Hello,  

* Paris Green

I am seeking earliest references to beekeepers claiming bee mortality 
caused by pesticides. 

The earliest reference I have so far is from 1891.  At the time an arsenic-
based chemical known as Paris Green was being used on fruit trees.  The 
confrontation began with beekeepers  claiming “great mortality among bees” 
caused by the use Paris Green on fruit trees. 

Supporters of Paris Green claimed that thee arsenic would not reach the 
nectar of blossoms, and, being an insoluble substance, could not affect 
the bees or be communicated to the honey.  

Prof Lintner, said that in his opinion “fruit growers who do not use Paris 
Green as a remedy against caterpillars infesting fruit trees are guilty of 
culpable negligence.” 

Prof. Cook, then makes a positive assertion that honey bees are killed in 
large numbers through the arsenical spraying of fruit trees. Cook stated 
that "everyone of the United States should pass a, law making it a 
misdemeanor to spray fruit trees while in blossom." 

* National Honey Month

In celebration of National Honey Month, the message archives at the 
Historical Honeybee Articles list serve will be open for public viewing. 
Fear not to approach!

I here present thee with a hive of bees, laden some with wax, and some 
with honey. Fear not to approach! There are no Wasps, there are no Hornets 
here. If some wanton Bee should chance to buzz about thine ears, stand thy 
ground and hold thy hands: there's none will sting thee if thou strike not 
first. If any do, she hath honey in her bag will cure thee too. -Quarles

Historical Honeybee Articles 
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/HistoricalHoneybeeArticles/

Best Wishes,
Joe
"When Noah went into the Ark, he is reported to have
taken a pair of each kind of animals with him, but
I suspect he had to take three bees, a queen, a
drone and a worker,"  -C.C. Miller, 1913

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