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£
971 ALBERT R. MANN
; LIBRARY
| New YorK STATE COLLEGES
OF
AGRICULTURE AND HoME ECONOMICS
AT
CORNELL UNIVERSITY
EVERETT FRANKLIN PHILLIPS
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MYSTERIES
oF
BHE-KEEPING EXPLAINED:
BEING A COMPLETE
ANALYSIS OF THE WHOLE SUBJECT;
CONSISTING OF
THE NATURAL HISTORY OF BEES, DIRECTIONS FOR OBTAINING THE-GREAT
EST AMOUNT OF PURE SURPLUS HONEY WITH TUE LEAST POSSIRLE
EXPENSE, REMEDIES FOR LOSSES GIVEN, AND THE SCIENCE OF
“ LucK.? FULLY ILLUSTRATED—THE RESULT OF MORE
THAN THIRTY YEARS’ EXPERIENCE IN
EXTENSIVE APIARIES.
EIGHTH EDITION;
CONTAINING DIRECTIONS FOR USING THE MOVABLE COMBS OF 1. L. LANGSTROTH.
BY M. QUINBY,
PRACTICAL BEE-KEEPER.
‘ NEW YORK:
A. 0. MOORE, AGRICULTURAL BOOK PUBLISHER,
{LATE ©. M. SAXTON & O0.,)
NO. 140 FULTON STREET.
1859.
Bxerec according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1853, by
N. QUINBY.
a the Clerk’s Office of tne District Court of the United States for the Southern
District of New York.
alg
=:
E 59%
¥. 0. JENKXING, PRINTER AND @TSREOTYPED,
CON
TENTS.
CHAPTERIL
BRIEF HISTORY.
Three kinds of Bees, Se
Queen described, . . .
Description and Duty of ‘Worlers; .
9 Description of Drones, .
9° Most Brood in Spring, se
10 =Their Industry, . . so. .
CHAPTER II.
Hives to be thoroughly made, .
Different opinions about them,
The Author has no Patent to recom-
mend, 3 os @ os
Speculators supported long enough, ;
Prefix of Patent a bad recommen-
dation, . 5
Ignorance of officers and Seance
tees, .
Opposition to aimnglicleve. .
By gaining one point produce ano-
ther evil, . ° .
First Delusion, .
Chamber Hive, a
Mrs. Griffith’s Hive, . .
Weeks’ Improvement, . .
Inclined Bottom-boards do wt
_ throw out all the worms, .
Objections to suspended hives, ‘
See bees often, ee . .
Hall’s Patent, . . .
Jones’s Patent, . . e .
. An Experiment, . .
Reason of failure in dvviding hive, .
Cause of starving in such hives, .
Advantages of the changeable hive
considered, . «© - .
Variation of these hives, a oe
HIVES.
18 Expense in eonstructing change-
14 able hives, . -
The surplus honey will Soutaha ies
14 bread, . . . . .
15 — Description of Cutting’s emer
hive, . A
15 First objection cost of eanatrbetion,
Hives can be made with less ex-
15 pense,
16 = Old breeding cells will last a Jong
time, ‘ i
16 ~—- Cells larger than necessary at first,
17. ' Expense of renewing combs, .
17 _——‘ Best to use old combs as long as
18 they willlast,. . «© .
18 = Driving and Pruning when neces-
sary, a a
19 -Toolsfor Pruning, . - . «
19 Use of Tobacco Smoke, . aoe
20 Further objections to a sectional
21 hive, oS Ap eo
21 Non-Swarmers, . . oe
21 ~— Contrast of profit, . . .
22 ~=—s~ Principle of swarming not auder-
23 stood, . . . . .
Not to be aapeaded upon,” . .
24 Hivesnotalways full beforeswarm-
25 ing,» » 6 8 el
‘ 8
i.
12
25
4
Size of hives needed, . .
An Experiment, . .
Bees do not increase if fall after the
first year in same hive,
Gillmore’s system doubted,
Utility of moth-proof hives dovibied,
Instincts of the bee always the
same, me ¥ a ee
Profit the object, . . .
Common hive recommended, .
Size Important,
Small hives most hable 4 accidents,
Apt to deceive, . 7 . .
Unprofitable if too large, 3 fi
Correct size between two extremes,
Size for warm latitudes, : “i
Larger hives more safe for long
Winters or backward Spring, .
2000 inches safe for this section, .
37
37
38
3!
39
40
41
42
42
42
43
43
43
44
45
CONTENTS.
Kind of Wood, width of Board, &c.
Shape of little consequence, -
Directions for making hives, . .
Size of cap and boxes, . . .
Miner's Hive, . . . .
Directions for making holes, . -
ASuggestion,. . .» + «+
Glass boxes preferred, . «© «
Glass boxes—how made, > ice
Guide-combs necessary, . . .
Wood Boxes, . . . . .
Cover for Hives, .- % +
Jars and Tumblers—how prepared,
Perfect Observatory Hive descri-
bed, . . . . ‘4
One like Common Hive preferred,
What may be seen, . . .
Directions for making Glass Hive, .
Plate for Hive, 8 ° .
CHAPTERIII.
Imperfectly Undertsood, o- %
Good stocks seldom without brood,
How small stocks commence,
Different with larger ones, .
How Pollen is stored in the breeding
season, . .
Operation of Ting, au the eee
described,
Time from the Egg to the perfect Bee,
Rough treatment of the young Bee,
Guess-work, - S a .
Terms applied to young Bess, .
Discrepancy in time in rearing brood
as given by Huber, .
The number of Eggs deposited by
BREEDING.
62 A test for the presence of a
63 Queen, z . é . &
64 When Drones are reared, oe
65 When Queens, . . . .
Liability of being destroyed, . .
65 Drones destroyed when honey is
searce, . . .
66 Old Queen leaves ae the firet
67 swarm, .
67 Ayoung Queen wind the ples of
68 leer mother in the old stock, .
69 Other Theories, . . . .
Subject not understood, . . .
70 Necessity for further observa-
: tion; ee - 6
71 ‘Two sides of the question, .
the Queen guessed at, . .
CHAPTERIYV.
BEE PASTURAGE.
Substitate for Pollen, . . .
Manner of packing it, . . :
Alder yields the first, . . .
Fruit Flowers important in good
weather, er ee
88
89
89
91
Red Raspberry a favorite, . .
Catnip, Mother-wort, and Hoar-
hound, are sought after,, .
Singular fatality attendant on Silk-
weed, «§ » «& 4
91
92
CONTENTS. 5
Largo yield from Basswood, . . 96
Garden Flowers unimportant, - O7
Honey-dew, . . » 97
SingularSecretion,. . . . 98
Secretionsof the Aphis,. . . 98
Advantages of Buckwheat, . - 101
Amount of honey collected from
ity % & © @ ow. or DOL
Do Bees injure the crop?. C . 102
Are not Bees an advantage to vege-
tation? . < we fe - 103
_A test for the presence of Queen
doubted, . . « + . 106
An extra quantity of Pollen not
always detrimental, « « 17
What combs are generally free
from Bee-bread, . . . 108
Manner of packing stores, + 108
Philosophy in filling a cell with
honey, . . . . - 109
Long cells sometimes turned up-
ward, . . - 110
Is a dry or wet season best for
honey? . c - ii
How many Stocks should be kept, . 112
Three principal sources of honey, 112
CHAPTER VY.
WAX.
Is Pollen converted into Wax ? - 115
‘Are crooked Combs a disadvantage ? 120
How is it obtained ? + + «115 Uncertainty in weight of Bees, . 122
Huber’s account of a commence- Some wax wasted, » «4 «12
mentofcomb,. . . .117 Water necessary in Comb-mak-
Best time to witness comb-making, 118 ing,» - © «© « « 12
Manner of working Wax, . - 119 Remarks, . = & . « 126
CHAPTER VI.
PROPOLIS.
What used for, . : - 128 Huber’s Opinion, . «© « ~~ 129
Is it an elaborate or adthral sub- Further Proof, o 6 « «6 129
stance? . . . - .. 129 Remarks, é . . . - 132
CHAPTER VII.
THE APIARY. ie
Italocation, . . « «+ «182 Space between Hives, . . . 136
Decide Early,. -. + . 183 ‘Small Matters, . a» w» ee
Bees mark their location on leaving Economy, . . . - 137
the hive, . . . . . 134 Cheap arrangement ‘of stands, - 138
Changing stand attended with Canal Bottom-board discarded, . 139
loss, - . - » 134
Can, be taken some datsues, . . 185
Sanger of setting Stocks too close, 135
Some advantage in, being near the
earth, . = 6 + « 189
Utility of Bee-Houses doubted, . 141
6 CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VIII.
ROBBERIES.
Not properly understood, a . 142
Improper Remedies, . . «143
Difficulty indeciding, . » «144
Weak families inmost danger, . 144
Their Battles, . « 145
Bad policy to raise the Hives, - 146
Indications of cua . . . 146
ADuty, . 6 «© «© «© «147
ATest, . oo. . . - 147
Robbing usually commences on a
warmday, . « . 148
Remedies, . . < é . 149
Common Opinion, . . ~ «. 149
A case in point, . . . « 149
Further Directions,. —« - 150
Common cause of commsicize, - 151
Spring the worst time, - . - 152
No necessity to have Bees plun-
deredinthe fall, . .« - 153
CHAPTER IX.
FEEDING BEES.
Should be a last resort, . 154
Care needed, . . . . - 1bt
Apparent contradiction when feed-
ing causes starvation, . . 155
How long it will do to wait before
feeding, - es « « « 256
Directions for feeding, . . . 157
Whole Families may desert the
Hive, . . » + 158
: Objections to general feeding, . 159
Arrangement for feeding, . . 159
Feeding to induce early eae - 161
DESTRUCTION OF WORMS.
What may be fed, . . . » 162
Is candied honey injurious? . . 162
CHAPTER X. ‘
Some in the best Stocks, : 164 Objection Auswered, . + 169
How Found, .. . - 165
A tool for their destraction, . 165
Mistaken Conclusions, . . - 167
Objections to suspended Bottom-
board, % - 167
Advantage of the Hive close to the
board, . . . . - 168
Insufficiency of inclined Bottom-
board, . o 8 « 169
A Moth can go where Bees
CHAPTER XI.
PUTTING, ON AND TAKING OFF BOXES.
Advantage of the Patent Vender, . 172
Time of puttng on—Rule, - «172
Making holes after the Hive is
falls %- 4 174
Advantage of proper arrangement, 174
Directions for boring holes in full
Stock, ‘ - 176
To be taken of ite filed, - 17
can, - ‘ - 170
Trap to catch Worms, + .« «170
Box for Wren, » 6 «6 «171
Time taken to fill a box, . - «178
When to take off boxes part full, . 178
Tobacco Smoke preferred to Slides, 178
Manner of disposing of the Bees ‘in
the boxes, “ ‘6 < - 179
Bees disposed to carry away honey, 179
Not disposed tosting, . . « 180
Rule, see 18]
CONTENTS. 7
CHAPTER XII.
SECURING HONEY FROM THE MOTH.
Two things to be prevented, . 181
Aptto be deceived about the Worms, 182
Their progress described, +. 182
A Solution offered, . - 183
Method of killing Worms in boxes, . 185
Freezing destroysthem,. . . 186
Objection to using Boxes before the
‘ Hiveisfull, . . « © 18%
CHAPTER XIII.
SWARMING.
Time toexpectthem, . . . 187
All Bee-Keepers should understand
it as it is, . . . - 188
Means of understanding it, - » 188
Inverting a stock rather formidable
atfirst, . ‘ . 189
Requisites before siesondation of
Queen’s cells, 3 - 189
State of Queen-cell when used, . 190
State when swarms issue, + 190
Clastering outside not always to be
depended upon, —
Examinations—the result, .
Remarks, . . » « «1%
Conflicting Theories, . . + 192
Both Old and Young leave with
swarms, . - 192
Cause of the Queen’s inabiliy? to fly
suggested, ; . » 198
Evidence of the Old Gusecit sleaving, 193
Mr. Weeks’s Theory not satisfac-
tory, . . . . - 194
Mr. Miner not correct, . . . 195
Particular directions for testing the
matter, . . « 196
Empty Hives to be realy, .
Bottom-boards for hiving, . «. 197
Description of swarm issuing, . 198
Manner of hiving can be varied, . 199
Usual Methods, - «© e* *. 199
When out of reach, + + #200
When they cannot be shaken off, . 202
All should be made toenter, . . -208
Should be taken to the stand imme-
diately, . . + + 208
Protection from the Sun neces-
sary, . . . . » 203
Clustering Bushes, . - 204
Tow swarms are generally man-
aged that leave for the woods, 205
Nothing but Bees needed in a Hive, 206
Seldom go off without clustering, . 207
Do swarms choose a location before
swarming?: . . . + 207
Means of arresting aswarm, . + 208
Some Compulsion,,. .« . © . 208
How far will they.go in search of
ahome? . . . « 209
Two or more swarms liable to
i unite, . a te . - 211
Disadvantage, oo» « « Ot
Can often be prevented, . . . 212
Indications of swarming inside the
_ Hive, « 8 «© » , « BIZ
Préventing a swarm ears for a
time, - 213
To prevent swarms uniting with
those already hived, . . 213
When two have united—the method
of separating, . eas ene . 214
No danger of a sting by the Queen, 215
‘Some precautions in hiving two
swarms together, <: °°. > 216
How to find Queen when two stran-
gers aretogether, . . - 217
Boxes for double swarms mmme-
diately, . . . - 218
Returning a part to the old stock, . 218
Method of uniting, . a 4 . 218
When care is necessary, . 219
8 CONTENTS.
Swarm-Catcher, . . Fi - 220
Swarms sometimes return, . ~ 222
Repetition prevented, - a ~ 222
Liability to enter wrong stocks, . 223
First issues generally choose fair
weather, . « 224
AFTER SWARMS, . . . « 225
Their Size, . «eee 225
Time after the first, . . . - 225
Piping of the Queen, . « 225
May always be heard before an
afterswarm, . . . . 226
Time of continuance varies, . . 226
Time between second and third is-
sues, . + 227
Not always to be depenited upon, . 227
A Rule for the time of these issues, 228
When it is useless to expect more
swarms, . + a ae » 228
Plurality of Queens destroyed, - 229
The Manner, . . + « « 230
Theory doubted, . 21
After-swarms different in appear-
ance from the first, when about
CHAPTER XIV.
LOSS OF QUEENS.
Of swarms that lose their Queen, . 238
A suggestion and an answer, . ~ 239
Adisputed question, . . 240
A multitude of Drones intel, . 21
The Queen liable to be lost in her ex-
cursions, . fui | ae - 243
The time when it occurs, se
Indications of the loss, . 5
to issue, . ‘ . . 232
Time of day, weather, iy 5 » 233
Swarms necessary to be seen, 233
Returning after-swarms to the old
stock, eo 235
When they should be returned, . 235
Method of doing it, a 2 « 285
More care needed by After-swarms
when hived, . . . - 237
Two may be united, . & e287
The Result, . . + 245
Age of Bees indicated, . . - 246
Necessityof care, . . . . 246
Remedy, . - » PAT
Mark the date of swarmson ithe Hive, 248
Obtaining a Queen from worker
brood, . oe e+ PAD
They are poor dependence, . . 249
CHAPTER XV.
ARTIFICIAL SWARMS.
Principles should be und yd, . 252
Some Experiments, * - 253
The result unsatisfactory, ‘ - 253
Further Experiments, . . . 264
Asuccessful method, - 256
Advantages of this method, - 257
Antificial swarms only safe near the
swimming season, . . 259
Sometimes hazardous, . . - 259
Some Objections, . : - 259
Natural and artificial swarms
equally prosperous, . ° « 260
This matter too often delay-
ed, . . - 261
Is the age of the dicen impor-
tant? . * . . - 261
CHAPTER XVI.
PRUNING,
Different opmions astotime,. . 262
Another time preferred, . - 263
Should not be delayed, ~ «38
Objection to Pruning, . » 264
Stocks pruned now are betier for
winter, . es leg og 265
CONTENTS, 9
-CHAPTER XVII.
DISEASED BROOD,
Not generally understood, . . 266
My own experience, oo + 267
Description of Disease, . . 267
The cause uncertain, . . . 268
Remedial Experiments, . . . 268
Public inquiry and answers,. . 268
Answers not salisfactory, . + 270
A cause suggested, eo + 270
Reasons for the opinion,, . . 272
Cause of itsspreading, . . =. 273
Not easily detected a ‘first, « 274
Symptoms to be observed, . . 274
Scalding the honey to destroy the
poison for feeding, . . . 275
When to examine stocks that have
swarmed, ee we BIB
Care in selecting stock-hives for
CHAPTER XVIII.
IRRITABILITY OF BEES.
Their means of defence, © 2 QT
Time of greatest Irritability, . « 278
ProperConduct, . «4 + 278
How to proceed when attacked, . 279
A person’s breath offensive, and
other causes, . i . » 279
Their manner of attack, - 6 278,
CHAPTER XIX.
ENEMIES OF BEES.
Are they all guilty ? < + « 286
Rats and Mice, so - 287
Are all the Birds guilty? - «288
King-bird—one word in his favor, . 288
Cat-bird acquitted,. . - 289
Toad gotclear, . c . - 290
Wasps and Hornets not favored, . 290
Ants—a word intheir favor, . . 291
Spider condemned, 7 » , « 292
Wax-Moth unrivalled for mischief, 293
Indications of their pr + 296
Management,. . . «© « 296
Care in turning over Hives, . + 297
winter, . . . . . 2%
Accusations not always right, . 576
Smoker described, . . « . 280
Effectof TobaccoSmoke, . . 281
Sting described, . . . . 282
Does its loss prove fatal? - « 283
Means of protection, . . . 284
‘Remedies for stings, . . - 285
Other symptoms of Worms, . « 298
When they grow larger than usual, 299
Time of Growth, . . . « 299
Time of Transformation, - «800
Freezing destroys Worms, Cocoon,
and Moth, + 6 « « 800
How they pass the Winter, . . 801
Stocks more liable to be destroyed
lastof Summer, . . . 801
When Bees are safe, . . « 302
Means to destroy them, . . 302
Making them drunk and their execu-
tion by Chickens, . . . 803
CHAPTER xx:
MELTING DOWN OF COMBS.
- 804
+ 804
TheCause, . 8
Bice, «© « «§ 8 &
First Indications, . . . =. 308
Prevention, . ». « + + 3%
10 CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXI.
FALL MANAGEMENT.
First Care, . - 307
Strong Stocks sieponsl to vpinadee 307
Bees Changeable, ~ .« . - 808
Requisites for good Stocks, . - 308
Great aaa of killing the
Bees, . . . - 809
ction of country may make a dif-
ference in what poor stocks
need, up ee - + 809
When Bees are needed, . . . 310
Caution, . eae gy ow BLL
Principal Difficulty . . . 311
How Avoided, ee hi » » Sil
Advantages of making one good
stock from two poor ones, . 312
Two families together will not con-
sume as much asif separate, . 312
An Experiment, . . 314
Season for operating, . . . 313
The Fumigator, 7 . » . 814
Directions for uniting two families, 315
Uniting with Tobacco Smoke, - 817
Condition of Stocks in 1851,°. =. 318
How they were managed, . - 318
Cause of their superior Thrift, . 819
Swarms partly filled pay better than
tocutoutthe honey, . . 320
Advantages in transferring, . . 320
Another method of. uniting two
families, . . . 6 - 821
Uniting Comb and Haney as well as
Bees, : . . « 822
When feeding should be done for
Stock Hives, . . . « 828
CHAPTER XXII.
WINTERING BEES.
Different methods have been adopt-
Ode as ke a, ae) BOD
The idea of Bees not freezing has
led to errors in practice, . - 826
Appearance of Bees in cold wea-
ther, HO ae 8 - . 826
How part of the swarm is frozen, . 327
How asmall family may all freeze, 327
Frost and Ice sometimes smother
Bees, . - 828
Frost and Ice in a Hive abunntéa
for, . . . , - 329
The effect of Ice or nas on Bees
and Comb, be . - 330
‘Frost may cause starvation, . - 330
Other Difficulties, . » «+ - 830
Further Llustrations, - « - 882
Accumulation of Faces described
oy some writers as adisease, . 336
The Author’s remedy, . - 337
Burying Bees... . «© « «887
Experiments of the Author to get
tid of the Frost, » «+ . 838
Guecess inthis matter, . . . 838
Bees when in the house should be
kept perfectly dark, . . . 339
A room made for wintering Bees, . 339
Manner of stowing away Hives, . 340
Temperature of room, . . . S41
Too much Honey may sometimes be
stored, . . . . « 342
Management of room towards
Spring, . . .
Time for setting out = we
Not too many stocks taken out at
once, oS Me .
Families may be sual’, i?
Snow need not always prevent car-
rying out Bees, . .
Does not Analogy prove that Bees
should be kept warm in Winter ? 345
The next best place for wintering
Bees, + 2 « . 846
Evils of wintering in the open air
considered, 7 + « . BAT
But httle risk with good stocks, . 348
Effect of keeping second-rate stocks
outof thesun,. . « 849
CONTENTS. 11
Effects of Snow considered, . 849
Stocks to be protected on some oc-
casions, . . «+ 850
Do the Bees cat more wnen allowed
to come out occasionally in Win-
ler? . . . . . « 852
CHAPTER XXIII.
SAGACITY OF BEES,
Are not Bees directed alone by in-
stinct? 2. + + 853
What they do with Propolie, - =. 858
Mending broken Comps,. —. . 354
Making passages to every part of
their Combs, . . . «3855
CHAPTER XXIV.
STRAINING HONEY AND WAX.
Methods of removing Combs from
theHive,. . . . . 857
Different modes of straining Honey, 858
. Getting out Wax—different methods, 360
CHAPTER XXV.
PURCHASING STOCKS AND TRANSPORTING BEES.
Why the word luck is applied to
Bees, . . . - 362
Rule in taking Bees for ashare, . 364
Aman may sell his “luck,” - 364
First-rate stocks wectnuniediod to
Size of Hives important, - 867
How large Hives can be made
smaller, . . . - 368
Moderate weather best to remove
Bees, . . . FE - 369
begin with, . . x . 865 Preparations for transporting Bees, 370
Old stocks are good as any if Securing Bees in the Hive, . - 370
healthy, . é . . « 365 Best Conveyance, . . . . 370
Caution respecting diseased brood, 366 Hive to be inverted, “ G . 871
Result of ignorance in purch ig, 366 Conclusi . . . . - 872
APPENDIX.
First experience with the Movable-
comb Hive, . . rs é
First artificial swarm, . . » 378
How to prevent second swarms, . 378
Loss of Queens readily ascertained, 378
’ How to secure an eira swarm—a
valuable operation for those
who wish to increase their
stocks tothe utmost. .
How to strengthen weak stocks,
To prevent rearing too many drones, 380
Drone-combs, containing Honey,
should be given to a Sonny
needing stores, . 380
Advantage in wintering. . 380
Directions for making Hives, ” » 381
Winter passages, . . . - 382
Bee-hat, -
How to ‘quiet Bees for examination, 384
-Directions for examining combs, . 384
How to hiveaswarm, . .- - 384
How to transfer Bees and combs
from common Hive into frames, 384
Moving Bees,. . « - 884
PREFACE.
Berore the reader decides that an apology is ne-
cessary for the introduction of another work on bees
into the presence of those already before the public,
it'is hoped that he will have the patience to examine
the contents of this.
“The writer of the following pages commenced bee-
keeping in 1828, without any knowledge of the busi-
ness to assist him, save a few directions about hiving,
smoking them with sulphur, &c. Nearly. all ,the in-
formation to.be had was so mingled with erroneous
whims and notions, that it required a long experience
to separate essential and consistent points. It was
impossible to procure a work that gave the information
necessary for practice. From that. time to the present,
no sufficient guide for the inexperienced has appeared.
European works, republished here, are of but little
value. Weeks, Townley, Miner, and others, writers
of this country, within a few years, have given us
treatises, valuable to some extent, but have entirely
neglected several chapters, very important and essen-
tial to the beginner. Keeping bees has been, and is
2 PREFACE.
now, by the majority, deemed a hazardous enterprise.
The ravages of the moth had been so great, and loss
so frequent, that but little attention was given to the
subject for along time. Mr. Weeks lost his entire stock
three times in twenty-five years. . But soon after the
discovery was promulgated, that honey could be taken
from a stock without destroying the bees, an addi-
tional attention was manifest, increasing to a rage in
many places. It seems to be easily understood, that
profit must attend success, in this branch of the farm.
er’s stock; inasmuch as the “bees work for nothing
and find themselves.” This interest in bees should be
encouraged to continue till enough are kept to collect
all the honey now wasted; which, compared with the
present collections, would be more than a thousand
pounds to one. But to succeed, that is the difficulty.
Some eighteen years since, after a propitious season,
an aged and esteemed friend said to me, ‘It is not to
be expected that you will have such luck always; you
must expect they will run out after a time. I have
always noticed, when people have first-rate luck for a
time, that the bees generally take a turn, and are gone
in a few years.”
I am not sure but, to the above remarks, may be
traced the cause of my subsequent success. It stimu-
lated me to observation and inquiry. I soon found
that good seasons were the “Jucky” ones, and that
many lost in an adverse season, all they had before
gained. Also, that strong families were the only ones
on which I could depend for protection against the
moth. This induced the effort to ascertain causes
PREFACE. 3
tending to diminish the size of families, and the appli-
cation of remedies. Whethersuccess has attended my
efforts or not, the reader can judge, after a perusal of
the work.
It is time that the word “luck,” as applied-to bee-
keeping, was discarded. The prevailing opinion, that
bees will prosper for one person more than another,
under the same circumstances, is fallacious. As well
might it be applied to the mechanic and farmer. The
careless, ignorant farmer, might occasionally succeed
in raising a crop with a poor fence; but would be lia-
ble, at any time, to lose it by trespassing cattle. He
might have suitable soil in the beginning, but without
knowledge, for the proper application of manures, it
might fail to produce; unless a chance application hap-
pened to be right.
But with the intelligent farmer the case is different:
’ fences in order, manures judiciously applied, and with
propitious seasons, he makes a sure thing of it. Call
him “lucky” if you please; it is his knowledge, and
care, that render him so. So with bee-keeping, the
careful man is the “lucky” one. There can be no
effect without a preceding cause. If you lose a stock
of bees, there is a cause or causes producing it, just as
certain as the failure of a crop with the unthrifty farm-
er, can be traced to a poor fence, or unfruitful soil.
You may rest assured, that a rail is off your fence of
management somewhere, or the proper. applications
have not been made. In relation to bees, these things
may not be quite so apparent, yet nevertheless true.
Why is there so much more ‘uncertainty in apiarian
4 PREFACE,
science than other farming operations? It must be
attributed to the fact, that among the thousands who
are engaged in, and have studied agriculture, perhaps
not more than one has given his energies to the nature
and habits of bees. If knowledge is elicited in the
same ratio, we ought to have a thousand times more
light on one subject than the other, and still there are
some things, even in agriculture, that may yet be
learned.
It is supposed, by many, that we already have all
the knowledge that the subject of bees affords. This
is not surprising; a person that was never furnished
with a full treatise, might arrive at such conclusions.
Unless his own experience goes deeper, he can have
no means of judging what is yet behind.
In conversation relative to this work, with a person
of considerable scientific attainments, he remarked,
“You do not want to give the natural history of bees
at all; that is already sufficiently understood.” And
how is it understood; as Huber gives it, or in accord-
ance with some of our own writers? If we take Huber
as a guide, we find many points recently contradicted.
If we compare authors of our day, we find them con-
tradicting each other. One recommends a peculiarly
constructed hive, as just the thing adapted to their
nature and instincts. Ifa single point is in accordance
with their nature, he labors to twist all the others to
his purpose, although it may involve a fundamental
‘principle impossible to reconcile. Some one else suc-
ceeds in another point, and proceeds to recommend
something altogether different. alse and contradic:
PREFACE. 5
tory assertions are made either through ignozance, or
interest. Interest may blind the judgment, and spu-
rious history may deceive.
It is folly to expect success in bee-keeping for any
length of time, without a correct knowledge of their
nature and instincts; and this we shall never obtain
by the course hitherto pursued. As much of their
labor is performed in the dark, and difficult to be ob-
served, it has given rise to conjecture and false rea-
soning, leading to false conclusions.
When J say a thing ¢s so, or say it is not so, oe
evidence has the reader that it is proved or demon-
strated? My mere assertions are not expected to be
taken in preference to another's ; of such proof, we have
more than enough. Most people have not the time,
patience, or ability, to set down quietly with close ob-
servation, and investigate the subject thoroughly.
Hence it has been found easier to receive error for
truth, than to make the exertion necessary to confute
it; the more so, because there is no guide to direct
the investigation. I shall, therefore, pursue a differ-
ent course; and for every assertion endeavor to give a
test, that the reader may apply and satisfy himself,
and trust to noone. As for theories, I shall try to
keep them separate from facts, and offer such evidence
as I have, either for or against them. If the reader
has further proof that presents the matter in another
light, of course he will exercise the right to a differ-
ence of opinion. .
I could give a set of rules for practice, and be very
brief, but this would be unsatisfactory. When we are
1*
6 PREFACE.
told a thing must be done, most of us, like the “inquis-
itive Yankee,” have a desire to know why it is neces:
sary; and then like to know how todo it. This gives
us confidence that we are right. Hence, I shall en-
deavor to give the practical part, in as close connec-
tion with the natural history, that dictates it, as pos-
sible.
This work will contain several asians entirely
new to the public: the result of my own experience,
that will be of the utmost value to all who desire to
realize the greatest possible advantages from their
bees.
The additions to chapters already partially discussed.
by others, will contain much original matter not to be
found elsewhere. When many stocks are kept,. the
chapter on “ Loss of Queens,” alone, will, with atten-
tion, save to any one, not in the secret, enough in one
season to be worth more in value- than many times
the cost of this work. The same might be said of
those on diseased brood, artificial swarms, wintering
bees, and many others. :
If such a work could have been placed in my hands
twenty years ago, I should have realized hundreds of.
dollars by the information. But instead of this, my
course has been, first to suffer a loss, and then find
out the remedy, or preventive; from which the reader
may be exempt, as I can confidently recommend these -
directions.
Another new feature will be found in the duties of
each season being kept by itself, commencing with the
spring and ending with the winter management.
PREFACE. 7
In my anxiety to be understood by all classes of
readers, I am aware that I have made the elegant con-
struction and arrangement of sentences of secondary
importance; therefore justly liable to criticism. But
to the reader, whose object is information on this sub-
ject, it can be of but little consequence.
Coxsackie, 1853. M. QUINBY.
Since the publication of the first editions of this
treatise, the writer has left Coxsackie in Greene Co.,
for St. Johnsville, Montgomery Co., N. Y.
During the past season, the author and a few neigh-
bors who manage according to his system, have fur-
nished for market over 20,000 pounds of box-honey.
This fact has been noticed, and copied extensively in
the newspapers, as something remarkable, awakening
much curiosity. -As his address was given in connec-
tion, he has been beset with letters of inquiry as to
what system of bee-culture was pursued, from those
who are not aware of the existence of this work. It
is impossible to answer in detail by letter; but in this
volume every question, with many others, have been
anticipated and fully discussed. Since the above date
of the first edition, he has had the experience of several
additional years, which have suggested no important
alteration or addition. So many have tested the prac-
ticability of his system with such uniform success,
that he again offers it to the public with increased
confidence.—St, Johnsville, N. Y., January, 1857.
M. QUINBY.
PREFACE TO EIGHTH EDITION.
THe Appendix now added to this work gives direc-
tions for using, and sets forth some of the advantages
of, L. L. Langstroth’s movable-comb hive.
Could the Author have taken his choice, its appear-
ance would have been deferred till the result of some
experiments now in progress had been completed.
But the numerous inquiries for an opinion of its merits
indicate that there is too much interest for any longer
delay.
At present, there is but little alteration in the body
of the work. There will be some who still adhere to
the common box-hive. Most of the natural history
and practical directions apply to both hives alike, and
will serve both classes of Bee-keepers.
M. QUINBY.
Sr. Jonnsvitte, Montcomery Co., N. Y.,
January 1, 1859.
(8)
CHAPTERLI
A BRIEF HISTORY.
THREE KINDS OF BEES.
_ Every frosperous swarm, or family of bees, must
contain one queen, several thousand workers, and,
part of the year, a few hundred drones.
WORKER, DRONE.
QUEEN DESCRIBED.
The queen is the mother of the entire family ; her.
duty appears to be only to deposit eggs in the cells.
Her abdomen has its full size very abruptly where it
joins the trunk or body, and then gradually tapers to
a point. She is longer than either the drones or
workers, but her size, in other respects, is a medium
between the two. In shape she resembles the worker
more than the drone; and, like the worker, has a
sting, but will not use it for anything below royalty.
1* 9
10 A BRIEF HISTORY.
She is nearly destitute of down, or hairs; a very little
may be seen about her head and trunk. This gives
her a dark, shining appearance, on the upper side—
some aré nearly black. Her legs are somewhat longer
than those of a worker; the two posterior ones, and
the under surface, are often of a bright copper color.
In some of them a yellow stripe nearly encircles the
abdomen at the joints, and meets on the back. Her
wings are about the same as the workers, but as her
abdomen is much longer, they only reach about two-
thirds the length of it. For the first few days after
leaving the cell, her size is much less than after she
has assumed her maternal duties. She seldom, per-
haps never, leaves the hive, except when leading a
swarm, and when but a few days old, to meet the
drones, in the air, for. the purpose of fecundation.
The manner of the queen’s impregnation is yet a dis-
puted point, and probably never witnessed by any
one. The majority of close observers, I believe, are
of opinion that the drones are the males, and that
sexual connection takes place in the air,* performing
their amours while on the wing, like the humble-bee
and some other insects. It appears that one impreg-
nation is operative during her life, as old queens are
not afterwards seen coming out for that purpose.
DESCRIPTION AND DUTY OF WORKERS.
As all labor devolves on the workers, they are pro-
*The objectors to this hypothesis will be generally found among
those who are unable to give a more plausible elucidation. Those
who oppose the fact that one bee is the mother of the whole family,
will probably be in the same class,
A BRIEF HISTORY. 11
vided with a sack, or bag, for honey. Basket-like |
cavities are on their legs, where they pack the pollen
of flowers into little pellets, convenient to bring home.
They are also provided with a sting, and a virulent
poison, although they will not use it abroad when un-
molested, but, if attacked, will generally defend them-
selves sufficient to escape. They range the fields
for honey and pollen, secrete wax, construct combs,
prepare food, nurse the young, bring water for the use
of the community, obtain propolis to seal up all crev-
ices about the hive, stand guard, and keep out intru-—
ders, robbers, &c., &c.
DESCRIPTION OF DRONES.
When the family is large and honey abundant,
a brood of drones is reared; the number, probably,
depends on the yield of honey, and size of the swarm,
more than anything else. As honey becomes scarce,
they are destroyed. Their bodies are large and rather —
‘clumsy, covered with short hairs or bristles. Their .
abdomen terminates very abruptly, without the sym-
metry of the queen or worker. Their buzzing, when
on the wing, is louder, and altogether different from
the others. They seem to be of the least value of
any in the hive. Perhaps not more than one in a
thousand is ever called upon to perform the duty for
which they were designed. Yet they assist, on some
occasions, to keep up the animal heat necessary in
the old hive after a swarm has left.
MOST BROOD IN SPRING,
Tn spring and first of summer, when nearly all the
12 A BRIEF HISTORY.
combs are empty, and food abundant, they rear brood
more extensively than at any other period, (towards
fall more combs are filled with honey, giving less
room for brood.) The hive soon becomes crowded
with bees, and royal cells are constructed, in which
the queen deposits her eggs. When some of these
young queens are advanced sufficiently to be sealed
over, the old one, and the greater part of her subjects,
leave for a new location, (termed swarming.) They
soon collect in a cluster, and, if put into an empty
hive, commence anew their labors; constructing
combs, rearing brood, and storing honey, to be aban-
doned on the succeeding year for another tenement.
One in a hundred may do it the same season, if the
hive is filled and crowded again in time to warrant
it. Only large early swarms do this.
THEIR INDUSTRY.
Industry belongs to their nature. When the flow-
ers yield honey, and the weather.is fine, they need no
impulse from man to perform their part. When their
tenement is supplied with all things necessary to reach
another spring, or their store-house full, and no neces-
sity or room for an addition, and we supply them with.
more space, they assiduously toil to fill it up. Rather
than to waste time in idleness, during a bounteous
yield of honey, they have been known to deposit their
surplus in combs outside the hive, or under the stand.
This natural industrious habit lies at the foundation:
of allthe advantages in bee-keeping; consequently
our hives must be constructed with this end in view;
HIVES. 13
and at the same time not interfere with other points
of their nature; but this subject will be discussed in
the next chapter. Those peculiar traits in their na-
ture, mentioned in this, will be more fully discussed
in different parts of this work, as they appear to be
called for, and where proof will be offered to sustain
the positions here assumed, which as yet are nothing
more than mere assertions.
CHAPTER II.
HIVES.
HIVES TO BE THOROUGHLY MADE,
Hives should be constructed of good materials,
boards of good thickness, free from flaws and cracks,
well fitted and thoroughly nailed.
The time of making them is not very particular,
providing itis done in season. It certainly should not
be put off till the swarming period, to be made as
wanted, because if they are to be painted, it should be
done as long as possible before, as the rank smell of
oil and paint, just applied, might be offensive to
the bees.
But what kind of hive shall be made?
In answer, some less than a thousand forms have
been given. The advantages of bee-keeping depend
as much upon the construction of hives, as any one
thing; yet there is no subject pertaining to them on
14 HIVES.
which there is such a variety of opinions, and I have
but little hopes of reconciling all these conflicting
views, opinions, prejudices, and interests.
DIFFERENT OPINIONS ABOUT THEM.
One is in favor of the old box, and the cruel prac-
tice of killing the bees to obtain the honey, as the
only means to obtain “‘luck ;” “they are sure to run out
if they. meddle with them.” Another will rush to the
opposite extreme, and advocate all the extravagant
fancies of the itinerant patent-vender, as the ne plus
ultra of all hives, when perhaps it would be worth
more for fire-wood than the apiary.
THE AUTHOR HAS NO PATENT TO RECOMMEND.
To remove from the mind of the reader all appre-
hension that I am about condemning one patent to
recommend another, I would say in the beginning, that
Thave no patent to praise, no interest in deceiving, and I
hope no prejudices to influence me, in advocating or
condemning any system. I wish to make bee-keeping
plain, simple, economical, and profitable ; so that when
we sum up the profit “it shall not be found in the
other pocket.”
It is a principle recognized by our statute, that no
person is suitable as a Juror, who is biased either by
interest or prejudice. Now whether I am the impar-
tial Jurist, is not for me to say: but I wish to discuss
the subject fairly. I hope some few will be enabled to
see their own interest: at any rate, dismiss prejudice,
HIVES. % 15
a8 far as possible, while we examine wherein one clase
in community is unprofitable to bee-keepers.
SPECULATORS SUPPORTED LONG ENOUGH.
We have faithfully supported a host of speculators
on our business for a long time; often not caring one
straw about our success, after pocketing the fee of
successful “‘humbuggery.” One is no sooner gone,
than we are beset by another, with something
altogether different, and of course the acme of per-
fection. :
PREFIX OF PATENT A BAD RECOMMENDATION.
This has been done until the very prefix of patent,
or premium, attached to a hive, renders it almost
certain that there must be something deleterious to
the apiarian; either in expense of construction or
intricate and perplexing in management, requiring
an engineer to manage, and a skilful architect to con-
struct.
What does the American savage, who without
difficulty can track the panther or wolf, know of
the principles of chemistry? What does the Chemist
know of following a track in the forest, when nothing
but withered leaves can guide him? Each understands
principles, the mnutie of which the other never
dreamed.
IGNORANCE OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES.
Thus it appears to be with granting patents and
premiums, if we take what has been patented and
16 HIVES.
praised by our committees and officers as improvements
in bee-culture. These men may be capable, intelligent,
and well fitted for their sphere, but in bee matters,
about as capable of judging, as the Hottentot would
be of the merits of an intricatesteam-engine. Know-
ledge and experience are the only qualifications com-
petent to decide.
OPPOSITION TO SIMPLICITY.
I am aware that among the thousands whose direct
interest is opposed to my simple, plain. manner of get-
ting along, many will be ready to contend with me
for every departure from their patent, improved or pre-
mium hives, as the case may be.
BY GAINING ONE POINT, PRODUCE ANOTHER EVIL.
I think it will be an easy matter to show that every
departure from simplicity to gain one point, is attend-
ed in another by a correspondent evil, that often ex-
ceeds the advantage gained. That we have made
vast Improvements in art and science, and in every de-
partment of human affairs, no one will deny; conse-
quently, it is assumed we must correspondingly im-
prove in a bee-hive; forgetting that nature has fixed
limits to the instinct of the bee, beyond which she
will not go!
It will be necessary to point out the advantages
and objections to these pretended improvements, and
then we will see if we cannot avoid the objections,
and retain the advantages, without the expense, by a sim-
ple addition to the common hive; because if we ex:
HIVES, 17
‘pect to encourage bee-keeping, they must have better
success than a neighbor of mine, who expended fifty
dollars for bees and a patent, and lost all in three
years! Most bee-keepers are farmers; very few are
engineers sufficient to work them successfully. I
would say to all such as do not understand the nature
of bees, adhere to simplicity until you do, and then
I am quite sure you will have no desire for a change.
_ FIRST DELUSION,
Probably the first delusion in the patent line ori-
ginated with the idea, that to obtain surplus honey, it
was absolutely necessary to have a chamber hive. To
get rid of the depredations of mice, the suspended
hive was contrived. The inclined bottom-board was
then added to throw out the worms. To prevent the
combs from sliding down, the lower end was con-
tracted.
The principle of bees rearing queens from worker-
eggs when destitute, gave rise-to the dividing hive in
several forms. Comb, when used several years, be-
comes thickened and black, and needs changing; hence
the changeable hives. Non-swarmers have been in-
troduced to save risk and trouble. Moth:proof hives
to prevent the ravages of worms, &c., &c.»
CHAMBER HIVE.
The chamber hive is made with two apartments;
the lower and largest is for the permanent, residence
of the bees, the upper or chamber for the boxes. Its
merits are these: the chamber affords all the protec-
18 HIVES.
tion necessary for glass boxes; considered as a cover,
it is never lost. Its demerits are inconvenience in
handling; it occupies more room if put in the house
in the winter; if glass boxes are used, only one end
can be seen, and this may be full when the other may
hold some pounds yet, and we cannot possibly know
until itis taken out. I know we are told to return
such boxes when not full “ and the bees will soon finish
them,” but this will depend on the yield of honey at
the time; if abundant, it will be filled; if not, they
will be very likely to take a hint, and remove below
what there is in the box; whereas if the chamber was
separate from the hive, and was not a chamber but a
loose cap to cover the boxes, it could be raised at any
time without disturbing a single bee, and the precise
time of the boxes being filled ascertained, (that is, when
they are of glass.)
MRS, GRIFFITH’S HIVE.
Mrs. Griffith, of New Jersey, is said to have invented
the suspended chamber hive with the inclined bottom-
board. One would suppose this was sufficiently in-
convenient to use, and difficult and expensive to con-
struct.
WEEKS’ IMPROVEMENT,
Yet Mr. Weeks makes an alteration, calls it an
improvement, the expense is but a trifle more; it
is sufficient to be sanctioned by a patent. From front
to rear, the bottom is about three inches narrower than
the top, somewhat wedge-shape; it has the merit to
HIVES. 19
prevent the combs from slipping down, when they
happen to be made, to have the edges supported. The
objections are, that filth from the bees will not fall as
readily to the bottom as if every side was perpendicu-
lar, and the extra trouble in constructing.
INCLINED BOTTOM-BOARDS DO NOT THROW OUT ALL THE WORMS,
Inclined bottom-boards form the basis of one or twa
patents, said to be good to roll out the worms. I can
imagine a pea rolling off such a board; but a worm
is not often found in a rolling condition. Most of us
know, that when a worm drops from the combs, it is
like the. spider, with a thread attached above. The
only way that I can imagine one to be thrown out by
these boards, is to have it dead when it strikes-it, or
so cold that it cannot spin a thread, and wind to shake
the board, till it rolls off. The objections to these
boards are coupled with the suspended hive, with
which they are usually connected.
OBJECTIONS TO SUSPENDED HIVES.
All suspended hives must be objectionable to any one
who wishes to know the true condition of his bees at
all times. Only think of the trouble of unhooking the
bottom-board, and getting down on your back, or
twisting your neck till your head is dizzy, to look up
among the combs, and then see nothing satisfactory
for want of light; or to lift the hive from its support-
ers, and turn it over. The operation is too formida-
ble for an indolent’ man, or one that has much other
-business. The examination would very probably be
20 HIVES.
put off till quite sure it would do no longer, and some-
times a few days after that, when you will very often
find your bees past remedy.
SEE BEES OFTEN.
“ See your bees often,” is a choice recipe,—it is worth
five hundred dollars at interest, even when you have
but few stocks. How necessary then that we have
every facility for a close and minute inspection. How
much easier to turn up a hive that simply rests on a
stand. Sometimes it is necessary to turn the hive
even bottom up, and let the rays of the sun directly
among the combs, to see all the particulars. By this
close inspection, I have often ascertained the cause of
some difficulty, and provided aremedy, thus saving a
good many that in a short time would have been lost ;
yet, with a little help, were as valuable as any by
another year.
HALL’S PATENT,
Mr. Hall has added a lower section to his hive,
about four inches deep, with two boards inside, like
the roof of a house, to discharge the worms, &c.; but
as these boards would interfere with close inspection,
they are objectionable. Several other variations of
inclined bottom-boards and suspended hives have
been contrived, to obtain a patent, but the objections
offered will apply to most of them. JI shall not weary
the reader by noticing in detail every hive that has
been patented; I thinkif I notice the principles of each
kind, it will test his patience sufficiently.
HIVES. 21
JONES’ PATENT.
Jones’ dividing hive was probably suggested by this
instinctive principle of the bee, viz.: when a stock by
any accident loses its queen, and the combs contain
eggs or very young larvae, they will rear another.
Now if a hive is constructed so as to divide the brood-
combs, it would seem quite certain that the half with-
out a queen, would raise one; and we could multiply
our stocks without swarms, the trouble of hiving, and
risk of their going to the woods, &c.
AN EXPERIMENT.
Several years ago, I thought I had obtained a prin-
ciple that would revolutionize the whole system of
bee management. In 1840 I constructed such hives,
and put in the bees to test by actual experiment, the
utility of what seemed so very plausible in theory.
It would appear that this principle suggested the same
idea to Mr. Jones; perhaps with this difference: I
think he did not wait to test the plan thoroughly, be-
fore obtaining his patent in ’42. One yender of rights
asserted that 63 stocks were made from one in three
years; but somehow a great many that obtained the
rights, failed in their expectations. From my ex-
periments, I think I could guess at some of the rea-
sons.
Mr. A.—‘ Well, what are the reasons? give us
your experience, if you please, I am interested; I had
the right for such a hive, and had alot made to order,
that cost more money in the end than I shall ever pay
again for anything about bees.”
22 HIVES.
Do not be too hasty, friend, I think I can instruct
you to keep bees on principles in accordance with
their nature, which is very simple, so that if you can
be induced to try again, we will have the hives cost
but little, at any rate.
REASONS OF FAILURE IN DIVIDING HIVES.
The greatest difficulty with dividing hives, appeared
to be here. It must be constructed with a partition
or division to keep the combs in each apartment sep-
arate; otherwise, we make tearing work in the di-
vision. When bees are first put into such hives, un-
less the swarm is very large, and honey abundant,
one apartment will be filled to the bottom before a
commencement is made in the other.
Mr. A.—‘ What difference can that make? It is
necessary to have the hive full ; if it cannot be all filled
at once, why let thern fill part.”
The difference is this. The first combs built by a
swarm are for brood, and store-combs afterwards, as
needed; one apartment will be nearly filled with all
brood-combs, and the other with store-combs and
honey. Now in the two kinds of cells there is a great
difference ; those for breeding are near half an inch
in length, while those for storing are sometimes two
inches or more; totally unfit for breeding; until the
bees cut them off to the proper length, which they
will not do, unless compelled for want of room, con-
sequently this side of store-combs is but little used for
brood. When such hive is divided, the chances are
not more than one in four, that this apartment will
HIVES, 23
have any young bees of the proper age from which to
raise a queen; if not, and the old queen is in the part
with the brood-comb, where she will be ninety-nine
times in a hundred, one half of the hive’ is lost for
want of a queen.
Mr, A.—“ Ah! I think I now understand -how I
lost one-half of nearly every hive I divided. I
also lost some of them in the winter; there was plenty
of bees as well as honey; can you tell the cause of
this?”
I will guess that they starved.
Mr. A.—‘ Starved! why I said there was plenty of
honey.”
x understood it, but nevertheless feel quite sure.
Mr. A.—“TI would like to see that made plain; I
can’t understand how they could starve when there was
honey |”
CAUSE OF STARVING IN SUCH HIVES,
I said one apartment would be filled with brood-
combs; this will be occupied, at least partially, with
brood as long as the yield of honey lasts ; consequent-
ly, there will be but little room for storing here, but
the other side may be full throughout. The bees will
take up their winter quarters among the brood-combs.
Now suppose the honey in this apartment is all ex-
hausted during a severe turn of cold weather, what
can the bees do? If one should leave the mass and
go among the frosty combs for a supply, its fate would
be as certain as starvation. Without frequent inter
vals of warm weather to melt all frost on the combs,
24 HIVES.
and allow the bees to go into the other apartment for
honey, they must starve.
The cost of construction is another objection to this
hive, as the labor bestowed on one is more than would.
finish two, that would be much better.
ADVANTAGES OF THE CHANGEABLE HIVE CONSIDERED,
The value of changeable hives is based upon the fol-
lowing principle:—Hach young bee when it first
hatches from the egg, is neither more nor less than a
worm; when it receives the necessary food, the bees
seal it over ; it will then spin a cocoon, or line its cell
with a coating of silk, less in thickness than the thin-
nest paper; this remains after the bee leaves it. It is
evident, therefore, that after a few hundreds have been
reared in a cell, and each one has left its cocoon, that
such cell must be somewhat diminished, although the
thickness of a dozen cocoons could not be measured ;
and this old cell needs removing, that the bees may
replace it with a new one. But how shall it be done?
This is a feat for the display of ingenuity. A common
man might go about it in a very sensible, simple man-
ner, might possibly turn the hive over, and cut out the
old combs when necessary, without knowing perhaps
that the patent-vender could sell a receipt to do the
thing scientifically, the benefit of which would be many
times on the principle of a surgeon cutting off your
head, to get a good chance to tie a small artery accord-
ing to system ; or would show you a roundabout way
of half a dozen miles to accomplish what the same num-
ber of rods would do. Had we not ocular demonstra-
HIVES. 25
tion of the fact, we could not suppose so many varia-
tions for the same end could be invented. But if we
reward ingenuity, it will be stimulated to great exer-
tions. Perhapsif we describe the merits of one or two
of this class, the utility of this principle may be com-
prehended.
VARIATION OF THESE HIVES.
First, then, the sectional hive of various patterns has
been patented; it consists generally of about three
boxes, one above another; the top of each has one
large hole, or several small ones, or cross-bars, about
an inch wide, and half an inch apart; these holes or
spaces allowing the bees to pass from one box to the
other. When all are full, the upper one is removed, and
an empty one put under the bottom; in this way all
are changed, and the combs renewed in three years;
very easily and quietly done. ‘This is as far as a pa-
tent-vender wishes the subject investigated ; and some
of his customers have not gone beyond this point. As
an offset for these advantages, we will first look at the
cost of such hive.
EXPENSE IN CONSTRUCTING CHANGEABLE HIVES.
It is as much work to construct each separate sec-
tion, as a commom hive; consequently, it is three
times the expense to begin with. It is objectionable
for wintering bees, on the same principle as the divid- ,
ing hive. I object to it on another point: our surplus
honey will never be. pure, as each section must be used
for breeding, and every cell so used, will contain
cocoons corresponding to the number of bees raised.
2
26 HIVES.
SURPLUS HONEY WILL CONTAIN BEE-BREAD.
Also pollen, or bee-bread, ig always stored in the
vicinity of the young brood; some of this will remain
mixed with the honey, to please the palate with its ea-
quisite flavor. The majority will probably prefer all
surplus honey stored in pure comb, where it will
be with proper management.
I will here give a full description of a hive on this
principle, as I have the description from one of its advo-
cates, in the Dollar Newspaper, Philadelphia: called
Cutting’s Patent Changeable Hive.
DESCRIPTION OF CUTTING’S CHANGEABLE HIVE.
“The size of the changeable hive most used in this
section, has an outside shell, made of inch boards,
about two feet high and sixteen and a half inches
square, with a door hung in the rear. On the inside
are three boxes or drawers, which will hold about one
thousand cubic inches each, and when filled with
honey, usually weigh about thirty-five pounds, which
is a sufficient amount of honey to winter a large
swarm. The sides of these drawers are made of
boards, about half an’ inch thick; the tops and bot-
toms of the lower drawers and ends of the upper
drawers should be three-fourths of an inch, and the
drawers should be fourteen inches high, fourteen
inches from front to rear, and six and three-fourths
inches wide. Two of these drawers stand side by.
side, with the third placed flatwise upon the two,
with a free communication from one drawer to another,
by means of thirty- three-fourth inch holes on the
HIVES. 27
side of each drawer, and twenty-four in the bottom of
the upper drawer, and holes in the top and bottom of
the lower drawers, to correspond, and slides to cut off
the communication when occasion may require. Thus
we see our hive may be one hive, with communication
sufficiently free throughout, or we may have three
hives combined. The drawers have tubes made in
them, (for the bees to pass and repass), which are made
to go through the front side of the hive. The" back-
side of the drawers are doors, with glass set in them.
These drawers set up from the bottom of the hive,
and rest on pieces of wood, closely fitted in such a
way, as to make a space under the drawers for the
dirt, dead bees, and water, which. collect in the bottom
of hives in winter; between the drawers and the out-
side is an air space of about one-third of an inch.
Titese hives, when well made and painted, will
last many years, and those doing much in the business
will find it an advantage to have a few extra drawers.
Having given you some idea of the construction of
the changeable hive, I will proceed ‘to notice some of
the most important reasons why I prefer this hive to
any Ihave yet seen. First because the hive, being
constructed upon the changeable principle, so that by
taking out a full drawer, and placing an empty one in
its stead, our comb is always kept new, wherefore, the
size of the bee is preserved, and kept in a more
healthy, or prospérous state, or condition, than when
obliged to remain and continue to breed, in the old
comb, when the cells have become small:: Secondly,
because small, late swarms may be easily united.
28 HIVES.
Thirdly, because large swarms may be easily divided.
Fourthly, because however late a swarm may come
off, it may be easily supplied with honey for the
winter, by taking from a full hive a surplus drawer,
and placing it in the hive of the late swarm. Fifthly,
because a column of air between the drawers’and the
outside of the hive is a non-conductor of both heat
and cold, preventing the melting of the comb, and se-
curing the bees against frost and cold.” .
Now here is a full description of perhaps as good a
hive as any of its class; it is given for the benefit of
those who wish to go miles instead of rods; they may
know the road, especially as they can have the privi-
lege by paying for it: for myself, I had rather be ex-
cused,—why, reading the description has nearly ex-
hausted my patience ; what should I do if I attempted
to make one? |
FIRST OBJECTION, COST OF CONSTUCTION.
The first obstacle in the way (after the right is ob-
tained) is the construction. Let’s see; we want inch
boards to make the shell, three-quarter inch boards
for the tops and bottoms of drawers, half inch for sides,
hinges to hang a door, glass for back of drawers,
tubes for the egress of the bees, and slides to cut off
communication. It will be necessary to get a me-
chanic, and a workman too. Those 108 holes that
must be bored, must match, or it is of no use to make
them. But few farmers would have the tools requi-
site, a still less number the skill and patience to do it.
What the cost might be by the time a hive was ready
HIVES. 29
to receive the bees, I could not say; but guess it
might be some three or four dollars.
HIVES CAN BE MADE WITH LESS EXPENSE.
The one I shall recommend, without paint, will not
cost, or need not, over 374 cents, with cover, etc.
Now, if we wish hives for ornament, it is well enough
to expend something for the purpose; but it is well
not to refine too much, as there are limits which, if
passed, will render it unfit for bees. Therefore, when
profit is an object, the extra expense will or ought to
be made up by the bees, in return for an expensive
domicil. But will they doit? The merits of the one
under consideration are fully given. “ First, by tak-
ing out a full drawer and putting in an empty one in
its stead, the combs are.always kept new, and cells of
full size.” Now this fear of bees becoming dwarfs in
consequence of being reared in cells too small, has
done more mischief among the bees, and their owners’
pockets, than if the fact had never been thought, or
heard of.
OLD BREEDING CELLS WILL LAST A LONG TIME.
These old cells do not need renewing half as
often as has been represented. It is the interest of
these patent-venders to sell rights; this interest either
blinds their eyes as to facts, or lulls the internal moni-
tor of right, while acquisitiveness is gratified. The
same cells can be used for breeding six or cight years,
perhaps longer, and no one can tell the difference by
the size of the bees; I have two stocks now in their
80 HIVES.
tenth year without renewal of comb. A neighbor of
mine kept a stock twelve years in the same combs; it
proved as prosperous as any. I have heard of their
lasting twenty, and am inclined to believe it.
CELLS LARGER THAN NECESSARY AT FIRST.
The bees seem to make a provision for this emer- |
gency, the sheets of comb are farther apart than actually
necessary at first, the diameter of the cell is also a little
larger than the size of the young bee requires. Of this
we are certain—a great many young bees can be rais-
ed in a cell, and not be diminished in size, sufficient
to be detected. The bottom fills up faster than at the
sides, and as they do so the bees add a little to the
length, until the ends of these cells on two parallel .
combs approximate too close to allow the bees to pass
freely ; before which time it is unnecessary to remove
comb for being old.
EXPENSE OF RENEWING COMBS.
One important item should be considered in this
matter, by those who are so eager for new combs,
It is doubtful whether one in 500 ever thought of
the expense of renewing comb. I find it estimated
by one writer,* that twenty-five lbs. of honey was
consumed in elaborating about half Ib. wax. This
without doubt is an over estimate, but no one will deny
that some is used. I am satisfied of this much, from
actual experience, that every time the bees have to
renew their brood-combs in a hive, they would make
from ten to twenty-five lbs. in boxes, hence I infer that
* See Appendix of Cottage Bee-keeper, page 118.
HIVES, 81
BEST TO USE OLD COMBS AS LONG AS THEY WILL ANSWER.
their time can be: more profitably iia than: in
constructing brood-combs every year. I would also
suggest that when combs have been once used for
breeding it is the best use they can be applied to, after
that, as the cocoons render it unfit for much else than
a little wax.
DRIVING AND PRUNING WHEN NECESSARY.
But when the combs do actually need removing, I
prefer the following method of pruning, to driving the.
bees out entirely, as has been recommended. It can.
be done in about an hour. As we are comparing the .
merits of different methods of getting rid of old combs,
I shall give mine here, notwithstanding it may seem a
little out of place.
The best time isa little before aoe The first
movement is to blow under the hive some tobacco
smoke (the best means of charming them J ever found);
the bees, deprived of all disposition to sting, retreat
up among the combs to get away from the smoke; now °
raise the hive from the stand and carefully turn it
bottom upwards, avoiding any jar, as some of the bees
that were in the top when the smoke was introduced,
and did not get'a taste, will now come to the bottom
to ascertain the cause of the disturbance; these should
receive a share, and they will immediately return to
the top, perfectly satisfied. When so many bees are
in the hive, as to be in the way in pruning, (which if
there is not it is not-worth it,) get’ an’ empty hive the
size of the old one, and sét it over, stopping the holes;
39 HIVES.
now strike the lower hive with a hammer or stick,
lightly and rapidly, five or ten minutes, when nearly
all the bees will be in the upper hive, and set that on
the stand; only a few bees will be in the way; these
I will warrant not to sting, unless you pinch or get
them fast. Should diseased brood, or anything make
it necessary to transfer all the bees permanently, you
can now set over another hive or box, and beat the
lower hive again, when another portion will ascend ;
jar these out in front of the first, and they will imme-
diately enter; continue the process till all are out.
But for pruning a few bees will not be much in the
way, and you may proceed as follows:
CA
| |
TOOLS FOR 'CUTTING OUT COMB,
The broad one is very readily made from a piece of an old
scythe, about twenty inches long, by any blacksmith, by simply
taking off the back, and forming a shank for a handle at the heel;
the end should be ground like a carpenter’s chisel. This is for
cutting down the sides of the hive; the bevel will keep it close
the whole length, when you wish to remove all the combs—it
being square instead of rounded, no difficulty will be found in
guiding it—it is not thick enough to mash any combs by crowd-
ing them. The other tool is for cutting off combs at the top or
any other place. It is merely a rod of steel three-eighths of an
inch diameter, about two feet long, with a thin blade at right
angles, one and a half inches long, and a quarter inch wide, both
edges sharp, upper side bevelled, bottom flat, &c. You will find
these tools very convenient; be sure and get them by all means;
the cost cannot be compared to the advantage. :
With the tools just described, you can now re
HIVES, 88
move the brood-combs from the centre of the hive.
The combs near the top and outside are used but
little for breeding, and are generally filled with honey;
these should be left as a good start for refilling, but
take out all that is necessary, while you are about it;
then reverse the hives, putting the one containing the
bees under the other; by the next morning all are up;
now put it on the stand, and this job is done without
one cent extra expense for a patent to help you, and
the bees are much better off for the honey left, which
has to be taken away with all patent plans that I have
seen, and this, as has been remarked, is not worth
much, occupied as it is with a few cocoons and bee-
bread. It is worth much more to the bees, and they
will give us pure comb and honey for it.
USE OF TOBACCO SMOKE.
“T would not do it for fifty dollars, the bees would
sting me to death.” Stop a moment, if you never
tried the efficacy of tobacco smoke, you know nothing
of a powerful agent; this is the grand secret of suc-
cess; without it, I admit it would be somewhat haz-
ardous; but with it, I have done it time after time
without receiving a single sting, and no protection
whatever, for either hands or face.
But is there no difficulty with our sectional or
changeable hive, when this feat is to be performed?
The combs will be made in the two drawers similar
to the dividing hive, brood-combs in one side, and
store-combs in the other. We wish to remove the one
with brood-combs of course, (as that is the one where
Q*
84 HIVES.
the combs are thick and bad, &.) Where will the
queen be?, With the brood-comb, where her duty is
most likely to. be; well, this.is. the one we want, and
we take it out. How is she to get back? She must
go back, or we have three chances in four of losing
the stock; but her majesty will remain perfectly easy,
as well as some of the workers, wherever you ae the
drawer.
FURTHER OBJECTIONS TO A SECTIONAL HIVE.
I can see no other way but to break the box, look
her up, and help the helpless thing home, (the chances
of being stung may be here too.) Now, for a time at
least, they must use the other drawer for breeding,
where most of the cells are unfit. There is altogether
too great a proportion of drone-cells; these, as well
as the other size, will nearly all be much too long, and
will have to be cut off to the proper length, a waste of
wax as well as labor. Another thing might be set
down per disadvantage of Mr. Cutting’s hive; the job
of getting a swarm into such hive, at first, I fancy
would not be desirable to many. Now, whenwe strike
the balance, putting expense, difficulties, and perplexi-
ties on one side, and simplicity and economy on the
other, it appears like a “great cry for little wool.”
But stop a moment, four other advantages are enu-
merated in its favor: second, third, and fourth are bor-
rowed from the common hive, or are all available here
when required. But fifthly, allows a “column of air
between the drawers and outside of the hive, is a non-
eondurtor of heat and cold,” &. This is an advantage
HIVES. 35
not possessed by the common hive; neither does the
common hive offer such advantages to the moth, by
affording such snug quarters for worms to spin their
cocoons, when they cannot be destroyed without con-
siderable trouble.
NON-SWARMERS.
Here I will endeavor to be brief; I feel anxious
to get through with this disagreeable part, where
every word I say will clash with somebody’s in-
terest or prejudice. The merits of this hive are to
obtain surplus honey with but, little trouble, which
often succeeds in satisfying people of its utility. The
principal objection is found on the score of profit.
Suppose we start with one, call it worth five dollars
in the beginning, at the end of ten years it is worth no
more, very likely not as much, (the chances of its
failing, short of that time, we will not take into the
account;) we might get annually, say five. dollars
worth of surplus honey, amounting to fifty dollars.
CONTRAST OF PROFIT.
The swarming hive, we supposé, will throw off one
swarm annually, and make us one dollar’s worth of
surplus honey, (we will not reckon that yielded by the
first swarm, which is often more than that from the
_ old stocks,) about one third of the average in good
seasons. The second year there will be two to do the
same ; take this rate for ten years, we have 512 stocks,
either of them worth as much as the non-swarmer,
and about a thousand dollars worth of surplus honey.
86 : HIVES.
Call these stocks worth five dollars each, which makes
$2560, all added together will make the snug little
sum of about $3500, against $55. It is not to be ex-
pected that any of us will realize profits to this ex-
tent, butit is a forcible illustration of the advantages of
the swarming hive over the non-swarmer.
PRINCIPLE OF SWARMING NOT UNDERSTOOD,
But many of these non-swarmers, ’tis said, can be
changed to swarmers to suit the convenience of the
apiarian—Colton’s is one. Itis asserted that it can
be made toswarm within two days at any time, merely
by taking off the six boxes or drawers that are very
ingeniously attached; as this contracts the room, the
bees are forced out. Now I will candidly confess that
I could never get this thing to work atall. Of this I
am quite positive, that he (Mr. Colton) is either ignor-
ant of the necessary and regular preparations that
bees make before swarming, or supposes others are.
Mr. Weeks has advocated the same principle: he says,
“There is no queen in any stage of existence, in the
old stock, immediately after the first swarm leaves it.”
I have examined this matter till I am satisfied I risk
but little in the bold assertion, that not one stock in
fifty will cast a swarm short of a week after commenc-
ing preparations. This opinion will be adopted by
whoever will take the trouble to investigate for them-
selves. (The chapter on swarming will give the ne-
cessary instructions for examining this point, if you
wish.) ;
HIVES. . 87
NOT TO BE DEPENDED UPON.
Further, these non-swarmers are not always to be
depended upon as such. They will sometimes throw
off swarms when there is abundant room in the hive
as well as in the boxes.
HIVES NOT ALWAYS FULL BEFORE SWARMING.
I know Weeks, Colton, Miner and others, tell us the
hive must be full before we need expect a swarm; but
experience is against them. Bees do sometimes cast a
swarm before filling the hive. From close observa-
tion, I find when a hive is very large, say 4000 cubic
inches, and. is filled with comb, the first season, that
such seldom swarm except in very good years.
SIZE OF HIVES NEEDED.
But if such hive is only half full, or 2000 inches, it
is very common for them to swarm without adding
any new comb; proving very conclusively that a hive
that size, is sufficient for all their wants in the breed-
ing season. When about 1200 inches only had been
filled the first year, I have known them to add combs
until they had filled about 1800, and then cast a
swarm, proving also that a little less than 2000 will
do for'breeding. I have tested the principle of giving
room to prevent swarming, a little further.
AN EXPERIMENT.
In the spring of ’47, I placed under five full hives,
containing 2000 solid or cubic inches, as many empty
ones the same size without the top. I had a swarm
88 HIVES.
from each; but two had added any new comb, and
these but little. If these hives had been filled to. the
bottom with comb in the spring, it is very doubtful
whether either of them would have swarmed. The
only place we can put a good stock and not expect it
to swarm in good seasons, is inside a building, where it
is perfectly dark, and even here a few have been
known to do it. If we could manage to get a very
large hive filled with combs, it would perhaps be as
good a preventive as any. All the bees that could be
reared in one season, would have sufficient room in the
combs ready made for their labors, and there would be
no necessity for their emigration. ‘But what be-
comes of all the bees raised in the course of several
years?” To this question I shall not probably be able
to give a satisfactory answer at present.
BEES DO NOT INCREASE, IF FULL, AFTER THE FIRST YEAR, IN
SAME HIVE.
I only will notice the fact, that the bees somehow
disappear, and there is no more at the end of five years
than at the end of one. A stock of bees may contain
6000 the first of May, and raise 20,000 in the course of
the year; by the first of the next May, as a general
thing, not one more will be found, even when no
swarm had issued.
GILLMORE’S SYSTEM DOUBTED.
Now this fact is not known by a recent patentee
from the State of Maine, (else he supposes others do
not,) as he recommends placing bees in a house, and
HIVES. 89
empty hives in connection with the one containing bees,
‘and in a few years all will be full. He has discovered
a mixture to feed bees, (to be noticed: hereafter); this
may account for an untsual quantity being stored: by
an ordinary sized family. He said another thing, that
is, each of these added hives would contain a queen]
This would seem to explain away the first difficulty of
the continued increase of bees, and so it would if it
did not get into another equally erroneous; one error
never madé another true. This idea of bees raising a
queen, merely because they have a side box to the
main hive, is contrary to all my experience, and to the
experience of all writers (except himself) that I have
consulted. If the principle is correct, why not some-
times raise a queen in a box on the top or side for us?
I never discovered a single instance, where two perfect
queens were quietly about their duties in connection
with one hive. The deadly hostility of queens is
known to all observing apiarians. Not having the
least faith in the principle, I will leave it.
UTILITY OF MOTH-PROOF HIVES DOUBTED.
As for moth-proof hives, I have but little to say, as
T have not the least faith in one of them. When I
come to speak of that insect, I will show, I think, con-
clusively, that no place where bees are allowed to enter
is safe from them.
Several other perfect hives might be mentioned; yet
I believe that I have noticed the principles of each.
Have I not said enough? Such as are not satisfied
now would not be if I filled a volume. Our view of
40 HIVES.
things is the result of a thousand various causes ; the
most powerful is interest, or prejudice.
It is said that in Europe, the same ingenuity is dis-
played in twisting and torturing the bee, to adapt her
natural instinct to unnatural tenements; tenements
invented not because the bee needs them, but because
this is a means available fora little change. ‘Patent
men” have found the people generally too ignorant of
apiarian science. But let us hope that their days of
prosperity in this line are about numbered.
INSTINCTS OF THE BEE ALWAYS THE SAME.
Let us fully understand that the nature of the bee,
when viewed under any condition, climate, or circum-
stance, is the same. Instincts first implanted by the
hand of the Creator, have passed through millions of
generations, unimpaired, to the present day, and will
continue unchanged through all future time, till the
last bee passes from the earth. We may, we have,
to gratify acquisitiveness, forced them to labor under
every disadvantage; yes, we have compelled them to
sacrifice their industry, prosperity, and even their
lives have been yielded, but never their instincts.
We may destroy life, but cannot improve or take
from their nature. The laws that govern them are
fixed and immutable as the Universe.
Spring returns to its annual task; dissolves the
frost, warms ‘into life nature’s dormant powers.
Flowers with a smile of joy, expand their delicate
petals in grateful thanks, while the stamens sustain
upon their tapering points the anthers covered with
HIVES. 41
the fertilizing pollen and the pistil springs from a cup
of liquid nectar, imparting to each passing breeze
delicious fragrance, inviting the bee as with a thousand
tongues to the sumptuous banquet. She does not
need an artificial stimulus from man, as an induce-
ment to partake of the feast; without his aid or as-
sistance she visits each wasting cup of sweetness, and
secures the tiny drop, while the superabundant farina,
dislodged from the nodding anthers, covers her body,
to be brushed together and kneaded into bread. All
she requires at the hands of man, is a suitable store-
house for her treasures. In good seasons, her nature
will prompt the gathering for. her own use an over
supply. This surplus man may appropriate to his own
use, without detriment to his bees, providing his
management is in accordance with their nature.
PROFIT THE OBJECT.
To give the bees all necessary advantages, and ob-
tain the greatest possible amount of profit, with the
least possible expense, has been my study for years.
I might keep a few stocks for amusement, even if it
was attended with no dollar and cent profit, but the
-number would be very smail; I will honestly confess
then, that profit is the actuating principle with me.
Ihave astrong suspicion that the majority of readers
have similar motives. I am sure, then, that all of us
with these views, will consider it a pity, when a stock
produces five dollars worth of surplus honey, to be
obliged to pay three or four of it for patent and other
useless fixings. '
42 HIVES.
COMMON HIVE RECOMMENDED.
I would not exchange the hive I have used for the
last ten years for any patent I ever saw, if furnished
gratis, I will guarantee that it affords means to obtain
surplus honey, as much in quantity and in any way
which fancy may dictate, whether in wood or glass,
and what is more than all, it eal cost nothing for
the privilege of using.
SIZE IMPORTANT.
After deciding what kind of hive we want, the
next important point is the size. Dr. Bevan, an
English author, recommends a size ‘eleven and three-
eighths inches square, by nine deep in the clear,”
making only about 1200 inches, and so few pounds
necessary to winter the bees, that when I read it, I found
myself wondering if the English inch and pound were
the same as ours.
SMALL HIVES MORE LIABLE TO ACCIDENTS
At all events, I think it too small for our Yankee
bees in any place. We must remember, that the queen
needs room for all her eggs, and the bees need space
to store their winter provisions; for reasons before
given, this should be in one apartment. When this
is too small, the consequences will be, their winter
supply of food is liable to run out. The swarms from
such will be smaller and the stock much more liable to
accidents, which soon finish them off.
HIVES. 43
APT TO DECEIVE. we
i £caa wnagine how one can be deceived by such
asmai} hive, and recommend it strongly ; especially
if patented. Suppose you locate a large swarm ina
hive near the size of Dr. Bevan’s; the bees would
occupy nearly all the room with brood-combs; now
if you put on boxes, and as soon as filled put on -
empty ones, the amount of surplus honey would be
great; very satisfactory for the first summer, but in
a year or two your little hive is gone. This result
will be in proportion as we enlarge our hives, until
we arrive at the opposite extreme.
UNPROFITABLE IF TOO LARGE,
Iftoo large, more honey willbe stored than is requir-
ed for their winter use. It is evident a portion might
have been taken, if it had been stored in boxes. The ®
swarms will not be proportionably large when they do
issue, which is seldom—but there is this advantage, they —
last a long time, and are but little profit in surplus
honey, or swarms.
CORRECT SIZE BETWEEN TWO EXTREMES.
Between the two extremes, like most other cases, is
found the correct place. A hive twelve inches square,
each way, inside, has been recommended as the cor-
rect size. Here are 1728 cubic inches. This, I think,
is sufficient for many places, as the queen probably
has all the room necessary for depositing her eggs; and
as the swarms are more numerous, and nearly as large
44 HIVES.
as from hives much larger; also, there is room for honey
sufficient to carry the bees through the winter, at least,
in many sections south of 40 degrees latitude, where
the winter is somewhat short.
SIZE FOR WARM LATITUDES.
This size will also do in this latitude (42 degrees,)
in some seasons, but not at all in others.* Not one
swarm in fifty will consume twenty-five lbs. of honey
through the winter, that is, from the last of September
to the first of April, (six months). The average loss
in that time is about eighteen lbs.; but the critical
time is later; about the last of May, or first of June,
in many places.
LARGER HIVE MORE SAFE FOR LONG WINTERS OR BACKWARD
SPRING,
* About the first of April they commence collecting
pollen and rearing their young; by the middle
of May all good stocks will occupy nearly, if not
quite all, their brood-combs for that purpose, but litle
honey is obtained before fruit blossoms appear; when
these are gone, no more of any amount is obtained
until clover appears, which is some ten days later.
(I am speaking now particularly of this section; I am:
aware it is very different in other places, where dif-
ferent flowers exist.) Now if this season of fruit flow-
* When Mr. Miner wrote his manual recommending this size, 1728
inches, for all situations, it should be remembered he lived on Long
Island. Since removing to Oneida County pn this State, either hia
own experience or some other cause has changed his views, as he now
recommends my size, viz., 2000 inches,
HIVES. 45
ers should be accompanied by high winds, or cold
rainy weather, but little honey is obtained ; and our
bees have a numerous brood on hand that must be fed.
In this emergency, if no honey is on hand of the
previous year, a famine ensues; they destroy their
drones, perhaps sonie of their brood, and for aught I
know put the old bees on short allowance. This I do
know, that the whole family has actually starved at
this season; sometimes in small hives. This of course
depends on the season; when favorable, nothing of the
kind occurs. Prudence therefore dictates the neces-
sity of a provision for this emergency, by making the
hive a little larger for northern ‘latitudes, as a little
more honey will be stored to take them through this
critical period. From a series of experiments closely
observed.
2,000 IncHES SAFE FOR THIS SECTION,
I am satisfied that 2,000 inches in the clear, is the
proper size for safety in this section, and consequent-
ly, profit. Onan average, swarms from this size are
as large as any.
The dimensions should be uniform in all cases,
whatever size is decided on. It is folly to accommo-
date each swarm with a hive corresponding in size;
a very small family this year, may be very large next,
and avery large one, very small, &. A queen be-
longing to a small swarm will be capable of depositing
as many eggs, as another belonging to a barrel full.
A small family able to get through the winter and
spring, may be expected by another year to be as
numerous as any.
46 HIVES.
KIND OF WOOD, WIDTH OF BOARD, ETC.
Of the kinds of wood for hives, pine is preferable,
still other kinds will do; I have no faith in bees liking
one kind better than another, and less likely to leave
on that account. Hemlock is cheaper, and used to a
great extent; when perfectly sound is as good as any-
thing, but is very liable to split, even after the bees have
been in themsome time. It should be used only when
better wood cannot be obtained. Bass wood when
-used for hives should always be painted, and then will
be very liable to warp from the moisture arising from
the bees inside. When not painted outside, and allowed
to get wet, if only for a few hours, so much moisture
is absorbed that it will bend outward, and cleave from
the combs and crack them. A few days of dry weath-
er will relieve the outside of water, and the inside
kept moist by the bees, the bending will be reversed,
and the combs pressed inward, keeping the bees fixing
that which will not “stay fixed.” Perhaps there is
wood as suitable or better than pine, but it is not as
common.
Boards should be selected, if possible, that will be
the proper width to make the hive about square, of
the right size. Say twelve inches square, inside, by
fourteen deep. I prefer this shape to any other, yet
SHAPE OF NO CONSEQUENCE,
it is not all important. I have had some ten inches
square by twenty in length; they were awkward look-
ing, but that was all, T could discover no difference in
their prosperity. Also, I have had them twelve inches
deep by thirteen square, with the same result, Hence,
HIVES. 47
if we avoid extremes, and give the required room, the
shape can make but little difference.
It has been recommended to plane the boards for
hives, ‘inside and out;” but bees, when first put into
such hive, find much difficulty in holding fast until
they get their combs started, hence this trouble is
worse than useless,
DIRECTIONS FOR MAKING HIVES,
If hives are not desired of the cheapest possible con-
struction, the outside may be planed and painted; but
it is doubtful whether strict economy would demand
it. Yet a painted hive appears so much better, that
it ought to be done, especially as the paint adds al-
most enough to its durability to pay the expense.
The color may be whatever fancy dictates; the moth
will not probably be attracted by one color more than
another. White is affected the least by the sun in
hot weather. Lime is put on as white-wash, annual-
ly, by many, as a protection against insects.
- When hives are not painted, the grain should never
be crosswise, having the width of boards form the
height; not that the bees would have any dislike to
such, but nails will not hold firmly, they draw out in
afew years. The size, shape, materials, and manner
of putting together, are now sufficiently understood,
for what I want. Sticks half an-inch in diameter,
should cross each way through the centre, to help sup-
port the combs. A ‘hole about an inch diameter in the
front side, half way to the top, ‘is a great convenience
for the bees to enter when coming home heavy laden.
48 HIVES.
It now remains to make the top, cover, and boxes,
{the bottom-board will be described in another chap-
ter.). The tops should be all alike; boards fifteen
inches square are just the right size; three-fourths of
an inch is the best thickness, (inch will do;) plane the
upper side, rabbet out around the edge of the upper
side one inch wide, and three-eighths deep; this will
leave the top inside the rabbeting, just thirteen inches.
SIZE OF CAP AND BOXES,
A box for a cover or cap, that size inside, will fit
any hive. The height of this box should be seven
inches, Of course other sizes will do, but it is best to
commence with one that we can adhere to uniformly,
and no vexations arise by covers not fitting exactly, &.
Ithink this size is as near correct as we shall be likely
to get; we want all the room in the boxes that the ma-
jority of our stocks demand for storing in a yield of
honey,* at the same time not be necessitated to give
too much of the room in the height. They will com-
mence work in a box five inches high, much sooner
than one seven or eight. To give the requisite room,
and have the boxes less than five inches high, would
require more than thirteen inches on the top, this
would make the hive too much out of shape; it would
appear top-heavy.
MINER’S HIVE.
Miner’s Equilateral Hive has a cap somewhat small-
er than this in diameter ; consequently, if we have the
* Ihave added a side box occasionally, but it has seldom paid me
for the trouble.
HIVES, 49
requisite room, it must be in its height. But by
making the cap of his a little larger, and a few trifling
alterations, it would do very well for a patent. And
if any one must have a patent hive, my advice is to
get that; it costs but two dollars for the right of using,
and is nearer what we want for bees, than any I ever
saw. I prefer rabbeting around the edge of the top, in-
stead of nailing on a thin board the size of the inside of
the cover, with room for a slide under it; it affords too
nice a place for worms to spin their cocoons. Also,
without the rabbeting water may get under the cap,
and pass along the top till a hole lets it among the bees.
As for slides, I do not approve of them at all; in shut-
ting off communication, it is almost certain te crush a
few bees. This makes them irritable for a week;
they are unnecessary for me, at least. We will now
finish the hive.
DIRECTIONS FOR MAKING HOLES.
After the top is got out as directed, strike a line
through the centre, three and a quarter inches from
this, make another on each side, now measure on one
-of the last lines, two and a half inches for the first
hole, two inches for the next, and so on till five are
. marked on this, and the same number on the other
side, ten in all; these holes should be about an inch
diameter, a pattern three and a quarter inches wide,
and thirteen in length, with places for holes marked
on it, will save time when many are made. When,
this top is nailed on, the hive is ready. A less num-
ber of holes is often used, and one is thought by some
to be sufficient ; experience has satisfied me that the
3
50 HIVES.
more room bees have to enter boxes, the less reluc-
tance is manifested in commencing their work in
them; but here is another extreme to be avoided:
when the holes are much larger, or more of them, or
even one very large one, the queen is very apt to go
into the boxes and deposit her eggs, which renders the
comb tough, dark, &c., also bee-bread is stored near
the brood. Dr. Bevan’s and Miner’s cross-bar hives
are objectionable on this account, they offer too free
access to the boxes; we want all the room that will
answer, and no more. :
A SUGGESTION.
. Mr. Miner’s cross-bar hive is intended to make the
bees construct all straight combs, and probably will
do it. But the disadvantage of bee;bread and brood
in the boxes will not be made up by straight combs.
For the benefit of those who have been made to be-
lieve straight combs all important, and perhaps have
purchased the right to make the hive, and had some
constructed, and have found bee-bread in their surplus
honey, I would suggest an improvement, (that is, if
itis thought the straight combs will pay. If you have
not the right for the cross-bar hive, and you wish to
use it, I would say, buy the right, and remove all
grounds of complaint with him.) Put in the bars and
hive your bees as he directs. After all the combs are
started, instead of setting the open bottom boxes
(which are also unsuitable for sending to market) di-
rectly on the bars as he recommends, take off the
cloth, and with screws fasten on a top with ten holes,
HIVES. 51
that I have just described; and then you will have
the straight combs, and surplus honey in the boxes
pure.
GLASS, BOXES PREFERRED.
Having told how I make a hive, I will now give
spme reasons for preferring a particular kind of boxes.
I have taken great quantities of honey to market, put
up in every style, such as tumblers, glass jars, glass
boxes, wooden boxes with glass ends, and boxes all
wood. I have found the square glass boxes the most
profitable ; the honey in such appears to the best
possible advantage, so much so, that the majority of
purchasers prefer paying for the box at the same rate
as the honey, than the wood box, and have the tare
.allowed. This rate of selling boxes always pays the
cost, while we get nothing for the wood. Another
advantage in this kind of boxes is, while being filled,
the progress can be watched, and the time they are
finished known precisely, when they should be taken
off, as every day they remain after that, soils the purity
of the combs.
é
GLASS BOXES—-HOW MADE,
Directions for making.—Select half-inch boards of
pine or other soft light wood, cut the length twelve
and three-quarters inches, width six and three-eighths
inches, dress down the thickness to three-eighths or
less, two pieces for a box, top and bottom, in the bot-
tom bore five holes throughout the centre to match
with those in the top of the hive, (the pattern used
52 HIVES.
in marking the top of hives is just the one to mark
these). Next, get out the corner posts, five-eighths
of an inch square, and five inches in length; with a
saw, thick enough to fit the glass, cut a channel length-
wise on two sides, one-fourth of an inch deep, one-
eighth from the corner, for the glass. A small lath
nail through each corner of the bottom into the posts
will hold them; it is now ready for the glass—10 X 12
is the right size to get—have them cut through the’
centre the longest way for the sides, and they are
right, and again the other way, five and five-eighths
long for the ends. These can now be slipped into the
channels of the posts, and the top nailed on like the
bottom, and the box is ready.
GUIDE-COMBS NECESSARY.
It will be founda great advantage, previous to nail-.
ing on the top, to stick fast to it some pieces of guide-
combs in the direction you wish the bees to work.
They are also an inducement for them to commence
several days sooner, than if they had to start combs
for themselves ;* a piece an inch square will do; it
is well to start every comb you want in the box;
two inches apart is about the right distance to look.
well. ‘To make these pieces hold fast, melt one edge
by the fire, or candle, or melt some bees-wax, and dip
one edge in that, and apply it before cooling; with a
little practice you can make them stick without diffi-
culty. For a supply of such combs, save all empty,
* Aline of bees-wax made with a guide-plate, or other means, is
found to be of but little use,
HIVES. 53
clean, white pieces you can, when removing combs
from ahive. 7
If you have any way superior to this for making
glass boxes, so much the better, make them so by all
means: ‘‘ The best way is as good as any.” I give my
method to be used only when better isnot convenient.
If you sell honey, I think you will find it an advantage
to have glass boxes made insome way. Two of this
size when full weigh 25 lbs. If preferred, four boxes
six and three-eighths inches square, can be used for a
hive instead of two; the expense of making is a little
more for the same number of Jbs., yet, when it is in
market, a few customers will prefer this size.
WOOD BOXES,
For home consumption, the wood-box will answer
equally well for all purposes of obtaining the honey,
but will give no chance to watch the progress of the
bees, unless a glass is inserted for the purpose, and then.
it will need a door to keep it dark, or a cover over the
whole like the one for glass ae may be put on.
Wood boxes are generally made with open bottom, and
set on the top of the hive. A passage for the bees out
of the box to the open air is unnecessary, and worse
than useless. They like to store their honey as far
from the entrance as possible. Unless crowded for
room, they will not store much there when Such’ en-
trances are made.
Whether we intend to consume our surplus honey
or not, it is as well to have the hives and covers made
in a manner that we can use glass, when we are likely
54 HIVES.
to have some to spare. I am not sure, but it would
pay to make hives in this way, even if glass boxes
were never used; the rabbeting prevents light as well
as water from passing under the cover; imagine a box
set on a plain board nailed on for a top, without the
rabbeting; the warping or bending admits the light
and water, especially when hives are out in the wea-
ther, (and I shall not recommend any other way of
keeping them.)
COVER FOR HIVES.
I have termed the cap or box a cover; but this
should also be covered with a board laid on, if
nothing else. A good roof for each hive can be
made by fastening two boards together like the roof
of a building; let it be about 18 by 24 inches; it being
loose, can be changed in accordance with the season ;
in spring, let the sun strike the hive; but in hot wea-
ther let the longest end project over the south side,
&c. You can ornament this hive, if you choose, by
mouldings or dentals, under the top, where it projects
over the body of the hive, also the cap can have the
top projected a little and receive the same addition.
JARS AND TUMBLERS—HOW PREPARED,
When jars, tumblers, or other vessels, that are all
glass, are used, it is absolutely necessary to fasten as
many pieces of combs as you wish made, in the top, for
a beginning, or fasten a piece of wood there; as they
seldom commence building on glass, without a start.
Some of you may have seen paraded at our fairs,
GLASS HIVES. 55
or in the public parts of some of our cities, hives con-
taining tumblers, some of them neatly filled, others
empty, and this magic sentence written upon them,
not to be filled / Pretending to govern the bees, as the
juggler sometimes does his tricks, by mysterious in-
cantations! I once encountered an agent of this hum-
bug, and modestly suggested to him that I had a coun-
ter charm: that I could put a tumbler on his hive
and it would be filled if the others were, however much
he might forbid it by written charms! He saw at a
glance how the matter stood; I was not the customer
he wanted, and intimated that the show was only in-
tended for the extreme verdancy of most visitors. It
no doubt assisted in displaying his profound knowledge
in bee management, which he wished to establish, as
he had a little work on the subject to sell, also hives,
and bees. The reader no doubt will guess as I did,
the reason that those tumblers were not filled, was be-
cause no combs were put in for a start.
PERFECT OBSERVATORY HIVE DESCRIBED,
There are many things pertaining to bees that can-
not be properly examined and understood, without a
glass hive of some sort. Yet a perfect observatory
hive containing but one comb, is not a perfect hive for
the bees. We can see very well what the bees are
doing, but it is not a tenement they would choose if
left to themselves. It forces them to labor in an un-
natural manner, is unsuitable for wintering bees, and
otherwise but little profit. If the satisfaction of wit-
nessing some cf their operations more perfectly than
/
Z GLASS HIVES.
in glass hives of another kind will not pay, it is
doubtful if we get it. I will describe it as briefly as
possible. Two frames or sashes about two and a half
feet square, containing glass, are so fastened together
as to leave room for only one- comb between them,
about an inch and three-fourths apart. A comb of
this size will not support itself by the top and edges;
hence, it is necessary to put in numerous cross-bars to
assist in supporting it. Outside the glass are doors to
keep the whole dark, to be opened when we wish to
inspect proceedings. Under the bottom is a board or
frame, to keep it in an upright position, &. Probably
but few will be induced to make one. I will therefore
describe another; a hive that I think will pay better.
ONE LIKE COMMON HIVE PREFERRED,
If we expect to know what bees are doing in ordi-
nary hives, we must have one similar in every respect,
in size, shape, number of bees, &c. The construction
of royal cells will be watched by most observers with
the greatest interest; now these are generally on one
edge of the combs. The bees leave a space half an
inch or more between the edges of the combs and one
side of the hive, near half the length of it, appar-
ently for no other purpose but to have room for these
cells, as the other edges of the same combs are
generally attached to the hive at the bottom.
WHAT MAY BE SEEN.
Now instead of having one piece or pane of glass
in the side of several hives, I would recommend
GLASS HIVES. 57
having one or more with glass on every side ; because
we might have it on three sides, and not the fourth;
and this might contain all the queen cells, and we
should miss an important sight. ‘There are many
other things to be witnessed in such a hive. The
‘queen may be often seen depositing her eggs! We
may see the workers detach the scales of wax from
their abdomen, and apply them to the combs during
the process of construction, see them deposit pollen
from their legs, store their honey, feed the queen,
each other, their young brood, seal over cells contain-
ing brood, honey, &. It is further useful as a guide
for putting boxes on other hives, (that is, if it is a
good one, which it should be); we can easily ascertain
whether our bees are gaining or losing.
DIRECTIONS FOR MAKING GLASS HIVE.
My method of making them is as follows: The top
is like those for other hives, fifteen inches square,
adapted to boxes and cover. This hive we want to
be as profitable as any, giving us surplus honey, and
swarms like others. Four posts are then got out, two
inches square, and thirteen in length; careshould be
taken to have the ends perfectly square.
A frame is then to be made, just fourteen inches
square outside, for the bottom; the pieces are one
inch thick, by two in width, halved together at the
zorners. A guage-mark is then made around the
ander side of the top, half an inch from the edge, a
post is then set inside of each corner of this mark, and
thoroughly nailed the bottom is nailed on with the
58 GLASS HIVES.
posts even with the outside corners. Four pieces an
inch thick, and an inch and a half wide, are fitted be-
tween the posts, even with the guage-mark on the top.
Sixteen strips, about one quarter by half an inch, are
got out, eight to be ten, and eight twelve inches long.
A guage-mark one inch from posts, bottom, &c., is
the place to nail these strips ; very small nails or tacks
will hold them. The panes of glass are to rest against
them, which are held in their places by small pieces
of tin, or brads. The doors are‘the size of the glass,
10 x12, about three-fourths of an inch thick; these
doors are cut a little too short, and the pieces, to pre-
vent warping, are nailed on the ends; these are hung
to a post on one side, and secured by a button on the
other. On two opposite sides inside the posts, half
way up, two strips, half an inch by three quarters, are
nailed, with holes in them for the cross-sticks; one way
is enough if you have guide-combs for a start, like
those recommended for boxes, so that the sheets will
be at right angles with them ; otherwise, let the sticks
cross both ways, about three each way will be needed,
as the glass at the edges is not so good a support as
wood.
The cap can be made of half inch boards; the top
to project over like the hive, or let it be a little more
than half an inch, it will admit a heavier moulding,
which should surround it here, as well as at the top
of the hive, or if it is prefered, dentals can be used,
and look equally well—when no ornament is wanted,
omit it. But painting seems necessary for such hives,
to prevent warping, and the swelling of the doors
GLASS HIVES. 59
in wet weather; these want to open and shut without
rubbing or sticking, otherwise we disturb the bees
every time a door is stirred. Putty should not be used
to hold the glass, as the bees in the course of a few
years will cover it with propolis; it is then neces.
sary to take it out, and scrape, clean, and return it,
when, if fastened with putty, it would be difficult ;
cold weather is the time for this operation. Iam aware
-that a hive can be more substantially made than the
one here described: but I have endeavored to make:
one as cheap as possible, and if properly made, will
answer. The cost will be much less than many pa-
-tents, and the satisfaction much more, at least, with
many. When our hive containsaswarm of bees, and
they are thoroughly in operation, we: must not let
‘them pass out at the. bottom on every side, as they
are frequently allowed to do from other hives; be-
cause, should one come out a little excited-in conse-
quence of a slight jar, accidentally given the hive, on
opening the door or some other way, and should find our
face within a foot of their house, peering in the window
among their works, it would be very likely to give us
a, gentle hint that it was a mark of low breeding, that
we were not wanted there at all, and that it was none
of our business what they were doing. To prevent
this as far as possible, a bottom-board, somewhat dif-
ferent from the common one, is needed. Four posts
of chestnut or other lasting wood, about two inches
square, are driven into the earth in the form of a
square, far enough apart to come under the corners of
the bottom-board, (fifteen inches,) and high enough for
60 GLASS HIVES.
convenience when looking into the hive. The ends of
‘these posts are to be perfectly level, and to which the
bottom is to be nailed fast. As the hive is to sit per-
fectly close to the board, a passage must be made
through it, as well as means for ventilation in hot
weather, without raising the hive for that purpose. It
requires a board about fifteen inches square, planed
smooth, the endsclamped to prevent warping or split-
ting; a portion of the centre is taken out, say six
inches by ten, and wire cloth nailed over, four-ounce
tacks will hold it, fasten it just enough to keep the
bees from getting through; very likely it will want to
be taken off occasionally and cleaned from the propo-
lis that will be spread over it. It is is easiest done in
freezing weather.
Take an edge in each hand, and rock the wires a
few times out of square, and it will readily crumble
and fall out. In warm weather it must be scalded or
burnt off. To close this space, a moving slide is fixed
in grooves under-side, fastened to the posts or board.
The slide is to be moved in ‘accordance with the
weather, when cold, close it, when hot, withdraw it,
and give the bees as much air as possible, without
raising the hive, the whole of such space is as much
ventilation as ordinary hives raised an inch. (Wire
cloth is needed for other purposes, it is best to pro-
cure some, even at considerable trouble and expense.)
On the side of the board intended for the front, two
inches from the edge of the wire cloth, a passage is
cut for the bees, three-eights of an inch wide, by
eleven in length. ‘‘But how is the bees to get to
oes,
0
GLASS HIVES. 61
tthis place, so inconvenient, something is needed to
‘assist them?’ Certainly, Sir; an alighting board,
eleven inches wide, and about two feet long, (not
planed), is placed at an angle of forty-five degrees,
“between the two front posts of your stand, the upper
end passing under the bottom, far enough back ; to be
just even with the back-side of the passage for the
=
ry
milli o
ma
*N
THI
a
¥ i
62 BREEDING.
bees. The bees alight on this board, and walk up into
the hive without difficulty. When the bees are at
work pretty freely, and a door of this hive is opened,
those that are about departing will be very likely to
get on the glass, instead of through the opening at the
bottom ; seeing the light through the glass, they endea-
vor to escape by the nearest route. When so many
gather here as to prevent a good view, and you wish
to observe further, shut the door a moment and they
will leave through their own passage, when you can
open your door again, for a short time. After the
hive is filled with combs, the number attracted to the.
glass on opening a door will be much less.
The plate on the preceding page represents a glass
hive, cover, and stand. The common hive can be
made equally ornamental, if you choose; this kind
of stand is unnecessary for them. Iuse such as are
recommended on page 188.
CHAPTER ITI.
BREEDING.
IMPERFECTLY UNDERSTOOD.
THE time that bees commence raising their young
brood is but imperfectly understood by most people.
Many persons that have kept them for years, have
bestowed so little attention on this point, that they are
unable to tell at what time they commence, how they
BREEDING. 63
progress, or when they cease. A kind of an idea
that one swarm, and occasionally two or three, are
reared sometime in June, or fore part of summer, is
about the extent of their reflections on the subject.
Whether the drones deposit the eggs, or thata portion
of the workers are females, and each raise a young
‘one or two, or whether the “king bee” is the chap ©
for laying eggs, is a matter beyond their ability to an-
swer. It is but afew years since, that a correspondent
of a Journal of Agriculture denied the existence of a
queen bee, giving the best reasons he had, no doubt,
that is, he had never seen one. But bee- keepers of
this class are so few, it is unnecessary to waste
time to convince them; suffice it to say, that a queen
exists with every prosperous swarm, and all apiarians
with much pretensions to science, acknowledge the
fact, also, that she is the mother of the whole family.
The period at which they commence depositing
eggs probably depends on the strength of the colony,
amount of honey on hand, &., and not the time
they commence gathering food.
GOOD STOCK SELDOM WITHOUT BROOD.
I once removed the bees from a hive on the tenth
of January, and found brood amounting to about five
hundred, sealed over, and others in every stage of
growth down to the egg.
' This hive had been in the house, and kept warm;
it will doubtless be supposed that being kept warm
was the cause; but this is nota solitary instance, A
neighbor lost’ a “hive the fourteenth February, in
64 BREEDING.
weather cold enough to seal the entrance with ice, and
smother the bees. LI assisted to remove the combs, and
found young brood in abundance, from the perfect
bee, through all stages of growth. This stock had
been in the cold all winter. I have further noticed,
when sweeping out the litter under the hives early in
spring, say the first of March, that young bees would
often be found under the best stocks. Hence it ap-
pears there is but little time, and perhaps none, when
our best stocks have no brood. Yet stocks, when
very weak, do not commence till warm weather. It
seems that a certain degree of warmth is necessary to
perfect the brood, which a small family cannot gen-
erate.
HOW SMALL STOCKS COMMENCE,
The first eggs are deposited in the centre of the
cluster of bees, in a small family; it may not be in
the centre of the hive in all cases; but the middle of
the cluster is the warmest place, wherever located.
Here the queen will first commence; a few cells, or a
space not larger than a dollar, is first used, those
exactly opposite on the same comb are next occupied.
If the warmth of the hive will allow, whether mild
weather produces it, or the family be large enough to
generate that which is artificial, appears to make no
difference ; she will then take the next combs exactly
corresponding with the first commencement, but not
quite as large a place is used as in the firsscomb. The
circle of eggs in the first is then enlarged, and more
are added in the next, &., continuing to spread to the
BREEDING. 65
next combs, keeping the distance to the outside of the
circle of eggs, to the centre or place of beginning,
about equal on all sides, until they occupy the outside
comb. Long before the outside comb is occupied,
the first eggs deposited are matured, and the queen
will return to the centre and use these cells again, but
is not so particular this time to fill so many in such
exact order as at first. This is the general process of
small or medium sized families. I have removed the
bees from such, in all stages of breeding, and always
found their proceedings as described.
DIFFERENT WITH LARGER ONES.
But with very large families, their proceedings are
different: as any part of the cluster of bees is warm
enough for breeding, there is less necessity for econo-
mizing heat, and having all the eggs confined to one
small spot, some unoccupied cells will be found among
the brood ; a few will contain honey and bee-bread.
HOW POLLEN IS STORED IN THE BREEDING SEASON.
But in the height of the breeding season, .a circle of
cells nearly all bee-bread, an inch or two wide, will
border the sheets of comb containing brood. As bee-
bread is probably the principal food of the young bee,
it is thus very convenient.
When pollen is abundant, and the swarm is in
prosperous condition, they soon reach the outside
sheets of comb with the brood. At this period, when
the hive is about full, and tne queen is forced to the
outside combs to find a place for her eggs, it is inter-
66 BREEDING,
esting to witness operations in a glass hive. I have
‘seen her several times during one day, on the same
piece of comb (next the glass). The light has no
immediate effect on her ‘ Highness,” as she will quietly
continue about her duty, not the least embarrassed by
curious eyes at the window. Before depositing an
egg, she enters the cell head first, probably to ascer-
tain if it is in proper condition to receive it; as a cell
part filled with bee-bread or honey is never used. If
the area of combs is small, or the family is small, and
cannot protect a large space with the necessary heat,
she will often deposit two, and sometimes three, in
otie cell (the supernumeraries I suppose are removed.
by the workers). But under prosperous circumstances,
with a hive of suitable size, &c., this emergency is
avoided.
OPERATION OF LAYING AND THE EGGS DESCRIBED.
When a cell is in a condition to receive the egg,
on withdrawing her head she immediately curves
her abdomen, and inserts it a few seconds. After
leaving it, an egg may be seen attached by one end
to the bottom; about the sixteenth of an inch in
length, slightly curved, very small, nearly uniform
the whole length, abruptly rounded at the ends, semi-
transparent, and covered with avery thin and ex-
tremely delicate coat, often breaking with the slightest
touch. :
After the egg has been about three days in the
cell, a small white worm may be seen coiled in the
bottom, surrounded with a milky-like substance, which
BREEDING. 67
is its food, without doubt. How this food is prepared,
is merely guess-work. The hypothesis of its being.
chiefly composed of pollen, I have no objection to;
as it is sufficiently proved by the quantities that accu-
mulate in hives that lose their queen, and rear no
brood (that is, when a requisite number of workers
are so left). The workers may be seen entering the
cell every few minutes, probably, to supply this food.*
TIME FROM THE EGG TO THE PERFECT BEE,
In about six days it is sealed over with a convex
waxen lid. It is now hidden from our sight for about
twelve days, when it bites off the cover, and comes
forth a perfect bee. The period from the egg to the
perfect bee varies from twenty to twenty-four days;
average about twenty-two for workers, twenty-four
. for drones. The temperature of the hive will vary
some with the atmosphere; it is also governed by the
number of bees. A low temperature probably retards
the developemnt, while a high one facilitates it:
You may have seen accounts of the assiduous atten-
tions given to the young bee when it first emerges
from the cell: ‘tis said they “lick it all over, feed it
with honey,” &c., desperately pleased with their new
acquisition.
ROUGH TREATMENT OF THE YOUNG BEE,
Now, if you expect to see anything of this, you
must watch a little closer than I have. I have seen
* When the comb in our glass hive is new, and white, these ope-
rations can be seen more distinctly than when very old and dark.
68 BREEDING.
nundreds when biting their way out. Instead of
care or notice, they often receive rather rough treat-
ment: the workers, intent on other matters, will
sometimes come in contact with one part way out
the cell, with force sufficient to almost dislocate its
neck; yet they do not stop to see if any harm is done,
or beg pardon. The little sufferer, after this rude
lesson, scrambles back as soon as possible out of the
way; enlarges the prison door a little, and attempts
again, with perhaps the same success: a dozen trials
are often made before they succeed. When it does
actually leave, it seems like a stranger in a multitude,
with no friend to counsel, or mother to direct. It
wanders about uncared for and unheeded, and rarely
finds one sufficiently benevolent to bestow even the
necessaries of life; but does sometimes. It is gene-
rally forced to learn the important lesson of looking
out for itself, the day it leaves the cradle.
there is plenty of honey in the hive. Suppose all the
honey in the immediate vicinity of the cluster of bees
is exhausted, and the combs in every direction from
them are covered with frost; if a bee should leave
the mass and venture among them for a supply,
its fate would be as certain as starvation. And with-
out timely mtervention of warmer weather, they must’
perish |
OTHER DIFFICULTIES.
_ Should they escape starving, there is another diffi-
culty often attending them in continued cold weather.
T said that small families exhaled but little. Let us
see if we can explain the effect.
WINTERING BEES. 381
There is not sufficient animal heat generated to ex-
hale the aqueous portion of their food. The philoso-.
phy that explains why a man in warm blood and in
profuse perspiration would throw off or exhale more
moisture than in a quiet state, will illustrate this. The
bees in these circumstances must retain the water with |
the excrementitious part, which soon distends their
bodies to the utmost, rendering them unable to endure
it long. Their cleanly habits, that ordinarily save the
combs from being soiled, is not a sure protection now,
and they are compelled to leave the mass very often
in the severest weather, to expel this unnatural accu-
mulation of freces. It is frequently discharged even
before leaving the comb, but most of it at the en-
trance; also some scattered on the front side of the
hive, and a short distance from it. In a moderately
warm day, more bees will issue from a hive in this
condition than from others; it appears that a part of
them are unable to discharge their burden—their
weight prevents their flying—they get down and are
lost. When cold weather is too long continued, they
cannot wait for warm days to leave, but continue to
come out at any time; and not one of such can then
return. The cluster inside the hive is thus reduced
in numbers till they are unable to generate heat suffi-
cient to keep from freezing. With the indications
attendant upon such losses, my own observation has
made me somewhat familiar, as the following con-
versation will illustrate.
832 WINTERING BEES,
FURTHER ILLUSTRATIONS. ae
A neighbor who wished to purchase some stock,
hives in the fall, requested my assistance in selecting
them. We applied to a perfect stranger; his bees
had passed the previous winter in the open air. I
found on looking among them that he had lost some
of them from this cause, as the excrement was yet
about the entrance of one old weather-beaten hive,
that was now occupied by a young swarm, and was
about half filled with combs.
I saw at once what had been the matter, and felt
quite confident that I could give its owner a correct,
history of it. “Sir,” said I, “you have been un
fortunate with the bees that were in this hive last
winter; I think I can give you some particulars re-
specting “it.”
“Ah, what makes you think so? I would like to”
hear you guess; to encourage you, I will admit that -
there has been something rather peculiar about it.”
“One year ago you considered that a good stock- |
hive; it was well filled with honey, a good family of
bees, and two or three years old or more. You had
as much confidence in its wintering as any other; but
during the cold weather, somehow, the bees unac-
countably disappeared, leaving but a very few, and
they were found frozen to death. You discovered it
towards spring, on awarm day. When you removed
the combs, you probably noticed a great many spots
of excrement deposited on them, as well as on the
sides of the hive, particularly near the entrance.
Also one-half or more of the breeding cells contained
WINTERING BEES. 838
dead brood, in a putrid state; and this summer you
have used the old hive for a new swarm.”
“You are right, sir, in every particular. Now, I
would like to know what gave you the idea of my
losing the bees in that hive? Ican see nothing pé-
culiar about that old hive, more than this one,” point-_
ing to another that also contained a new swarm.
“You will greatly oblige me if you will point out the
signs particularly.”
“T will do so with pleasure” (feeling quite willing
to give him the impression that I was “ posted up” on
this subject, notwithstanding it savored strongly of
boasting).
I then directed his attention to the entrance in the
side of the hive, where the bees had discharged their
feces, on the moment they issued, until it was near
the eighth of an inch thick, and two or three inches
broad; that yet remained, and just begari to cleave
off. «“ You see this brown substance around this hole
in the hive?”
“Yes, it is bee-glue (propolis) ; it is ‘very common
on old hives.”
““T think not; if you will examine it closely, you
will perceive it is not so hard and bright; it already
begins to crumble ; bee-glue is not affected by the
weather for years.”
“Just so, but what is it, and what has that to do
with your guess-work ?” |
“Tt is the excrement of the bees. In consequence
of & great many cells containing dead. brood, which
the bees could not enter, they were unable to pack
334 WINTERING BEES,
themselves close enough to secure sufficient animal
heat to exhale or drive off the water in their food, it
was therefore retained in their bodies till they were
distended beyond endurance—they were unable to
wait for a warm day—necessity compelled them to
issue daily during the coldest weather, discharging
their feeces the moment of passing the entrance, and
part of them before. They were immediately chilled,
end could not return; the quantity left about. this
entrance shows that a great many must have come
out. That they came out in cold weather is proved
by its being left on the hive, heaauee in warm weather
they leave the hive for this purpose.”
“This is a new idea ; at present it seems to be cor-
rect; I will think it over. But how did you know
that it was not a new swarm; that it was well filled ?”
“When looking under it just now, I saw that combs
of a dark color had been attached to the sides near the
bottom, below where those are at present; this indi-
cates that it had been full, and the dark color that it
was not new. Also, a swarm early and large enough
to fill such a hive the first season, would not be very
likely to be affected by the cold in this way.”
“Why not? I think this hive was crowded with
bees as much as any of my new swarms.”
“T have no doubt they appeared so; but we are
very liable to be deceived in such cases, by the dead
brood in the combs. A moderate-sized family in such
a hive will make more show than some larger ones
that have empty cells to creep into, and can pack
closer.”
WINTERING BEES, 835
“But how did you know about the dead brood ?”
“Because old stocks are thus often reduced and
lost.”
“What were the indications of its being filled with
honey ?”
“Combs are seldom attached to the side of the hive
farther down than they are filled with honey. In this
hive the combs had been attached to the bottom, con-
sequently must have been full. Another thing, unless
the family is very much reduced, the hive is generally
well stored, even when diseased.”
“Why did you suppose it was near spring before I
discovered it?”
“T took the chances of guessing. The majority of
bee-keepers, you know, are rather careless, and when
they have fixed their bees for winter, seldom give
them much more attention, till they begin to fly out
in the spring.”
“But what should I have done had I discovered
the bees coming out ?”
. “ As it was affected with dead brood, it was but
little use to do anything; you would have lost it
eventually. But if it had been a stock otherwise
healthy, and was affected in this way only because it
was a small family, or the severity of the weather,
you could have taken it to a warm room, and ‘turned
it bottom up; the animal heat would then convert
the most of the water contained,in their food. into
vapor; that would rise from the hive, and the bees
could retain the excrementitious portion without diffi-
culty till spring.”
336 WINTERING BEES.
“T suppose you must get along without losing many
through the winter, if I may judge by your confident.
explanations.”
“T can assure you I have but little fear on this head.
If I can have the privilege of selecting proper stocks,
I will engage not to lose one in a hundred.”
“How do you manage? I would be glad to obtain
a method in which I could feel as perfectly safe as
“you appear to.”
‘The first important requisite is to have all good
ones to start with. Enough weak families are united
together till they are strong, or some other disposition
made of them.” I then gave him an outline of my
method of wintering, which I can confidently recom-
mend to the reader.
ACCUMULATION OF FACES DESCRIBED BY SOME WRITERS A&
A DISEASE.
This accumulation of feeces is considered by many
writers as a disease—a kind of dysentery. It is de-
scribed as affecting them towards spring, and several
remedies are given. Now if what I have been de.
scribing is not the dysentery, why I must think I
never had a case of it; but I shall still persist in
guessing it to be the same, and suppose that inatten-
tion with many must be the reason that it is not
discovered in cold weather, at the time that it takes
place. Some stocks may be badly affected, yet not
lost entirely, when moderate weather will stop its
progress. When a remedy is applied in the spring,
long after the cause ceases to operate, it would be
WINTERING BEES. 387
singular if it was not effectual. I have no doubt but
some have taken the natural discharge of faeces, that
always takes place in spring when the bees leave the
hive, for a disease. Others, when looking for a cause
for diseased brood, and found the combs and hive
somewhat besmeared, have assigned this as sufficient;
but according to my view, have reversed it, giving
the effect before the cause.
THE AUTHOR’S REMEDY.
For a time, I supposed that this moisture on the
combs gradually mixed with the honey, making it
thin, and that the bees eating so much water with
their food, would affect them as described. Some ex-
periments that followed, induced me to assign cold as
the cause, as I always found, when I put them where
it was sufficiently warm, that an immediate cure was
the result, or at least, it enabled them to retain their
feces till set out in the spring.
BURYING BEES.
Burying bees in the earth below the frost, has been
recommended as a superior method of wintering, for
small families. I have known it confidently asserted,
that they would lose nothing in weight, and no bees
would die. I found, in testing it, that a medium quan-
tity of honey sufficed, and but very few were lost, per-
haps less than by any other method. Yet the combs.
were mouldy, and unfit for further use. There was
no escape for the. vapor and dampness of the earth,
15 C
838 WINTERING BEES,
This did not satisfy me; it only cured ‘one disease by
instituting another.” I saved the bees, (and perhaps
some honey), but the combs were spoiled.
EXPERIMENTS OF THE AUTHOR TO GET RID OF THE FROST.
I wished to keep them warm, and save the bees as
well as honey, and at the same time, get rid of the
moisture. I-found that a large family expelled it
much better than small ones; and if all were put to-
gether in a close room, the animal heat from a large
number combined, would be an advantage to the weak
ones, at least,—this proved of some benefit. Yet I
found on the sides of a glass hive, that large drops of
water would stand for weeks.
SUCCESS IN THIS MATTER.
The following suggestion then came to my relief.
If this hive was bottom up, what would prevent. all
this vapor as it arises from the bees from passing off?
(It always rises when warm, if permitted.) The hive
was inverted ; in a few hours the glass was dry.
: This was so perfectly simple, that I wondered I had
not thought of it before, and wondered still more that
some one of the many intelligent apiarians had never
discovered it. I immediately inverted every hive in
the room, and kept them in this way till spring; when
the combs were perfectly bright, not a particle of
mouid to be seen, and was well satisfied with the re-
sult of my experiment. Although I was fearful that
more bees would leave the hives when inverted, than
WINTERING BEES. 839
if right: side up, yet the result showed no difference.
I had now tried both methods, and had some means
of judging.
BEES WHEN IN THE HOUSE SHOULD BE KEPT PERFECTLY DARK.
When not kept perfectly dark, a few would leave
the hives in either case. I have found it much better
to make the room dark to keep the bees in the hive,
than to tie over them a thin muslin cloth, as that pre-
vents a free passage of the vapor, and a great number
of full stocks were not at all satisfied in confinement;
and were continually worrying, and biting at the
cloth, till they had made several holes through it for
passages out. Thus the little good was attended by an
evil, asan offset. Even wire cloth put over to confine
them, which would be effectual, would not save bees
enough to pay expense. I have thus wintered them
for the last ten years, and am extremely doubtful if a
better way can be found.* For several years I made
use of a small bed-room in the house, made. perfectly
dark, in which I put about 100 stocks. It was lathed
and plastered, and no air admitted, except what might
come through the floor. It was single, and laid rather
close, though not matched.
A ROOM MADE FOR WINTERING BEES.
In the fall of 1849 I built a room for this purpose ;
the frame was eight by sixteen feet square, and seven
high, without any windows. A good coat of plaster
gin was so well pleased with my success, especially with small fae
milies, that I detailed the most important points i in a communication
to the Dollar Newspaper, Philadelphia, published November, 1848.
840 WINTERING BEES.
was put on the inside, a space of four inches between
the siding and lath was filled-with saw-dust; under
the bottom I constructed a passage for the admission
of air, from the north side; another over head for its
exit, to be closed and opened at pleasure, in moderate
weather, to give them fresh air, but closed when cold,
and so arranged as to exclude all the light.
A partition was extended across near the centre.
This was to prevent disturbing the whole by letting’
in light when carrying them out in the spring. By
closing the door of this partition, those in one room
only need be disturbed at once.
MANNER OF STOWING AWAY BEES.
Shelves to receive the hives were arranged in tiers
one above the other; they were loose, to be taken
down and put up at pleasure. Suppose we begin at
the back end: the first row is turned directly on the —
floor, a shelf is then put across a few inches above.,
them, and filled, and then another shelf, still above,
when we again begin on the floor, and continue thus
till the room is full; or if the room is not to be filled,
the shelves may be fixed around the sides of the room
in two or three courses. This last arrangement will
make it very convenient to inspect them at any time
through the winter, yet they should be disturbed as
little-as possible. The manner of stowing each one is
to open the holes in the top, then lay down two square
sticks, such as are made by splitting a board, of suit-
able length, into pieces about an inch wide. The hive
is inverted on these; it gives a free circulation through
WINIERING BEES. 841
the hive, and carries off all the moisture as fast as
generated,
TEMPERATURE OF ROOM.
The temperature of such a room will vary accord-
ing to the number and strength of the stocks put in;
100 or more would be very sure to keep it above the
freezing point at all times. Putting a very few into
such a room, and depending on the bees to make it
warm enough, would be of doubtful utility. If these
means will not keep the proper temperature, proba-
bly some other method would be better. All full
stocks would do well enough, as they would almost
any way. Yet I shall recommend housing them
whenever practicable. If the number of stocks is
few, let the room be proportionably small.* It is the
smallest families that are most trouble: if they are too
cold, it may be known by bees leaving the hive in
cold weather, and spots of excrement on the combs ;
they should then have some additional protection ;
close part or all of the holes in the top, cover the open
bottom partially or wholly, and confine to the hive as
much as possible the animal heat; when these means
fail, it may be necessary to take them to a warm room,
during the coldest weather.
* Asan additional proof that this method of inverting hives in the
house for winter is valuable, I would say that Mr. Miner, author of
the American Bee-Keeper’s Manual, seems fully to appreciate it, In
the fall of 1850, I communicated to him this method ; giving my rea-
sons for preferring it to the cold method recommended in his Manual.
The trial of one winter, it appears, satisfied him of its superiority, so’
much so that within a year from that time he published an essay re-
commending it ; but advised confining the bees with muslin, &c.
842 WINTERING BEES.
TOO MUCH HONEY MAY SOMETIMES BE STORED.
After the flowers fail, and all the brood has mas
tured and left the combs, it sometimes happens that a
stock has an opportunity of plundering, and rapidly
filling all those cells that had been occupied with
brood during the yield of honey, and which then
effectually prevents theirstoring in them. This, then,
prevents close packing, which is all-important: for
warmth. Although a large family, as much care is
needed as with the smaller ones. Also such as are
affected with diseased brood should receive extra at-
tention for the same reason.
Some bee-keepers are unwilling to risk the bold
measure of inverting the hive, but content themselves
by merely opening the holes in the top; this is better
than no ventilation, but not so effectual, as all of the
moisture cannot escape. There are some who cannot
divest themselves of the idea, that if the hive is turned "
over, the bees must also stand on their heads all
winter |
Rats and mice, when they find their way into such
room, are less bold with their mischief than if the
hive is in its natural position.
MANAGEMENT OF ROOM TOWARDS SPRING.
A few warm days will often occur, towards spring,
before we can get our bees out. In these cases, a
bushel or two of snow or ice pounded up should be’
spread on the floor; it will absorb and carry off as it
melts much of the heat, that is now unnecessary, and .
will keep them quiet much longer than without it;
WINTERING BEES. 343 |
(provision for getting rid of this water should be
made when putting down the floor.)
TIME FOR SETTING OUT BEES,
The time for carrying out bees is generally in
March, but some seasons later. A warm pleasant day
is the best, and one quite cold, better than one only
moderately warm.
After their long confinement, the light attracts them
out at once, (unless very cold air prevents), and if the
rays of a warm sun do not keep them active, they
will soon be chilled and lost...
Some bee-keepers take out their stocks at evening.
If we could be always sure of having the next day a
fair one, it would probably be the best time; but
should it be only moderate, or cloudy, it would be |
attended with considerable loss—or if the next day.
should be quite cold, but few would leave, and then
the only risk would be to get a good day, before one
that was just warm enough to make them leave the
hive, but not quite enough to enable them to return.
NOT TOO MANY STOCKS TAKEN OUT AT ONC#.
When too many are taken out at once, the rush
from all the hives is so much like a swarm, that it
appears to confuse them. Some of the stocks by this
means will get more bees than actually belong to
them, while others are proportionably short, which
is unprofitable, and to equalize them is some trouble;
yet it may be done.. Being all wintered in one room,
the scent or the means of distinguishing their own
344 WINTERING BEES.
family from strangers, becomes so much alike, that
they mix together without contention.
FAMILIES MAY BE EQUALIZED,
By taking advantage of this immediately, or before
the scent has again changed, and each hive has some-
thing peculiar to ztself, you can change the stands of
very weak and very strong families.
To prevent, as far as possible, some of these bad
effects, I prefer waiting for a fair day to begin, and
then not until the day has become sufficiently warm
to make.it safe from chill.
SNOW NEED NOT ALWAYS PREVENT CARRYING OUT BEES.
Iam not particular about the snow being gone—if it
has only lain long enough to have melted a part of it,
it is “ terra firma” to a bee, and answers equally well
as the bare earth. When the day is right, about ten
o'clock I put out twelve or fifteen, taking care that
each hive occupies its old stand, at the same time en-
deavoring to take such as will be as far apart as possi-
ble; (to make this convenient, they should be carried
in in the manner that you wish them to come out.)
When the rush from these hives is over, and the ma-
jority of the bees has gone back, I set out as many
more about twelve o'clock, and when the day con-
tinues fair, another lot about two. In the morning,
while cool, I move from the back to the first apart-
ment, about as many as I wish to set out in a day,
except a few at the last.
‘To do this in the middle of the day, while warm,
WINTERING BEES. . 845
would induce a good many bees to leave the hive,
while the light was admitted, and which would be lost.
It will be supposed generally that their long confine-
ment makes them thus impatient to get out; but I
have frequently returned stocks during a cold turn of
weather after they had been out, and always found
such equally as anxious to come out, as those which
had been confined throughout the winter; without
the airings, I have kept them thus confined, for five
months, without difficulty! The important requisites
are, sufficient warmth and perfect darkness.
e
DOES NOT ANALOGY PROVE THAT BEES SHOULD BE KEPT
WARM IN WINTER ?
Opposition to this method of wintering will arise
with those who have always thought that bees must
be kept cold; ‘the colder the better.” I would sug-
gest for their consideration the possibility of some
analogy between bees and some of the warm-blooded
animals—the horse, ox, and sheep, for instance, that
require a constant supply of food, that they may
generate as much caloric as is thrown off on the cold’
air. This seems to be regulated by the degree of:
cold, else why do they refuse the large quantity of
tempting provender in the warm days of spring, and
greedily devour it in the pelting storm? The fact is
pretty well demonstrated, that the quantity of food
needed for the same condition in spring, is much less
when protected from the inclemency of the weather,
than when exposed to the severe cold. The bee, un-
like the wasp, when once penetrated with. frost,. is
15"
846 WINTERING BEES.
dead—their temperature must be kept considerably above
the freezing point, and to do this, food is required. Now
if the bees are governed by the same laws, and cold
air carries off more heat than. warm, and their source
of renewing it is in the consumption of honey in pro-
portion to the degree of cold, common sense would
say, keep them warm as possible. Asa certain de-
gree of heat is necessary in all stocks, it may take
about such a quantity of honey to produce it, and
this may explain why a small family requires about
the same amount of food as others that are very large.
THE NEXT BEST PLACE FOR WINTERING BEES.
A dry, warm cellar is the next best place for winter-
ing them; the apiarian having one perfectly dark,
with room to spare, will find it a very good place, in
the absence of a room above ground. If a large
number was put in, some means of ventilation should
be contrived for warm turns of weather. I know an
apiarian, who by my suggestion has wintered from
sixty to eighty stocks in this way, for the last six
years, with perfect success, not having lost one.
Another has wintered thirty with equal safety.
As for burying them in the earth, I have not the
least doubt, if a dry place should be selected, the hive
inverted, and surrounded with hay, straw, or some
substance to absorb the moisture, and protected from
‘the rain, at the top of the covering, that perfect suc-
cess would attend the experiment. But this is only
theory; when I tried the experiment of burying, and
had the combs mould, the hives were right side up.
WINTERING BEES 347
EVILS OF WINTERING IN THE OPEN A. CONSIDERED.
As a great many bee-keepers will find it inconven
ient, or be unable to avail themselves of my method
of wintering, it will be well enough to see how far
the evils of the open air, which we have already
glanced at, may be successfully avoided. I am told
by those who have tried wintering them in straw hives,
_that in this respect they are much safer than those
made of boards; probably the straw will absorb the
moisture. But as these hives are more trouble to con-
struct, and their shape will prevent the use of suitable
boxes for surplus honey, this one advantage will hardly
balance the loss. They are said also to be more liable
to injury from the moth. We want a hive that will
unite advantageously as many points as possible.
It should be remembered that bees always need air,
especially in the cold.* With this in view, we will try
to dispose of the vapor or frost.. If the hive is raised
sufficient to let it out, it will let in the mice; to pre-
vent which, it should be raised only about one-fourth
of an inch. The hole in the side should be nearly
covered with wire cloth to keep out the mice ; but give
a passage for the bees; otherwise. they collect here, en-
deavoring to get out, and remain till chilled, and thus
perish by hundreds. The >oxes on the top must be
removed, but not the cap or cover; the holes all
opened, to let the vapor pass up into the chamber ; if
this is made with perfectly close joints, so that no air
* It is presumed that the inexperienced will soon learn to distin-
guish such bees as die from old age or natural causes, from those
affected by the cold.
348 WINTERING BEES.
escapes, it should be raised a very little; otherwise not.
The moisture will condense on the sides and top, when
it melts will follow the sides to the bottom, and pass
out; the rabbeting around the top of the hive will
prevent its getting to the holes, and down among the
bees. It will be easily comprehended, that a hole be-
tween each two combs at the top, (as mentioned in the
subject of putting on the boxes,) will ventilate the hive
much better than where there is but one or two, or
where there is a row of several, and all are between
two combs,
BUT LITTLE RISK WITH GOOD STOCKS.
All good stocks may be wintered in this way, with
but little risk in most situations. Whether in the
bleak north-wind, buried in a snow-bank, or situated
warm and pleasant, it will make no great difference.
The mice cannot enter; the holes give them air, and
carry off moisture, &c. But second-rate stocks are not
equally safe in cold situations.
EFFECT OF KEEPING SECOND-RATE STOCKS OUT OF THE SUN.
It has been strongly urged, without regard to the
strength of the stock, to keep them all out of the sun;
because an occasional warm day would call out the
bees, when they get on the snow, and perish; this is
a loss, to be sure, but there is such a thing as inducing
a greater one by endeavoring to avoid this. I have
said in another place that second-rate or poor stocks
might occasionally starve, with plenty of stores in the
hive, on account of frosty combs. If the hive is kept
from. the sun, in the cold, the periods of temperate
WINTERING BEES. 849
weather might not occur as often, as the bees would
exhaust the honey within their circle or cluster. But
onthe contrary, when the sun can strike the hive, it
warms up the bees, and melts the frost more frequently.
The bees may then go among their stores and obtain
a supply, generally, as often as needed. We seldom
have a winter without sunny days enough for this
purpose; but should such an one occur, stocks of this
-class should be brought into a warm room, once in four
or five days, for a few hours at a time, to give them a
chance to get at the honey. Stocks much below sec-
ond-rate cannot be wintered successfully in this cli-
mate; the only place for them is the warm room. I
‘have known bees thoroughly covered in a snow-drift,
and their owner was at considerable trouble to shovel
the snow away, fearing it would smother them, This
is unnecessary, when protected from the mice and ven-
tilated as just directed; a snow-bank is about as com-
fortable a place as they can have, except in the house.
When examined a short time after being so covered,
the snow for aspace of about four inches on every
side of the hive is found melted, and none but quite
poor stocks would be likely to suffer with this protec-
tion. A little snow around the bottom, without a vent
in the side of the hive, might smother them.
EFFECTS OF SNOW CONSIDERED.
As for bees getting on the snow, I apprehend that
not many more are lost there, than on the frozen earth;
that is, in the same kind of weather. I have seen them
chilled, and lost on the ground by hundreds, when a
350 WINTERING BEES.
casual observer would not:have noticed them; whereas,
had they been on the snow, at the distance of several
rods, every bee would have been conspicuous. Snow
is not to be dreaded as much as chilly air.. Suppose
a hive stands in the sun throughout the winter, and
bees are allowed to leave when they choose, and a por-
tion are lost’ on the snow, and that it was possible to
number all that were lost by getting chilled, through-
out the season, on the bare earth—the proportion (in
my opinion) lost on the snow would not be one in
twenty. A person that has not closely observed dur-
ing damp or chilly weather, in April, May, or even
the summer months, has no adequate conception of
the number. Yet, I do not wish to be understood
_ that it is of no consequence what are lost on the snow,
by any means. On the contrary, a great many are
lost, that might be saved with proper care. But I
would like to impress the fact, that frozen earth is not
safe without warm air, any more than snow, when
crusted, or a little hard. Even when snow is melting,
it is solid footing for a bee; they can and do rise from
it, with the same ease as from the earth. Bees that
perish on snow in these circumstances, would be likely
to be lost if there was none.
STOCKS TO BE PROTECTED ON SOME OCCASIONS,
The worst time for them to leave the hive is imme-
diately after a new snow has fallen, because if they
light on it then, it does not sustain their weight ;~and
they soon work themselves down out of the rays of.
the sun, and perish. Should it clear off pleasant, after
WINTERING BEES, 851
a storm of this kind, a little attention will probably
be remunerated. Also, when the weather is moder-
ately warm, and not sufficiently so to be safe, they
should be kept in, whether snow is on the ground or
otherwise.
For this purpose, a wide board should be set up be-
fore the hive to protect it from the sun, at least above
the entrance in the side. But if it grows sufficiently
warm so that bees leave the hive when so shaded, it
is a fair test by which to tell when it will do to let
them have a good chance to sally out freely, except in
cases of a new snow, when it is aflvisable to confine
them to the hive. The hive might be let down on the
floor-board, and the wire-cloth cover the passage in
the side, and made dark for the present; raising the
hive at night again, as before. I have known hundreds
of stocks wintered successfully without any such care.
being taken, and the bees allowed to come out when-
ever they chose to doso. Their subsequent health
and prosperity proving that it is not altogether ruin-
ous. It has been recommended to enclose the whole
live by a large box set over it, and made perfectly
dark, with means for ventilation, &. (A snow-bank
would answer equally well, if not better.) For large
families it would do well enough, as would also other
methods. ButI would much rather take the chances
of letting them all stand in the sun, and issue as they
please, than to have the warmth of the sun entirely
excluded from the moderate-sized families. I never
knew a whole stock lost by this cause alone.* Yet, ]
* Vide other causes of loss, a few pages back.
352 WINTERING BEES.
have known a great many starved, merely because
the sun was not allowed to melt the frost on the combs,
and give them a chance to get at their stores.
DO THE BEES EAT MORE WHEN ALLOWED TO COME OUT OCCASION-
ALLY IN WINTER ?
Besides the loss of bees on the snow when shania
in the sun, and taking an airing occasionally, there
are some Bconbaniedl bee-keepers who urge this disad-
vantage, “that every time bees come out in winter
they discharge their excrement, and eat more honey
‘In consequence of the vacant room.” What a ridicu-
lous absurdity it would be to apply this principle to the
horse, whose health, strength, and vital heat is sustain-
ed by the assimilation of food! and the farmer is not
to be found who would think of saving his provender
by the same means. That bees are supported in cold
weather on the same principle is indicated strongly, if
not conclusively.
Is it-not better Gf what has been said on the saitent
of wintering bees is correct) to keep our bees warm
and comfortable when practicable, as a means of saving
honey?
‘To winter bees in the best manner, sgusdeesbls
care is required. Whenever you are disposed to neg-
lect them, you should bear in mind that one early
swarm is worth two late ones; their condition in
spring will often decide this point. Like a team of
cattle or horses when well wintered, they are ready
for a good season’s work, but when poorly wintered
have to recruit a Wong time before they are worth
much.
SAGACITY OF BEES. 358
CHAPTER XXIII.
SAGACITY OF BEES.
ARE NOT BEES DIRECTED ALONE BY INSTINCT ?
ON this subject I have but little to say, as I have
failed to discover anything uncommonly remarkable,
separate and distinct in one swarm, that another
would not exhibit. I have found one swarm’ guided
alone by instinct, doing just what another would un-
der the same circumstances.
Writers, not contented with the astonishing results
of instinct, with their love of the marvellous, must add
a good share of reason to their other faculties,—“ an
adaptation of means to ends, that reason alone could
produce.” It is very true, without close inspection,
and comparing the results of different swarms in sim-
ilar cases, one might arrive at such conclusion. It is.
difficult, as all will admit, “ to tell where instinct ends,
and reason begins.” Instances of sagacity, like the
following, have been mentioned. ' When the weather
is warm, and the heat inside is somewhat oppressive, a
number of bees may be seen stationed around the en-
trance, vibrating their wings.’ Those inside will turn
their heads towards the passage, while those outside
will turn theirs the other way. A constant agitation
of air is thus created, thereby ventilating the hive more
effectually.” All full stocks do this in hot weather.
et
t WHAT THEY DO WITH PROPOLIS.
“A snail had entered the hive and fixed itself
against the glass side. The bees, unable to penetrate
854: SAGACITY OF BEES.
it with their stings, the.cunning economists fixed it,
immovably, by cementing merely the edge of the ori-
fice of the shell to the glass with resin, (propolis), and.
thus it became a prisoner for life.” Now the instinct
that prompts the gathering of propolis in August, and
filling every crack, flaw, or inequality about — the
hive, would cement the edges of the snail-shell to the
glass, and a small stone, block of wood, chip, or any.
substance that they are unable to remove, would be
fastened with it in the same manner. The edges or.
bottom of the hive, when in close proximity to the
bottom, is joined to it with this substance. Whatever
the obstacle may be, it is pretty sure to receive a
coating of this. The stoppers for the holes at the top
are held in their places on the same principle; and
the unaccountable sagacity that once fastened a little
door, might possibly be nothing more than the same
instinct.
Another principle, I think, will be found to be uni-
versal with them, instead of sagacious reasoning. '
Whenever the combs in a hive have been broken,
or when combs have been added, as was mentioned in
the chapter on fall management, the first duty of the
bees appears to be to fasten them as they are; when
the edges are near the side of the hive, or two combs
in contact, a portion of wax is detached and used for
joining them together, or to the side.
MENDING: BROKEN COMBS,
at
Where two combs do not touch, and yet are close
’ BY
together, a small bar is constructec from one to the
SAGACITY OF BEES. 855.
other, preventing any nearer approach, (This may
be illustrated by turning the hive a few inches from
the perpendicular after being filled with combs in
warm weather.)
MAKING PASSAGES TO EVERY PART OF THEIR COMBS.
Should nearly all the combs in the hive become de-
tached from any cause, and lie on the bottom in one
“ grand smash of ruin,” their first steps are, as just de-
scribed, pillars from one to the other to keep them as
they are. Ina few days, in warm weather, they will
have made passages by biting away combs where they
are in contact, throughout every part of the mass;
little columns of wax below, supporting the combs
above,—irregular, to be sure, but as wel! as circum-
stances admit. Not a single piece can be removed
without breaking it from the others, and the whole
will be firmly cemented together. A piece of comb
filled with honey, and sealed up, may be put in a glass
box with the ends of these cells so sealed, touching
the glass. The principle of allowing no part of their
tenement to be in a situation inaccessible, is soon man-
ifested. They immediately bite ‘off the ends of the
cells, remove the honey that is in the way, and make
a passage next to the glass, leaving a few bars from it
to the comb, to steady and keep it inits position. A
single sheet of comb lying flat on the bottom-board of
a populous swarm is cut away under side, for a pas-
sage in every direction, numerous little pillars of wax
being left for its support. How any person in the
habit of watching their proceedings, with any degree
856 SAGACITY OF BEES.
of attention, could come at the conclusion that the
bees raised such comb by mechanical means and then
put under the props for its support, is somewhat sin-
gular. Their efforts united for such a purpose like
reasonable beings, I never witnessed,
These things, considered as the effect of instinct, are
none the less wonderful on that account. I am not
sure but the display of wisdom is even greater than if
the power of planning their own operations had been
given thern. od
Ihave mentioned these, to-show that a course of
action called forth by the peculiar situation of one
family, would be copied by another in a similar emer-
gency, without being aware of its ever being done
before. Were I engaged in a work of fiction, I might
let fancy reign and endeavor to amuse, but this is not
the object. Let us endeavor then to be content with
truth, and not murmur with its reality. When we
take a survey of the astonishing regularity with which
they construct their combs without a teacher, and
remember that the waxen material is formed in the
rings of their body, that for the first time in life,
without an experienced leader’s direction, they apply
a claw to detach it, that they go forth fo the fields
and gather stores unbidden by a tyrant’s mandate,
and throughout the whole cycle of their operations,
one law and power governs. Whoever would seek-
mind as the directing power, must look beyond the
censorium of the bee for the source of all we behold.
in them!
STRAINING HONEY. 857
CHAPTER XXIV.
STRAINING HONEY AND WAX.
WuEN about to remove the contents of a hive, I
have never found it necessary to use all the precau-
tions often recommended to prevent the access of bees,
I have seen it stated that a room in which there was a
chimney open, would be unsuitable, as the bees would
scent the honey, and thus find their way down into
the room. I never was thus troubled by their per-
pendicular travelling. It is true, if the day was warm,
and a door or window was standing open, the bees
would find their way in during a scarcity of honey.
But with doors and windows closed no difficulty need
be apprehended.
METHODS OF REMOVING COMBS FROM THE HIVE,
The most convenient way to remove combs from
the hive is to take off one of its sides, but this is apt
to split the boards, if it was properly nailed, and injure
it for.subsequent use. With tools such as have been
described, it may be done very nicely, and leave the
hive whole. The chisel should have the bevel all on
one side, like those used by carpenters. When you
commence, turn the flat side next the board of the
hive, and the bevel crowded by the combs will follow
it close the whole length; with the other tool they
are cut across the top, and readily lifted out. If pre-
ferred, they may be cut across near the centre and
take out half a sheet at a time; this is sometimes
necessary on account of the cross-sticks,
858 STRAINING HONEY.
DIFFERENT METHODS OF STRAINING HONEY.
Such combs as are taken from the middle or vi-
cinity of brood-cells, are generally unfit for the table;
such should be strained. There are several methods
of doing it. One is, to mash the comb and put it in
a bag, and hang it over some vessel to catch the honey
as it drains out. This will do very well for small
quantities in warm weather, or in the fall before there
is any of it candied. Another method is to put such
combs into a colander, and set this over a pan, and
introduce it into an oven after the bread is out. This
melts the combs. The honey and a portion of the
wax run out together. The wax rises to the top and
cools in acake. It is somewhat liable to burn, and
requires some care. Many prefer this method, as
there is less taste, of bee-bread, no cells containing it
being disturbed, but all the honey is not certain to
drain out without stirring it. If disposed, two quali-
ties may be made, by keeping the first separate.
Another method is merely to break the combs finely,
and put them into a colander, and allow the honey to
drain out without much heat, and afterwards skim off
the small particles that rise to the top, or when very
particular, pass the honey through a cloth, or piece of
lace. But for large quantities, a more expeditious
mode is to have a can and strainer, made for the pur-
pose, where fifty pounds or more can be worked out
at once. The can is.made of tin, twelve.or fourteen
inches deep, by about ten or twelve diameter, with
handles on each side at the top, for lifting it. The
strainer is just enough smaller to go down inside the
STRAINING HONEY. 859
ean; the height may be considerably less, providing
there are handles on each side to pass out at the top;
the bottom is perforated with holes like a colander,
combs are put into this, and the whole set into a
kettle of boiling water, and heated without any risk
of burning, until all the wax is melted, (which may
be ascertained by stirring it,) when it may be taken
out. All the wax, bee-bread, &c., will rise in a few
minutes. The strainer can now be raised out of the
top and set on a frame for the purpose, or by merely
tipping it slightly on one side it will rest on the top
of the can. It might, be left to cool before raising the.
strainer, were it not liable to stick to the sides of the
can; the honey would be full as pure, and separate
nearly as clean from the wax and bee-bread, &e.
When raised out before cooling, the contents shontd
be repeatedly stirred, or considerable honey will re-
main. Two qualities may be made by keeping the
first that runs through separate from the last, (as
stirring it works out the bee-bread). Even a third
quality may be obtained by adding a little water, and
repeating the process. This is worth but little. By
boiling out the water, without burning, and removing
the scum, it will do to feed bees. By adding water
until it will just bear a potato, boiling and skimming,
and letting it ferment, it will make metheglin, or by
letting the fermentation proceed it will make vinegar.
Honey that has been heated thoroughly, will not
candy as readily as when strained without heat. A
little water may be added to prevent its getting too
hard; but should it get so in cold weather, it-can at
860 STRAINING HONEY.
any time be warmed, and water added until it is of
the right consistence.
GETTING OUT WAX—DIFFERENT METHODS.
Several methods have been adopted for separating
the wax. I never found any means of getting out the
whole. Yet I suppose I came as near it as any one.
Some recommend heating it in an oven, similar to the
method of straining honey through the colander, but
I have found it to waste more than when melted with
water.