While we are on the subject of bumble bees....  I keep honey
bees and a wide variety of fruits including arguta, the cold hardy
kiwi from northern China.  I belong to the North American Fruit
Explorers (NAFEX) which has a publication (I know paper is from the
dark ages but most don't have computers in the orchards and
magazines are easier to read in the hammock.) where one member
noted that the Bumble Bee species seem to be heavy pollinators of
arguta.  Since some members already experiment with culturing
Japanese Horn Face Bees (Osmonia?) and some local leaf cutter bees,
the question came up as to how to culture Bumble bees.  It appears
that some out there make their living culturing Bumble bees for the
greenhouse trade so I don't want to ask you to give up your trade
secrets.  Can anyone recommend a book or magazine article on small
culture of Bumble bees?
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+    Raymond J. Lackey                                     +
+    Beekeeper 10 years with 25 colonies on Long Island    +
+    INTERNET: [log in to unmask]                 +
+    Mail: 1260 Walnut Avenue, Bohemia NY 11617            +
+    Home Phone: 516-567-1936  FAX: 516-262-8053           +
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