This message was originally submitted by [log in to unmask] to the BEE-L
list  at LISTSERV.ALBANY.EDU.  It was edited to remove quotes of previously
posted material.

----------------- Original message (ID=4E16C560) (55 lines) --------------
Date: Thu, 03 Feb 2000 10:03:52 -0600
From: Bob Stevens <[log in to unmask]>
To: Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology
 <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Computers  AND Apidictor

THE COMPUTERIZED SCALES ARE IN USE IN GERMANY AND HAVE BEEN FOR SEVERAL
YEARS.  THE WEIGHT IS COMMUNICATED BACK TO THE HONEY HOUSE BY MODEM.  THE
DEVELOPER TOLD ME HE HAD TO HAVE THIS SYSTEM SO HE KNEW WHEN TO PUT A SUPER
ON HIS HIVES IN THE BLACK FOREST.  I SUGGESTED HE JUST PUT THREE OR FOUR ON
IT A TIME THE WAY I DID IN THE U.S. HIS RESPONSE WAS DISDAINFUL TO SAY THE
LEAST.  THE SCALES WERE PRICEY BECAUSE THEY HAD TO BE WEATHERPROOF. OF
COURSE, HE GETS ABOUT $4.00 A POUND FOR HIS BLACK FOREST HONEY AND HIS
GOVERNMENT ENCOURAGES THE MARKETING OF "GERMAN" HONEY, WHEREAS OUR
GOVERNMENT ENCOURAGES THE MARKETING OF ARGENTINIAN HONEY. THE RESULTING
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN $4.00 A POUND AND .40 CENTS A POUND BUYS A LOT OF
COMPUTERIZATION.    BOB