“I have had no experience with the Cyprian bees, but I think more and more of the Syrian.  I find no trouble to handle them, and take my large class of students, new to the business, right into the apiary.  These thirty or forty students daily manipulate the bees, doing everything that the bee-keeper ever needs to do, and rarely ever get stung.  I find that the comb honey of the Syrians is excellent, that the bees go readily into the sections.  We did not get all our sections so that they could be crated without the use of the separators; but I am not sure but that it was more our fault than the fault of the bees.  They are very prolific, breeding even when there is no nectar to gather, and they often gather when other bees are idle.  I have this fall secured from Mr. Frank Benton a Carniolan queen, and shall try crossing the Carniolans with the Syrians.  Perhaps we can thus secure a strain with the amiability of the Carniolan, and the business of the Syrians.”

HIVE AND HONEY HINTS.

Mr. Willingford, of Carlingford, Ontario, who had a crop of several tons of honey this year, has taken it to England for sale.

Manufacturers of tobacco, of pickles, of cakes and cookies, confectioners, and pork-packers are now using honey more extensively than ever in the preparation of their specialties.

A singular instance of bee-swarming occurred a short time ago in Singapore harbor, on board the British steamer Antonio, which at the time was lying entirely outside the shipping in the roads.  A swarm of wild bees from the shore suddenly located themselves directly under the sternpost of a boat lying above the deck, and all attempts to drive them away proved unavailing, the chief officer being very severely stung in endeavoring to get rid of them.  They held to their position for several days, and were eventually destroyed after the steamer had hauled alongside the wharf.

Rev. L.L.  Langstroth recently said:  When I commenced bee-keeping, a sting caused much swelling, but in time this trouble passed away.  Several years passed, during which I handled no bees, and when I again attempted it, I found myself more susceptible to the poison than ever, but by continuing to work with the bees, disregarding the stings, my former indifference returned.

Ohio bee-keepers will discuss the following questions at the Columbus meeting on the 14-16:  How to winter bees successfully.  How many brood-frames are necessary in one hive?  What can be done to prevent adulteration of honey?  How to create a home market for honey.  How many colonies can be kept in one locality?  Can we do without separators?  What shall we do with second swarms?  Which is the most salable section—­one-half, one, or two pounds?  Which are best—­deep or shallow frames?  Is it advisable to have a standard-size frame for all bee-keepers?