>        The question for this newbie is: "Which race of honey bees should I
>     go with?"  I have used Italians for the past three years, losing them
>     each fall and winter and starting again with packages in the spring.
 
It would appear that you have a major problem. To lose them every year is
more than bad luck! I live in an area far colder and a much shorter season
and I don't lose my bees. If you would care to correspond privately, ask away.
        As to best race? Over the years I have had a number of different
ones. I believe it's "much of a muchness". Carniolan seem to start slow in
the spring, Italians can use too many stores in late fall, mainly because
they don't stop brooding as early as some. But some people like that as it
produces stronger hives for winter. The Buckfast don't seem to like making
wax, but if you like early risers then they are the best. I have seen
Buckfast bringing pollen in before our local bees have broken cluster.
Caucasions make so much propolis they are almost impossible to open. The
dark German bee seems to only fly on bright sunny days.
        There are so many different traits,and everyone looks for something
different! No doubt I will draw a storm of protest over this, but would
remind everyone this is only my opinion.
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   * David Eyre          9 Progress Drive, Unit 2, *
   * The Beeworks,    Orillia, Ontario, L3V 6H1.*
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   * http://www.muskoka.net/~beeworks          *
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