BEE CULTURE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 1989, 7 April 1885, Page 2

BEE CULTURE.

We clip the following editorial notes from tho New Zral.md and Australian 13ue Journal for April : — " In some districts during the last month a considorablo amount of honey must hrvvo been gathoied, tlio weather being exceptionally favourable for tho purpose. Although perhaps not sufficient U> give any surplus worth taking, nioio than enough for winter stores. If the fine weather at presentpro vailing should continue, with a plentiful supply of ntores, colonies should be in Hplendid condition foi wintering. On reference to the diheussion on " Wintering " m another column, it will bo seen that wa are inclined to be in favour of leaving tho top box on where tho colonies aro very strong till breeding; commences in oarly spnng. We wish it to be understood, however, that it is our opinion, given after .1 fair experience with a number of colonies through several seaHons, but it was contrary to the experience of others at tho meeting, no that wo would advise those trying tho nyntom not to rely on it too much at piesent. Our instructions given last month with regard to making preparations for wintering may still be attended to. Entrances should be contracted and robbing prevented, covers that aro cracked oriequiiua fresh coat of paint should be attended to at once before tho weather changes. A strip of thin tin tacked over the cracks before painting will pievent leakage. Weak colonies should be strengthened with brood at on co from colonies that can sparo it. Scraps of wax and old combs that have accumulated about tho apiary should be melted and puuhed, and Hparo combs stowed in tho fumigating room. All the spare hives and material should be put under covor out of tho u eather after being washed with a weak solution of phenol, and the apiaiy miido Ming.