"TELEGONY" AND BEES.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 589, 3 December 1920, Page 2

"TELEGONY" AND BEES.

Sir, —The subject of "telegony" is an interesting as well as an important one. When it relates to animals .there seems to be reasonable grounds for a belief in its existence, some going so far as to state that human beings may be affected by it. But that the offspring of the bee may be so influenced is quite another proposition. A well-known Government bee expert assures me that a queen bee is only impregnated once, and quotes' from a recognised authority, "she is the bride of a moment and the mother of a life-time." It would therefore lend interest to the discussion if Mr. H. 0. Mellsop could quote the Austrian count's passage, on the question of beec, in full. The various correspondents are to be congratulated on the pleasing manner in which this subject is being discussed in vour columns. MAX D. KING, Manurewa, December 1, 1920.

The subject of "telegony" is a very controversial one, and laymen hesitate to pronounce any decided opinions thereon. As far as we can ascertain, there does not appear to be a single shred of unchallengeable scientific evidence in support nf the theory. For instance, the "Encyclopaedia Critannica," which is one the .finest and most authoritative general reference in the world, devotes considerable space to the subject under discussion. It reviews the findings of various real and supposed authorities, old and new, but comes to the conclusion that there never has been a properly authenticated and proven case of "telegony" with any class of animal or in any country in the world. However, as the subject is one of absorbing interest to breeders, we shall be pleased to continue the publication of views from correspondents on either side of the case.—Ed., "F. and, P. Times."