BEE CULTURE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2817, 4 March 1908, Page 10

BEE CULTURE.

AN INTERESTING INDUSTRY. (Fkom Our Own Correspondent.) AUCKLAND, February 27. One of the most interesting educational features to visitors to the Ruakura experimental farm in the Waikato is the model siipistry, ivliero tli« cixltixre of boe«s is xiovr being conducted on modern commercial lines. A Star representative states that at the apiary may be seen in use all the mo6t modern appliances, from the hive to the ripening tanks. In one compartment of the tank, which holds altogether about 25001b, there was honey ready to run off into tins for market, while into the other some was running from the extractors through three strainers, and was a very fine sample. From the taking of the honey from the hives to the tinning it is never touched by hand, so that it goes through an absolutely clean process from first to last. Mr Hopkins (the. Government expert) is at present conducting a series of experiments in ascertaining the specific gravity of all the honey he handles, in order, if possible, to set a. standard, or standards, for ripe honey of different varieties. A collection of honey from all parts of New Zealand is being made by Mr Hopkins to form an exhibit at the forthcoming Franco-British Exhibition in London.