Bees—and Other Things

New Zealand Listener, Volume 3, Issue 66, 27 September 1940, Page 39

Bees—and Other Things

Dear Aunt Daisy, I have been intending for some time to write to you about three things. 1, Bee-stings were under discussion last summer, but I could not add my voice just then. However, ordinary salt is the household antidote for the poison of bee-stings; and a teaspoonful taken in any way that appeals, should reduce swellings and blisters. In a sandwich, in milk, or in water would do, except that salty water acts as an emetic with some people, and of course, that is not what is wanted, but only that salt should be absorbed into the system. Also, of course, doctors prescribe an antidote which comes to the chemist in tablets; and for those living near an apiary, and who are seriously affected by bee-stings, it would be best to have some always on hand. Bees are most easily roused when they have large stocks of honey and young bees. They resent any loud noises, such as hammering or digging near the hives -it makes them anxious for their babies. They also dislike unpleasant smells, such as orchard spray, or top-dressing; but love those balmy scents that suggest honey. They get to know people who frequent their domain, and they prefer it if one wears white. Also, it is best to wear a hat, for quite accidentally a busy bee may get entangled in one’s hair, and so begin to struggle and buzz in a tone which brings the hive to the rescue! You may be interested to know that the best honey is obtained where citrus trees are growing. Just smell an orange or lemon flower and you will know why. 2. It is not wise to use soap very often to protect the hands for gardening, as it destroys the skin. It is better to use emollient. Warm the hands, and rub well in for several minutes; then, over that, rub bran or sifted oatmeal, and you then have the "invisible glove" which is for those who dislike gardening gloves. The pores of the skin are now well filled up. 3. I want you to suggest to chow who are making their vegetable gardens, to plant beans for war purposes. Lima and haricot beans, Aunt Daisy, and also, best of all, those white scarlet runners, if that is their name, They are the largest of all, and have the best flavour, and grow like scarlet runners, but the seeds are white, They must be left on the runners until quite ripe; and then when gathered and podded, they must still be dried off a little more. Then they will keep for a year at least, If properly ripened, they will, of course, be at their best, and cook to perfect tenderness; and } don’t think I need to add recipes for their use. Having these, which have many of the properties of meat, would mean that we would use less meat; and of course, they would, if in any quantity, be acceptable for export, or for the home market. Now one request, if my letter is not too long. I would love to know how ferns are dyed, after a beg I have seen them dried and dyed in autumn colours, but I think they were imported. They looked beautiful in a brass vase with autumn leaves and berries, for winter decoration.

I imagine they came from America, but in New Zealand, we have the ferns just similar in large quantities -"A Countrywoman" (Waverley), Many thanks for a most interesting letter. I do hope that someone will be able to tell us about the dyeing of ferns.