I see by the last number of the “Apiculturist” much new and valuable
information from England and Germany. Last fall I learned through a
German journal that the poison of the honey bee was utilized in curing
honey.
A thought suggested itself to me which I hoped ere now I should have
been in a position to practically test, but circumstances have been
unfavorable and perhaps you know of some one who would take an interest
in the matter.
I intended taking a strong colony and feeding them, say 3 lbs. of syrup
per day and allow the bees to seal this and extract with great care.
Then feed the same colony 25 lbs. in a day of twenty-four hours (and it
can be done) and after it has been sealed extract as before, during hot
weather, and again later in the season, giving four distinct
experiments, and then test the various syrups for difference, if any, of
quantity of poison contained in stores. If a marked difference occurred
after repeated experimenting the matter might be worthy of consideration
and thus one reason why stores put in late are not as good as those
given earlier.
I must say a man must be too much of an enthusiast if he considers, as
many appear to, that any one condition, if fulfilled, will insure
perfect success in wintering. Doubtless much is to be learned in
wintering, and theories advanced will often be another step towards
success. If we only acted thoroughly up to our present knowledge and
were more careful, the percentage of loss would doubtless be wonderfully
reduced.
Your brother beekeeper,
R. F. HOLTERMAN.
We are pleased with Mr Holterman’s suggestions, and, if possible, will
make some tests, as this matter is of more vital importance to
beekeepers than they are aware. We shall refer to this again in the near
future.
Mr. Holterman has touched the right key; we must have more careful
experimenting with a view to solving some of the mysteries that now
surround apiculture, and we trust that others of our readers and
beekeeping friends will offer like suggestions and also assist us in
making the tests. It will pay you well to do so, and we can by this
means help each other very much.--ED.]