Apiarian Exhibits at Fairs. 155 



the most desirable color, give it 20 points, then give the next best 18 

 points, or 16, or whatever you think it deserves, and so on through 

 the whole lot. 



No one, not even the judge, will know which sample -will receive 

 the first prize, until the scores are added up, when the one receiving 

 the greatest number of points is awarded the first prize ; the one with 

 the next greatest number of points is given the second prize, etc. 



In judging comb honey there are several more points to be con- 

 sidered than in judging extracted honey. Here are the different char- 

 acteristics, and the points that I would allow for each. Completeness 

 of filling of the sections, 20 points; flavor, 15; freedom from travel 

 stain or propolis, 15; straightness of the combs, 10; uniformity, 10; 

 neatness of the sections (the wood) and of the case, 10. 



The deciding of all these fine points is sometimes very difficult, as 

 two specimens may be so nearly alike on some point that there is prac- 

 tically no difference — they may differ, however, on other points. 



If a bee-keeper is going to make an exhibit of apiarian products, 

 it often happens that he can also make exhibits in other departments 

 of the fair. I have exhibited photographs in the art department, canned 

 fruit in the fruit department, and the wife and children have sent 

 things to their respective departments. In addition to this, when mak- 

 ing a "circuit" of the fairs I used to write them up for the Country 

 Gentleman, getting paid for the work. Fairs come in the fall, after 

 the busy season is over with the bees ; and if a man has the time, taste, 

 and ability for this kind of work, going from one State to another, as 

 I have done, he can probably clear $10 a day for five or six weeks in 

 the fall. It is scarcely worth while to prepare for the work, however, 

 unless there is some expectation of following it for several years. 



Just a few parting words to the beginner : If you make an exhibit 

 at a fair, don't get excited. Keep cool and have patience. Many un- 

 pleasant things may occur, but don't worry over them ; and, above all, 

 don't let the loss of expected premiums so "sour" you as to spoil your 

 own enjoyment and that of your comrades. When you leave home 

 have everything in readiness, as nearly as possible, to put right up. 

 Pack everything carefully, but in such a manner that it can be quickly 

 and easily unpacked. I used to pack the square bottles of honey in 

 boxes furnished with partitions of cellular board, a la egg crate, and 

 to pack the bottles it was only necessary to drop them into the openings 

 and nail down the cover. If the package does not indicate its contents, 

 then mark it in some way. Never be compelled to open box after box 

 in an exasperating hunt for something that must be had at once. And 

 when fair is over, don't go crazy to get off the grounds the next minute. 

 I have known of men sitting up all night, swearing and sweating and 



