Texas Beekeeping. 135 



them much of value. It frequently happens, also, not only to the 

 younger inexperienced, but even those advanced in years, that they 

 will gain knowledge of little things that they can turn to good account 

 in their operations. 



One of the most pleasurable ways in which these educational fea- 

 tures may be enhanced is by holding what is termed "field meet- 

 ings. ' ' These gatherings are usually at some centrally located apiary, 

 where beekeepers from the surrounding territory assemble for the 

 purpose of social enjoyment and educational benefit. It is not a 

 necessary condition precedent to good results that these meetings 

 shall be attended by a large number of beekeepers. Even if there 

 are only a few of them in the territory, much may be accomplished 

 by such gatherings. It is hoped that such field meetings will be en- 

 couraged in the various parts of this State. These being generally 

 held, woiild mean much for the betterment of apieultural conditions, 

 both from a financial and a social standpoint. 



beekeepers' associations. 



Another important matter is that of attending beekeepers' conven- 

 tions. They are of utmost importance, for there is no other place at 

 which the various subjects, in which beekeepers are interested, can 

 be threshed out so satisfactorily. There is not only submission, dis- 

 cussion and dissemination of knowledge pertaining to keeping bees 

 and the production and marketing of crops of honey, but there is 

 afforded opportunity to formulate co-operative action, that can be 

 later carried into effect to the great advantage of all concerned. 

 Conventions, too, mean the forming of associations; associations 

 mean organization and organization means greater certainty of suc- 

 cess. It is hoped that we may find beekeepers' associations more 

 common in the large fields in this State. For some reason the in- 

 terest has waned in this respect during the last few years. Whereas 

 there were as many as eight different beekeepers' associations ten 

 years ago, there are only two active associations now. The Texas 

 Beekeepers' Association, which is the State association, is the larger 

 of the two. Its regular annual meetings are held at College Station, 

 Texas, during the time of the meeting of the Texas Farmers' Con- 

 gress, of which it is an affiliated section. The meetings are generally 

 held during the summer vacations of the College— a most suitable 

 time, since the student rooms in the various dormitories can be used 

 for those in attendance, free of any cost. It is also possible, with the 

 large mess hall facilities, to take care of the large numbers in at- 

 tendance, at a nominal cost for meals. It is hoped that greater in- 

 terest will be shown during coming years in increasing the attend- 

 ance and the membership of this organization. The annual dues are 

 $1 a year. This charge includes membership in the' National Bee- 

 keepers' Association, which the members of the Texas Beekeepers' As- 

 sociation join in a body at 50c per member. This association is a na- 

 tional organization, and its objects are to increase and further the 

 welfare of beekeepers in general, and to protect its members at the 

 same time. Besides this, a reduction has been allowed to members of 

 the association, on the subscriptions to the various bee journals. Its 



