Dear Bee-L subscribers, There is going so much discussion about importing of bees in USA, temperate bees and lately again about Yugoslavian bees. Everything is related, somehow, with Carniolan bee. NAME OF CARNIOLAN BEE Last year I asked in an audience of American beekeepers if they know the origin of name of Carniolan bee. I didn't get the answer. Perhaps someone knew. Anyway, I will describe that for Bee-L subscribers. The name originates from Latin word CARNIOLA, which is the name of county. This county is a part of SLOVENIA. The Latin name of Carniolan bee (carnica) originates in the name of part of Alps, which is not a part of county Carniola. This part of Alps is in Austria and partially in Italy. Why in English speaking world beekeepers call that bee Carniolan bee? I suppose the basic reason is in EXPORT of CARNIOLAN BEE in USA, Australia and New Zealand from Carniolan county 100 years ago. In the 19th century Carniola was a part of Austria. Slovenian beekeepers were very proud of their own stock of bees. They were very careful to rear gentle bees. Selection was at that time very successful. They had several breeding centers in Alpic valleys. Export of bees started in 19th century lasted to the middle of that century. Slovenian beekeepers marked those exporting hives with labels with the name CARNIOLAN BEES. That was at that time kind of trade mark. Exporters had also strong connections with American beekeepers. It is not completely clear how they contributed to the export and to the name of Carniolan bee. I can remember the names of two exporters, first was Jan Strgar from Bohinjska Bistrica and the second was Michael Ambrozic from Mojstrana. I'd like to get some more information about importation of Carniolan bees in USA, Australia and New Zealand in 19th century and at the beginning of that century. If anyone have some information about that, please send me direct on my e-mail address or by regular mail. CURRENT BREEDING PROJECTS IN SLOVENIA Few years ago Slovenian beekeeping society reestablished organized queen breeding. Research work is done by Agricultural institute. Dr. Janez Pokljukar works on that projects. In the projects are involved several 10's of queen breeders. Several 10,000 of queens are produced each year. We hope there will be some chance to export queens at list in other countries of Europe if not somewhere else in the world. PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH CARNIOLAN BEES I kept bees in Slovenia for 12 years. Of course I worked with Carniolan bee. There is no other race in continental part of Slovenia. They are really gentle bees. There is a big difference with bees in Louisiana. Also Hear I do not use gloves, but I get much more stings than in Slovenia. May be, something contribute to that also different technology. In Slovenia we keep bees in bee-houses, and hives are operated from the back. In the bee-house, at the back of the hives, is a shadow, no wind, and you can also sit on a char and work with the bees. Don't forget, if you have some information about import of Carniolan bee hundred years ago, please, send me. With regards, Janko ======================================================= Janko Bozic OFFICE: Department of Zoology & Physiology Louisiana State University _ _________ Baton Rouge, LA 70803 /_\_____/_ tel. 504 388 1769 //* \O O/ *\ fax. 504 388 1763 / *** \O/ *** / ** / \ ** HOME: / * _._ * 1222 Jim Taylor No.9 \.../ Baton Rouge LA 70820 \I/ tel. 504 767 4681 l BITNNET: ZOBOZI@LSUVM INTERNET: [log in to unmask] =======================================================