Though the first observation inspired us with some distrust of Mr. Debraw’s discovery, we repeated his other experiments with the utmost care.
On the 6th of August, 1787, we immersed a hive, and with scrupulous attention examined all the bees while in the bath. We ascertained that there was no male, either large or small, and having examined every comb we found neither male nymph nor worm. When the bees were dry we replaced the whole, along with the queen in their habitation, and transported them into my cabinet. They were allowed full liberty; therefore they flew about and made their usual collections; but it being necessary that no male should enter the hive during the experiment, a glass tube was adapted to the entrance, of such dimensions that two bees only could pass at once; and we watched the tube attentively during the four or five days that the experiment continued. We should have instantly observed, and removed any male appearing, that the result of the experiment might be undisturbed, and I can positively affirm that not one was seen.
However, from the first day which was the 6th of August, the queen deposited fourteen eggs in the workers’ cells; and all these were hatched on the tenth of the same month.
Doubtless our friends will not take it amiss if we give but a brief editorial this month. Our new enterprise is receiving such hearty endorsement from every quarter that we must conclude that we have taken the right step after all. We only ask that the reader and our customers bear patiently with us for a while. The season has been so backward that we are in a rush but shall be amply able to meet all demands.
We have not utilized the question and answer department this month as the amount of work that we have been obliged to perform has been simply enormous, but we shall soon have that department in running order again.
We would urge upon our readers the importance of creating a home demand for honey this season in order that we may not have a glutted honey market with which to contend.
Work hard at the State conventions to have county associations formed; these are the educators that will prove the gateway to a home demand.
Prepare to make first-class exhibitions at county fairs next fall: it will pay. It may seem as though this advice was premature, but we have none too much time to prepare for these fairs.