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