The shipment of hives, etc., from Philadel- 
phia, though badly delayed in transporta- 
tion, reached Marion in perfect condition, 
and we had no difficulty at all in getting 
every thing into shape. The bees them- 
selves seemed to be in perfect condition. 
We found only eight or ten dead bees in 
each nucleus. After my experience with 
the black or hybrid bees which I found on 
my place when I leased it, I was hardly pre- 
pared for the extreme gentleness of the Ital- 
ians — even after all I had read concerning 
them. With the exception of one sting 
which I received by mashing a bee with my 
hand in placing my hand on the bottom of 
the cage, none of them offered to sting. 
They were very quiet, even after thumping 
out those which adhered to the inside of the 
cages. 
With kind regards, and thanking you for 
your attention, Yours very truly, 
Aug. 11, 1908. L. W. McLemore. 
AN UNSOLICITED LETTER FROM A WELL- 
KNOWN AGRICULTURAL WRITER. 
Dear Mr. Boot; — I want to congratulate 
you and your sons, and all others connected 
with Gleanings, on the great improvement 
you have made in this magazine. Its col- 
umns are filled with helpful articles, and 
nothing that isn't of the highest tone ever 
appears, and it is beautiful in its make-up. 
The paper, printing, and pictures are strict- 
ly first-class. The double-page picture in 
the Jan. 1st issue is fine enough to frame. 
It is an educational matter to the young 
people (and we all ought to keep young) to 
have so perfect a magazine come into the 
home. Even the advertisements teach or- 
der — heaven's first law — and neatness and 
harmony. ; T, B, Terry, 
Hudson, O., Jan, 8, 1908. 
