BEEKEEPING.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 243, 11 September 1940, Page 12

BEEKEEPING.

A PROFITABLE -SIDELINE,

(Continued.) Having obtained the bees and set them up in some suitable spot, they should not be forgotten until the honey harvest. it in necessary to look into the hive occa* sionallv to see if the colony has sufficient room for expansion. If all the frames are full of capped honey or brood then it is obvious that another super must be placed on top. .. - Before opening up a hive for examination or removal of surplus honey, everything should be in readiness. The smoker should be going well and the bee veil properly adjusted, so that the bees cannot get under it. , , , A white coat rather than one ot oarK material should bo worn, since white is lew irritant to the bees. An important de tail which is often neglected is to put the cuffs of one's trousers into the tops of one's socks. Bees shaken on the ground have a tendency to crawl upwards, with results somewhat demoralising to the operator. ' , It is important to select a warm day for the bee operations and some time between the hours of ten and three o’clock. A novice should never attempt to open a hive on a cool or chilly morning late in the afternoon, or after a cold rain. At such times bees are more prone to sting. USE OF THE SMOKER.

It is known that if, by any means, a colony of bees becomes thoroughly alarmed. the dominant impulse of the bees is to run to the nearest open cell and fill up their stomachs. In a full-fed condition the bee is docile and can be handled with ease. Smoke is used for this purpose. If too much is used the opposite effect is obtained and the bees become vicious. When examining a hive it is necessary to give onlv two or three puffs into the entrance and. having removed the cover, to puff a little smoke into the top as the cover mat is peeled back. One can then set to work manipulating the frames. If the bees tend to come up to the top of the frames ready to launch into the air they should be driven down with one or two puffs of smoke.’ Sacking is the best fuel for the smoker. The use of oily waste should lie avoided. MANIPULATION OF THE HIVES. Use the smoker as described in the previous paragraph and then commence by removing a frame nearest the side of the hive. This can lie leaned up against the front of the hive, or, hotter still, placed in an empty super. It is now a simple matter to prise the next frame over u little with the hive fool and lift it out. BOMK JtULEfi WHICH SHOULD BE OBBEHVKD. I. When manipulating frames all movements should lie deliberate, without jarring or humping, it may he said that the right touch is necessary. k, Wear light coloured clothing, preferably while, and avoid black and fuzzy material. •l. Never stand In the line of flight of Iha bees hut work from the hack, or sides i/I the hive, 4, Never handle bees on cold, dull, or showery days, 6, Never strike at a hoe hut, if without tlm protection of n veil, bow the bo«U and walk quietly a.v/ay, ft, lie careful not to injure nr kill any bees as this lends to enrage the whole colony, 7, Wash will) plain soap rather limn with carbolic or seenled snap, and if possible avoid sweating as this is distasteful (o bece (To in* continued,)