THE ITALIANS AT LAST.

Otago Witness, Issue 1323, 7 April 1877, Page 18

THE ITALIANS AT LAST.

The colony of Italian bees brought over from America by Mr Mackay, Queensla&d Commissioner, arrived in Brisbane on Qlq 13 th ultimo, in splendid condition ; in fact, I was surprised to find them in such fine order. Fancy a huge hive,"l 3£ in. x 13^ in. and 26 in. high, inside measure, filled perfectly full with bees, comb, and honey, they arriving at Lizzielee .Apiary without a single comb being broken. It is a very perfect success, after the many failures we have had, and too much credit cannot be given to Mr Mackay for the care he has bestowed on these bees ; in fact, no one but a true lover of the honey bee could have succeeded so well. My firat attempt to import Italian bees to Australia was 1871, from M. Quenby,.of Mohawk Valley, New York ; the next attempt was from Neighbour and Sons, London ; and the third attempt was from Dadant and Son, Illinois ; ail of which proved complete failures. And I .firmly believe that had it not been for Mr Mackay Queensland would have had- to wait for the Italians until some one like him took the task in hand. There is not a doubt as to the superiority or these bees over the black bee, common in Australia. The veriest novice would be able to tell at a glance, from their actions and movements, that the yellow bands are superior to the black bees. These Italian bees are by no means new to us. They were in our apiary in England in 1869. The unanimous opinion of all bee keepers competent to judge is, that the Italians are vastly superior to the common or black bee. ■ J. Carroll,