known, will go far 

 toward solving this question. We believe that as pasturage, or for hay for 

 stock, that they will choos-i it before the red clover. We can say that our 

 cattle, sheep and calves prefer and eat it cleaner, and apparently thrive 

 better on it than on red clover . The question that remains is, how can it 

 best be introduced ? 



We might go on propounding questions innumerable and touching on 

 other subjects which we hope to hear from through the question box, and 

 through papers that will follow, but we turn to other points . 



