Jean Marie van Dyck, My response to Allan Dick's speculation on the origin of his 20 drums or so, was strictly subjective as it pertained to quality. An 85 mm reading suggests a pretty dark material (amber, i think) but that would not have any bearing on the quality. Most floral sources in the Canadian prairies produce light colored honeys. However, during my years in Alberta I can not recall ever having seen honeydew as a distinct honey. Floral forage is generally in such great abundance during the short summer that honeydew trees (if any would be around) would not be sufficiently attractive to the bees. Alberta produces between 20 and 25 million pounds of honey annually, approximately 1/3 of Canada's total. The northern parts in particular (including the Peace River region extending into northeastern British Columbia) are considered among the best honey producing areas in the world. This year many of these producers are reporting an average yield of 300 lbs and higher per colony! In any event, I merely speculated that Allan Dick's 20 drums are not honeydew, but I can be proven wrong. It would be most interesting to learn what it is! regards, Paul van Westendorp [log in to unmask] Provincial Apiculturist British Columbia