BEE-KEEPING.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 January 1917, Page 3

BEE-KEEPING.

(By "Clematis"). The dry, hot weather we are having 1 v ill, in most pnrts of Taranaki, most especially in the best producing localities, have a tendency to cut short nectar gathered by the bees for the production of honey. Those who have not not yet extracted from the supers should do' so at once, and when rain comes and fresh nectar is available the bees will go vigorously to work, and the grade of honey produced will vary according to the pasture or flowers from which the bees secure nectar

Bees of those apiaries near towns will be feeling the shortage of good bee forage just now, and, in extracting, tin condition of the brood nest or bottom box should be noted, for in case the dry weather should continue, near the towns its advisable to see that the brood nest has an ample supply of honey left when extracting, as ample food must be in the hive if brood rearing is to be kept lip, which must be encouraged and looked after- right up to the autumn. With a young queen, and nectar coming in, tho hive will have a continued supply of worker bees, most essential for a good supply of honey, and a, strong force of bees to go into winter quarters at the end of the season.

T,o obtain a good-keeping honey, ovtract when combs are capped. The vessel holding the honey should not be more than IS to 24ins deep, and after standing foi two or three days should be skimnrc 1 of particles of wax and scum which lias settled on the top. Particular attention should be given to its condition before running off into tins, bottles, etc holding it for the market, and should not bo tinr.ed for market till it begins to thicken in the tank so that it will run.

This is the time that producers should have in mind the various shows and <ib. tain information as to the schedule from the secretaries. The classes for the New riymouth Winter Show are numeral?, and the prizes are good, including a silver cup.

Beekeepers, prepare and show New Ztaland what Tnranaki can do in honey —Nature's own food.

[Apiarists and others interested .in forwarding the industry are. invited to offer suggestions to or make inquiries of "Clematis" addressed to the News Gffiee.-Ed.]

TRAVELLING WITHOUT BAGGAGE. So complete is our system that to travel with your baggage checked through us makes you feel as if you were travelling without any baggage at a'l. We call for baggage, check on, place aboard, claim at far end, and deliver right away. We also issue your ticket; but if you have one already, it is necessary that you should produce it at Diir office. This facilitates checking. The New Zealand Express Co., Ltd,