Previous to the illustration and description of my device, all reversible-frames had fixtures at both _top_ and _bottom_; see _Gleanings_ for 1882, page 71, also 1883, page 65, Burgess’ device; 1884, page 155, Baldridge’s device; and 1884, page 332, Hetherington’s device. These attachments were entirely different in principle from the “Howes’ Supports.” No one had ever suggested revolving the frames on “_centre pivots_,” previous to the illustration, and description of my frame in Gleanings for 1884, page 156. Soon after I began to manufacture and sell Howes’ Reversible Frame and Supports,--as advertised in _Gleanings_, for 1884, page 285,--reversing devices began to appear from all quarters; both men and women joining in the scramble for the “honor,” if not for the profits of the invention; each one suspending the frame by “_centre pivots_,” as I had described them. Several used hoop-iron bent at a right angle to form projecting arm. (Prof. Cook at the Michigan convention claimed to have tried this plan, though a lady, I think, first described it in _Gleanings_). Mr. Root has often, through _Gleanings_, acknowledged that these different devices are, practically the same thing as the “_Howes’ Support_;” still he does not hesitate to manufacture, advertise and sell them, as if the invention was common property. (See editorial remarks in _Gleanings_; page 74, describing Mr. Nuzvinis’ device; then Editorial in next number, page 104, on the same subject.) I submit the question, in all seriousness. Does not this state of things _justify_ anyone, in securing his rights to the labor of his brain, by a _patent_, as provided by law? If a better device, to secure the results aimed at, by reversing the brood-combs, shall be discovered, I shall be glad to adopt it, in my own apiary, and will, willingly, pay for the privilege. Until then, I request all to “please keep off my preserve.” _Adrian, Mich., Feb. 7, 1885._ _WHICH IS THE MOST PROFITABLE RACE OF BEES._ BY D. F. LASHIER. Which is the most profitable race of bees regarding brooding, comb-building, honey-gathering disposition and wintering qualities? I have no desire to injure anyone’s business and wish merely to bring to notice a few facts which it seems to me to have been overlooked. Perhaps a few notes founded upon years of experience would not be out of place, especially as my motives are entirely unselfish. I commenced beekeeping in 1872 with one colony of gray bees in a box hive. I purchased this hive of a neighbor whose bees seemed to be very hardy and gentle. They are of uniform size and as large as any Italians that I ever have seen, even when the latter were reared in comb of their own building. I hive all my gray bees without any protection whatever and the same when looking for queens, etc. With the Italians this would be perfect madness.[2] Doubtless some will say “your gentle bees must suffer from being robbed.” Not so, my friends, they are good protectors of their homes.