4 Report of Maetland Agricultueal Society 



ically, with timely information, notices of meetings, market reports, and 

 other information of general interest. Such a paper was started during 

 1935 as a monthly, the first issue being sent out in February. It has been 

 continued each month since then. 



This paper is called "The Pollen Basket." It is mimeographed, and 

 during 1935 varied in size from two to four pages. An eflfort was made 

 to prepare a paper that not only carried specific information and timely 

 suggestions, but which would be newsy and readable. 



One of the commonest complaints registered against the large established 

 trade journals and government bulletins and bee books is that they are 

 written to be read by beekeepers throughout the country, and often do 

 not apply to the specific conditions of a locality. This of course is un- 

 avoidable, as literature with nation-wide circulation must contain general 

 information. "The Pollen Basket" is, therefore, slanted especially for the 

 Maryland beekeepers. It takes the general fact or practice and reshapes 

 it specifically for the Maryland beekeepers. 



In all modesty, the extension worker wishes to report that this paper 

 has been almost enthusiastically received. Numerous unsolicited letters 

 attest this fact. 



"The Pollen Basket," aside from its educational value in giving definite 

 information relative to Maryland bee culture, has assumed the place of 

 official publication for the State beekeepers and has done much to bring 

 the State group together. 



Orchard Pollination 



Work with the Maryland fruit growers was of necessity limited only 

 to those orchardists requesting help. With the limited travel funds for 

 apiculture being exhausted each year before all necessary work with the 

 ibeekeepers can be accomplished, it was decided unwise to attempt any 

 sort of campaign with the fruit growers calling for added expense. The 

 second factor determining this policy is the present shortage of colonies 

 in the State available for orchard rental. There is no point in working 

 up a market that cannot be supplied. 



A number of the larger fruit growers are already using bees for poUen- 

 izers. Those requesting help were given assistance and several others 

 becoming Interested in this phase of orchard management were visited 

 and advised regarding number of colonies needed and methods of securing 

 them. 



One radio talk was given in the spring regarding the use of bees as 

 pollenizers in orchards, and an educational display pertaining to bee 

 culture was set up at the annual meeting of the State Horticultural Society. 



