- 12 - 
that there are fewer colonies of Noroia species and fewer of 
Megachile species than formerly. It is possible that cultivation 
and settlement has disturbed the wild bees and thus reduced their 
number. Hence, it is suggested that a decrease in the population 
of these beneficial insects, together with a possible increase in 
harmful insects, may be an explanation for the uncertainty in 
alfalfa seed production in formerly good seed-producing areas. 
Concentrated Plantings 
Wild pollinating insects apparently do not range widely for food, and 
since they do not store an appreciable amount of food, concentrated plant- 
ings of one crop are not favorable for their development. 
Brittain, W. H. 
1933. Apple pollination studies in the Annapolis Valley, N. S., 
Canada, 1928-1932. Canada Dept. Agr. Bui. 162, 198 pp. 
p. 9: It should be emphasized, however, that a few colonies 
of bees placed in an orchard surrounded by large acreages devoid of 
bees is of little or no value . In such situations it may be neces- 
sary to have a concentration of from 35 to 50 colonies in order to 
ensure the pollination of the particular orchard in which the bees 
are placed . In districts where beekeeping is general, however, and 
neighbouring orchards are similarly supplied, one colony to the 
acre or even one colony to four acres may be sufficient. Cwing to 
the many factors involved more exact figures cannot be given. It 
must suffice to point out that the provision of as many colonies as 
practicable is a useful measure of insurance against unfavourable 
weather, and a scarcity of wild pollinators, since it is only the 
hive bees that can be increased in numbers at will and placed where 
needed in the orchards. Unfortunately, at the present time, there 
is no adequate local supply; inexperience in beekeeping and the 
danger of poisoning prevents many from adopting this practice who 
would otherwise do so . 
Hootman, D. H. 
1930. The importance of pollination and the honey-bee in fruit yields. 
N.Y. State Hort. Soc. Proc. 1930 t 49-58. 
The location and size of the individual orchard are apparently 
the factors that determine whether or not bees are needed. Orchards 
not too large in size with varieties well mixed, located near woods, 
swamps or uncultivated land where wild insects can winter over in 
large numbers, usually set a satisfactory crop without additional 
bees . With the conditions that exist in commercial fruit sections 
where whole communities are engaged in fruit growing and where 
orchards have been planted by the square mile the wild insects are wholly 
inadequate to pollinate effectively the vast expanse of bloom . It is 
