Chapter C: H. Dibbern

Milan, Ill., Mar. 9, 1881.

=Paris Green.=—It is not very good for bees, as I had an
opportunity last spring to find out. I have in my garden a 10
year old plum tree that never perfected any fruit and knowing
that Paris green would kill bugs I thought it might also kill
the “little turk,” or Curculio. Acting upon the suggestion I
mixed some Paris green in a watering can and put up through
the branches of the tree a long ladder, from the top of which
I sprinkled the whole top of the tree just before dark, and a
day or 2 before the bloom went off. Next day afternoon as I
was passing through my bee yard I was very much surprised to
see on the ground a good many bees in a dying condition which
I could not account for. I came at last, however, to the
conclusion that they had gone to the plum tree in the morning
before it was dry and partaken of the poison. I lost a good
many bees but I have learned this lesson, “never to put Paris
green on trees when in bloom;” still I am satisfied that by
sprinkling or syringing 2 or 3 times, when the plum is in its
incipient state, it will insure a crop. Who will try this
spring and report?

GEO. THOMPSON.

Geneva, Ill.

=Making Progress.=—Although behind some other States, yet we
have made some progress. Bees seem to do best in the newer
counties, where the timber has not been cut off. It might
be supposed that the northern portion of this State was not
favorable for bees, but Aroostook county, in the extreme
north, produces nearly as much honey as all the other 15
counties, and the honey is put up in the most marketable
shape; but I fear the bees are not protected as they should
be in this northern climate. We have had a cold winter, and
the loss has been very great. I winter my bees in the cellar
with success, and obtain much pleasure, as well as profit,
from the time I devote to them. The Weekly BEE JOURNAL is my
constant companion.

ISAAC F. PLUMMER.

Augusta, Maine.

=Not Discouraged.=—Should I be persuaded to give up the
business of keeping bees for profit, I do not know what I
could find that would pay better. I have 25 colonies in good
condition and every one in this town wants honey, and I shall
try to supply it to them.

CHARLES FOLLETT.

Osage, Iowa.

=Lost but 4 out of 273.=—My bees are wintering well; I have
lost but 4 out of 273 colonies, wintered on the summer
stands, packed with sawdust and planer shavings. It has paid
me to advertise in the Weekly BEE JOURNAL. I have all the
work I can do.

A. E. MANUM.

Bristol, Vt., March 9, 1881.

=Dead Bees in the Cells.=—I took 6 combs out of 2 hives
in which the bees died, that had plenty of honey in the 2
outside frames. In every cell of the 3 middle frames is a
dead bee. I tried to pick them out with a pin, but gave it up
for a bad job. Is there a way to clean them? Can I use the
combs again next spring? Please let me know in next JOURNAL.

JOHN W. STURWOLD.

Haymond, Ind., March 11, 1881.

[You will find our method given in answer to Mr. Phillips, page 86 of this number. The combs can be used again this spring.—ED.]

=Progressing.=—My bees are getting along well. I have lost
3 weak colonies that were left unprotected; but it was my
own fault. A hive peddler was in this section this winter
selling hives without frames. I showed him my hives, similar
to the Langstroth, and he took the measure of it, and said I
was “well fixed” for bee-keeping. He never said a word about
selling his hive to me. I do not know how many he sold.

JOHN BOERSTLER.

Gilead, Ill., Feb. 26, 1881.

=Moldy Combs, Etc.=—Having lost a few colonies of bees the
past winter, I wish to make the best use of the combs left,
as they are mostly new. Some are moldy, what shall I do with
them? Some of the cells are full of dead bees, how shall
I get them out? How can I keep the moths out of the combs
until I can use them? An answer to these questions through
the Weekly, at an early day, will no doubt benefit many new
beginners.

O. PHILLIPS.

Emporia, Kans., March 2, 1881.

[When your colonies are strong in the spring, give the moldy combs; they will soon utilize them, if not given too fast. The combs with dead bees should be kept in a dry place, and after the bees have become dried and shrunken, you can easily shake them out of the cells. If moths get in the combs, treat them in the manner suggested by Mr. Doolittle, page 74, BEE JOURNAL of March 9th. One pound of sulphur, however, to each 100 cubic feet, seems a large amount; this would require 10 lbs. for a room 10 feet square. We have had no experience in sulphuring combs, but think 1 lb. would be sufficient for 1,000 cubic feet, in a close room.—ED.]

=Palestine Bees.=—We are having a hard winter on bees: they
have not had a fly since last Oct. 28. Bees that were here
kept in old-style boxes are nearly all dead, many that were
packed in chaff are dead or have the dysentery, and are
flying out on our coldest days, and of course never return.
My bees that are in chaff tenement hives are in the best
condition of any I have seen. My Palestine bees are standing
the lonely confinement in the hives better than the Italians;
they are quieter, and do not fly out so much and get lost on
the snow. I much like the Weekly BEE JOURNAL, and when I got
the JOURNAL of Feb. 2d out of the office I felt like grasping
the hand of the Editor, and having a shake, but alas it was
not flesh and blood, but a very good likeness. Many thanks
for giving us a chance to view it.