Volume 3 — CANADIAN DEPARTMENT. R. F. HOLTERMAN, EDITOR.

We have to report a very heavy loss; at first one-third dead was supposed to cover the ground, but later reports will probably bring it nearer 50 per cent. The losses may briefly be accounted for, at least largely: by the failure of the honey crop after clover; consequent cessation of breeding and old bees ready for winter quarters; an unusual consumption of stores in the fall, followed by a severe winter. Men who stimulated breeding until a proper season, fed sufficient stores of the right kind and at the proper time, and properly packed their bees outside or had them in good cellars, were generally successful. Experienced beekeepers have generally been successful as they know and are careful about getting the proper conditions for successful wintering.

Martin Emyh, of Holbrook, wintered 178 out of 180; one winter he lost none out of 150 and his success is fully as great in summer management. He doubtless could give much information of value but we seldom hear of him in public.

Most parties report bees to have died in March after the severest weather had passed. Is this not additional proof that loss was caused by aged bees going into winter quarters and becoming worn out, and insufficiency of stores? One report before me gives eleven starved out of thirteen. Bees in some localities are doing remarkably well this spring. Fresh honey is being stored in abundance, combs having honey from top to bottom, and here we feel confident some of our colonies, unless there is a sudden change in the weather, will require extracting before the end of the week and the prospects are that beekeepers will reap an abundant harvest.

Brantford, Ont.