As a sample of what may be done in many parts of the country
to diffuse knowledge regarding apiculture, and awaken an
interest in bee-keeping as a business, let me give a brief
account of a meeting recently held in Shaftesbury Hall,
Toronto, under the auspices of the Y. M. C. A. Mr. D. A.
Jones, having made the acquaintance of some of the leading
spirits in the organization just named, offered to give a
free lecture on bee-keeping. The offer was accepted, and a
meeting announced to which the members of the Y. M. C. A.
were admitted _gratis_, while the general public were charged
a small fee. Mr. Jones invited the writer to be present as
a reserve force, in case he should break down, (!) and what
enthusiastic bee-keeper would not rally to the rescue when
thus appealed to? Unfortunately Mr. J. was not in good trim,
having been sick enough to keep his bed most of the day
preceding the lecture evening. However, he gathered himself
up for the task he had undertaken, and was cheered by the
appearance of his ally just as the lecture was about to
begin. For a sick man, he did bravely, and spoke for nearly
an hour. His remarks were, of course, general, and very
different from what they would have been if his audience
had been composed of experienced apiarists. He discoursed
on bee-keeping as a business, explained the outlines of it,
showed that it was profitable, and especially dwelt upon
the gain which would accrue to the country if it were more
generally engaged in. An interesting sketch of his journey
to Cyprus and the Holy Land formed the latter part of his
address. The writer supplemented his remarks by a talk of
about half an hour, the chief theme of which was advice to
intending bee-keepers. There was a far larger audience than
might have been expected, considering the prevalent apathy in
regard to apicultural pursuits, and considering also that the
weather was unpleasantly stormy. Much interest was evidently
awakened; a number of questions were asked at the close of
the addresses, and many lingered when “meetin' was out” to
talk about bee-matters. An immense amount of good might be
done if practical bee-keepers would engage in this kind of
missionary work. The public is a dull scholar, and needs to
be “enthused” by men who have the true apicultural spirit.
Among other questions, these were asked:—“What is the best
bee journal?” and “What is the best book on bee-keeping?” The
AMERICAN BEE JOURNAL, and Cook's “Manual,” were the replies
given. In his counsels to beginners, the writer insisted very
strongly, that the first step in practical bee-keeping was to
get a good hand-book, and journal of apiculture. So, if you
receive orders from Toronto for the AMERICAN BEE JOURNAL, and
“Manual,” you may give Jones' meeting the credit for having
inspired them. There are not only Y. M. C. As., but other
organizations all over the land that would be glad to have a
meeting in the interests of bee-keeping. If 2 or 3 practical
bee-keepers would divide the work and responsibility of
maintaining such a meeting, it would not be so formidable,
as though only one man undertook it. A plain, common-sense
talk on a subject of such practical and commercial importance
as bee-keeping, would be a welcome change from the elaborate
lectures usually delivered before Y. M. C. As., Lyceums, and
bodies of that ilk. I hope Jones' enthusiastic zeal will stir
others up to emulation and imitation. Reader, if conscious of
possessing “the gift of the gab” in any degree, “go thou and
do likewise.”
Listowell, Ont., March 7, 1881.
For the American Bee Journal.
Do Bees Injure Fruit?