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tainties. To say nothing of the various interests which hold me here rather firmly. (blank) next fall will demand my time here the [?] closely because our teaching force is likely to be less than normal.
If a reasonable degree of certainty could be eventually attained, ie of my getting the [?], it might be possible for me to get relieved from the before-mentioned engagements; but of course certainties [?] be [?] for uncertainties [?] a very great deal may be gained.
I shall be glad to hear of any further developments.
Thanking you for the appreciation you have shown me.
I remain yours respectfully
[?] E: Todd.
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1879
Ellen S. Tupper Holmes Tupper.
The Italian Bee Co. Agents for all the best Hives. and Honey Extractors. ane the leading Bee Journal Queens imported by [?] Steamer Price List sent free. Send fifteen Cents for "Bees & their Management"
Office of the Italian Bee Co.
Cottage Grove.
Des Moines, Iowa March 12 1873
Dear Sir,
I am grieved indeed to hear of the loss of the College bees and can give no idea of the cause if as you say they had honey enough. They were a from lot as far as strength concerned Mr. [Tuine?] did not do right in selling you such from [various?]
Those that I buried here came out without the loss of one all in nice order and seemingly with nearly as much honey as when put away. I also buried some for another man here [?] are all doing well. I ought to have been there myself but one cant be everywhere. I am inclined to think that there was
23
not have enough to keep them comfortable. If your contained well in the [?] place it would seem the trouble was not in the way they were packed.
I would feed the remaining one syrup. Take all the combs away [?] except what the bees can [?] put it in one side of the hive and set the bee feeder over the [cluster?]. hang a piece of [?] down the side of the frames when they fill these combs with [brood?] or have [brood?] in both combs - insert another frame of [brood?] between the two - when they first [brood?] in that put in another - keeping all closed very tight and warm - Save all the comb in the hive with care - brushing away all the dead bees - and close the hive so no robber bees will get in or out. Those combs can be made as good as two [?] by and by in building up I may go up to the College soon. I do not like to think
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about my burned bees They were in much fine order and just at the beginning of the harvest time for me at [illegible] in hand. There are only eleven [illegible] and of 290 and [illegible] of them will [illegible] 9 [illegible] The [illegible] was sufficient to make the [illegible] into ways even in the [illegible] of the few that are a tall [illegible] The only comfort that I have in that the [illegible] carried by [illegible] in my [illegible] and in purely a presidential matter 9 have ordered more [illegible] from M [illegible] and should be the [illegible] I can to build up again I hope you will save what you can of material
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Agrl College. Ames Iowa.
Dec. 8, 1879.
Prof C. E. Bessey
Dear Sir:
The Board have asked me to take charge of the matters to be brought by the College before the com ing Legislature. I have suc ceeded in getting the proper plans drawn and estimates made for the Experimental Kitchen and Club Houses. It will be indispensable that we have plans and careful estimates for the