> Jim Wrote >> The traits of value in beekeeping are complex - >> much more complex than the simple examples of >> "blue eyed versus brown eyed" offspring that >> are used as examples in school. Hi all, Hello Jim! As you pointed out, the breeding, even by using selected reproducers, ALWAYS give subjects whose qualities vary. They all don't correspond to the criteria required by the beebreeder. Thus to raise always requires a later choice to continue to maintain the required criteria at the top. One of our best European Buckfast bee breeder (Luxembourgish Paul Jungels - http://www.apisjungels.lu -, Br. Adam disciple) published last year his actual method of "Evaluation of the colonies" with some traits unique on the world. Eleven traits are analysed. Unfortunately in German ... http://www.fundp.ac.be/~jvandyck/homage/artcl/PJ01Auswertung.html I published it in French for "Abeilles&Cie", journal of the "CARI asbl" "Evaluation des colonies, aux limites du possible" ... http://www.fundp.ac.be/~jvandyck/homage/artcl/PJ01Evaluation.html This article would deserve to be put at the disposal of the English speaking bee world! But my English is such poor as I'm unable to do it! If someone ... he'll be acknoledge ... the ball is in your camp! Greetings Jean-Marie Van Dyck <[log in to unmask]> :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::