LIBRARY

MASSACHUSETTS

AGRICULTURAL

COLLEGE

THE

ijitish Jee Jfltfptl,

AND

BEE-KEEPER'S ADVISER.

CONDUCTED BY

CHARLES NASH ABBOTT,

SOUTHALL.

VOIjXJ]VLE VII.

1879—80.

Abbott's Royal Standard Hive.
First Pjriz?, Royal Agricultural Society's Show at Kilburx, 187i*.

PUBLISHED AT THE OFFICE OF THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL,
SOUTHALL, NEAR LONDON;

AND BY

KENT AND CO., 23 PATERNOSTER ROW, E.C.

INDEX TO VOLUME VII.

Langstroth fund, 71, 93, 102,
114, 154

Law respecting bees, 237

Lectures on bee-keeping, 57,
240, 241, 242

Lecturer, volunteer, 167

Library iof bee-books, 222, 238

Ligurianising, 41, 231

Ligurian, small, 149

Ligurian queen-bee, Eev. G.
Eaynor's paper on, 197-
200; herrings of gold, 198,
200; her prolificness, 198,
200, 201

Ligurians, their superiority
to blacks, 106 ; their
powers of work, 198

Linmeus, his apistical la-
bours, 206

• Little Wonder,' 64

London, bees in, 63

Long hive, the, 14, 15

Maiden swarms, 104

Makeshift hives, 147, 213

Manual of bee-keeping pro-
posed, 115, 155

Maraldi on the fecundation
of the queen-bee, 29

March, 211, 235

Martin, Capt., his Bee-keep-
ing Almanack, 203

May, 2

Mead, 153 ; value of, 206

Metheglin, recipe for, 154

Mice, 92

Micrococci, 172, 174

Microbi, 174

Midland Counties, proposed
Bee-keepers' Association
in, 116

Milk-pans and straw hackles,
as hive-covers, 59

Minor food production, as-
sociation of, 222, 223

Moncreiffe, Sir T., death of,
162

Moths, destroying, 169

Moveable porch, 204

Nellis Van Deusen Simpli-
city hive, 218

New hive, a, 122

New journal, 162

Newman, P. G., at the Kil-
burn Show, 69 ; letter
from, 115; his report,
151, 155

New Zealand, bees and, 229

November, 131

Observatory hives, 133, 249

October, 109

Oettl, on the development
of the queen-bee, 43

Old fogyism, 30

Oliver, J., Iris recipe for me-
theglin, 154

One of the authorities, 186

Open frame-ends, 233

Opening season, the, 228

Oriental story, an, 147

Overhauling bees, 250

Paint on hives, 148

Paper felt as a covering for
hives, 208

Taper, waxed, as founda-
tions, 126

1'arisUniversal Exhibition, 63

Parthenogenesis, 29

Pasturage for bees, 17

Pea-flour, 37, 137, 161, 163

Peel, Eev. H. E., Hon. Sec.
of B. B. K. A., 10, 11, 12,
27, 180

Perforated zinc, for alighting
board, 212

Peterborough, singular death
at, 56

Perroncito, Prof., on foul-
brood, 174

Philosophy required in bee-

Pigeons, value of, 214

Pink wrapper, 189

Piping, 59

Plaster moulds, 20

Pollen, 148, 162 ; insects in,
62 ; necessity of, for brood-
raising, 137", 139, 172;
Mr. Cheshire's mode of
giving, to bees in winter,
137, 138 ; carrying, in
relation to breeding, 231

Premium offered for illustra-
tions of queen, worker, and
drone, 236

Prize-fund, donations to the,
27, 77

Prizes, official award of, 77

Protective porches, 247

Propolising, preventing, 152

Puff-ball, use of, 199

Queens, uniting, 5 ; sting of,
29 ; conduct of bees to,
ib. ; on the fertilization
of, 13, 15 ; fertilization of
eggs of, 29 ; loss of, 41,
59, 104; by post, 41;
period for hatching, 43 ;
cries of the, 43, 44 ; feed-
ing, 114 ; wingless, 144

Queen-cages, 5, 6, 198

Queen-cells, 7 ; bees refusing
to raise, 33 ; insertion of,
49 ; destroying, 64

Queen - encasement, 5, 62,
149, 248 ; extraordinary,
122, 123, 250

Queen -excluder, 34, 64 ;
zinc, 105

Queen fertilization, flight
and ovipositing, 34

Queen-flying, 149

Queen-introduction, 167

Queen-piping, reason of, 80,
103

Queen-raising, 232

Queen stock, common, 120

Queen-wasps, 7, 213

Queenlessness, 19, 33,45,46,
59, 68, 92, 212, 235, 250

Queensland, bee-keeping in,
146

Quiet during winter, 111

Quilts, 5, 30, 31, 111, 112,
212 ; mode of feeding
tlirough, ib. ; material for,
18, 139

Eaces of bees, value of dif-
ferent, 54

Eaitt, Mr., his comb-founda-
tion, 19 ; lectures by, 242,
245

Eat in a hive, 230

Eaynor, Eev. G., on the
Ligurian queen-bee, 197-
200

Eeaders, to our, 1

Beading lessons for children,
mistakes in, 237

Beaumur, his researches on
the economy of bees, 206

Eed-letter day, a, 92

Eegicides, 228

Bernoving bees, 189

Eenfrewshire, season in, 125

Bobbing, 17 ; prevention of,
68, 121, 122

Eooke, Miss, her list of bee-
plants, 92, 120, 142

Eoyal Agricultural Show at
Kilburn, plan of, 6

Salicylic acid, 137, 169, 233

Scotch bar-frame feeder, 32

Scotland, bees in, 245

Season, the, 32, 46, 79, 123,
129, 144, 145

Sectional supers, 24, 46

Sections, separators for, 236

Seeds and flowers, 7

Selection of a spot for swarm-
ing, 105

September, 91

Sheffield, bee-keeping in, 125

Shuckard's British Bees, 149

Siebold, Professor von, Ms
researches on the fecunda-
tion of eggs, 29

Single and double-walled
hives, 63

Skep ». bar-frame, 62

Skeps, ventilation of, 149

Slinging honey, 64

Smith, Frederick, the late,
243

Society of Arts, encourage-
ment to apiculture, given
by, 207

Society of Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals, liberal
offer by the, 239

Spermatheca, 29

Spring flowers, exhibition of,
11

Standard hive, 250

Stands for hives, 4

Stallybrass, Eev. H. M., his
Hints to Beginners, 208

Stevens, C. J., on preventing
propolising, 152

Stewarton hive, 209

Stimulative feeding, 31, 211

Stock, a prolific, 105

Stocks, not advisable to pur-
chase, 2 ; to be kept strong,
39 ; folly of purchasing,
60 ; strong, 104 ; uniting,
213 ; overhauling, 212 ;
purchasing, ib.

Stores, plenty of, 111

Swarm prevention, 60

Swarming, 43, 44, 49, 50 ;
artificial, 24 ; on limiting,
104

Swarms, beginners should
purchase, 3 ; weight of, ib. ;
treatment of, 46 ; natu-
rally uniting, 62 ; price of,
213

Switzerland, bee-keeping in,
124 ; instruction in api-
culture in, ib.

Sugar, dry, for bees, 145,
230, 246, 249 ; hard, how to
soften in feeding-bottles,
236

Sunshine, absence of, on
hives, 25 ; in the summer
of 1879, 68

Supering, 24, 42, 47, 68

Supers, 7, 24 ; sectional, 4

Swiss Agricultural Exhibi-
tion at Lucerne, bees at, 224

Syrup, granulating, 20 ; and
peasmeal, 32 ; recipe for,
107, 112 ; best sugar for,
140, 149

Syrup-feeding, 208

Temperature of hives, 9
Thomson's Seasons, 67

Thorley, Eev. J. his Female
Monarchy, 207

Thurber and Co.'s consign-
ments of honey , 69 ; alarm-
ing label, 119

Tin separators for sections,
236

Tomtits, proposed mode of
catching, 31

Tongue, the, of the honey-
bee, 158-160, 181

Top entrances, 184

Transferring, 7, 24, 64, 88,
148, 235 ; time for, 132

Tnpper, Mrs., 40; on winter-
ing bees, 135

Uncapping mature brood, 229

Uniting bees, 104, 110, 127,
132 ; queens, 5 ; in frame-
hives, 107

Useful hints, 7, 45, 68, 91,
112, 132, 211,236

Vendors of bees, responsi-
bilities of, 25

Ventilation of hives, 10, 139 ;
upward, 144

Vice-presidents, appointment
of, 76 ; election of, 220

Virgil, on bees, 197

Visitors, foreign, to English
show, 203

Vogel, Herr, his experiments
on bees, 197

Walton, Mr., his apiary, 128

Warminster, bee-keeping in,
81

Wasps, 68, 92 ; nests, 112 ;
nests to destroy, 147

Wax-guides in supers, 42

Wax-moth, 40, 112

Wax-moths, 127, 169

Wax-sheets, making, 3 ; im-
pressing, 4

Weather in 1879, 87, 91

Weak stocks to be united,
7, 92 ; strengthening, 23,
235

White bees, 46

White-eyed drones, 82

Wiltshire, bees in, 247

Wildman, Mr., his bee-mani-
pulations, 207

Winter, evils, 31 ; prepara-
tions for, 18, 109 ; pass-
ages, 132 ; feeding, 176,
196 ; lectures, 121

Wintering bees, 31, 94, 135,
136, 185, 246

Wire -netting, support for
bee's, in comb-building,
26, 87, 232

Wisbech, lecture at, 242

Wood separators, 236

Wood, J. S., on prevention
of foul-brood, 172

Woodbury and Standard
hives, size of, 88

Woodbury, his queen-cage,
198 ; his mode of queen-
impregnation, 200

Wooden foundation, 133,
163, 232

Worker-bee, development of,
43

Yorksliire, bee-keeping in, 62

Young bees for wintering,
68 ; value of, at end of
season, 110

Zinc, excluder, 18, 19, 105 ;
for runners, 230

THE

[No. 73. Vol. VII.]

MAY, 1879.

[Published Monthly.]

(Jtbitorinl, tfatias, $r.

TO OUR READERS.

In commencing this the seventh volume of
'our Journal,' as it is the pleasure of man y corre-
spondents and friends to describe it, we feel it
our duty to tender our best thanks to all our
readers for their increased help and patronage,
and for their good-natured indulgence in re-
membering so few of our manifold derelictions.

Our aim has ever been the improvement of
bee-culture, and in view of the rapid strides
that have been made in that art since the
British Bee Journal came into existence, six
years ago to-day, it must be admitted on all
sides that it has not lived in vain.

By its efforts, the great lever of progress,
' Association,' has been brought to bear
against the conservation of ideas which bound
the bee-keeping world, and taught that improve-
ment was needless ; and, indeed, almost per-
suaded it that finality had been reached. And
even at the present time, so blissful is the
ignorance which rules in many parts of this
great country, that every attempt at improve-
ment is scouted as ' new-fangled ' and worthy
only of contempt, and failure in such, from
whatever cause, is hailed with delight as
evidence of the same. Nevertheless, there is a
happy brotherhood of gentlemen spread over
the land, who, having been awakened to the
importance of improved methods of honey-
getting, — which is practically the real object in
bee-keeping, — have been content to abide the
sneers of the unenlightened ; and missionary-
like, have established about them a following
that is ever increasing, and will eventually
include all but those who are too old to learn
or too proud to admit that they have been
misguided.

The beginning of a new order of things,
impinging on prejudice and superstition,
naturally arouses opposition and makes the
work laborious — a fact we have thoroughly

learned during our experience in journalism ;
but it being a labour of love, we are assured
that none who have put their hand to the
plough will ' look back,' except to laugh at
difficulties overcome ; to be followed by a
hearty cheer as they turn to the front to
jxirsue their onward way.

The present aspect of affairs must be a source
of intense gratification to everyone who in
bygone days put his shoulder to the wheel to
help the science of apiculture out of the slough
in which it was wallowing, into life and light,
and to place it in its true position on the
proud eminence occupied by its sister sciences ;
and the country at large may be congratulated
on the event, for assuredly a great good has
been accomplished through the opening up of
a neglected industry, which, rightly managed,
must increase the national wealth, and confer
a special boon on the needy classes.

Seeing that so much has been done, and, as
may be gathered by those who will take the
trouble to read these pages, that our ' glorious
hobby,' as Mr. Shirley Hibberd has so happily
styled the bee-keeper's pursuit, has taken deep
root amongst all classes and is accounted
worthy the patronage of the great and noble,
we think bee-keepers may fairly take heart ;
and, while reverentlj' thankf id for past successes,
determine to press onward and upward in their
endeavour to obtain perfection in the science
they love.

The chief work of developing the improve-
ment of bee-culture will doubtless devolve
upon the numerous Associations which have
been formed throughout the land ; and, backed
by and working hand in hand with the British
Bee Journal, which brought them into exist-
ence, and has ever been the faithful exponent
of the thoughts, views, and wishes of all bee-
keepers, there can be little doubt but that
increased success will be the consequence.

It being admitted that the Journal has done,
and is doing, good service in the cause we all
have at heart, we respectfully hope that our
friends will do their utmost to promote its
circulation. Its columns are open for the full

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[May 1, 1879.

discussion of all matters pertaining to bees,
their habits, and the best means of cultivating
them ; and there may be found in the completed
volumes, the best thoughts of the foremost
men of the age, of all countries and climes :
and we hope it is, as we have tried to make it,
the bee-keeper's adviser, companion, and friend.
Tendering our thanks in advance for favours
to come, and earnestly desiring to be more
abundantly useful, we trust that during the
season which is just commencing there may
be much cause for rejoicing, not only in
respect of a series of bountiful honey harvests,
but also through the solution of at least some
of the problems that cause differences of
opinion, and which in turn lead to unchari-
table conclusions. Unity is strength, and
that we may all be undivided in purpose is
the heartfelt wish of your obliged servant
The Editor.

MAY.

We have just had an intimation that quar-
ter-day has passed ; and had not our rent
receipts described it as Lady-day we could
really have believed it to have been Christmas,
so cold and wretched has the weather been,
and that instead of writing of the fabled
' Merry Month of May ' we were scribbling of
'February fill-ditch,' as the second month in
our calendar is often described. April has
been a most trying month, composed of weather
of all sorts, sunshine being a phenomenon,
while rain, hail, snow, wind, frost, and fog
played sad havoc with the bees, and rendered
their owners ' amiable,' as a matter of course.
But enough of the weather — indeed, we have
had too much of it, and are anxious for a
change, believing that should such take place
it must assuredly be for the better.

Flowers for Bees. — We were about to say
that, like sunshine during the past months,
flowers are matters of memory ; but every one
who saw the magnificent collection exhibited
by Mr. Ingram of Belvoir, Grantham, at the
British Bee-keepers' Conversazione in London
on the 16th ult., must have concluded that the
fault (or default) was not occasioned by the
weather, but through want of knowing the
flowers, and the means of cultivating them.
In our own neighbourhood the white Arabis
and the red flowering currant are the most
conspicuous ; but the cold and rain have pre-
vented the bees from taking due advantage
of their honey-yielding properties. Palm-bear-
ing willows have blossomed in golden glory
and scarcely been visited; while the gooseberries
and currants, though in full flower, have had
but few visitants from the hives, leading to a
sorry dread that such fruits will be scarce in

their season. Peaches and nectarines, out-of-
doors, being under warm south walls close to
the hives, have been well attended on such oc-
casions as their occupants could stir abroad ;
but the bees all round have had to depend for
the main source of their supply on the feeding-
bottle and the artificial pollen basket.

Beginning Bee-keeping. — At the com-
mencement of the season it is due to young
hands that thejr should be cautioned against
some of the dangers that beset the path of the
inexperienced.

Hives are the first objects for consideration,
and without the slightest reserve Ave advise
beginners to adopt a kind of hive that will en-
able them, or their expert friends, to thoroughly
invade and examine them, if ever examination
becomes necessary. Hives with fixed combs
are to the uninitiated as a sealed book, one
may read its title and the number of its edition,
and they may find the name of its author, but
its contents are invariably the subject of specu-
lation only. Never should a beginner in these
advanced days purchase a hive in which the
combs and bees cannot be thoroughly examined,
so that at any time its queen may be removed if
old, superfluous queen-cells excised either for
the prevention of swarming or for use in other
hives, the honey extracted if required for table
use, or to make breeding space for the queen, to
give facilities for the removal of superfluous
drone-comb and the substitution of worker, and
to do the hundred-and-one things which may
never be necessary, but for which provision
should be wisely made.

Bees — Stocks or Swarms. — A beginner should
never bin/ a stock of bees to commence with ; twelve
words of wisdom that, if observed, would prevent
much vexatious disappointment, and relieve bee-
keeping of considerable odium. There be sharks
on land as voracious as any that may be found
in the sea, and any inexperienced fish coming
within their ' ken ' is liable to be swallowed
alive, or so severely bitten as to make him
afraid to again venture where there is so
much danger; and bee-keeping thus loses
many who might under more happy circum-
stances have become shining enthusiasts. We
by no means wish it to be inferred that there
are no honest stoc7,'-brokers in Great Britain,
but we counsel young capitalists to avoid
them, and leave them to deal with old hands
'on change.' It is hardly in the course of
nature for a humane bee-ing to offer his best
stocks for sale ; he loves them too well, and
has such pleasant anticipations of the results
of their labour that to part with them woidd
break his heart ; and if a lover of bees has this
kind of attachment, how much less would a
lover of lucre be likely to give up his wealth-
producers, when to an uninitiated customer he

May 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

could sell what lie knows will be of no use
for any other purpose ? Again, stocks must not
at this time of year be purchased at less dis-
tance than about two miles from the new stand
they are to occupy ; and it will be needless to
say that beginners often purchase them from
ten times the distance, yet in neither case is it
remembered that the combs are liable to damage
by the way, and that should such contingency
occur, the beginner is at once thrown, as it were,
' on his beam ends,' without a notion of how to
' right himself.' Furthermore, stocks of bees
may possibly be diseased, or become so through
a long journey and the confinement consequent
thereon, and the vendor is thus liable to unjust
suspicion, even though it be undeserved.

Beginners, therefore, should, for the reasons
given, always commence with swarms which
they can have placed in the particular kind of
hive they intend to adopt, and in which the
bees will build new sweet combs, free from dis-
ease and not liable to create a suspicion that
all was not right when they were purchased.

Swarms may be judged by their net weight :
a four-pound swarm is a very good one, con-
taining about 20,000 bees ; five pounds is ex-
ceptionally good, but three pounds — about
15,000 bees — should not be despised. With
old stocks weight is no criterion of value, since
it gives no index to the number of bees con-
tained within, which is, par excellence, the true
test of their value at this time of year.

Hivixg. — This is often thought to bo a
formidable work, but is really one most easy
to perform. Bees when clustered as a swarm
will be already gorged with honey, and in-
disposed to stiug ; nevertheless we advise all
amateurs to wear a veil, and india-rubber
gloves well gauntleted, so that under any cir-
cumstances they need be under no apprehen-
sion. To hive in a skep it is only necessary
to shake the bulk of the bees into it, or
on to the ground, and set the skep so that
they can get into it. If the limb of the
tree is too large to shake, a wisp of grass
may be used as a brush to dislodge them, but
everything should be done very gently and
quietly. When the bulk of the bees are in
the skep it should be placed on the stand it is
to occupy, and the straggling bees will go to
it, or to the parent stand.

Hiving in Bar-Frame Hives. — We arc
continually being inquired of as to the best
means of hiving in bar-frame hives, especially
when they have fixed legs ; and now the quilt
and comb-foundation are so generally used,
the time has come for a slight variation from
the usual custom. It is well known that coinb-
foundation is often too fragile to bear the
weight of the bees clustering upon it, and
therefore it is important that a hive furnished

with it should not be liable to a jolt or other
movement that may cause swaying or motion
of its contents. Wo therefore recommend
that the hive should be prepared and placed
on the stand it is to occupy, attention being
paid to its levelncss in all respects, and when
the swarm has clustered it should be caught in
a skep (or other vessel) in the way above de-
scribed, the skep being set down under the tree
for a few minutes that the presence or absence
of the queen may bo determined, and in the
meantime the roof of the hive should be re-
moved, the quilt turned up at the side so that
about three frames should be exposed.

A stone should be laid upon the quilt to
keep it from turning back or being blown off
the hive, and the frames removed and set
gently aside. The skep containing the bees
should now be brought to the hive and the
bees poured in at the open part. They will,
as a matter of course, make a buzzing com-
motion which will have the proper effect of
attracting the attention of the stragglers near
the swarming place, but the bulk will run
under the sheltered part of the hive amongst
the frames. The frames taken out should now
be returned, and the quilt laid smoothly down.
If the bees lounge about outside the hive, the
quilt shoidd be drawn forward so as to leave
open a half inch of space at the back of the
frame to give ventilation, and the cover or roof
should be laid over in an ill-fitting manner, to
give the bees access at the top as well as at the
entrance, and to ensure free circulation of the
air. At evening the quilt should be replaced
by gently drawing it back and the hive properly
covered down.

If the swarm has clustered at a great distance
from where the hive is to stand, the bees should
remain in the skep until the evening, when the
above should be gone through, the final cover-
ing down being delayed until the great majority
of the bees are safe within the hive.

Making Wax Sheets. — The modus operandi
by which wax-sheets may be most expeditiously
and cheaply made was given by us to the bee-
keeping world at the commencement of Vol.
III. exactly four years ago, and the description
is worth reperusal. By request we now give a
short resume of the proceeding, thus : —

Procure a tin vessel about half as deep as
the sheets are to be and of the full width,
which nearly fill with hot water, and add wax
until an inch or more is melted and floating on
the top of it. Have ready a dipper of yellow
deal as large as the sheet is to be, into either
end of which drive a nail leaving an inch pro-
jecting. Soak the dipper in cold water, wipe
it dry, and holding by one of the nails dip one
half of it smartly into and out of the wax, hold
it a second and catching the nail at the other

THE BEITISH BEE JOUBNAL.

1, 1879.

end, dip the other end in like manner, thus
coating the dipper throughout. If these ope-
rations be quickly performed, two sheets will
he made which will flake off the dipper, and
may be laid aside for impressing between
plates, or for cutting into strips for use as
plain guide.

To impress the sheets in the ordinary way
they are slightly warmed, and laid between two
properly fitting impressed plates that have
been slightly moistened with soapsuds or thin
starch, when, pressure being applied, the
corrugations are formed according to pattern.
To form the comb-foundation now in use, the
sheets are passed between rollers, the pressure
being very great and carefully regulated.

Supers — Dovetailed Sections. — Although,
in deference to old-fashioned notions, associa-
tions continue to offer prizes for huge glass, or
wood and glass, supers (a proceeding with
which we entirely disagree), we strongly urge
all beginners to use sectional supers, and none
other. Let us also add a word of caution in
respect of what are called ' dovetailed sections,'
which in reality are not dovetailed at all, but
simply ' tenoned,' or ' half -mortised,' and un-
less glued or nailed, will not hold together.
' Shall we use the sections that are nailed or
those that are dovetailed ?' is a question pro-
pounded in the (American) Bee Journal. 'We
much prefer those nailed ; the nails add to the
strength for shipping, while the dovetailing is
a point of weakness instead of strength. The
comb being the only thing to hold the latter
in shape the (dovetailed) sections cannot be so
strong as those nailed.' Such is the Editor's
reply.

Dovetailing, mortising, and tenoning, are
very pretty when nicely done; but for strength,
unless glued or nailed also, there is nothing
will hold like cross nailing with French wire
nails, whether for frames, sections, or hives.

Stands. — Anything will do for a stand, but
some are much better than others. An earthen-
ware drain-pipe (usually two feet long), planted
a foot deep in the ground, and rammed tightly
full of earth, forms an inexpensive and in-
destructible stand, as useful for its original
purpose after twenty years as at first. A nine-
inch pipe, with its socket-end uppermost, would
give a base of about 12 inches diameter for
hives to rest upon, and would cost at any
builder's yard about two shillings ; but it is
possible that chipped or damaged pipes might
be obtained for ' a mere song,' yet be equally
effective for the present purpose.

It has just occurred to us that a stand might
be made out of a flower-pot and its saucer, that
would not only answer the purpose better than
most others, but would be highly useful in other
rispects.

Take a flower-pot or earthen pan of about
12 inches top dia-
meter (if a long
hive be in use, use
two), and cement
it to a saucer of
the same material ;
or if a saucer can-
not be obtained a
circular seed -pan
will do, the whole
costing about
ninepence. Here,
then, is formed a stand, and a water vessel,
the former to be filled with earth to give
it weight and stability, and the latter to be
filled with water, either as provision for the
use of bees, or as a protection to the hive
against ants, or other crawling or creeping
vermin. The pan should be set firmly in the
earth. This idea is worth double the cost of the
Journal to ever// bee-keeper. There are many
other stands in the market, but none, we think,
that can be more simple, or effective, or more
easily obtained. Earwigs (or earwings) being-
able to fly, cannot positively be prevented ac-
cess to hives.

Aspect is usually supposed to refer to the
direction in which the entrance of a hive faces ;
but that is really of very little consequence,
provided that in winter it be where the sun
can shine upon it without lighting up its in-
terior. In summer it can, of course, be shaded
from too much glare and heat. We would
prefer that aspect should be considered with
regard to the protection afforded to the hive by
shrubbery, hedge, or wall. The north side of
a high wall should be carefully avoided — it
means usually dampness and dysentery in
winter, and death as a consequence.

CHEAP HIVES.

At the late Committee meeting of the British
Bee-keepers' Association, a letter was read from
Mr. Carr, of Newton Heath, Manchester, de-
crying cheap hives, as having done more to dis-
gust people with bee-keeping than anything
else ; and Mr. Cheshire followed suit with an
inverted compliment in the same strain, de-
scribing them as 'wretched ' as well as 'cheap.'

Now, without intending to be in the least
degree personal, we take leave to differ entirely
from the conclusions which have been arrived
at by the above hive-inventors. We know
perfectly well, that manufacturers who make
and sell hives do not care to be bothered with
orders for those classed under the term 'cheajD,'
because they bear such a wretchedly small
profit ; but, as was questioned by the Rev.
Canon Kewley, the President at the conversa-
zione on the 16th ult., how can we expect to

May 1, 1870.]

THE BEITISH BEE JOURNAL.

convert the working-man from the errors of
the brimstone pit, to the use of the bar-frame
principle, if he cannot obtain the latter at a
chcaji rate P We quite believe, as Mr. Cheshire
stated, that a cheap hive which he had seen,
fell to pieces, and that the contents were
damaged, if not lost; but is it not possible that
there are cheap hives, and cheap hives ? We
have seen some of the most wretched speci-
mens, vended by those whose interests are
centred in high prices, which we considered
were specially designed to disgust the pur-
chasers and give opportunity for outcry. But
we trust the British Bee-keepers' Association
will not stultify itself by acknowledging the
princijjle suggested by the complainers. In
our opinion, the grandest work the Association
ever did was the offering a prize which brought
forth a Woodbury bar-frame hive without roof
or floor-board for 3s. This was in 1874, and
to Mr. Hunter it is due that the price was
limited to that sum. We won the prize
offered ; and thousands of hives of the kind
have been scattered broadcast over the land,
and, admitting that the wood is not so thick
as some think necessary, and is unplaned, we
defy all the fault-finders in England to prove
that they are not equal, internally, to the best
Cheshire, Carr, or other form of the Woodbury
hive extant at the time.

We hope this subject will be well ventilated.
It is monstrous that the Association should be
stirred up to the neglect of its first duty, and
the upholding of high-priced hive -makers.
The writers of books take care to puff their
high-priced wares in the most sickening manner,
to the utterly condemning those of all others ;
but while we are permitted to remain Editor of
the British ]!<<■ Journal its pages shall never be
so defaced. If an opinion is asked it is candidly
given, and if any be aggrieved they have full
opportunity of explanation.

THE QUILT AND FEEDING.

After the experiences of the past winter there
can scarcely be a bee-keeper with the hardihood
to deny that the quilt is the very best form of
crown-cover for bar-frame hives. We do not
stipulate that it must be of any special form or
construction, only for winter it must be com-
posed of material through which the vapours
of the hive can ascend and disperse. We use
one thickness of ticking (hair-cloth is the best
material, but is rather expensive) next the
frames, and three or four of flannel on top
of it, and that is ordinarily sufficient.

'But,' says the amateur, 'how am I to feed
my bees with the quilt upon the frames?' and
the reply is, Cut a hole through it with a
sharp penknife, and place a feeding-stage

over it. The hole should be about an inch
long and half an inch wide, between two of (ho
frames where the bees arc clustering-.

UNITING QUEENS.— QUEEN
ENCASEMENT.
In describing the operation of uniting —
which has been, and is, considered a risky per-
formance— there are rules to be observed which,
though not infallible, may be accepted as the
best for every-day guidance. We have in
former articles shown that it is not politic to
endeavour to unite a costly queen with old bees
under any circumstances ; for the probabilities
are that the latter will encase the former, and
so injure her that if death docs not immediately
ensue she will be rendered comparatively value-
less. It does not appear to be understood
whether the act of encasement arises from love
or hatred. We have been inclined to believe
that the former influenced the destroying act ;
but it may be a perfectly natural embrace in-
tended to stimulate the queen into activity.*
Be it how it may, with our present light we
would not advise the introduction of a valuable
Ligurian queen to a stock that has been long
queenless, but would prefer to remove a com
mon queen from a prosperous colony in which
there are plenty of eggs, young brood, and
hatching bees. We would then take the
Ligurian queen, and putting her (alone) into
a cage,t would fix
her amongst the
brood by passing
a long pin through
the cage, and into one of the combs, and closing
the hive would leave her for forty-eight hours,

* Immediately after the long frost we were examining
a series of hives, and in one row found no less than five
cases of queen encasement, the balls of bees being sepa-
rated from the cluster, and lying, or rather rolling, on
the bottom of the hive and frames. Seeing so many
instances, our junior suggested that possibly the bees
were stimulating their queen to oviposition — and perhaps
that is the solution of the question. Having got the
idea we think it easy to trace the reason for so much
encasement of queens by old bees — i.e. those who know
instinctively that eggs are a positive necessity; also, the
loss of old queens in spring — i.e. when they require a
good deal of stimulation (hugging) to mike thpm com-
mence laying; and it may account fur some queens
being encased and others happily received under ap-
parently similar conditions, the encasement being caused
by the bees' perception of the queen's condition respec-
tively, one being ready to begin laying, another imma-
ture and requiring stimulus. This is, we think, a new
idea, and one worth pursuing. — Ed. B. B. J.

tThe cage is formed of a piece of wirework or per-
forated zinc, rolled or beaten into a flat tube, about four
inches long and 1 in. by f in. internally, a plug of wood
being fitted to either end. — Ed.

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[May 1, 1879.

when we would set her free, and if well re-
ceived by the bees woidd close the hive and

leave her.

(To be continued.)

BEES AT THE ROYAL AGRICULTURAL
EXHIBITION AT KILBURN.

Through the energetic action of Mr. Peel,
the Hon. Secretary of the British Bee-keepers'
Association, a site for the exhibition of bees
and their belongings has been secured within

the Royal Society's grounds, which we think
could scarcely be surpassed for convenience to
exhibitors, and the certainty that their exhibits
will be seen. The 'position' is directly in front
of the railway entrances from the London and
NorthWestern Railway, passing through which,
machinery in motion will be f ound on the right,
cattle-sheds with a Temperance refreshment-bar
diagonally to the left, implements f urther on to
the right with refreshment-bar in front, cattle
again to the left, and between this battalion of

w

cattle-sheds, and the next containing imple-
ments on the right, the bees will be found, we
hope comfortably ensconced amongst the trees
which are shown upon the Society's large plan.
On the small plan, which is here exhibited, the
spot is marked by a B, and we hope will prove
a rendezvous for all interested in the culture.

BRITISH BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION.

Engagements foe the Bee-tent for 1879.

June 26.— Aylesbury Horticultural Show.

June 30 and following days. — The ~
Agricultural Show, at Kilburn.

To Wmesden Junction

2 miles fhomlfte

EactabvUon.

July 10. — At Hertinf ordbury, near Hertford.

July 22-24. — British Bee-keepers' Associa-
tion, South Kensington.

July 29. — At Shendish Flower Show, Hemel
Hempstead.

Aug. 8. — Berkeley Elower Show, Gloucester-
shire.

Aug. 14. — St. Mary's Cray, Kent. Bee and
Honey Show.

Aug. 20 and 21. — Shropshire County Bee
and Honey Show, at Shrewsbury.

Aug. 26. — At Long Buckby Flower Show,
Northamptonshire.

May 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

FIXTURES FOR SHOWS OF THE
Devon and Exeter Bee-kbbpers' Association.

July 3. — Branch Show at Tiverton.
August. — Central Show at Exeter.
Hon. Sec., Wm. N. Griffin, Rock House,
Alphington, Exeter.

USEFUL HINTS.

During had •weather swarms should he well
supplied with artificial food, and their hive en-
trances should he narrowed to protect them
from the effect of cold. Twenty-one days
after swarming is the hesttime for transferring
from skeps, after which the latter should he
burned to prevent their becoming the nests
of wax-moth. Destroy epieen-wasps wherever
found. Get ready supers (sectional far prefer-
able), and have on hand some spare hives ; the
cheap Makeshifts are invaluable for emergencies.
There is a great outcry going on against ' cheap
hives,' but cheapness does not always mean in-
efficiency. Stop robbing as quickly as possible.
A piece of round hole excluder zinc placed
against the entrance of an attacked hive will put
marauders at a disadvantage. If ordinary
means do not avail, tie the hive up in a cheese-
cloth and remove it to a cellar, putting an
empty hive in its stead. Unite weak stocks.
Give queens or ripe queen-ceUs to all swarmed
stocks. The boxes in which Ligurian queens
arrive do well for hatching out spare queen-
cells if the bees in these are sufficiently nume-
rous, and it is better to use the latter for that
purpose than to attempt to unite them to ex-
isting stocks.

Artificial swarming may be practised on
strong stocks. Sow and plant seeds and flowers
for bees, and prevent the growth of weeds
about the hive. Don't forget to send your
subscription for the Bee Journal; and if any
further information is required send the ques-
tions on one page and leave room for the replies
on the other, and enclose a stamped directed
envelope to the Editor. It is far easier to write
Yes and No to a set of simple queries than to
be obliged to recapitulate before replying to
them. We all hope for good luck, let us all try
and deserve it.

BRITISH BEE-KEEPERS? ASSOCIATION.

The first quarterly* committee meeting for the reception
of representatives of county associations was held ;it the
Board Koom of the National Chamber of Trade, 44G
Strand, on Wednesday, April 16: present, Rev. G.
Raynor, and Messrs. T. W. Cowan, F. Cheshire, C. N.
Abbott, R. R. Godfrey, J. Hunter, J. M. Hooker, W.
O'B. Glennie, Treasurer, and the Rev. II. 1!. Peel, Hon.
Sec. On the proposition of Mr, Hunter, seconded by the
Rev. H. I!. Peel, Mr. Cowan was voted to the chair!

The Chairman read the minutes of the last committee
meeting. Mr, Abbott took objection to the statement

that the Prize Schedule for the forthcoming annual show
at South Kensington was to be again revised. He
thought it was quite understood a1 the lasl committee
meeting that additions only were to be made to it.

Mr. Hooker stated he was also under the impression
that the arrangements made in the Schedide at the last
committee meeting were final, and were only subject to
additions made to the same. The word revision was
thereupon struck out, and the word addition being substi-
tuted, these minutes were unanimously confirmed and
signed.

Mr. Hooker moved, and the Rev. II. 1!. Peel se-
conded, 'That the member of the committee having the
greatest confidence of the Association, as shown by the
numbers polled at the late election, shall be chairman of the
committee during the year. And in the event of his ab-
sence that the member present who shall at the election
have had the largest number of votes recorded in his fa-
vour do take the chair.'

Mr. Abbott was of opinion that the above motion was
out of order, inasmuch as one meeting of the committee
bad already been held since the election, and on those
grounds he should vote against the resolution. The re-
solution was carried, the Rev. G. Raynor, Rev. II. R.
Peel, and Messrs. F. Cheshire, R. R. Godfrey, W, O'B.
Glennie, J. Hunter, and .1. M. Hooker voted in favour;
Mr. C. N. Abbott against the same. The Secretary then,
at the request of the meeting, read the results of the
election, as follows : —

For Mr. Cowan, 154 votes; Mr. R. R. Godfrey, 133 ;
Mr. C. N. Abbott, 115 ; Rev. E. Bartrum, 113; Rev. G.
Raynor, 105; Mr. J. Hunter, 93; Mr. J. P. Jackson, 94;
Mr. F. Cheshire, 92 ; Mr. J. M. Hooker, 87.

The Committee proceeded to revise the rules and re ■
gulations for the management of the Association's annual
show, in accordance with the resolution passed at the
general meeting held on October 7th, 1878. After con-
siderable discussion, the following rides as amended were
duly passed, viz. —

1. That all persons intending to exhibit shall return
their entry forms (which shall be sent out with the
prize lists) to the Secretary at least eight days previous
to the show, stating distinctly the number of entries in
each class, the space which will be occupied by the
articles exhibited, and the prices at which they will sell
their exhibits.

2. That at the exhibitions all articles exhibited must
be bond fide the property of tho exhibitor. All honey
must be the produce of his own bees during the current
year. All exhibitors to whom prizes are awarded shall
sign a declaration to the above effect (if required to do
so), and should any infringement of this rule be dis-
covered all awards shall be forfeited, and the person dis-
qualified from exhibiting for three years.

'■'•. That all exhibitors are required to state on their
entry forms the prices at which they will seD their ex-
hibit', otherwise they will be entered in the catalogue
Not fur Sale, and so labelled at the show.

4. That all articles intended to be exhibited shall be
delivered, carriage paid, at the place of exhibition on the
day before the show, and shall have affixed to them the
nam -s and addresses of the exhibitors. Exhibits in the
classesfor honey may be delivered by the exhibitor him-
self or his assistants on the morning of the show not later
than ten o'clock.

5. That all articles exhibited shall be considered as en-
trusted to the care of the committee from the time they
are delivered at the place of exhibition until the close of
the same, and no interference will be allowed with the
exhibits during that time without the special permission
of the committee, who will take every care of them, but
will not be responsible for any loss or damage that may
occur.

6. That the judges be appointed by the committee,
and that their decision bo final in all cases.

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[May 1, 1879.

7. That the judges shall have the power of withholding
any prize in the case of an exhibit of insufficient merit,
and shall also have the power of awarding an extra or
special prize to any exhibit which they may consider spe-
cially meritorious.

8. That no person other than the Secretary and his
assistants can be allowed, on any pretence whatever, to
be present during the examination of the exhibits by the
judges, except at the special invitation of the latter.

0. That a judge shall not be allowed to compete for a
prize in any class in which he may be called upon to make
an award.

10. That these rules and regulations be printed and
supplied to all members and exhibitors, and that no
member or exhibitor be absolved from the effects of
these rules on any allegation of not having received
them.

The above rules having been passed, a general discus-
sion ensued upon the following regulation as inserted in
schedules of former years, which had never been strictly
carried out, viz. ' Each exhibitor must be prepared to
guarantee that he will supply any number of similar
hives at the prices affixed to his exhibits : the prizes will
only be awarded on this understanding.' After much
discussion, and the time allotted for the committee
meeting having expired, it was decided to adjourn the
meeting for the further consideration of the regulations
for the management of the annual show until the fol-
lowing Wednesday, April 23, at four o'clock, and the
county representatives present were requested to write
to the Secretary giving any suggestions they could to
assist the committee in this matter. The following
county representatives were present, viz. Captain Camp-
bell and Mr. F. II. Lcmare for Surrey; Rev. Canon
Kewley and Rev. P. C. J. Jenyns for Hertfordshire ;
Mr. Ilolloway and Mr. Bourne for Lincolnshire.

Several of these gentlemen offered suggestions upon the
points which they heard discussed during the meeting,
to which the committee gave their attention and consid-
eration. The Secretary reported that besides having
received letters from the secretaries of the Shropshire
and Dorsetshire Associations, regretting that, owing to
the distance from London, their representatives were
unable to attend, he had received a letter from the
secretary of the Devon and Exeter Association, convey-
ing the following resolution, passed at their last meeting,
which was read as follows : — ' Resolved, That the sec-
retary be requested to write to the secietary of the
British Bee-keepers' Association, stating that this com-
mittee are not quite clear on the point of responsibility.
By the word " affiliation," woidd county associations in
any way be responsible should at any time the Central
Society be in any pecuniary difficulty ? ' In reply to
the communication received from the Devon and Exeter
Association it was unanimously resolved — ' That the
Committee of the British Bee-keepers' Association do
not expect county associations to be responsible for the
debts of the Central Society. Nor would the British
Bee-keepers' Association be responsible for the debts of
the county associations.'

The Treasurer then read the Balance Sheet for the
month ending March 31st, as follows: —
£ s. d.

Income 77 11 1A

Expenditure ... 10 0 11 J (all accounts being paid. )

Balance in hand . . 67 10 2

The meeting adjourned till the following Wednesday.
The Conversazione

then took place, and after refreshment, the Rev. Canon
Kewley was called to the chair, who briefly introduced
Mr. Cheshire and the subject for discussion, viz., ' Ab-
dominal distension of the Hive Bee during winter, and
the means of cheeking the same.'

Mr. Cheshire, after a few introductory observations,
said he ought, perhaps, to explain why he chose this
subject. Some reference had been made in the Bee
Journal to the economy of the hive, and underneath was
a foot-note in which it was stated that this was new, and
also that it was an exceedingly important question for bee-
keepers. It appeared to him it was not new, inasmuch as
the whole argument had been before the scientific world
for some years, and he had explained the action of food
and the reason of the distension of the abdomen of the
bee in the Journal soon after its establishment. As
he shoidd proceed, it would be found he had nothing
much to offer beyond what was stated in the article
referred to. In order that they might all understand
one another and have common ground for discussion, he
must say a few words as to food generally and in refer-
ence to bees in particular. Physiologists divided food
into two classes, one contributing to force and the
formation of heat, and the other building up material
other than fat. Pollen was exceedingly rich in nitrogen,
and contained, also, abundance of phosphorus and other
matters which constituted it a tissue-f ormingf ood. Honey,
on the contrary, was a hydro-carbon, consisting almost en-
tirely of saccharine matters, and, like common sugar, did
not undergo digestion, but simply transuded through the
delicate tissues into the circulation, becoming utilised for
giving heat and force. So used, it is converted into
water on the one hand, and carbonic acid gas on the
other. This escaped through the luugs, no residue
remaining to be carried off in the excreta. This might
be proved by heating ordinary sugar, when it would
pass through changes like those made b}' it in the animal
economy, and if it were perfectly pure no semblance of
ash woidd remain. "When the bee took honey it was
gradually absorbed into the fluids, and passed off from
the organization of the bee through the breathing appa-
ratus. When he said honey, from whatever source it
might be obtained, it always contained a smaller or larger
amount of pollen, which was of nitrogenous substance,
and would contribute a small amount to the bowels.
Honey was converted into carbonic acid gas and water.
The same result followed the burning of a candle, having
been consumed it woidd leave nothing but ash, which
would be a portion of the cotton-wick to be returned to
the earth whence it was taken. During the time of the
burning heat woidd be coming from it, and the same
process took place in the economy of the bee ; when
sugary matters undergo oxidation by union with oxygen
they pass off into the atmosphere, and heat is de-
veloped. He then proceeded to explain the internal
structure of the working-bee, pointing out that it
possessed five spiracles, or openings on each side of the
abdomen, and two on each side of the thorax, by means
of which the air was taken in. If the bee desired to pro-
duce a larger amount of heat, this could be done by the
telescopic vibration of the abdomen. It was a matter of
considerable interest that the large air-sacs were not
possessed by the queen-bee, in which they were replaced
by ovaries, or egg-vessels. The reason was very clear.
The queen did not have to produce temperature — that
might be left to the workers. The air-sacs of the worker
are only fully distended during flight, and this distension
aids, or rather renders possible, the rapid expulsion of
excrementitious matters at the moment the abdominal
searments are drawn together by a muscular effort. The
bee, bloated with effete products, and too weak to fly,
can only so feebly perform the act of extrusion that
its abdomen is soiled by the nauseous trail. He ad-
verted to the difference of opinion upon the forma-
tion of the spiracles, and having given considerable
attention to the subject thought every one of the
authorities that he had read seemed most distinctly in-
accurate. There was a crescent-shaped plate attached
to a muscle over the back face of the spiracle, by which
it could, he believed, be closed at the will of the bee.

May 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

9

But that point he would leave at present. A cluster
of bees, if fairly numerous, with an external atmo-
sphere of 40 degrees, would, while remaining in absolute
rest, oxidize sufficient honey to maintain there neces-
sary temperature; but, supposing the surrounding air
should suddenly fall many degrees, what would happen !J
The previous condition of restfulness would be changed
for activity, and cases were not wanting- in which cold,
which tends up to a certain point to dormancy, becomes
itself a stimulant. In animals that hybernate they re-
mained perfectly still while the surrounding atmosphere
was simply cold. As the air chilled intensely however, the
breathing was quickened, and oxidation increased ; so that
there was generated a larger amount of heat , and t hat larger
amount of heat screened them from the cold, and they
were brought through the trial without harm. It was
just the same in the case of bees. "With a ve>y low
thermometer they began to vibrate their abdomens, as
before stated. In the restful condition there was the
oxidation of honey or saccharine substances producing
carbonic acid and water, only waste. Now they had
nerve ("because without nerve-action there was no mus-
cular action), and muscular waste, producing material
which passes to the bowels. But suppose the cold
continues and the temperature, falls very much. It had
been remarked that cold itself would not hurt bees ;
that, he thought, was simply a blunder. Cold did
injure them, especially when the temperature became so
low as to necessitate agitation in order to enable the bee
to withstand it. In prolonged spells of intense severity,
stores often become (especially if unnaturally placed) so
cold that the bees coidd not touch them, and then the
saccharine matters in their fluids being exhausted, they
had to draw upon their own muscular tissues, to work them
into material which should be heat-producinij. That was
to say, the bee had now to oxidize herself, and for the
present ^cas converted into a carnivorous creature, having
to devour her own body ! Carnivorous animals in con-
finement receiving only tissue-forming foods, are always
in a condition of unrest, pacing their dens, and in this
seem only to be following an instinct by which muscular
tissue may be retrograded until it becomes material for
oxidation. A portion of the tissues remained which
could not be got rid of thus. This must pass away
through the bowels. A large quantity of phosphates and
sulphates passes off into the bowels, and to these the
urinary secretions are added. But while the bee was
being loaded in this way another unhappy circumstance
was going on — the integuments of the bee were being
reduced in weight, so it became lighter and weaker ; yet
the bowels were getting so loaded that when the bee
tried to fly it had a greater amount to carry than if it
had been properly fed. Some people said bees were
accustomed to hybernate, and others said they were not.
The truth seemed to Me between these statements. "When
without broods and with the thermometer standing con-
stantly at about 40° they hybernated, but with a higher
or lower temperature they increased in activity. He had
been speaking of wintering bees as though no brood were
present. If brood were present it woidd be necessary to
keep the temperature up, especially if it were near the
time of hatching. To sum up, he inquired, what were
the causes of abdominal distension, ancl briefly reviewed
his foregoing remarks. The main causes were worry
on the one hand, and starvation on the other. Some
people said their bees were not starved for they had
found honey in the hives, but they forgot that the bees
might not have been able to get at the honey. How was
abdominal distension to be prevented ? Much might be
done by keeping the hives dry without and properly ven-
tilating them. Keeping the bees numerous, and screen-
ing them from loss of temperature (which meant loss of
honey) and exhaustion of bee life. The twin-hive he
felt would much help, and Mr. Cowan's excellent plan of
confining the bees to but few combs, and those well stored.

The Chairman said there was no doubt about the
interest of the question, and, certainly, Mr. Cheshire had
placed the matter before them in such a way that no one
could fail to have been interested. Might lie ask if the
cure for the whole came under the word ' ventilate ' ?

Mr. Hunter said he could not go quite so far as Mr.
Cheshire as to the effect the cold has upon bees, and he
had made an experiment during the recent long and
severe winter. His hives were Mr. Cheshire's Crystal
Palace hives, and at the beginning of the winter, in
October, he thought he would try how far the bees could
bear the cold. He took out all but four or five combs,
leaving a broad empty space at one end, and the entrance
as widely open as possible. When he examined them in
February, he found the hives that had been closed up
were dead, while one hive, and the most unprotected,
was alive. Therefore, the cold did not have the effect
upon bees that Mr. Cheshire thought.

-Mr. Cheshire: I did not intend to say the cold was
fatal.

The Chairman : Injurious — that is what Mr. Cheshire
said.

Mr. Lyon said, as to putting two stocks in one hive, he
had tried it during the past winter. Just after the very
long frost in the early part of February, he opened the
double hive and found brood on each side of the division.
The two stocks had mutually kept each other warm. He
could fully confirm that idea from actual experience.

Captain Campbell : What do you consider the best
temperature to keep hives at during the winter ?

Mr. Hunter said he had always previously found brood,
but this year there was not a particle of brood in twelve
hives.

Mr. Baldwin said as late as November in last year he
went to Abbey Wood and purchased ten lots of bees for
driving, and he also purchased some empty comb from a
farmer. Being so late in the year, he had not properly-
constructed hives, but they were all united, having two
or three lots, but one particular hive had only two lots.
The temporary hives he used were the inside of double-
walled hives. In one of the temporary hives he found in
January brood in three combs. This occurred to him as
rather extraordinary ; he had generally found brood on
each side of the comb, but this time it was not so. He
examined two of the permanent hives and found brood
in one but not in the other, and the same thing occurred
in the case of two of the temporary hives. He thought
the fact might be attributed to the difference in the age
of the bees, and, perhaps, not to any advantage or dis-
advantage of the respective hives.

Mr. Abbott said he could not follow Mr. Cheshire
through all his scientific research ; but it appeared to him
singular that bees, having been starved, should accumu-
late so much abdominal mucus as to cause them ap-
parently to burst. That appeared to him extraordinary,
and certainly not in accordance with experience. He
did admit that one of the great causes of dysentery
in hives — more particularly in winter — was loss of heat,
occasioned by the passage of air round the ends of
the frames, and he had suggested many times in the
Bee Journal the insertion of slips of wood between
frame ends to prevent circulation and loss of heat in
this way. They very often had it put before them
that bees in straw sleeps lived better in winter than
they did in bar-frame hives, which he considered to be
owing to the combs being so built down the sides of
skeps as to prevent the air escaping round them. Speak-
ing of the double-walled hives, he said the bees were
practically in a well, and the sun might shine for hours
before it woidd affect the inside, except through outer
temperature ; whereas, in the case of the single-walled
hives, the heat of the sun penetrated through in a very
short time, and so warmed up the whole of the interior
of the hive, giving the bees an opportunity of moving
about, transposing and shifting their quarters, and getting

10

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[May 1, 1879.

their nest properly charged with honey, so preventing;
the necessity for that wear and tear of tissue which
Mr. Cheshire had described. As regarded the construc-
tion of hives, he believed the double-walled ones were
better than single-walled hives, provided one of the
walls were made of glass, which would prevent the loss
of heat, while every gleam of sunshine woidd have due
effect upon the interior. Of course, in summer, when the
heat was intense, the hive could be turned round, so that
the sun woidd not play upon the glass.

The Chairman said he had found square hives made of
wood fatal in winter, while with hives made of straw he
had never lost a stock.

Mr. Abbott said that was not his experience, and since
the introduction of the quilt he had never had a stock of
bees which had been afflicted with dysentery, except
from extraordinary causes.

Mr. Cheshire : Dysentery I carefully avoided using ;
dysentery seems to be the fermentive stage of waste
products inflating the abdomen.

Rev. G. ltaynor : Abdominal distension always ends
in dysentery.

The Chairman said this year he had inserted an empty
glass over the hole that was always filled with moisture,
but the hives were kept perfectly dry.

Mr. Cowan said, some years ago when hives suffered
so much from dysentery he knew nothing about ventila-
tion. And another thing, he did not know how to prepare
bees for winter. That was a great point to be considered.
He agreed with Mr. Cheshire as to the production of heat
by the consumption of honey, and likewise as to nitroge-
nous food, and the thing was to devise a method of
keeping bees as nearly as possible at a certain temper-
ature. The first point was to have the bees strong in
autumn. Many hives could not pass through the winter
because of the limited number of bees. The next point
was to consider the best means of ventilation. Certain
gases were given oft', and unless the hives were well
ventilated the bees consumed these gases. This year he
had tried a plan of his own, the idea being suggested by
the Gordon fire grate. The fresh' air was drawn in, and
passing through a warming chamber was brought to
a certain temperature, and it was reckoned that the
whole of the air in the apartment was changed in from
30 to 00 minutes. In a hive the quantity of carbonic
acid gas given off from consumption of sugar or honey
was such that if an ounce of honey were consumed in a
day, the hive would require to be ventilated every quarter
of an hour. As a matter of fact, bees did not consume an
ounce of honey a-day. When the outside temperature was
forty the temperature of a cluster of bees should be sixty-
five, and it might be supposed that the hive would require
to be ventilated every hour. To maintain that tempera-
ture he contracted the sides of the hives to three, four, or
five frames. To get rid of the gases he had had a little
tin box, about an inch square, made, from which a tube
passes to the top of the hive and branched off to the two
extreme ends, the ends of the tube being perforated. At
the bottom of the square tin box he had another tube
which passed out at the bottom of the hive, he placed
this box in a frame in the centre of the hive and affixed
combs on each side, compelling the bees to form the
cluster round the box. By that means the temperature
was kept up to within 10° of the heat of a cluster
throughout the winter. From 55° to 05° had been the
temperature of his hives through the winter. To get
rid of the gases he had a funnel to within an inch of the
top of the hive ; the top of the hive was closed, but free
air came in with the foul air, which escaped through the
openings round the hive. The lighter gases would pass
up the funnel by the heat caused by the cluster round
the funnel. In that way he had been able to keep up the
temperature of the only hive in which he had tried the
plan, and this hive was one of the strongest he had.
Nearly all the combs had brood in them which was a

proof that ventilation, and warm-air ventilation, was
necessary.

The Chairman : Don't they require a good deal of food
in keeping them up to that ?

Mr. Cowan did not think so. As to double-walled
hives he certainly approved of them.

Mr. Peel said he could confirm what Mr. Cowan had
said as to the temperature of hives ; his bees being kept
in his study were always maintained at an even tempera-
sure. Mention had been made as to the comparative
merits of the double and single-walled hives. He used
Cheshire's hives — some copies made by a local carpenter
— and he also used "Woodbury's. lie had found the
double-walled hives answer very well ; they seemed to
keep the heat out in summer-time, and to keep it in in
winter time. The hives made by a local carpenter as a
pattern of Cheshire's were not double-walled. The fact
was he tapped the pattern hive, and concluded the hollow-
ness was owing to the maker being short of wood, and
he made his walls about three inches thick. He was well
satisfied with double-walled hives, and should continue to
use them.

Mr. Glennie spoke in favour of the American chaff-
pillow after an experience of two years, and said his bees
did not suffer from dysentery, neither did he lose a hive.

Rev. G. Raynor : Do you place any weight on the
pillows ?

Mr. Glennie : Oh, no ! My hives are in a house.

Mr. Holloway confirmed Mr. Cheshire's remarks upon
the chemical and physiological part of the question ; as far
as he was able to follow, they seemed to him irresistible,
He should like to ask Mr. Cheshire what relation the
40° of temperature bore to the outside air, and also
whether he considered that the best medium temperature
at which to winter bees ?

Mr. Cheshire then briefly replied to the questions that
had been put. He was obliged to Mr. Lyon for his tes-
timony as to the twin hive3. In regard to temperature
the Americans had tried all sorts of plans, and had come
to the conclusion that bees did best at about 40°. If
it were higher than that they were likely to become
restless, but if lower they would have to exert them-
selves in order to maintain the temperature necessary
to the continuance of vital functions. In reference
to Mr. Baldwin's remarks, he might say they had neg-
lected the non-conductivity of the comb. The comb had
been contrived by the Creator in His wisdom for a great
number of purposes ; but if the whole and sole object
had been for the purpose of making it non-conductive, it
could not have been better for that end, and it was the
best protection from the external cold. So far as that
was concerned, the straw hive up to the present must
have the best of them ; no bar-hive in existence pro-
tected the bees from cold so well as the straw skep.
With regard to Mr. Abbott's query, he specially avoided
the use of the word ' dysentery ' for the causes of ab-
dominal distension. He knew this led them up to
dysentery, but anything that contributed to the distension
of the bowels of the bees contributed to dysentery. Mr.
Abbott said the bees of a double-walled hive were as if
down a well. He was sorry to disagree on that point. He
thought it was a great mistake to allow the temperature
of a hive to be raised by every gleam of sunshine. He
should like to suggest, and Mr. Cowan's remarks brought
that before them, that it was better in wintering hives
not to have a number of combs containing scarcely any
honey. He could quite endorse what had been said
about chaff-pillows.

A vote of thanks to Mr. Cheshire, and also to the rev-
erend chairman, brought the interesting proceedings to a
close. The last-named gentleman, in acknowledging, re-
ferred to the advisability of constructing cheap hives, in
order that the cottager population might enter more
largely into bee-keeping. Mr. Glennie and Mr. Lyon
each explained a simple mode of procuring hives for a

May 1, 1870.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

II

mere trifle, which, it is hoped, they will enlarge upon
hereafter.

Not the least interesting feature in connexion with
the Conversazione was the display by the Lincolnshire
Association of a collection of blooms of spring flowers
frequented by bees, sent by W. Ingram, Esq., of llelvoir
Castle Gardens. They were all grown in the open ground,
and gathered on the morning of that day (10th April).
Some doubt was expressed by gentlemen present that
they were all out-door blooms, but it is easy to dispose of
their objection by quoting Mr. Ingram's words in a letter
to the Secretary. Writing on the day previous, he says,
' Should more snow fall it will be impossible to collect
the flowers; at present we are covered' [i.e. with snow).
This therefore shows what may easily be done by all who
have gardens, not only in adding to the charm of what is
often at this season of the year a dreary waste, but also
in affording very material assistance to our industrious
little friends in such an inclement spring as the present.
Flowers frequented by bees in March and April gathered
from the open ground \6th April, 187!'.

Erica carnea, Arabia albida, Aubrietia grandifloia,
Saxifraga lingulata, Forsythia suspensa, Seilla Siberica,
Fumario purpurea, Narcissus pseudo Narcissus, Louicera
fragrantissima (Winter honeysuckle), Jasminum midi-
florum, Anemone Appennina blenda, Cardamine rotundi-
folia, l'yrus Japonica, Doronicum Austriacum, Andro-
meda fioribunda, Primrose, Iris reticulata, Myosotis
dissitiflora, Viola Victoria Regina, Hardy ditto. The
Winter honeysuckle is found to be one of the earliest
blooms for bees, and is always much frequented.

Mr. C. N. Abbott (Editor) exhibited one of the bar-
frame feeders of Scotch invention, but to whom the credit
for the ingenuity displayed may be due seems from com-
munications in the Journal to be a disputed point. A
good deal of interest was created, but the opinion pre-
vailed that the large cooling surface of tin, backed by the
cold syrup, though there is no real reason why it should
be given cold, would spoil its value in cold weather.

Regarding the ' bee flora ' exhibited, there is reason to
hope that Mr. Ingram may be induced, either at the
Lincolnshire or at one of the London gatherings, to
give a reading on the bee flowers and plants of Great
Britain. From a florist and botanist so celebrated, a
simple list would be of incredible value, and the full de-
scription worthy of a first place in the annals of bee-cul-
ture. All bee-keepers will hope and hunger for such a
treat as they hope and hope for fine weather. Lincoln-
shire was represented at the Conversazione by Mr. God-
frey and Mr. Holloway, who are members, and by Mr.
Bolton, who came as a deeply-interested friend.

The adjourned meeting of the Committee was held on
Wednesday, the 2:!rd April, when several additions were
made to the Prize Schedule (see Clauses 31-33, p. 22).
The. judges for the Show were nominated; the names
will be published when their replies have been received.

HERTFORDSHIRE BEE-KEEPERS'

ASSOCIATION.

Meeting at Berkhamstead.

Under the auspices of this newly-formed association,
a public meeting was held in the Town Hall, Berk-
hamstead, on Saturday, March 22nd, under the presidency
of the Marquis of Hamilton, M.P. There was a very
large attendance, the room being nearly full. The Chair-
man was supported on the platform by T. Curtis, Esq.,
Rev. H. R. Peel (Abbot's Hill), Rev. E. Bartrum, R. A.
Brook, Esq. (Northchurch), Rev. H. W. Hodgson (King's
Langley), and Mr. F. Cheshire, A.C.P., F.S.A.

The Chairman said that although he was connected
with the Association he had no bees of his own, and
under those circumstances it woidd be presumptuous of
him to state that he had a knowledge of bee-keeping.

Unfortunately the art of bee-keeping in this country was
at a very low ebb. They knew more about the subject in
Scotland, and in America they took the shine out of lis
altogether. Upon the Continent there was more know-
ledge upon the subject than in England. In Russia there
were a good number of hives, and honey and wax were
extensively used. In Germany the subject was thought
so important by the State that the National School
teachers before they could receive a certificate of the
State were obliged to pass an examination in the art of
bee-keeping. In consequence of the knowledge of this
art being at so low an ebb in England, a number of
gentlemen had formed a central ■ association in Loudon,
and branch societies in connexion with it had been started
in the provinces. Last year the Hertfordshire Associa-
tion was formed, mainly, he believed, through the efforts
of the Rev. E. Bartrum and the Rev. II. R. Peel, and
they had the names of the chief gentlemen in the county
connected with it. Lord Verulam had consented to
be its president ; and Lord Brownlow, the Earl of Claren-
don, Lord Essex, the Bishop of St. Albans, Lord Ebury,
Lord Chesham, and other gentlemen, had consented to
be vice-presidents ; and they wished to enlist as many
members as possible to join their society. It might be
said, ' What is the use of joining your society ? I can
keep bees without belonging to the society.' He (Lord
Hamilton) was now addressing himself to working men,
and he noted three advantages to be derived from their
being connected with it. First, the privilege of competing
at all shows held by the Association at a lower scale of
entry fees than would be required from non-members ;
second, the chance of winning a hive of the most ap-
proved pattern at the drawing, which it was proposed to
hold at the annual general meeting ; thirdly, the oppor-
tunity of disposing of their surplus honey at the annual
honey fair, which would be held by the Association in
some central town in Hertfordshire, and which would be
open to none but members. The subscription was not a
large one. Mr. Peel had told him that it varied from
2s. Qd. to one guinea. At present there were only seventy-
six members connected with it, and the income was only
about 331. ; but he felt convinced that by holding such
meetings as those throughout Hertfordshire, which it
was intended to do, that if they met again another year
Mr. Peel, the honorary secretary, would be able to give
a better account of the number of members and the in-
come. It seemed to him (the speaker) a great pity that
Berkhanistead was not a great bee-keeping locality, where
everyone had his garden within his own grounds, and
where everyone, from the respected rector downwards,
was a cultivator and lover of flowers. Surely bees
should be cultivated. His lordship concluded his remarks
with his best wishes for the success of that meeting,
hoping that many would be induced to join the society.

The Rev. H. R. Peel, hon. sec. of the Association, said
he thought that they ought to be greatly encouraged at
the numbers present at that meeting. At the exhibition
of the Berkhamstead and Northchurch Cottage Garden
Society last year one gentleman had said to him, ' What
is your Association doing ? ' He told that gentle-
man that they meant to do what they could in
the summer by attending flower-shows with the tent,
and in winter to form their Association. They had
done this. They had held a meeting, and Lord Verulam
had consented to be their president, and their chairman
(Lord Hamilton) had also very kindly promised his sup-
port. The Bishop had been asked to join, and he had
suggested that tlie name should be altered from the
' West Hertfordshire Association ' to the ' Hertfordshire
Association,' a suggestion which had been adopted. Now
they had commenced to hold public meetiugs in the
county. They held one at Baldock on the previous
Thursday and made a good beginning; and on the
following Saturday one was to be held at St. Albans,
and others were to' follow. When summer came round

12

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[May 1, 1879.

again they would be prepared to pitch their tent at the
shows of horticultural and cottage garden societies
wherever they would be received, and offer prizes for the
best supers of honey. They hoped to improve the
cottager pecuniarily and morally ; to raise his better
half — not his wife — but his moral and spiritual state.
From the study of the bee he might, be led to study other
insects, and to study the flowers, and thus be led on to
think of the Creator of insects and flowers, leading him
from the objects in nature to Nature's God. They
thought they might also do something in a sanitary way
to improve the cottager. If a man kept bees he must
keep himself clean and his clothes must be well brushed,
or the bees would flnd.it out. A cottager would not
be satisfied with keeping bees, he would want the bees
to keep him, and this they woidd do to some extent if
properly cared for. He (Mr. Peel) knew a cottager in
an adjoining county whose bees paid his rent and also a
heavy doctor's bill for his wife who had been ill for a
long time. Another object of the Association was to
teach humanity to the bee. They wished to put a stop
to the cruel practice of killing them. They wished like-
wise to teach the cottager how to produce honey in
good quality and in saleable and portable form. The
Americans sent it to this country in small glass supers
[a sample of which the speaker exhibited]. There were
no less than eighty tons of honey sent from America
last October, and 100 tons in January, and ninety in
February. If the English did not exert themselves they
would soon be beaten out of the market. He could as-
sure them that neither the American nor theFrench honey
could compete with English honey. The next step in
which they wished to assist the cottager was where to
dispose of his honey when it was produced. At their
annual show it was proposed to hold a honey fair open
to none but members, for disposing of their honey. At
Lincoln this had been tried, and e^ery bit of honey
offered for sale was disposed of, and they hoped to do
something more in this respect. They had been to the
best confectioners, grocers, and fruiterers in the county,
and asked them to become agents for the sale of the
honey produced by members of the Hertfordshire Asso-
ciation and none other ; and they had promised to do so.
Any member who had honey to dispose of woidd
simply communicate with the assistant secretaries, Mr.
Huckle or Mr. Gulston, and they would find a ready
market for it. This was the programme they were at-
tempting to carry out. They were, however, quite open
to any suggestions. Mr. Peel concluded by asking the
ladies present to do all they coidd to get cottagers to join
the Association and help them to get a good market
for their honey.

Mr. Frank Cheshire then gave an interesting address
upon ' The Bee — the Friend of the Cottager and Gardener,'
illustrated by large diagrams.

A vote of thanks was proposed to the Chairman, which
was carried with acclamation.

Meeting at St. Albans.

Another meeting of the Association took place in the
Assembly Rooms, St. Albans on Saturday afternoon,
March 29th. There were present Viscount Grimston,
Rev. II. R Peel (Secretary), Eev. Dr. Griffith, Rev. H.
Smith, Rev. J. Hargrove, "Mr. T. C. Part, the Mavor of
St. Albans (Mr. J. Fisk), Mr. G. Checkland, Mr. G. N.
Marten, Mr. F. Cheshire, and several other gentlemen of
the neighbourhood, as well as a good number of ladies.

Viscount Grimston took the chair, and said he was
sorry that his father, the Earl of Verulam, who was to
have presided over the meeting, was unable to attend ;
and he had had the honour done to him by Mr. Herbert
Peel of being asked to preside in his stead. One of the
objects of the meeting that afternoon was to promote
the scientific culture of bees, not by the methods which
were now pursued and inculcated, but by other means ;

for it had been proved that it was possible to produce
larger quantities of honey than were obtained by the old
system. Another point which the Association aimed at
was the encouragement of greater humanity in the
keeping of bees, and the necessity of this all this must
recognise. His lordship called on Mr. Peel to explain the
aims and objects of the society.

The Rev. H. R. Peel, after having given a most inter-
esting account of the origin of bee-keepiug, said that very
little, however, was known about bee-keeping and hives
until Huber, a blind Swiss, who, depending upon his bees
for a living, started the plan of hiving. The speaker be-
lieved that did not commence till he had lost his sight.
Among the Germans the system gradually extended itself,
and the first association of bee-keepers was formed under
the auspices of the Elector of Saxony. The Germans had
kept up the practice, and now they made it part of their
national education. The French derived their knowledge
of the management of bees also from Huber, and the
Americans appeared to have done the same. The latter
were now teaching us many lessons. In different States
associations had been formed, and they had made great
advances ; while he was sorry to say that the English
public, cottager, and labourer, had been standing quite
still in the art. It was only in 1874 that anything was
done in the way of association at all. In that year a
number of gentlemen associated themselves together and
they determined to see what could be done. They held
a show at the Crystal Palace, when all the newest hives
and improvements were exhibited. They also drew up a
code of rides for the Association, and presented to them-
selves certain definite objects. One of the aims was the
formation of provincial, or county societies, in affiliation
with the British Bee-keepers' as a central association. Of
that he (Mr. Peel) happened to be secretary, as well as of
the Hertfordshire Association. The object which the
members proposed to themselves might be divided into
three heads. The Association was really a philanthropic
one, it being for the improvement of bee-keepers ; it was
to benefit the English cottager that their efforts were
mainly directed. They wished him to produce his honey
in a more intelligent and more humane way ; they
wished him to produce it in a simple form, meaning in a
portable form, and so that it could be carried away. It
was formerly the plan to produce honey in large supers
of 801bs. in weight, and it was very difficult to get it
when it was in such large masses ; but he regarded as a
model of simplicity, aud of a desirable size, a small
American glass super, which he exhibited to the audience.
That showed what the Americans could do. In spite of
the distance from England, there were certain merchants
in America who bought up all the honey in California
and other States, they paid the expense of freightage
to England, and then employed agents in London who
sold it to wholesale dealers at a sufficient profit to cover
all the cost and trouble they had been at. Now if the
Americans could do this, why could not people in this
country do it also ? If the Englishman could obtain Is.
per pound for his honey he would do very well ; and if he
could get Is. 3d. of course he would do still better, and
he saw no reason why he should not aim at Is. Ocl.
if he produced it in as acceptable a form as the Americans
did — he meant in small glass supers containing about 21bs.
each. The Hertfordshire Association hoped to induce
the cottager to obtain his honey in small quantities, but
the great aim was to help him to sell his honey, because
it was sometimes said, ' It is no use to procure it in large
masses if we cannot sell it ;' and the society were inaugu-
rating a system by which they hoped, after a little time,
to enable him to get rid of it. It was proposed, when
the honey harvest was finished, about the month of
August, to have in each town — in St. Albans, Rickmans-
worth, Watford, Berkhamstead, &c. — some tradesmen to
whom a certificate woidd be given as being the only
authorized persons who sold the honey of the members of

May 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

13

the Hertfordshire Association. The foreign honey had
been submitted to able analysts in Glasgow and
London, and while thejr had not been able to
prove that the American honey was adulterated, they,
one and all, believed that there was no better honey
anywhere than coidd be produced in Hertfordshire, from
Hertfordshire flowers, b}' Hertfordshire bees belonging
to Hertfordshire men. If the ladies and gentlemen
would only support the Association by becoming members
of it and by subscribing to its funds, the work would pro-
gress. The inauguration of such an organization neces-
sarily involved a great deal of expense, because the
meetings had to be held and literature about bee-keeping
had to be distributed ; and in the summer there was the
additional expense of encouraging cottagers at the flower
shows which were held, by offering prizes as a stimulus
to the work. Therefore for the membership and sub-
scriptions of any ladies and gentlemen now present, the
committee would be grateful. There was, too, another
way in which ladies especially could assist — by introduc-
ing honey into the kitchens, and by making it an article
of consumption at the breakfast-table. Doctors some-
times recommend it to their patients, and if the public
would encourage the Association, he had no doubt it
would do a great deal of good. It would preserve and
revive a national industry at present in not a good con-
dition, and would prevent foreigners sending their inferior
articles to this country and swamping the market which
ought to be open to all British people.

Mr. Frank Cheshire then gave an address on 'The
Economy of the Bee-hive,' with the aid of some well-
executed diagrams.

Eev. II. R. Peel said there had been a meeting at Baldock
on Thursday week, and the people had heard all that the
audience had heard that afternoon; and at the end a
request was made to him, as being secretary of the
Hertfordshire Association, that he should present an
extractor to Baldock, to be kept at the house of the
rector (the Rev. Canon Kewley), and that all the members
of the Association in that part might have access to.
Mr. Reel thought that was a very legitimate use to
make of the funds of the Association, and he should have
great pleasure, if indeed Lord Grimston would allow him
to do so, in sending an extractor to Gorhambury, for all
members of the organization in this neighbourhood. He
thought in that way cottagers would be assisted in re-
alizing the SI. per hive which has been spoken of by Mr.
Cheshire.

Mr. G. N. Marten inquired if Mr. Reel coidd not send
a bar-frame hive at the same time, because there were
many people in a village like Sandridge who never heard
of the hive, except by name. If, however, one coidd be
seen, not only a real carpenter, but also an amateur
carpenter, might make such a hive.

Rev. H. R. Reel said he thought the second suggestion
such a good one that he would send the best bar-frame
he could possibly get, as well as the extractor. Now
was the time of year to commence bee-keeping, and bees
were at this time generally obtained very easily for the
cottager.

The meeting concluded by a hearty vote of thanks
being proposed to the noble chairman, which was carried
by acclamation.

Meetings in connexion with the Hertfordshire Bee-
keepers' Association were also held at Rickmansworth,
on Friday, April 18, at three o'clock; Aldenham, same day,
at eight o'clock; Gt. Gaddesden, Monday, April 21;
Dunstable, Tuesday, April 22; Redbourn, Wednesday,
April :?.'! ; King's Langley, Thursday, April 24 ; Hertford,
Saturday, April 26, at all of which there were large and
enthusiastic audiences ; and we may presume that, at
least in Hertfordshire, the science of Bee-keeping has
been effectually ventilated.

At a meeting of the Provisional Committee of the
Hertfordshire Bee-keepers' Association, held at the Shire

Hall, Hertford, on Saturday, April 26th, the Hon.
Baron Dimsdale in the chair, it was unanimously re-
solved to hold two shows of bees, hives, and honey, See.,
during the ensuing season — the first to tako place at
Hertford, in connexion with the Flower and Vegetablo
Show to be held at that town in the month of July, and
the second at Hemel Hempstead on October 1st and 2nd,
in connexion with the Poultry Show to be held at that
place. Schedule of prizes, &c, will be ready shortly. It
was also decided to send the Bee Tent to as many cot-
tage garden and horticultural shows in various parts of
the county as possible, and the Secretary was requested
to communicate with the secretaries of such societies as
early as possible.

ON THE QUEEN-BEE,

With Especial Reference to the Fertilisation

of her Eggs.

By John Hunteh.

(Reprinted from the Journal of the Quekett Microscopical

Club.)

The life-history, functions, and attributes of the hive
bee, have for more than 2000 years engaged the atten-
tion of naturalists and other men of science. Apiarian
students have numbered in their ranks men whose pre-
eminent learning has left their names as land-marks to
posterity, and who will never be forgotten while history
exists. Among the ancient philosophers who have studied
and written upon the bee, I may mention Virgil, who
devoted the whole of his fourth Georgia to the subject ;
Cicero, Pliny, Aristomachus, Philiscus, Columella and
Celsus; and within the present century we have the
great naturalist, Swammerdam; the mathematician,
Maraldi; Reaumur, the inventor of the thermometer
which bears his name ; my illustrious namesake, John
Hunter, the anatomist ; and Huber, of Genoa, whose
total blindness did not prevent his giving to the world
many facts in the bee's life-history which were before
unexpected. Without approaching nearer to our own
time, the above array of brilliant names as example will
sufficiently excuse any amount of attention we lesser
lights may give to an insect so small, but yet of great and
increasing service to mankind.

When so many learned men have been before us, it
may be assumed that the subject is well worn ; but the
fact is, that, from the imperfect means of observation
enjoyed until lately, mainly by the misconstruction of
hives, facts have been so mixed up with surmises and
wrong deductions drawn, that it became a difficult task
to separate the true from the false. A colony of bees
consists of workers which may number 00,000 or more,
in summer a few hundred drones, and one queen, who is
the only individual in all this vast assembly capable of
propagating the species.

At the present time (the month of October) we may
safely assume that under normal circumstances the queen
in any hive is the mother of every other bee there. The
drones are males, and what I have just said will, of
course, have informed you that the queen is the female ;
and the question naturally arises, What are the workers ?
They used to he styled neuters, but they are not so,
they also, as well as the queen, are females, differing in
the fact that their sexual organs are not fully developed.
Drones, workers, and queens, of course, are all bred
primarily from eggs, and those gentlemen who have made
no special acquaintance with bee history, will perhaps feel
surprised when I say that the eggs which produced the
queen and the workers were, when deposited by the mother
bee, identically of the same kind, and either could at the
will of the bees, who may even be influenced by the will of
the bee-master, by skilfully directing them, as his agents,
be made to give birth to either queens or workers- - nay ,
I will even go further, and say, that I believe it possible
that the skilful experimentalist could so direct that some

14

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[May 1, 1879.

selected eggs, which, left to themselves, would give even-
tual birth to drones, should be made to produce drones,
workers, or queens at will. To elucidate this problem,
I must beg your attention while I trace the history of a
bee, not only from the deposition of the egg, but from
the growth of the latter in the ovary of the mother, and
it will also involve an explanation of the theory of Par-
thenogenesis.

On dissection of a queen, we find within her abdomen
a pair of ovaries, as on the diagram to which I direct
your attention, as also to the preparation of these organs
under the microscope. We see each ovary consist of a
great number of tubes, containing eggs in various stages
of development, and all these tubes lead to a right or left
duct, which again unites into one main channel, down
which the eggs pass. At the side of this latter duct we
find a little globular sac opening into the oviduct ; this
sac is called the spermatheca, and is filled, when the queen
has had intercourse with the male, with the usual whitish
seminal fluid, containing countless thousands of sperma-
tozoa in full activity.

I have here an impregnated queen, from which I will
show you it is easy to dissect out the spermatheca, and
verify its contents to be as I state. Seeing these active
bodies all wriggling and twisting like so many eels, it is
hard to believe they are not animalcules, as was long
thought. To return to the eggs: when an ived at ma-
turity they glide down the oviduct from either ovary,
and on passing the opening of the spermatheca, receive
one or more spermatozoa, which, penetrating the egg's
substance, causes the birth of a worker larva ; but it
may so happen that the egg in its passage, does no!,
either from volition, or inability of the queen, receive im-
pregnation, in this case it does not perish or addle, but
gives birth to a drone larva, and it has been conclusively
proved that the act of fertilisation or not determines the
sex of the future bee. The egg being fertilised and de-
posited, it hatches in about three days, and the young
larva receives the careful attention of the worker-bees,
who feed it with appropriate food, and in due time it
passes to the pupa state, on the twenty-first day becoming
a worker-bee ; but the same egg that produced the
worker in twenty-one days could, had the bees been so
minded, have been bred up to a queen in sixteen days.
The bees only rear queens when necessity calls for them,
either from loss of their old monarch or apprehended
swarming. If I remove the queen from a hive, the first
of these contingencies occurs, and after a period of a few
hours' commotion, the bees select certain of the worker-
eggs, or even young larvae, two or three days old, the cell
is enlarged to five or six times its capacity, a superabun-
dance of totally different food supplied, and the result
is that, in five less days than would have been required
for a worker, a queen is hatched. The marvel is inex-
plicable, how a mere change and greater abundance of
food, and a more roomy lodging, should so transform the
internal and external organs of any living creature. The
case is without a parallel in all the animal creation — it
is not a mere superficial change that has been effected,
but one that penetrates far below form and structure, to
the very fountain of life itself. It is a transformation
alike of function, of structure, and of instinct. On the
birth of a queen, her wings are limp, and hairs clotted
with moisture ; but she is in full activity, the workers
assist in her release from the wax-cell in which her trans-
formation takes place, but they pay very little or no
attention to her so long as she remains a virgin.
{To be continued.)

One of our esteemed bee friends, who has just started
a Root's Comb Foundation Machine, received an order
the other day as follows : — ' " Please root me out the
foundation, as I want it built upon" — which I think
rather pithy. — Yours, Supee Honey.'

Cnraspnnbcnrc.

%* These columns are open to Subscribers, so that their
queries, replies, correspondence, and experiences, may be
fully and faithfully recorded; and for the discussio7i of all
theories and systems in Bee-culture, and of the relative merits
of all hives and appurtenances, that the truth regarding them
may be ascertained. The Editor, therefore, must not be <•■<:-
pected to coincide with all the views expressed by the various
writers. All Correspondence is addressed to the Editor.

THE LONG HIVE.

Now that the time is come round for bee-keepers
to try hives, I will endeavour to give a description
of my long hive ; but in doing so I'll try and cut it
as short as I can, jTet make myself clear. I tried
this hive last year with great success, and am
making several improvements for this year, which I
shall add. It is 2 feet 6 inches long, ISf inches
broad, and 12 inches high, outside measiu'ement.
I use Woodbury frames, fixed floor-boards, dead air-
space at back and front, two dividing-boards, and
about 2 inches of spare room over the frames ; a
simple roof and stand completed my hive for 1879.
The essential point in it is the entrance, which must
be in the centre of the hive, and measures 8 in.
by f in. with slides.

Now, to make myself clear, I will begin with a
hive in the spring, and follow its working out till
winter, keeping in view one I worked myself last
year.

The bees wintered in ten combs. On my first
examination I took five away (end of February),
and put one of the remaining five (an empty one)
in the centre of the brood, aud so kept on dividing
the brood till I got them up to a strong stock on
nine combs (of course, feeding liberally). Then I
sorted the combs, and put all the fresh laid-in
ones by themselves, and the remaining ones on the
other side ; and in between the two I put my tenth
frame with queen zinc excluder, and also a frame of
foundation in the centre of the five, making six
enclosed on one side; then I put two frames with
sections at the other end of the hive, and closed all
up by the division-boards. Now it will be seen
why I have my entrance in the middle of the hive ;
as the queen is kept to a certain number of frames,
and cannot swarm away, or lay in any combs ex-
cept those in her prison, the other combs which are
placed opposite the entrance I call a hatching de-
partment, and the sections on the other side of
them I have for building and storing honey-comb.
Now I leave this hive for eleven or twelve days ;
then I open it, give the queen fresh laying comb,
put the rest to hatch out, then put the unfinished
honey-comb on top, take out any that are filled, and
shut it up again for another eleven or twelve days.
I very often open it, to see if all goes on well, or to
take a couple of combs to make a nucleus, supplying
their place with foundation ; but it can be left for
eleven days with impunity. When I give the
queen fresh laying comb, of course, I have to give
her the combs which were in the hatching depart-
ment; but as fast as she can lay her two or

May 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

18

throe thousand eggs, so will the young bees be
hatching out. And when I put supers on (sections)
I put excluding zinc over the queen's five or six
frames ; the advantages of this hive and system
are, that you are always safe from swarming, ami if
you have other business to attend to you need not
often look at your hive — only every eleven days,
and that in the height of the season.

There are plenty of small details ; but these I
cannot enter into now. I take one swarm from
each hive every year, and I raise a queen before-
hand ; but there is one thing essential to this hive,
and I might say to all hives, and that is, comb
foundation, and it must be of the best quality, well
made and full depth, as without it you cannot get
your combs made so as to have them all inter-
changeable. Mr. Raitt of Blairgowrie supplies the
very thing, and at a modest price, worth double the
amount to all bee-keepers. I cannot speak or
recommend it too highly ; I have combs now full of
brood worked out of the foundation this year. Mr.
Raitt deserves the greatest thanks from all bee-
keepers for importing the American comb-founda-
tion machines, as no other foundation is equal to
the machine-made. — A Kilkenny Bee-keeper,
April 2\st, 1879.

THE BAR-FRAME FEEDER.

You kindly made my request known, but in such
a way that I may be permitted to add a little more,
and say, that instead of 'receiving the first idea
from Mr. Paterson,' I was not aware that ever he
had the ' idea ' in his head ; certainly it never came
out in the form of a bar-frame feeder until I gave
it to him.

No more need be said on this head, as I sent
some months ago for insertion in the Journal a
statement of fact regarding this controversy, to be
published alongside Mr. Paterson's ; but he was
not 'game.' — Angus Cameron, Blair Athol, April
22nd, 1879.

QUEEN-FERTILISATION.

Can you or any of your correspondents give
any further information as to impregnation of queen-
bees than is to be gathered from the published
works on bees ? All authors seem to insist that they
must, and can only be, fertilised in the open air.
It is, however, a puzzle to thoughtful novices, who
are all more or less wanting in faith.

In your leaflet Bees you state, page 4, that the vir-
gin queen is said to take a quarter of an hour's flight
for the purpose — to meet strange drones. This can
hardly be with the first-hatched queen of the season,
or where there is no other hive within two or three
miles. On the other hand, in the height of the
season, queens issuing forth for the purpose would
be immediately so beset with drones the fact would
be observed by every bee-keeper.

My impression is that, unlike the wasp-queens,
about which there is no doubt, the impregnation of
the queen-bees must take place in the hives very
soon after they are hatched, and that it is usually,
or always, in the dark, and so prevents observation.

Any light on the subject will be gratefully wel-
comed.—F. P., 15th April, 1879.

[Experienced bee-keepers, as well as 'thoughtful
novices,' desire more light on the above subject ; and it
would give intense delight to the bee-keeping world if
any reliable means could be devised by which fertilisation
could be ensured within the hive, or in any other place in
which it couldbecontrolled. Our correspondent's suggestion
is directly in opposition to all experience. If fertilisation
took place within the hive, races of bees would, as a
rule, remain pure, which is not the ca-e, and in-and-in-
breeding would be carried on to the fullest extent. Thou-
sands of bee-keepers have watched their young queens de-
part on their wedding-trip, and have seen them return with
proofs of their marriage having taken place ; so there
cannot be a doubt as to the fact that the wedding takes
place abroad. Coupling the foregoing with the fact that
young queens of either Ligurian or English extraction
each mate with the drones of the other race, if possible,
and that crossing in that way has been known to occur
when the varieties have been many miles apart, it may
safely he concluded that our correspondent's theory has
no foundation in fact. — Ed. J

ITEMS FROM AMERICA.
In the January number of the B. B. J. (Query
289) R. D. Barnes asks about the new Bee-keeper's

Te.rt-booL; by A. J. King. By sending 3s. 2d., or
rather its equivalent, by P.O.O., King will forward
it by mail. The Manual of the Apiary, by Pro-
fessor Cook, is, I think, vastly more useful. I sent
some copies of the first edition to England for dis-
tribution some three years ago, but am afraid it
did no good.

I was very surprised at a gentleman's remarks at
the Annual General Meeting of the British Bee-
keepers' Association, but if he eats peppermint-
drops and tallow, I think his opinion can have little
weight with people of more refined taste. Honey
in the comb is sold by every grocer, and in many
fruit stores, at from lOd. to Is. Oid. per lb., and is
as good-flavoured as English honey. Some Cali-
fomian honey is said to be very sweet, but lacking
in flavour.

Very few of our bee-keepers will use foundation
in the surplus boxes, as the bees do not always thin
it out. English bee-keepers had better beware lest
they fall into that error. Several of your corre-
spondents sneer at American bee-keepers, but I can
assure you, from what I have seen in both countries,
that American bee-keepers, as a rule, are far ahead
of the English.

I kept bees in England for years, and would
never have started again but for the improvements
made here. I have now eight stocks. March
14th being warm, I examined one stock and found
some brood in it. We have since had several snow
storms, and the mercury down to 20° ; but I have
no fear of losing a stock, although I winter out-
of-doors.

I presume you see the American Bee Journal and
Bee-keeper's Magazine. I take both, and am ex-
pecting some very valuable practical information
in the Journal from the Yankee Doolittle.

Can you tell me how many stocks the large bee-
keepers in England have 1 I believe the largest
in the United States has nearly three thousand.

16

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[May 1, 1879.

The Secretary of the British Bee-keepers' Associ-
ation made a very wise remark when he said, ' He
thought it was not well to condemn the American
importations without knowing whether the honey
was adulterated or not.'

I wrote this letter thinking you would publish it
— on reading it over, I think you may not.

I may say that I am not interested pecuniarily
in any honey importation into England. I merely
keep bees for pleasure. — C. H. H., Providence, R. I.

[The Hon. Secretary of the British Bee-keepers' As-
sociation purchased some of the highest brand of the
honey in question, which he generously gave to various
members that it might be compared at home, and on
tasting it we were satisfied it could never take the place
of Engbsh honey — it was quite nasty. "We do not think
there are many bee-keepers in England with more than
a hundred stocks of bees. We take both the papers
mentioned, and Gleanings also, and find profit in them
all. We shall always be glad to hear from you. — En.]

BEE-KEEPING MADE EASY.
By a Cottager.

' A garden is itself a comfort.'

The rage being now for novelties amongst the
bee-keeping world, it is hard for those living in
an humble sphere of life, such as the writer,
to remain unheard amongst the heath-clad hills of
his native home : but still his practice may be, to
a great extent, partaken of by those similarly
situated. My apiary consists of two departments
— one called the breeding department, and the
honey the other. Both are separated by a hedge-
row. All the swarms issuing from the parent
skeps are placed inside a walk three feet wide,
nicely sanded, and kept free from weeds. All my
hives are placed on single pedestals, and at foot of
each sprinkled with sawdust, and the inner rim
with coarse salt, to prevent snails ever reaching the
hives. I use no thatch or unsightly coverings, but
all my covers are made of wood, and nicely painted,
and look ornamental as well as useful ; and I never
saw either snail, mouse, or wax-moth, in anj7 of my
hives yet. Why a good many fail in bee-keeping
is, because they are guided by calendars of opera-
tions contained in bee-books. They must print
something in them, and every single book now
published is behind the onward march of the times
with regard to bee-keeping. If you want to suc-
ceed with your bees, you must let them alone :
don't be always moving them about, cleaning floor-
boards, &c. My best hive is one that wasn't stirred
since autumn, 1876. It throws three swarms each
summer without even casting a look at it. A good
many would say, and very justly, 'Why do you be
losing your time watching your swarms 1 ' Well,
adjoining my hives is a neat flower-garden and
vegetable plot. I plant a lot of potatoes, onions,
parsnips, &c, and these I cause to be weeded and
thinned whilst watching the bees. My boy, four
years of age, watched all my swarms last year, and
not a single swarm ever left the garden. Of course,
the housewife hived them shortly after the bees'
raising the alarm ; and I placed them upon perma-

nent stand in the evening, when I return from my
daily toil. The children go up to the very hives,
the bees walk over them, and the boy above re-
ferred to hands mother the hive to hive them in ;
and not one of them received a single sting. ' Use
makes master ; ' and I believe fear and constant
stirring make a good many people get stung.
Not one of my swarms ever left my garden yet.
Of course, I anticipate the swarming very nearly by
listening to the state of the hive after sundown.
Bee books will tell you not to dress a hive with
sugar and cream ; but if a day or two after being hived
comes wet, what are you to do 1 I always dress my
hives, and find it suits well. I also, in early spring,
plant about ten perches of a double row of borecole
cabbages, for to go to seed, to furnish food for the
bees, and these come in before the meadows are in
blow. I sow a row of peas across the garden, and
the bees always swarm in them, and nearly all the
after-swarms alight where the first takes refuge. I
have no such things as basins or bowls of water for
bees, or feeding pans. The bees get any water re-
quired for their internal arrangements out of heads
of cabbages and rhubarb growing up to the very
hives. (t-0 he continued.)

TOP ENTRANCES TO HIVES.
I have often had an idea that there might be
some advantage in wintering bees if the entrance
was at top of hive instead of at bottom, and last
year I altered two of my boxes so as to adapt them
to that purpose ; so I will send you the results,
which, perhaps, may interest some of your readers.
I would observe that last year was the worst but
one I have experienced since I have been a bee-
keeper. The bees find their way into the box
tln'ough a long narrow opening in what would be a
crown-board, just over the middle of the hive. The
frames draw out at the back, a shutter, taking down
for the purpose. There is also a floor-board draws
out between the legs, not so wide as the inside of
box by about 2 inches, so that the frames do not
rest on the moveable part of the floor-board. There
is provision made for taking out the floor-board
and sliding in a drawer, in which may be placed
sections, etc. My first swarm last year came off
on the 30th of May ; it was a medium swarm, and
put in, say, No. 1 box, the entrance facing south-
west ; I was obliged to feed them to keep them alive.
My second swarm came off on the 18th of June.
This was a large swarm, and put in the other box,
say No. 2, facing south-east. Nothing was done
with these two stocks till the latter end of October,
when I weighed them, having previously weighed
the hives when empty. The contents of No. 1 were
14 lbs. ; the contents of No. 2, 18 lbs. I decided
to let them stand without feeding, so the latter end
of November I took out the floor-boards — a very few
dead bees there — replaced them, and covered the
bottom part of the box up to the entrance with
straw, binding it on with string. I then put a
covering of straw over the top, leaving the entrance
clear, binding that on with string, and left them
for the winter. A few bees showed themselves the

May 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

17

last week in December, but they brought out no
dead bees. It was not till about the 10th of
February that I ventured to examine the bees ; I
then took off all the covering and took out the
floor-boards. No. 1 had 80 dead bees there, No. 2
rather more than 100. I consider these are all the
bees that have died in the hives since the frost first
commenced. The floor-boards were perfectly dry
and clean ; there was not a single speck of dust on
them, and nothing whatever but the few dead bees
and the chisellings of the comb-cells ; all was cleaned
off with a feather, and perfectly sweet and dry.
They are now, April 9th, looking promising, and
young bees have made their appearance the last few
days.

I have omitted to say when the hives were ex-
amined in February they were weighed. Contents
of No. 1, 7 lbs. ; No. 2, 11 lbs., so that each stock
is reduced in weight just 7 lbs., or about ^ lb. to
each per week. Began to feed regularly when March
came, using the needle feeder — giving about 1 lb.
sugar in syrup to each stock in ten days.

I certainly have been agreeably surprised, con-
sidering the winter we have had, to have found
them in such good condition, and am inclined to
think there are other advantages to be gained from
the system. — P., Warwick.

PASTURAGE FOR BEES.— No. XL
{Continued from p. 229.)

Fruit-trees. — Plum (Primus), sloe, or blackthorn
(Primus spinas), wild cherry (Primus cerasus), bird-
cherry (Primus padus), pear (Pyrus communis),
apple (Pyrus mains), almond (Amygdalus communis),
peach, ajsricot, nectarine, &c. All these fruit-trees
yield a great quantity of beautiful and highly-
flavoured honey, and when in bloom the bees are
working from morning to night collecting the honey
and pollen, and fertilising the bloom. We should
have little fruit if it was not for the agency of bees.
All good fruit-growers keep bees to fertilise their
fruit-bloom.

This reminds me of my visit to (our noble and
good President of the British Bee-keepers' Asso-
ciation) the Baroness Burdett-Coutts' residence at
Highgate, on April 8th, 1870. When I went into
the peach-house, the gardener said to me, ' See what
a quantity of peaches I have got set ! ' I said, ' Yon
have indeed ; how do you account for it 1 ' ' Well,'
he said, ' I have always kept bees to fructify my
fruit-bloom ; but last autumn I bought a stock of
Ligurian bees, and they being hardier than the com-
mon bees, they began working earlier, and got into
the peach-house just as the trees were coming into
bloom, and the result is I have nearly double the
quantity of peaches set I ever had before.'

With such evidence as this, it does seem strange,
indeed, that the Council of the Royal Agricultural
Society are so blind and ignorant as not to encourage
bee-keeping, as the bees so benefit the agriculture
of this country, and it is for that the Council are
elected to their high office.

Golden-rod (Solidago). — There are many species
of the genus Solidago, growing in all kinds of soils,

and nearly all yield a large supply of rich, thick,
golden honey, of excellent flavour ; they are also
rich in pollen, and continue in bloom from July to
November, or until the frost cuts it down, and long
after most other plants have ceased to secrete
honey. There are about 150,000 seeds in one
ounce.

Willow herb (Epilobium). There are eleven
species of the genus Epilobium. The rose-bay, or
French willow (Epilobium a ngusti folium), looks very
handsome on a large bed in the garden, with its
pretty rose-coloured flowers, and it continues in
bloom through July and August. It is a perennial,
and grows from four to six feet high. Bees collect
both pollen and honey from this honey from morn-
ing to night. It dies down to the ground in winter,
and grows up again in spring.

Great hairy willow herb (Epilobium hirsutum). —
This plant grows wild in watery places, from four
to five feet high, blooms in July and August, and
is an excellent plant for bee food.

Thyme (Thymus). — This plant yields a great
quantity of very beautiful honey and of exquisite
flavour. Lemon thyme might be advantageously
used as edging for garden-walks and flower-beds.
It is the wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum) that has
made the honey of Mount Hymettus so celebrated.
Cecrops took the bees to Mount Hymettus, and
the Cecropean bees have survived all the revolutions
which have changed the features and uprooted the
population of Attica. Though the defile of Ther-
mopylae has become a swampy plain, and the bed of
the Cephisus is laid dry, this one feature of the
country has remained unaltered, and there are now
upwards of five thousand bee-hives on Mount
Hymettus.

' And still Inn honey'd store Hymettus yields,
There the blithe bee her fragrant fortress builds,
The free-horn wanderer of thy mountain air.'

— William Carr, Newton Heath Apiary, near Man-
tester. ,?„ fa continued.)

COMB-FIXING IN FRAMES.
Whilst waiting for hives which I am getting made
I have been thinking of the easiest way to fasten
combs into bar-frames, and I think you will say that
my plan is the most simple and effective yet in use.
I take a piece of tin or stout card, 1 in. x 1£ in., and
pass it through the combabout 1-gin. from the top, and
then tie to top of frame with string, or pass an india-

rubber band over the top bar, and put the loops over
the ends of the tin. I have tried to illustrate what I
mean, but you can try it for yourself in two minutes.
a, top of frame ; b, piece of tin or card passed
through comb, 1^ in. from top bar ; c, string or

18

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[May 1, 1879.

band clasping tin on both sides of frame bar, and
holding it close up to its underside.

I hope you may think it worthy of a place in the
Journal, and shall be glad of your opinion of it. —
H. Parson.

[The above arrangement would, we think, answer very
well with light, empty comb, but is scarcely safe with
heavy full ones, particularly if new, since one support
would not be enough, and several would cut and weaken
the comb too much. — Ed.]

Early Swarm op Bees. — It would appear that bees,
like many persons, were deceived by the beautiful spring-
like weather of last week into the feeling that this
unusually severe winter had at last broken up and given
place to a genial spring, but the cold weather of this
week must have again thoroughly dissipated those ideas.
However, on the 19th instant (April) a hive of bees
belonging to Mr. G. Fisher, of Stoke Charity, threw off
a swarm. The swarm shortly after went into a hive in
a neighbouring garden. — Hampshire Chronicle.

[Reports like the foregoing often do good by causing
readers to direct their attention to their own bees ; but
if the facts be inquired into, it will probably be found
that instead of the bees having ' swarmed ' in the proper
sense of the term, they simply fled from a hive in which
they were being starved, to join a stock where there was
a chance of living. — Ed. B. B. .7".]

(Brtjm ixam % gibes.

Perthshire. — 'I am sorry to say that yesterday (April
11) was the first day that my bees have got 200 yards
from the hives since October last year. All the hives
are very much reduced in bees, more especially those that
threw swarms last year, and imless we get very warm
weather soon, swarms will not be looked for in this high
quarter.' — 1>. P.

High Wycombe, March 3. — ' You may be interested in
knowing that when I examined my frame-hives during
the fine weather from the 11th to the loth of February,
I foimd two or three frames in each with a nice lot of
sealed brood and larvse. I was pleased, as you may
guess, and my pleasure was further enhanced when, on
the 1st and 2nd March I saw bees carrying pollen into
two of my hives. 1 trust that after so severe a season
we shall have a fruitful honey harvest.' — G. T.

Dgsenterg. — ' I have lost seven stocks during the
winter. The hives are wet, combs moiddy, bees dead by
hundreds at bottom and hive bottom and sides, and in
front of hive covered with chocolate-coloured nastiness.
I have eight stocks alive, but few bees. They have been
getting less every week, dying inside and outside. In
January I changed every hive, made them clean and dry,
but all to no use, they were soon as bad as ever. I have
housecloth over the frames, and Abbott's Standard Cover.
I cannot account for the above, without the fault is in
the cover not giving ventilation sufficient.' — J. Baker,
9 Zarchfteld Street, Darlington.

[There was something radically wrong in the prepara-
tion/or wintering adopted in this case. Either the bees
were fed at too late a date, or had improper food, or
their quilts or super-covers were not properly ventilating.
Abbott Bros, deny having supplied the hives or any part
of them. — Ed.]

' I am very much pleased with the Combination, and
consider it the most perfect hive of the day, it being
much more easy to manage than the Stewarton.' —
Fryer Bennett, The Grove, Shifnal.

Query No. 300. — Will you kindly reply to the
following queries in next Bee Journal, of which I am
a diligent reader? (1.) What do you think of the
enclosed material * for laying underneath the quilt ? I
bought some mats made of it slightly damaged for three-
pence each, one yard long by eighteen inches. I have a
piece on a Woodbury Hive, and hitherto the bees have
not attempted to propolise it. It seems as if it would
answer adimrably. Naturally lying perfectly flat, too
light to hurt a bee, nothing to entangle his feet, giving
full ventilation, and, chiefly, rolling up so easily just
parallel with the bars. (2.) In the case of flat-topped
skeps should the excluder zinc be fixed underneath the
hole in the crown, or laid over it when the supers are
put on ? (3.) Is charlock a good honey flower? our
farmers allow their barley and turnip fields to be golden
with it. On these Downs, 800 feet above the sea, bees
that have had ordinary care taken of them, have stood
the winter well, but I hear of many losses below the
hill. I only began bee-keeping last May with two
swarms I bought ; these gave me some good glasses of
honejr, they are in flat-topped skeps, and weighed 28 lbs.
and 32 lbs. respectively after these were taken off. My
three other stocks, two in Cheshire hives and one in
Makeshift Woodbury, I manufactured in September last
out of eight condemned stocks, or rather second swarms,
bought of cottages at 4d. per pound as they stood,
deducting weight of hives. I drove the bees and trans-
ferred all the best combs to my frames. In a fortnight
two of these without any feeding had filled out the
frames with new comb, and sealed most of it, all these
three are well and strong. I am now feeding all my
stocks very gently and they devour pea-flour ravenously
on fine days. I am now making three hives on your
new ' Combination ' principle ; and I hope my bees will
do well. Our Downs abound with gorse-wild raspberries,
meadow saxifrage, and wild thyme, with a little heather ;
our hedges with hazel, fuller of catkins than I ever
remember, hollies, and wild cherry. We have a small
orchard and several mo.gnificent sycamore-trees close by.
.Much sainfoin is also grown, and plenty of white clover;
so if we get as real summer weather as we have had of
winter, honey should be plentiful enough to test the
' Little Wonder' which I have used but once for the
year. I shall use mostly sectional frames and supers, of
your pattern and Lee's. Our cottagers, of course, all
burn their bees, and think much of getting 20 lbs. of
honey per stock. — Country Parson.

Reply to Query No. 306. — 1. If the bees would bo
on their good behaviour and refrain from propolising the
matting, and tearing out the threads which hold it
together, it would do very well, but it is not in their
nature to do so. It has often been tried and discarded;
though for winter use, when it is too late for propolising,
and the bees are comparatively inactive it answers the
purpose. 2. The excluder zinc should be laid over the hole,
in the crown of the hive. 3. Charlock is admirable as a
bee-plant, though a dreadful weed on a farm, and one
that farmers find a difficulty in destroying. In such a
locality as that described bees ought to do wonders, and
probably will when the weather will permit them. A
good srimmer would be a boon to bee-keepers and would
tend greatly to the enhancement of associations. — Ed.

Query' No. 307. — If in time kindly answer the follow-
ing queries in next month's Journal : — Boxes convertible
to bar-frame hives. 1st. Whether boxes that have been

* The material is composed of very small straw-like
1 reeds ' of wood held together by cross- woven threads, and
is used for dinner-mats and toilet-wall ' tidies.' It is light,
clean, and nice, when new and whole, but is very disagreeable
when the threads give way. — Eb.

May 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

1!)

used for hives 14 inches square and 8 inches deep, dove-
tailed, could, by making them moveable on top, be used for
the doubling or Stewarton principles, or could you sug-
gest a better use ? 2nd. Whether if bars are across the
hive the combs will be built as straight as along, and
whether the hive side should be raised for swarms '.
3rd. Do you intend two stands to be used, back and
front, and fastened to the hive, or if one how prevent
it toppling over? (See May journal, 1878.) 4th. In
making comb-foundation is anything used to soften the
natural wax, as oil, and what ?

P.S. — In asking the last question I may be trespassing
on your generosity and willingness in giving your ex-
perience and thought so cheaply; if so, of course, don't
answer it. The comb-foundation (Raitt's) seems too pli-
able for pure wax. Although my bees have been, hitherto,
expenditure without any return, I am constrained to
keep on. I have six healthy stocks to commence with
and hope for the best. My best, earliest, and strongest
stock is composed of four stocks united in bar-frame,
saved from destruction by brimstone, so I am no loser by
taking the B. B. J. — A Wrekin Boy.

Reply to Query No. 307.— 1st. By cutting slots in the
tops of the box-hives to permit the passage of the bees
they might be used for storifying either on the Stewarton
or the doubling principle, but we should infinitely prefer
to take the crowns oil the box-hives altogether, and then,
by reducing the height of the front and back a i inch,
make room for frames, and at once achieve mobility of
combs — the great desideratum in bee-keeping. Anyone
having a (sizeable) box may, by adopting the above sug-
gestion, make it fit to receive bar-frames ; and it is only
requisite that there should be a J inch space (no more or
less) between the frame-ends and the back and front of
the box, and between the bottom rail of the frame and

the floor-board, to render the hive perfect, as far as it
goes ; and then, by the addition of a quilt, consisting of
one thickness of ticking and two or three of house-flannel,
carpet, felt, or other porous material, it will be fit for the
reception of a swarm. The question of ' roofing ' must de-
pend on the wishes or means of the owner, whether he con-
templates an outdoor stand, or intends that his bees shall
be in a shed or bee-house. Out-of-doors is always best.

2nd. When comb-foundation is used tilting is unneces-
sary, but when a simple line of wax only is used one end
of the frames, in whatever direction they run, should bo
tilted.

3rd. If you allude to the cheap stand noted on p. 0 of
Vol. VI., No. 7o in Abbott Bros.' Catalogue, it is evident
you do yot understand its construction : it is formed of
two pieces of board 9 inches wide, that cross each other
and give a bearing area of 2 feet square or thereabouts,
9 inches high only. If this is not the subject of inquiry,
we do not understand your meaning.

4th. The only means used to soften the wax in making
comb-foundation is heat. Raitt's is as good as can be
found in the market.

We have no trade secrets, but always give our best
ideas to our readers. — Ed.

Query No. 308. — A friend of mine who has kept bees
some few years, and has hardly had any success (his hives,
I believe, have been the Cottage Hives principally), writes
to me this morning that he had a common straw-skep
hive last summer and the bees did very well, his being a
good locality, and were fed about the end of October ;
and he supposed they were all right for the winter : but
on turning up the hive on the 5th March, as no bees
made their appearance during the warm days and did
not answer when he tapped the same, he found, to his
great astonishment, that all the bees had forsaken the
hive, and that there were only about a dozen dead bees
on the foot-board. The hive had about thirty pounds
of honey in it, and there was no appearance of any snails,
&c, — in fact, none could get in ; and he wanted to know
how he could get the honey out, as it was congealed,
and woidd not run out. I cannot understand why they
have left the hive if it was in good preservation and well
protected, as I believe it was. Can you ? I suppose he
had better heat the honey and combs to get the honey
out. But I doubt if it will be much good. — A Sub-
scriber.

Reply to Query No. 308. — There is little doubt but
that the bees were queenless when they went into winter
quarters and have died out. It is not an uncommon
case, but is not always observed. It often happens that
robber bees discover the deserted treasure, and keep up
such a show of fife and bustle, that the owner is deceived
into the belief that the stock is most prosperous ; but
suddenly, when the hive has been rifled and sacked of its
contents, he discovers its empty condition, and is at a
loss for a solution of the mystery. A good overhaul in
autumn woidd often save much vexatious disappoint-
ment. The honey should be scraped from the combs,
avoiding the propolis, and after being gently heated,
strained through a flannel or canvas bag. — Ed.

Query No. 309. — Why shoidd not a strip of zinc over
the entrance of a hive stop the passage of a queen and
prevent swarming as well as the frame arrangement with
excluder zinc inside ?

Reply to Query No. 309. — Because if the queen
wished to get out to join an intending swarm, there
would be such a commotion at the impeded entrance as
would probably cause the suffocation of the colony, and
because, also, if half-a-dozen bees died within the hive,
the efforts of the living to drag out the dead might, by
choking the passage, bring about a similar result. If the
excluder frame is inside the hive, the whole surface is
available for passing bees, and a panic amongst them is
most improbable.

Query No. 310. — Can I prevent drone comb in my
new hives, and, if so, how ?

Reply to Query No. 310. — Drone comb cannot be
absolutely prevented, but its extent may be circumscribed
by the use of work-comb foundation. Drones are so
necessary in a hive in spring and summer, that, however
one may try to prevent their production, the bees will
continue their endeavours to produce them, and will tear
away worker cells to produce drone cells in lieu of them.

Query No. 311. — 1. Can I stock two bar-frames from
one skep by placing it upon their frames respectively ?
2. How long should I leave it on one. before removing
to second frame ? 3. Would it be better to wait for
swarms to issue and hive in frames ? Give method
to put swarm in frames. 4. Give best plan for feeding
skeps. 5. If I poured a half-glass of syrup weekly into
top of skeps, woidd it promote early breeding ? G. I am
wholly opposed tu stirring hives or skeps at this season :
am I right? I have quilts made of one-fold flannel,
two-fold flocken, one-fold furniture. Please reply in
May No. of Journal, as the season is upon us. — Zulu,
Wexford.

Reply to Query No. 311. — 1. It might be done, but

20

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[May 1, 1879.

would not be good practice. 2. Probably three or four
■weeks : depending on the season. 3. "When ready, make
an artificial swarm to stock one hive, and in three
weeks transfer the remainder to the other. See Leaflet
on subject. Post-free, Id. 4. See Leaflet on Feeding.
Post-free from the Office, Id. 5. Ditto. 0. Hives are
better without disturbance in cold weather; but en-
trances shoidd be kept clear. — Ed.

Query No. 812. — Would you advise hives to be kept
in a shrubbery ? They would be on a small open space ;
but not much sun would get to them ? — A. W.,
Hereford.

.Reply to Query No. 312. — If the hive can be placed
in a position where it would get the benefit of winter
sunshine, shoidd such (phenomenon, we had almost said)
occur, it will be better in the shrubbery than elsewhere,
as during summer it may perhaps be well shaded, and at
other times protected from high winds. — Ed.

Query No. 313. — As it is a late season, would it be
safe to move bees two miles about the middle of May, or
would it be best to move them gradually into a friend's
garden until next winter ? I should like to move them
the whole of the way, if it is not too late.

Keply to Query No. 313. — We should not hesitate
about moving the bees as suggested; but if you wait
until they have swarmed, or will swarm them artificially,
you may remove them on the same evening with perfect
certainty that none will go back. — Ed.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS & INQUIRERS.

Walter Welcombe. — The Bee Journal commences a
new volume on the first of May in each year, therefore
in Vol. VI. there are eight numbers prior to Jan. 1879 :
price, Qd. each, post-free. We do not keep any trade
secrets in the sense implied. We tell all we know that
we think of interest to bee-keepers ; and as regards the
manufacture of wax-sheet, we broke the neck of the
monopoly that made it a secret in 1875 — Vol. III. of
Journal,}). 4, the pith of which we republish to-day,
p. 3. The centre floor-board of the Complete Apiary
is in width one-third the length of the hive, or there-
abouts, and the others are run in from either end re-
spectively, to meet it.
J. Kook.- — Please refer to reply to 'North Stretton.'
E. J. Noyes. — Cutting off the points of the Standard
frames will not interfere with their usefulness in the
hive, or prevent their fitting any other hive of the kind.
Crown-boards are the cauee of immense difficulty and
many disagreeables with bees, and we cannot recom-
mend them under any conditions. The quilt is the best
covering, except when supering. Syrup granulating
requires a little more water, a little more acid, or a
little more boiling — perhaps all three. There is such
variety in sugars, that every one must make a ride for
himself; a recipe in such cases is only a help. Syrup
for spring feeding may be thinner than that used for
autumn storing.
Lymington. — Artificial Swarming. — Having only one
hive, and desiring to make an artificial swarm when it
is sufficiently strong, it is immaterial whether you find
the queen or not, provided one be present. If you pro-
cure a hive, the duplicate of your present one, and when
' the time ' arrives (in the middle of a fine day), the stock
should be divided, and half the full frames put into the
new hive, and they shoidd be set, say four feet to the
right and left of the stand now occupied; the bees will
nearly divide, and go to the new stands. If either
should be found in an unsatisfactory condition after
an hour or two, interchange of positions will rectify
the inequality.
Allonby, Cumberland. — Dysentery is not infectious, but
the cause being in the hive and combs, it would be un-

wise to put a swarm into them without first cleansing
the hive, removing the honey from the combs, and
spraying them with disinfecting fluid of some kind.
Autumn feeding on barley sugar, unless very late (too
late, indeed, for it to be sealed over), is not likely to
have been the cause. Unsealed honey or syrup is apt
to sour for the same reason that wines improperly
corked, or preserves not well covered, ' go wrong.'
Southwick-by-Dumfries. — We guarantee safe arrival
of Ligurian queens, but cannot be responsible for them
afterwards.
Bees Dying. — Sugar and beer make a syrup that con-
tains fermentive properties, and should never be given
in cold weather, when bees are liable to long confine-
ment to their hives. The deaths are probably caused
by dysentery.
Litch Gates, Wolverhampton. — The motive in the mind
of your adviser, when he condemned the bar-frame prin-
ciple, may be easily gauged when it is remembered that
for two Is. Qd. skeps thrust into two id. cheese-boxes,
the interstices being tilled up with cow-dung, he realizes
from 15s. to 11. 5s. We do not believe the scamp has
ever used a bar-frame hive in his life, and are sure he
knows nothing of its uses. We woidd not advise the
transfer of the bees, &c, from the hive named at pre-
sent, but would wait until twenty-one days after they
had swarmed. More than half the mischief and dis-
satisfaction that is caused by so-called ' new-fangled '
operations arises through their being ill-timed, through
deplorable impatience.
W. W. — Piaster Moulds. — Comb foundation, such as it is,
is made on plaster moidds by dipping the moidds into
molten wax, or by painting the wax on to the moidds
with a brush. In either case the moulds must bo kept
cold and moist, or the wax will adhere to them and
they will be spoilt.
North Stretton, Smith Devon. — Hiving in hires with
fixed leys is easily performed. Set the hive correctly, so
that top bars of the frame are higher at one end than
the other turn back the quilt, and remove about three
frames, which may be laid on top of the quilt to keep
it from being blown away ; then, catch the swarm in
a pail or skep, the former preferably, and pour the
bees into the hive. They will, as a matter of course
(if the queen be present), rush into the part of the hive
covered by the quilt, when the frames on top shoidd be
carefully replaced, and the quilt gently laid over them.
This may be done without the loss of a single bee.
Should the queen not be within the hive, she will bo
found amongst a cluster somewhere outside, and the
operation must be repeated as in ordinary hiving ; or
should the bees return to the hive from which they
emerged, it may be concluded that the queen did not
come forth with them, or that she has fallen upon the
ground, and they have been unable to find her. By a
search in front of her hive she may possibly be dis-
covered, and shoidd be returned with the bees, and a
sharp look out kept up on the next attempt at swarm-
ing. D found ou the ground while the cluster of bees
is hanging on a tree ' waiting ' for her, put the bar-
frame hive in the place of the parent hive, and put
her majesty into it, with all the frames, &c, in posi-
tion, and in a few minutes the safe hiving of the swarm
will be assured.

%* The Pink Wrapper, in which tlu Journal is sent ont,
denotes that Subscriptions are due ; the majority for the new
Volume, now current, hut there are a feu- who, in the past,
appear not to hare noticed it, or its significance. May ice ask
as a favour that those who cannot find time to remit tlie amounts
due will be good enough to order the Journal through their
booksellers? fl'e liave given this month four extra pages, but
we are still unable to insert many valuable contributions ; and
we desire to bespeak the kind indulgence of the writers for their
postponement.

May 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

L'l

BRITISH BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION,

INSTITUTED 1874.

PRESIDENT

THE BARONESS BURDETT-COUTTS.

THE ASSOCIATION will hold their FIFTH GREAT EXHIBITION of Bees and their
Produce, Hives, and Bee Furniture, and HONEY FAIR, at the Royal Horticultural
Society's Gardens, South Kensington, in connexion with the Society's Flower Show,
on Tuesday, July 22nd, and the two following days.

SCHEDULE OF PRIZES.

HIVES.

All hives to be fitted with guides ready for use.

Class. Prizes.

1. For the best hive for observation
proposes, all combs to be visible
on both sides, to be exhibited
stocked with bees and their
Queen 1st Prize, silver medal

2nd
3rd

bronze medal
certificate

2. For the best and most complete move-
able comb hive, to include covering,
stand, and facilities for storing
surplus honey 1st Prize, silver medal

2nd
3rd

bronze medal
certificate

3. For the most economical (best and
cheapest) complete hive, on the
moveable comb principle, for Cot-
tagers' use, including cover, floor-
board, and facilities for storing
surplus honey. Price not to exceed
10/0 1st Prize, silver medal

2nd
3rd

bronze medal
certificate

4. For the best straw hive for depriving

purposes, cost to be taken into
consideration. Price not to ex-
ceed 5/0 Silver medal

Note. — Duplicate hives may be exhibited for the pur-
pose of explanation, without any entrance-fee being
charged. Each Exhibitor must be prepared to
guarantee that he will supply any number of similar
hives at the prices affixed to his exhibits. The prizes
will only be awarded on this understanding.

SUPEBS.

5. For the cheapest, neatest, and best

supers for producing honey in the
comb in a saleable form ... 1st Prize, silver medal
2nd ,, bronze medal
3rd , , certificate
BEES.
*0. For the best stock of Ligurian bees

1st Prize, silver medal
2nd ,, bronze medal
3rd ,, certificate
*7. For the best stock of other Foieign

bees 1st Prize, silver medal

2nd ,, bronze medal
3rd ,, certificate
*8. For the best stock of pure English

bees 1st Prize, silver medal

2nd ,, bronze medal
3rd ,, certificate
* The bees to be exhibited living with their Queen in
Observatory hives. All combs to be visible on both
sides. These classes are distinct from Class 1.

60/0 40/0 20/0
40/0 20/0 10/0

Class. HONEY. Prizes.

9. For the largest and best harvest of
honey in the comb, from one stock
of bees, under any system or com-
bination of systems. The honey
to be exhibited with or upon the
hive that produced it (or its fac-
simile). To be attached thereto,
a legibly written explanation of the
method adopted, the locality, pas-
turage, dates of swarming and
supering. To tliis may be added
any particulars of his apiary which
the Exhibitor may be disposed to
give, such as number of hives,
average yield, cSc

10. For the best exhibition of super honey

from one apiary

11. For the best super of honey. The

super to be of wood, straw, or of
wood in combination with glass or
straw. Seven Prizes —

40/0 30/0 20/0 15/0 12/6 7/6 5/0

12. For the best glass super of honey.

Five Prizes— 20/0 15/0 12/6 7/6 5/0

13. For the best exhibition of honey in

supers, or section of supers, se-
parable, and each not more than
3 lbs. in weight, the total weight
of each entry not to be less than
121bs 30/0 20/0 10/0 7/6 5/0

14. For the best single section in the

comb, weighing not more than

3 lbs 1st Prize, 10/0 2nd Prize, 5/0

15. For the largest and best exhibition of

run or extracted honey in glasses,
not to exceed 2 lbs. each ... 30/0 20/0 12/6 7/6
In Classes 11 and 12, weight and quality will be taken
into consideration.

COTTAGERS' CLASSES (No Entrance Fee).

16. For the largest and best exhibition of

super honey in comb, the property
of one exhibitor, and gathered by
his own bees —
Special Prizes given by the Bev. H. R. Peel, Messrs. R.
Steele, and Mr. S. J. Ball-win —

1st Prize, 20/0 and hive.

2nd ,, 10/0 and liive.

3rd ,, 5/0 and certificate.

17. For the best super of honey —

30/0 20/0 15/0 10/0 7/0 5/0

18. For the largest and best exhibition of

honey in sectional supers, each
section not to exceed 3 lbs. in
weight ... ... 30/0 20/0 15/0 10/0

22

THE BEITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[May 1, 1879.

Class. Prizes.

19. For the best exhibition of rim or ex-

tracted honey in glass jars, not to

exceed 2 lbs. each 20/0 15/0 10/0 7/6 5/0

All the honey exhibited in the above Classes, ruust be
bond fide the produce of 1879, and gathered in the
natural way by bees in the United Kingdom.

COMESTIBLES.

20. For the best mead or beer made from

honey, with recipe attached 1st Prize, silver medal
2nd ,, bronze medal
3rd ,, certificate

MISCELLANEOUS.

21. For the best and largest collection of

hives, bee-furniture, bee-gear, and

bee-keepers' necessaries, no two

articles to be alike 1st Prize, silver medal

2nd ,, bronze medal
3rd ,, certificate

22. For the best honey extractor — 1st Prize, silver medal

2nd ,, bronze medal
3rd ,, certificate

23. For the finest sample of pure bees'

wax, not less than 3 lbs. in weight 10/0 7/6 5/0 2/6

24. For any invention calculated in the

opinion of the Judges to advance
the culture of bees —
Silver or bronze medal, at the discretion of the Judges.

25. For the best microscopic slides illus-

trating the natural history of the

honeybee Silver medal

26. For the best and largest display of

British Bee Flora in a dried state
or otherwise, such plant or speci-
men must have a card attached
stating time of flowering, duration
of bloom, and any other particulars
calculated to be of interest to bee-
keepers 1st Prize, silver medal and 20/0

2nd ,, bronze medal and li I/O
3rd ,, certificate and 5/0

27. For the best and cheapest pail of

honey jars, with covers and fasten-
ings complete, to contain 1 lb. and

21b. each of extracted honey 1st Prize, 20/0

2nd „ 10/0
3rd ,, 7/6

28. For the best smoker Bronze medal

SCHEDULE OF PRIZES-ContiOTED.

Class.

29. For the best bee dress

Prizes.
Bronze medal

30. For the best set of diagrams illustra-

ting the honey bee ,,

31. A separate Class-will be open for the exhibition of hives

and apiarian appliances at present used in other
countries, as well as any utensils, obsolete or curious,
which are likely to prove attractive and interesting to
Bee-keepers. No entrance fee will be required in tltis
Class, and gentlemen in a position to send such ob-
jects of interest, will oblige by commivnieating with
the Honorary Secretary as early as possible.

32. HONEY FAIR.— A distinct counter will be appropriated

to the exhibition and sale of honey in the comb and
in glass, and in this department goods may be pur-
chased and delivered at all times during the show.
Every exhibit at this counter must have distinctly
marked upon it the weight and the price, which must
include the package that contains it. The Associa-
tion will not undertake to break bulk. One Penny in
the Shilling will be charged as commission on all
orders taken and sales effected in the various classes
throughout the show. The sales of all. exhibits, ex-
cept in the Honey Fair, to be effected at the Secre-
tary's Office.

33. Driving Competition". — For the com-

petitor, who shall in the neatest,
quickest, and most complete man-
ner, drive out the bees from a straw
skep, capture and exhibit the queen

1st Prize, silver medal and 20/0
2nd ,, bronze medal and 10/0
3rd ,, certificate and 5/0
Each competitor shall bring his own bees in the straw
skep in which they have worked and bred in. The system
of open driving shall be adopted ; the receiving hive to be
inclined at such an angle as shall permit the passage of the
bees to be viewed by the spectators. The chiving shall be
considered complete notwithstanding a few straggling bees
may be left in the hive, but total removal should be aimed
at. No combs shall be wilfully removed, nor broken. The
queen must be captured and confined in a glass-covered
cage (to be provided by the Association) and handed to the
Judges for then- inspection. No veils or gloves to be worn.
Any dispute, or difference of opinion, shall be referred to
the Judges present, whose decision shall be final. The bees
rnay be returned to their hives, and removed or sold at then'
owner's pleasure. No commission will be charged on bees
so sold. The competitors must be ready to commence the
competition at 2 o'clock.

THE HIVE FOR THE MILLION.

Trice 8s.

THE PRACTICAL STANDARD, a marvel of
efficiency with economy, price, complete, 18s.
ABBOTT'S NORTHERN STANDARD, a Prize Hive,
price, complete, 27s. Gd.

ROOT'S MACHINE FOUNDATION, 3s. 6d. per lb.
Samples on receipt of Stamped Envelope. Send Two Stamps
for Catalogue, containing full description of our Hives, and
How to Work them, to E. TV. Lister, Oakwood, Kirkburton,
Yorkshire. fo. 8

NEW FEEDER.

Y return Post, for Foiir Pemij' Stamps, will be

sent a full description of a new, simple, cheap, and
practicable FEEDER, which will make Syrup available in
any part of the interior of a Hive, without removing Frames
or Quilts. Address G. N. Pkeex, Mayfield Villa, Kidder-
minster, fo. 21

B

BEE-HIVE EMPORIUM.

WILLIAM W. YOUNG,
150 HIGH STREET, PERTH, SCOTLAND,
Having obtained the FIRST PRIZE for the Best Collection
of BEE FURNITURE at various Shows, both in England
and Scotland, in 1879, he is now in a position to supply
every article that is best adapted for the successful Manage-
ment of the Honey Bee. fo. 24
Illustrated Price Lists free on receipt of Stamped Envelope.

COMB FOUNDATION.

YT7ILLIAM RAITT offers Finest Impressed
V V Sheets, for next Season, at Reduced Prices. Sheets,
9 ins. deep, for Brood Combs ; 5 ins. deep, very thin make,
for Supers. Safe arrival guaranteed.

See opinions of the Per. G. A. Procter, and J. S., in li. B. J.
for November and December.
Send stamp for Sample and Price List.
ABBOTT'S ZINC EXCLUDER at his own prices.

Address— Beecroft, Blairgowrie, N.B. fo. 16

THE

S. F. Cllutten,
W liitliiigham Hall,
rressiiifflieM.

[No. 74. Vol. VII.]

JUNE, 1879.

[Published Monthly.]

C^trifnrial, fortius, #r.

JUNE.
The year 1S79 will be memorable in the
annals of apiculture for its exceedingl\r unkind
spring, or, more correctly, for the conspicuous
absence of that supposed genial season ; for up
to the time of writing (May 26) there have not
been two fine days together during the whole
of its existence, and neither flowers nor bees,
struggle as they may, can fulfil their purpose,
though tended never so carefully. Of this year
it may be truly said that —

' Winter, lingering on the verge of Spring,
Retires reluctant, and from time to time
Looks back ; while at his keen and chilly breath
Fair Flora sickens.'

It is not a difficult matter for an expert bee-
keeper to give directions which should be ap-
plicable to any particular month, and if the
weather could be relied on the bee-keeping
pursuit would be easy, delightful, and highly
remunerative ; but inasmuch as ' the wind
bloweth where it listeth,' and the ' elements '
are governed by laws which, though permanent,
are little understood, and which act and react
as they are variously brought into play by
passing circumstances, it is no wonder that the
experts and the weatherwise are often limping,
or that their clever forecasts are as uncertain as
is the result of an action at law — -except in the
sense that there is sure to be a vast amount
of disappointment.

As a consequence of the long-continued cold
weather, vegetation, where it has survived, has
remained at a standstill, and corn crops that
ordinarily should afford cover for a hare are
scarcely tall enough to hide a lark. Grass
fields have in thousands of instances but just
been ' rolled and harrowed,' and the probability
of a crop highly speculative. The whitethorn,
which should have gladdened May with its
odoriferous May-blossoms, has nowhere shown
a flower, and the gorgeous flowers of the horse-
chestnut are yet in reserve,

Bees under such circumstances have required
great attention, and where it has been given
they are now in forward condition and doing
well ; but, on the other hand, where they have
been intrusted to 'Providence' by those who
were too lazy or careless to give them the
needed assistance they have died, and their
owners have cause and opportunity to lament
their folly and neglect. According to book
rule, good colonies should be ripe for swarming
in May ; but — except in very isolated cases —
swarms have not appeared, and from what we
have heard and seen they will not be ripe until
far into the present month. There is, however,
hope for those who have cultivated their pets :
the days are lengthening, and breeding rapidly
increasing, and surely presently there will be a
change that will cover the earth with glorious
beauty. There is promise that seed-time and
harvest, summer and winter, shall continue;
and bee - keepers, like others who depend
greatly on the weather, must bear with its
vicissitudes, and wait and hope.

USEFUL HINTS.

Refer to the hints offered in former Journal
— there may bo something there more suited to
the requirements of the present than the past
month. Always be prepared for that which is
apparently most improbable. The season being
a late one, after-swarms may be too late to
stand the next winter alone ; double them,
therefore, by uniting, as explained in a late
number of Journal. Do not despair because
we are writing and thinking of ' next winter '
before we have passed through the present one
— the sunny birthday of our Empress Queen
notwithstanding.

Strengthening We.xK Stocks. — If it be
found necessary to strengthen a weak stock by
giving it a comb of brood let it be scaled brood,
so as to hatch quickly and not increase the
labour of the bees. Take care also that the
brood-patch is not of larger area than that in
the centre of the recipients' brood-nest, for
there will be sufficient risk in widening it by

24

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[June 1, 1879.

the insertion of a comb. A comb with a large
circle of brood put into a small brood-nest would
possibly cause mischief, as the bees might not
be able to cover and care for it, and it would
die of cold.

Artificial Swarming. — The ability to per-
form this operation and the pleasure which
command over bees creates in the minds of
beginners frequently induces impatience, and
as a consequence the swarm is often made
before the stock is ripe for division. This has
a weakening tendency. It doubles the number
of colonies, it is true ; but practically it makes
them all impotent, and therefore unprofitable.
Swarms cannot get food in cold or wet weather,
therefore feed them as occasion demands.
Swarms will continue to build comb while sup-
plied with food ; if a supply ceases they stop
work, and will not resume until a glut of honey
calls for more space, and then they will build
drone -comb. It is important therefore that
a supply of food should be kept up until thy
hive is filled with comb. When swarms are
prematurely made, and when natural swarming
takes place, on a day succeeded by a cold
evening the entrances of the parent stocks
should be nearly closed ; for the majority of
the bees having departed the heat of the hives
must be economised, or the brood will suffer.

Supering. — The time for supering is when
the hive is fidl of combs, the combs well
covered with bees, the weather fine, and hone)T
abundant. A great inducement to the bees to
take possession of supers is heat artificially ap-
plied. A valuable suggestion was made by an
esteemed correspondent last autumn, to the
effect that a coil of tubing laid round a glass
super and filled with hot water, and well
wrapped up, caused the bees to take instant
possession and commence work. Every one
has not a coil of piping at hand, but hot bricks
or bottles of hot water can be found ; but the
bricks must not be too hot, or they will burn
the material in which they are wrapped and
spoil the experiment.

Supers. — Use sectional supers only ; they
are neat, clean, handy, of saleable sizes, and
convenient for the table, or for making
presents — a luxury all lovers of bees delight to
indulge in.

Extracting. — Those who wish to obtain all
the honey possible in such a chance season
should use the extractor freely. A few hours
of fine weather enable strong stocks to store
honey largely, and its extraction will maintain
plenty of breeding space. It is the incoming
of honey that promotes breeding, not the
quantity stored, though a sufficiency for the
tise of the bees must be left in the combs.

Getting Bees out of Skeps. — Where it is
desired to transfer from skeps to bar-frame

hives and not increase the number of stocks,
drive swarms from two and unite them in one
frame-hive, well supplied with foundation, and
set one skep upon the other on a different
stand, giving a ripe Ligurian queen cell on the
next day. Fourteen days after the chief of
the brood in the skeps will have hatched out,
and the young queen laying (if all be well),
and the combs may then be transferred, re-
jecting the drone and such as are too crooked
or dirty. In three days supers may be set on
and covered up warmly.

[Our readers will oblige our poor 'right
hand ' more than ' considerably ' if they will
kindly remember that we have only one, and
that it is very hard to have to rewrite with it
information that has been many times given,
and sometimes so late as in a current number
of the Journal. We ask also as a favour that
inquiries may be written separately, that we
may not be compelled to repeat them in reply-
ing. The ' Coming Man ' suggested by Charles
Reade will perhaps have more power, and may
be able to write with both right and left at
once. We are but as we are, and our right
hand often complains, and not without reason.
—Ed.]

DYSENTERY.

Those interested in this subject under what-
ever heading it may be described, will do well
to turn to an ' Echo ' with the above title on
page 18 of the present volume, where may be
seen the easy way in which an apiary may bo
destroyed, its owner disgusted, and bees and
hives voted a nuisance.

The writer lost seven stocks during the
winter, and has eight left. The hives are wet,
combs mouldy, bees dead by hundreds at bot-
tom, the hives reeking with the stench of the
bees' excreta, bees dying daily, .inside and
outside, and getting weaker every day, and all
this mischief is described as having taken
place in ' Abbott's Standard Hives.'

We suggested that the mode of preparation
for wintering had been wrong, and hinted at
other possible causes, but the writer has now
furnished information that renders the case as
clear as noon-day. He says: —

'With regard to what you say in the May number
respecting rny bees, they were taken to the moors the
beginning of August about eighteen miles, and brought
back in September, full of bees and honey. I took four
combs of honey out of each hive and left plenty of honey
to serve them until May aud have not fed them at any
time. The frames are covered with one fold of house-
cloth, the hives standing in a wooden shed standing
against an iron drill shed facing the north, the sun never
shining on it during the winter. I bought one of your
Standard hives at the Alexandra Palace in September
1876, and made the others from it. — J. JBakee,
9 Larchfield Street, Darlington!

June 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

25

On page 220 of Bee Journal, Vol. III. a case is
recorded, and can be readily verified, where
thirty-two stocks, all in straw skeps, had in
autumn been placed against a north wall and
out of the whole lot only five could be found that
in March following- were likely to survive. The
large remainder being depopulated, rotten, and
mouldy; and the cause we assigned to accouut
for their deplorable condition, viz., absence of
sunshine during the long winter, will apply in
the present case. We have many times re-
peated and again repeat, that when hives can-
not internally feel the benefit of winter sunshine,
they are practically as if in a well, and can-
not of themselves improve if an ill condition
of things should be brought about by cold
weather. We do not by this, wish it to be
inferred that the sun's bright rays are to be
permitted to shine into the entrances of hives
during cold weather, as they are known to
attract bees forth to their death, particularly
when snow is lying about ; but in our opinion
nothing can be more beneficial during a pro-
tracted winter than that the bees should feel
the genial effects of the sun's rays at every
opportunity ; a gentle rise in the temperature
thus caused will enable bees to move about their
hive and make themselves comfortable, and no
harm can arise from such stimulation if the
light be not allowed to get in also. Entrances
in whiter should be shaded, not closed.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF VENDORS OF
BEES.

Now that the bee business has assumed com-
mercial importance in this country, and buying
and selling are every-day occurrences, it may
not be out of place for us to advise that some
rule should be made which should be considered
'understood' between buyer and seller. We
have happily during the past month procured
(having been the arbitrator agreed upon by
both parties) the settlement of a dispute which
arose through there being no established rule
to govern the sale and purchase of bees, whether
they be stocks, swarms, or queens, and it arose
in this wise : —

A. advertised stocks of bees for sale, B. made
a purchase, a stock was delivered and the price
agreed upon was paid to A. A month (or
more) afterwards A. received an application for
the return of the money paid by B. on the
ground that the stock must have been qucenless
when it was delivered to B., for, on the tenth
day after its arrival, a young dead queen was
found on the alighting-board, and two open
queen-cells were seen within the hive (a skep),
but B., not wishing to write until quite sure of
the case, waited nearly three weeks for an

opportunity to transfer its contents to a bar-
frame hive, and on doing this he found neither
queen, eggs, nor brood, hence the letter to A.,
requesting the return of the money aforesaid.
A. thereupon replied that after so long a time
the return of the money was out of the question,
but said that if application had been made be-
fore the transferring had been done he would
have exchanged the stock, but that being now
impossible, he would send another at half
price, or would give a Ligurian queen as com-
pensation for the loss sustained. A. admits
that he did not see the queen before he sent the
stock to B., but saw every needed evidence of
her presence, and B. admits that he did not seek
for the queen on their delivery to him ; but ho
(B.) declined A.'s offer, and they both agreed
to refer, and defer to our opinion and award.

This we gave to the effect, after having read
the statements of both sides, that B. should
accept one of the alternatives offered by A., viz.,
either another stock at half price, or an im-
ported queen to give to the bees in question,
or to another stock in his apiary.

No one can be sure of the fate of bees or their
queen from hour to hour, and therefore safe
delivery is all that can be reasonably expected.

B. was satisfied of the safe delivery, and did
not search for the queen or evidence of her
presence, while A. thoroughly believed that the
queen was safe when the stock left his hands.

From what has transpired there are good
grounds for believing that the queen died or
was killed during her railway journey.

A young queen was found on the alighting-
board, and two queen-cells seen in the hive ten
dajrs* after their arrival, and these facts ought
to have been at once communicated to A., who
could then have exchanged the stock.

Nothing, however, was said to him until a
month after the delivery of the bees, and in the
meantime they had been transferred to a bar-
frame hive by B.

We therefore advised B. to accept the offer
given, give a black queen from one of his own
stocks to the queenless Ligurians, and the new
queen to his unqueened black ones, — which has
been agreed to. This unfortunate case bears
out our remarks expressed in May Journal, pp.
2 and 3, not that we wish to suggest that A.
is a land-shark, for we have known him man}'
years as an honourable man, but because stocks
in transit are liable to accidents, and it is often
so very difficult to apportion the blame or
rectify the damage.

The question to be decided is, where does the
responsibility of the vendor end, and that of
the vendee begin ?

* Ten days is ample for the production of young
queens, especially after the excitement of a long journey.
—Ed.

20

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[June 1, 1879.

COMB - FOUNDATION. — HOW DEEP
MAY IT BE PUT INTO FRAMES ?

"Whilst the majority of foremost bee-keepers
are loud in the praise of comb-foundation, as
a means of saving bee-labour and bee life, and
ensuring straightness of combs in frames and re-
gulating the proportion of worker and drone-
comb in a hive, no one appears to have hit upon
a means by which the greatest depth of founda-
tion may be used with safety. It is well known
that in accepting the foundation and commenc-
ing their work the bees rarely, if ever, begin at
the top, and consequently their weight and that
of the new comb they elaborate with its con-
tents depends on the sheets alone, and if their
attachments to the top bars are insecure they
fall or ' sag,' and destroy the symmetry and
beauty they were intended to ensure. Attempts
have been made to weave into the foundation a
material that shall absolutelyprevent its stretch-
ing or falling, but nothing satisfactory has been
produced, and we have therefore turned our
attention to the attainment of the object by
other means.

Instead of attempting to support the founda-
tion we suggest that it would be equally effica-
cious if support were provided for the bees, so
that they should not throw their weight upon
the foundation alone, and for this purpose hope
to induce bee-keepers to experimentalize in
that direction. Our idea is, that if pieces of
say f-inch galvanized wire netting, properly
flattened were suspended alternately between
the frames containing the foundation, the desire
woidd be accomplished, for the weight of the
bees would necessarily be very largely borne by
it and the foundation relieved. It may, however,
be thought by scientists that the iron, through
the clustering bees, would be a drawback, and
to meet that objection, which however we regard
as chimerical, we suggest the use of wood, and
would let it answer the double purpose of sup-
porting the bees and preventing the loss of heat
round the ends of the frames during the comb-
building season. A light frame might easily be
made to fill the space between the frames ; and
if threads of cane, such as are used by chair-
makers, be drawn through and through, a
strong but almost imperceptible support would
be formed on which the bees would find easy
attachment, and little if any inconvenience;
and it is not difficult to understand that if each
frame gave foothold for a thousand bees, two
other thousands would depend from them, so
that the weight of three thousand would be
taken off the comb-foundation by every such
frame, or interposed piece of wire-work. * Those
who are unable to obtain the netting, or the
cane, will probably find other means of sup-
port for the bees during the time of comb-build-

ing ; a diaphragm of thin board would probably
answer the purpose ; anyhow, the experiments
are worth trying.

COUNTY ASSOCIATIONS.

The following Couaty Associations have
already affiliated themselves with the Central
Associations, and paid their affiliation fees, viz. :
— Dorsetshire, Devon, Hertfordshire, Lincoln-
shire, Shropshire, and Surrey.

An Association has been lately formed for
Nottinghamshire, and we notice that the Rev.
Canon Mole, who is so well known in connexion
with rose-growing, is one of the Commi*tee for
that Association. We wish it every success.

We are also informed that steps will shortly
be taken under influential auspices to form a
county Bee-keepers' Association for Lancashire,
which is likely to be a very strong and success-
ful one. As a commencement of an Association
for Cornwall, Mr. S. J. Baldwin visited the
Show of the Penrith Agricultural Society on
May 30th, at Penzance, near the Land's End, at
the request of Mr. W. K. Baker, of Towednack,
and several Cornish bee-keepers. The Hon.
Secretary is also in correspondence with the
Secretary of the Royal Cornish Agricultural
Society, which is to hold its Annual Show at
Falmouth on June 11th and 12th, as to a visit
of the Bee Tent and Manipulator, with the
same object in view.

BRITISH BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION.

We have been requested to call attention to the
fact that Members' subscriptions were due on the
1st of May last, and that, according to Rule 6,
Members whose subscriptions are unpaid are
considered in arrears after that date, and as
such not entitled to any of the privileges of the
Association.

We are happy to announce that the Baroness
Burdett-Coutts has given a donation of 25/.
towards the objects of the Association.

KILBURN SHOW.

We understand that the entries for the
Exhibition to be held at Kilburn include several
competitors from France, Italy, Germany, and
the United States. The entries for Observa-
tory and other hives exceed thirty ; and there is
also a good collection in the honey classes.
In the driving contest, Monsieur Fournier, of j
Orrnoy ViRers, France, will try the mettle of
the English bee-masters.

We wish to call the attention of our readers
to the fact that two Classes, Nos. 20 and 21,
have been added to the South Kensington
Prize List for Foreign and Colonial competition

June 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

27

exclusively — no entry fees required iu these
classes. It is hoped that all the Foreign Bee
Journals will make this announcement as widely
known as possible.

Hcrr Dcnnlor, Master of the School at
Enzheim, near Strashurg, Professor of Apicul-
ture and Editor of the Alsace-Lorraine Bee
Journal has announced his intention of compet-
ing for the driving Prize at the South Kensing-
ton Show.

Schedules of Prizes, with the Rules and
Regulations and entry forms for the South
Kensington Show, may now be obtained upon
application to the Hon. Secretary, Ilev. H. P.
Peel, Abbot's Hill, Hemel Hempstead.

FORTHCOMING SHOWS, 1879.
See also engagements of British Bee-keepers' Bee Tent.

June 30th. — British Bee-keepers' Association, at
Kilburn, and seven following days ; in conjunction
with Royal Agricultural Society of England. Entries
closed May 1st.

July 3rd. — Tiverton Branch of Exeter Association.
Hon. Sec, W. N. Griffin, Rock House, Alphington,
Exeter.

17^. — The Surrey Association hope to hold their
first Show of Honejr, Bees, and Bee-furniture in
Clandon Park, kindly permitted by the Right Hon.
Earl of Onslow. F. H. Lemare, Esq., Hon. Sec.
Sidney Terrace, Guildford.

22)id and two following days. — British Bee-
keepers, at Royal Horticultural Gardens, South
Kensington, in connexion with their Flower Show.
Rev. H. R. Peel, Hon. Sec, Abbot's Hill, Heniel
Hempstead, Herts.

29th and three following days. — Caledonian
Apiarian and Entomological Society, at Highland
and Agricultural Society's Show, Perth, N. B., Hon.
Sec, R. J. Bennett, 50 Gordon Square, Glasgow.

August. — Central Show at Exeter, date not fixed.
Hon. Sec, W. N. Griffin, as above.

14th. — St. Mary Cray. J. Garnet, Hon. Sec.
Hockendeu, St. Mary Cray.

20th and 2lst. — Shropshire, at Floral and Horti-
cultural Show, Shrewsbury. Rev. Hon. C. Fielding,
Hon. Sec.

29th and 30th.— Arbroath, N. B. J. Stewart,
Hon. Sec, Arbroath.

September 4th, 5th, 6th. — East of Scotland, Dundee.
Hon. Sec, W. Raitt, Bee Croft, Blairgowrie, N. B.

17th and 18th. — Lincolnshire Bee-keepers' Asso-
ciation, in connexion with the Long Sutton Agri-
cultural Society. Hon. Sec, R. R. Godfrey,
Watergate, Grantham.

ENGAGEMENTS FOR THE BEE-TENT FOR 1879.

June 2G. — Aylesbury Horticultural Show.

June 30 to July 7. — Royal Agricultural Show The
place selected for tho Exhibition of bees, hives, and honey
at the Royal Agricultural Show is adjoining the Horti-
cultural Exhibition in tho Show grounds.

July 9. — At Hitchin Flower Show.

July 10. — At Dunstable Horticultural & Poultry Show.

July 17. — Hertfordshire Count)' Bee-keepers' Associa-
tion Show at Hertford.

July 17. — Surrey County Bee Show at Clandon Park,
Guildford.

July 22-24. — British Bee-keepers' Association Annual
Show.

July 29. — Shendish Flower Show, Hemel Hempstead.

Aug. 8. — Berkeley Flower Show, Gloucestershire.

Aug. 13.— West Herts Horticultural Show at Watford.

Aug. 14. — St. Mary's Cray Bee and Honey Show.

Aug. 20 and 21. — Shropshire Horticultural and Bto
and Honey Show at Shrewsbury.

Aug. 26. — Long Buckb/ Horticultural Show.

Sep. 3. — Much Hadam Ware Cottage Garden Show.

Sep. 4. — Horsham Flower Show, Sussex.

Sep. 9 and 10. — Warwickshire Agricultural Show at
Atherstone.

Oct. 1 and 2. — Hertfordshire County Bee-keepers'
Show at Hemel Hempstead.

Other engagements are in course of arrangement!

LETTER FROM TIDE REV. H. R. PEEL.

Dear Sir, — May I, through your columns, inform the
Members of the British Bee-keepers' Association, and all
who take an interest in bee-keeping, that a Prize Fund is
now open for the two Exhibitions, which we are about
to hold this year, at Kilburn in connexion with the Show
of the Royal Agricultural Society on and after June
30th, and at South Kensington in tho gardens of the Royal
Horticultural Society on July 22nd and following days.

I hope that the Royal Agricultural Society may be so
well satisfied with our arrangements at Kilburn that we
shall, for the future, receive an annual invitation to
accompany them on their visits to the principal towns of
England, thus giving our Association an opportunity of
making its appearance in the provinces, as well as at its
yearly Show in London.

Our President, the Baroness Burdett Coutts, has again
responded most liberally to my application for assistance,
and several gentlemen have already come forward with
donations, some indeed volunteering before an appeal
could be made to them.

I hope that none of our Members will withhold their
accustomed support to our Prize Fund on the ground that
we have at the present time a balance of 80/. 13s. 6d. in
the hands of our Treasurer. The whole of this money
will be needed for the development of the County Asso-
ciations, than which there can be no better agency for
the extension and improvement of bee culture, and for
the ordinary demands of the parent Association. It will
be a great relief to the latter if the prizes offered at tho
the two Shows can be provided from a special Fund,
without drawing upon the annual subscriptions of the
Members. —I remain, Sir, yours faithfully,

ILerbert R. Peel, Hon. Sec.

Abbot's mil, Mag 26th.

The following Donations have already been made to the

Prize Fund. £ s. d.

Tho Baroness Burdett Coutts 7 0 0

Rev. E. Bartrum 110

T. W. Cowan, Esq 110

R. R. Godfrey, Esq 110

F. R. Jackson, Esq 110

Captain D. E. Martin Oil 0

H. G. Morris, Esq 1 1 0

Rev. H. R. Peel 2 2 0

28

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL,

[June 1, 1879.

BRITISH BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION.
A Committee meeting was held in the Board-room of
the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals,
105 Jermyn Street, on Wednesday, May 14. Present, Mr.
T. W. Cowan, in the chair, Rev. E. Baitrum, .T. M.
Hooker, J. Hunter, Rev. H. N. Peel, hon. sec, and W.
O'B. Glennie, treasurer. The minutes of the last Com-
mittee meeting, also of the adjourned meeting held on
April 23rd, were read and confirmed. On the proposi-
tion of the Secretary, it was unanimously resolved that
the regulation of awarding prizes at the South Kensing-
ton Show, in accordance with the price named, should be
confined to Classes 3 and 4 in the Schedule. It was also
resolved that two mora classes should he added to the
Prize list, which should he open to foreign and colonial
exhibitors only, these classes to be for, (1) For the best
exhibit of honey in the comb, either in sectional or any
other supers, the weight of each exhibit to be not less
than 12Ibs.— First prize, 21. \ Second, 11. 10s.; Third,
12. (2) For the best exhibition of run or extracted
honey in glass jars, not to exceed 21bs. each : First prize,
11. ; Second, 15s. ; Third, 10s.

The Secretary asked the Committee to sanction an
appeal to be made by him in the columns of the British
Bee Journal, Journal of Horticulture, and other papers
for contributions to the Prize Funds of the Kilburn and
South Kensington Shows, and announced that the nucleus
of such a fund had already been made by the following
donations: Messrs. Nunn and Son, 21. 2s.; Mr.H. Morris,
1/. 2s.; R. R. Godfrey, Esq., 1/. Is. ; Rev. II. R. Peel, 2/. 2s.

Mr. Glennie read a letter received from Mr. F.
R. Jackson, of Slindon, Arundel, suggesting that such
a fund should be started, and promising a contribu-
tion of one guinea. Mr. T. W. Cowan also presented a
similar amount. It was also resolved that a notice should
be inserted in the Prize Schedule, stating that advertise-
ments would be received for insertion in the Catalogue of
the South Kensington Show at the rates of ,— "Whole page,
1/. Is.; half page, 12s. Gd. ; quarter page, 7s. Gd.

The Balance Sheet for the month ending April 30th
was read by the Treasurer, as follows : —

Income : Amount brought forward on £ s. d.
April 1st 77 11 13

Amount received from April 1st to

April 30th 17 14 G

Expenditure : Amount brought for-
ward being the amount expended
since Jan. 1st ...

Amount expended from April 1st to
April 30th

Balance in hand

10 0 115
4 11 2

14 12 13

£80 13 G

LINCOLNSHIRE BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION
SHOW AT LONG SUTTON.
Allow me through your Journal for June to draw
attention to my note in your issue of March last, in
which I state that tho Lincolnshire Bee-keepers' Associ-
ation had received an invitation from the Long Sutton
Agricultural Society to hold their next annual exhibition
in conjunction with the great meeting of that old and
important society. I now beg to inform you that a
committee meeting of the L. B. K. A. being convened
to consider the invitation, it was unanimously decided to
accept it. Resolutions as to conditions were passed, which
the Hon. Sec. was asked to submit to tho committee of
the Long Sutton Agricultural Society for their consider-
ation. This was accordingly done, and I have now the

pleasure to announce that at a meeting of members of the
Long Sutton Agricultural Society, held on the 20th inst.,
it was unanimously resolved to accept the resolution sub-
mitted by the Lincolnshire Bee-keepers' Association for
holding their annual exhibition in conjunction with theii'
great meeting to be held en the 17th and 18th of Sep-
tember next. Mr. Swaine, the Secretary of the Long
Sutton Agricultural Society, having so deeply interested
himself in bringing about this arrangement, it cannot fail
to prove of great benefit to the L. B. K. A., I would
beg to impress upon members the importance of giving
their hearty support on the occasion. I may also add
that by invitation, the L. B. K. A. will be represented
at the Grantham, Caythorpe, Fulbeck, Bottesford, and
other local horticultural shows during July and August.
The exact dates will be forwarded to members as soon
as fixed. — R. R. Godfrey, Hon. Sec.

SURREY BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION.
I hope I am not too late for a small space in June
Journal to announce that the Surrey Bee-keepers' Asso-
ciation will hold their first county show on the 17th of
July at Clandon Park, Guildford, under the patronage of
the right hon. the Earl of Onslow ; and in connexion
with the local flower show held there. The schedule of
prizes, &c. will be given in the July number. The
British Bee-keepers' Tent is expected to be in use on the
occasion. — Feed. II. Lemare, Hon. Sec, 4 Sydney
Terrace, Guildford.

EAST OF SCOTLAND BEE-KEEPERS'
ASSOCIATION.

The s>unmer meeting of the members of this society
was held in Lamb's Hotel, Dundee, on the 17th May.
The date of meeting being so near the Whitsunday term
many country members were unable to attend; but
there were still twenty members present, the President
in the chair. Judges were nominated for the various
shows under the society's auspices, and the secretary
instructed to correspond with them on the subject.

A discussion then took place on a question raised by
one of the members, as to whether there was any hope
of a drone-laying queen ever recovering her fertility.
Various members having expressed themselves in the
negative, the proposer of the question admitted that
there was a possibility of the queen he referred to
having been raised since autumn, in which case it was
generally agreed that she is now past the possibility of
fecundation.

Mr. J. D. Ker produced pieces of comh-foundation
taken from the comb of a prize super, and requested the
opinion of the meeting. Various members having reported
the results of their trials of foundation in supers,
and it being evident that occasionally the bees are either
unable or unwilling to thin it down, Mr. Raitt moved
that it be recorded as the opinion of the meeting that in
order to avoid all risk of rendering comb honey objection-
able, foundation should only be used in supers as a guide,
and no deeper than half an inch. This was uanimously
agreed to.

CALEDONIAN APIARIAN AND ENTOMO-
LOGICAL SOCIETY.
Minutes of committee meeting held in Kenneth's, Blair
Arms Hotel, Dairy, on Saturday, 24th May, 1879.
Present, Messrs. Aitken, Anderson, Bennett, Ferguson,
Graham, James Laughland, William Laughland, Muir,
McDonald, Sword, and Willrie." Mr. James Laughland
was called to the Chair. A proof copy of the Prize
Schedule for the forthcoming Show to be held at Perth in
July and August was submitted by the Secretary, which
was approved of. The Chairman intimated that the

June 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

29

Association were now prepared to nominate Judges for
the Show. Mr. Wilkin proposed that Alex. Shearer, Esq.,
of Tester Gardens, Haddington, James Anderson, Esq.,
of Dairy, and Duncan McDonald, Esq., of Kihvining, be
appointed judges of honey. Mr. Muir seconded the mo-
tion, and added that if the gentlemen already named
consented, it would he hard for the Society to pick out
abler and better men. Mr. Bennett proposed that ex-
Baillie Laughland, of Kilmarnock, and it. Graham, Esq.,
of Dahy, be appointed Judges of hives, bee furniture, and
in the miscellaneous classes. Mr. Sword seconded this
motion, which was agreed to. Mr. Sword proposed that
J. M. McPhedrun, Esq., of Craigbet, and the Rev. E.
Sanders, of Tundergarth, be appointed umpires. This
motion was unanimously agreed to. The Secretary was
instructed to write to the gentlemen appointed, to obtain
their consent to act in that capacity. A vote of thanks
to the Chairman for presiding brought the meeting to a
close.

ON THE QUEEN-BEE,
With Especial Deference to the Fertilisation
of her Eggs.
By John Hunter.
[Reprinted from the Journal of the Quekett Microscojncal
Club.]
(Continued from page 1-1.)
The impregnation of the queen tee was long an
enigma to naturalists; some have denied that any inter-
course with the male was necessary for the fecundation
of the eggs. Some supposed that the effluvia arising
from the males within the hive was sufficient for this
purpose. Maraldi thought the eggs were fecundated by
the drones after they were deposited, in the same way
that the spawn of fishes is fecundated : but, from our
extended means of observation, we are no longer in any
doubt as to the modus operandi. From three to seven
days after birth, the queen issues from the hive, on nup-
tial thoughts intent, and after circling a few times round
her home, apparently taking its bearings, she flies away
into space; if her trip be fortunate, and she meets a
drone, they fall together to the ground, where separation
quickly takes place, at once fatal to the drone, who parts
with his sexual organs, which remain attached to the
queen on her arrival home ; these quickly shrivel up, and
are removed by the workers. In the nuptial act the
spermatheca of the queen is injected with the seminal
fluid, and, wonderful to relate, this small vessel whose
external measurement is but -,'. of an inch, contains suf-
ficient material to fertilize all the eggs which the queen
may lay in her whole life (for she mates but once), al-
though she may live four or five years, and deposit
during this time more than a million eggs. Dzierzon, a
highly scientific German bee-master, says, ' Mi ist queens in
spacious hives at a favourable season, lay G0,000 eggs in a
month, and a specially fertile queen in four years, which
she on an average fives, lays over 1,000,000 eggs.' On
this authority I make this statement, and I do not
think it is an exaggeration, lieferring back to my text
that ' The act of fertilisation [of the. tncf<Z!*~] or not — de-
termines the sex of the future bee,' you may naturally
ask how I prove this statement, or that the unfertilised
eggs will hatch at all. Professor von Siebold made many
most skilful microscopical dissections of eggs, and he af-
firms that among 52 eggs taken from worker cells ex-
amined by him with the greatest care and conscientious-
ness, .'J4 furnished a positive result, namely, the existence
of seminal filaments, in which movements could even be
detected in three eggs, and among 27 eggs from drone
cells, examined with the same care and bv the same
method, he did not find one single seminal filament in
any egg, either internally or externally. A phenomenon
sometimes occurs in a beehive of a queen laying eggs
that produce males only ; this for ages had puzzled

philosophers, without any satisfactory solution, but if
you will bear in mind what I have said, and admit it as
fact, the solution is easy. The theory of Parthenogen-
esis (or virgin breeding) which Dzierzon promulgated in
1845, is said to have explained this phenomenon of the
bee-hive as perfectly as the Copernican hypothesis the
phenomena of the heavens. The principal points to bear
in mind are — that the queen to be able to breed workers
must be fertilized by the drone, and that the union takes
place only in the air — that drone eggs do not require fe-
cundation, but that the co-operation of the drone
is absolutely necessary when worker bees are to be
produced — that in mating the ovaries are not fe-
cundated, but the seminal receptacle (the sperma-
theca) and that the supply of the fluid thus received
is sufficient for her whole lifetime. We prove
these hypotheses as follows: — Eggs laid in drone cells
never produce aught but drones — a queen born with her
wings imperfect rendering her unable to fly, or one born
after drones are all dead (generally by August), and
consequently unable to mate, lays eggs indiscriminately
in both drone and worker cells, but all alike produce
drones. The verification of this is very easy ; we have
but to deprive a stock of its queen in autumn, and pro-
vided there are eggs in the hive, young queens are sure to
be reared, and as surely they will become drone breeders ;
the experiment has been so many times repeated that the
fact is now incontestable. That a queen mates but once
in her life. The introduction of the Ligurian bee into
England enables us to prove. This variety has the repu-
tation of beiug a better one than our own native bee —
and it is a common practice to import annually from
Italy fertile queens, which, by a little skilful management,
are "made to take the places of the rightful sovereigns in
our English hives. The Ligurian bee is gaily striped
with yellow bands, and we quickly find the original black
bees are dying out, and replaced by the easily distin-
guished Italians, and while this naturalized queen lives,
the bees of her hive are thorough-bred Italians. I will
presently dissect out, and display the contents of the
spermatheca of a fertile queen, which will exhibit many
thousands of the spermatozoa, with their characteristic
contorted movements. I will then perform the samo
operation on a virgin queen, when we shall find the con-
tents of the spermatheca a limpid fluid only, not a
trace of the spermatic filaments. My namesake, the
great surgeon, attempted to fertilise drone eggs by
artificial impregnation from the spermatheca of a queen —
he failed with the bee, but succeeded with the silkworm-
moth. Dr. Donoff is stated to have been more successful,
and I see no reason why the experiment should at all
times fail. Cases sometimes occur, when a hive is queen-
1 -si. that one or more workers willdevelope thepower of
ovipositing; it is reasonable to suppose from their diminu-
tive size and general non-perfection of their organs, that
the functions of the drone had not been performed ;
certain it is that eggs of a fertile worker produce drones
only, and in one solitary case, where such a worker came
into my hands for dissection, although I found ovaries and
eggs, 1 could discover no spermatheca. It has been a
common subject for authors to dilate upon the respect and
reverence bees pay to their queen, and the valour with
which they defend her. This, although very pretty, I
am sorry to say, is all fable. The bees' attention to the
queen is solely from interested motives, that is, care for
the eggs. A virgin queen receives no attention whatever,
no defence is ever offered for the queen. I never hesi-
tate to pick up a queen from the midst of her subjects, to
which the bees pay no heed ; and in cases where an irruption
of strange workers takes place in the hive, the rightful in-
habitants will suffer their queen to be seized and ill-treated
by the intruders without resentment. A queen is possessed
of a sting, but I have never known her use it as a weapon ,
except in combat with another queen — but it is probably
used to direct her ovipositor when in use.

30

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[June 1, 1879.

Lecture ox Bees at the Wirksworth Me-
chanics' Institution. — A lecture in connexion -with
this institution was delivered on Thursday, May 8th last
in the Town Hall, Wirksworth, by the Rev. H. M.
Stallybrass. Subject : — ' Bees, and modern bee culture.'
The chair was taken by W. Webb, Esq., M.B., the
president of the institution. The reverend lecturer,
evidently well up in the subject, created great interest
amongst his auditors, and we hope a resume of the
lecture will be forwarded for publication.

Flattering. — A gentleman offers es. for No. 9,
Vol. I. of British Bee Journal! ' Unction to our souls,'
Who can spare it for ten times the price it cost ? Address
under cover, — Rev. C. H. G., to Editor.

(&BXXZ8$BVfotnCZ.

%* These columns are open to Subscribers, so that their
queries, replies, correspondence, and experiences, may be
fully and faithfully recorded ; and for the discussion of all
theories and systems in See-culture, and of the relative merits
of all hives and appurtenances, that the truth regarding them
may be ascertained. The Editor, therefore, must not be ex-
pected to coincide with all the views expressed by the various
writers. All Correspondence is addressed to the Editor.

CONVERSAZIONE REPORT, CORRECTION.
Will you allow me to correct one or two errors
in the report of the remarks I made at the Con-
versazione of the British Bee-keepers' Association on
the 16th April last. In the report it states that I
tried a plan of my own for ventilation, 'the idea
being suggested by the Gordon fire-grate.' It
should be ' Galton' instead of ' Gordon.' Further on,
' to get rid of the gases I have a little tin box about
1 inch square and 4 inches long,' the length was
omitted in report. The temperature of the hive
has been from 55 to G0° during the winter, not 65°
as reported. ' To get rid of the gases he had a
funnel to within an inch of the top of the hive,'
should be to within an inch of the ' bottom ' of the
hive. — Thos. Wm. Cowan.

ANOTHER CORRECTION.

In your report of the quarterly meeting of the
British Bee-keepers' Association, I notice two in-
accuracies with regard to the representation of the
Lincolnshire Association.

At the close of the fourth paragraph on page 8,
it is stated that the representatives for Lincolnshire
were myself and Mr. Bourne (sic), and at the end
of the report occurs the passage :

' Lincolnshire was represented at the conversazione
by Mr. Godfrey and Mr. Holloway, who are members,
and by Mr. Bolton, who came as a deeply interested
friend.'

Permit me to say that the gentleman who was
deputed to represent the Lincolnshire Association
with me was Mr. S. G. Gamble, of Grantham.

Mr. Godfrey, our Hon. Sec, was present, not as a
representative, but as a member of the committee
of the British Bee-keepers' Association, while Mr.
Bolton, who is also one of our acting committee, was

present as a friend ; I shall be obliged if you will
kindly insert this correction in your next. —
W. H. Holloway, Grantham.

IMPROVED FEEDER.— OLD FOGYISM.

My feeder, which I illustrate herewith, is as fol-
lows : a, cork in bottle with a f-in. hole through
centre, and bevelled inside for plug, b, to fit ; c,
piece of wire fixed to plug to
prevent plug falling into bottle
when placed upright to pour
in the syrup: b projects § in.
below bottom of cork, so that
when placed on perforated
feeder the projection forces
the plug up, and the syrup
comes out of the feeder.

A straw skeppist some
twelve or fifteen miles from
here, whose name I have seen
in 'em's' in connexion with Mr.
Pettigrew, has two stocks left.
He had twenty-five to thirty large straw skeps,
fitted in boxes with covers, <fcc, all complete. Had
he taken in our Journal I venture to predict that
instead of two he might have had near 200 stocks,
instead of an ever-dwindling apiary. The Journal,
reminding us so courteously every month, pre-
vents us forgetting that in the spring hives and
supers are wanted, and must be ready, and in
autumn feeding and packing up for winter must be
done early. My stocks have wintered well with
quilt. I trust that this inauspicious spring may
soon be compensated for by a glorious and successful
summer for our pets. — J. T. Moore, Macclesfield.

V

AN IRISH BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION.
If there is any hope of an Irish Bee-keepers' Asso
ciation, I wish to become a member ; and I think I
can get a few others ; although I cannot take
an active part in it (public) except at the annual show.
Please let me know if there is any hope. I have
invented a box for queen fertilisation ; if I succeed
I shall let you know. — Co. Galway.

[We shall be very glad to receive the names of bee-
keepers who will give help in forming an Association, as
above indicated ; or if a few will join hands and elect an
Hon. Sec. {jrro tern.), we shall be glad to give publicity
to the movement. There are probably many on this
side the Channel who would assist in creating such an
Association, and they may rely on ready help if the
affair be started. — Ed.]

THE QUILT.
I am inclined to think that three or four pieces
of thick printed drugget for the quilt make it too
thick, as there is always much moisture on the floor-
board in one hive, which is not the case in the other
that has house flannel for a quilt. My hives (glass
ones) had no protection all the winter, except
shutters which did not fit close, and the entrance
was not contracted. I changed the floor-boards
once after the snow had gone. The one with thick

Juno 1, 1S79.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

quilt was wet and rather mould}'. I thought the
pieces of coarse striped sheeting, which is laid firm
on the frames, might not be sufficiently open, but
it appears to answer well on the other hive, so that
it cannot he that. — G. T., /l/s//,,/>'.< Stortford.

[The (juill should no1 be of greater thickness than the
warm vitiated air can pass through. If it ho too thick
its upper strata may become too cold, and the vapours
condensing therein, may possibly freeze, which would
render matters much worse. Porosity, securing ventila-
tion without draught, is the desideratum, and perfoct
ventilation above the quilt is indispensable. — Ed.]

CATCHING BEE ENEMIES.

Last year, when down at Dartmoor fishing, I left
my rod for a few minutes stuck up on the bank,
and on returning was surprised to hud two swifts,
one on each hook. I have been thinking- that this
would be a good way of catching the tomtits, etc.,
which annoy the bees so much. — A. P., Weston-
super-Mare.

[Tomtits do not catch bees en the wing, and even if
they did ten times the mischief they do, we coidd not
bring ourselves to angle for them. Poor things ! lib • r-
vient to man, we would make examples by suspending
those killed sharply by leaden hail, hut to let them dang] ■
alive ! the thought causes a shudder. — Ei>.]

WINTER IXC.-- SPRING FLOWERS FOR BEES.

I have managed to winter safely my eight
Cheshire hives. Having tried both with and with-
out the quilt, I think it right to say that during
the past trying season the hives with the quilt have
done well. It is the first winter in which I have
not lost a stock. I left seven of them strong with
comb-stores and bees last autumn, and have not
had to feed any of them. Every few days I have
lifted the quilt, and, finding sealed stores, I was
satisfied to treat them with a little wholesome
neglect. I never reduced the number of frames all
through the winter. Only once did I sec dead
brood brought out. As well as I could judge it was
a little outlying patch that was, in a very cold time,
deserted. The hives did not entirely escape free
from mould on the combs ; but, in two cases, it arose
from the wooden covers not being water-tight, and
so the rain got through. The eighth hive was one
your junior made up by uniting two stocks of bees
out of the hives with foul brood. They made
about eight combs. They got a fair amount of
stores, and have never been without sealed food ;
but, occasionally, I have fed them up to this month,
and they are doing well, not making more comb,
but taking in pollen and increasing in numbers.

Aubrietia I find the best of all spring plants for
bees. Mine have for four or five weeks haunted
the plants with humming as strongly as though
swarming. I have a good deal both of arabis and
myosotis, both of which they frequent, but nothing
like the way they visit the aubrietia. AVith fine
warm weather, I .think appearances promise well
for my bees. Yours are, I hope, prospering. —
J. W. P., Godalming, May ISt/t, 1^7'J.

WINTER EVILS.

I much regret that I was prevented ai tending
the Association's meeting on the 16th April, as the
subject then to lie discussed, 'Abdominal distension,
its cause and remedy,' is one which must be of great
interest to all bee-keepers, especially those who like
myself have discontinued the use of the straw skep
and have ha/1 recourse to early stimulative feeding
as the most effectual way of securing strong stocks,
and therefore full supers. As a unit among s
and more experienced bee-keepers, I must admit
my indebtedness for much valuable instruct ion
from your own pen in the British lire Journal, and
quite agree with you that late feeding is a mistake,
because in the majority of such cases the poor bees
are unable to keep the temperature, of their hive
sufficiently high to evaporate the water from the
syrup, it therefore remains unsealed and in that
state is almost sure to ferment, causing dampness
on the surface of the combs; and if it should chance
to be just above the brood-ncst, the bees themselves
become saturated; the poor tilings in cleansing each
other, or in the endeavour to clear their combs of
the sticky matter, become gorged, and being in
most cases unable to leave the hive become affected
with the disease. Spring stimulative feeding, if
carried on much above the daily wants of the hive,
has no less a tendency to generate this disease, and
from the presence of largo numbers of partly
developed bees the disease is often spread to them.
While the population of the hive is decreasing from
the effects of dysentery lots ef bees having arrived
at the natural length of theil lives, and dying out,
the hive is left much below i:s proper warmth, the
larvae, etc., not unfrequently die in large numbers
and thus lav the foundation for that most fatal of all
diseases 'Foul-brood;' 1 therefore see clearly the
strongest reason for adopting the plan you always
advocate of gentle stimulative feeding in spring, if
feeding is resorted to at all. Another cause of
dysentery among bees, and one which I have no
recollection of seeing hinted at, is the jarring caused
by rain, hail, birds, or violent winds, and in some
cases the rubbing of a bough on the wooden top of
a hive ; this, whether it occurs in the winter or
spring must alarm the bees, and wo know that the
first thing after they are disturbed is that they go
to their food, wdiere under this alarm they gorge far
more than they would in the natural way, and the
season being in many cases unfavourable for a
cleansing flight, I argue that this may cause
dysentery in a hive if often repeated, as much as
injudicious feeding. Before now I have had a hive
or hives exposed to this jarring process and have
found them far more disposed to the disease than
others more favourably placed ; I also notice that
such hives in the summer are more spiteful, and
this may perhaps have been noticed by other
apiarian friends. I do not suppose many of my
readers would like to dispense with the tasteful
tops of their hives, but I would suggest some of
them either using a strip of roofing felt or other
elastic material between the top of hives and the
roofs, I believe their bees will be more healthy in

A 2

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[June 1, 1879.

winter and more civil in summer, as they will not
feel the rattle from wind and storms nearly so
much. — William Hunt, South Warnborough, Winch-
field, May 1st, 1879.

THE SEASON.— COMB FOUNDATION.
We have arrived at May 7th, and the weather is
more like Christmas than May — cold and stormy,
with heavy showers of snow. I am al way's feeding the
bees, as they are getting very little out of doors, and
there is little to get when they can get out, and they
are still partaking of the pea-meal. My stocks have
wintered well, six in bar-frames and two in' straw
skeps. Thejr gave me a very good return last year.
I will give you an instance of one — a small straw
skep. On 1 1th February last year when I examined
it, I found it had sealed brood, and knowing that
they were short of both honey and pollen after the
wet summer of 1877, I made some syrup, and, after
boiling for a time, added as much peas-meal as I
thought sufficient for the quantity of syrup and let
it boil for a few minutes longer, and fed with the
same until I could give artificial pollen outside. I
artificially swarmed it on 14th June,* and put the
swarm into a bar-fraine hive of ten frames. I gave
them a good start, having five frames filled with
empty comb, and filled the other five with impressed
comb-foundation, put into the hive alternately. In
the course of ten days it was full of brood and
honey. I then put on supers (21b. sections), and
received 521bs. finest super honey. Also extracted
about 151bs. from body of hive, and, without any
fall feeding, it has pulled through the long severe
winter, and is at present ill fine condition. So
much for artificial swarming and impressed comb
foundation. — D. Ramsay, Baldovie.

THE SCOTCH BAR-FRAME FEEDER.
It was self-evident that Mr. Cameron could not
be satisfied with the exposure of his pretensions
which I gave ill your number of November last, but
he need not have let the whole world know it. His
addendum in your last was equally unnecessary, as
when a man claims an invention as his, he means
that the idea originated with him. It is surely
strange that Mr. Cameron, prior to his letter in
October, when we were on intimate terms and
frequently in each other's company, never once
hinted at this claim of his. A mutual friend first
told me of it, and I scarcely believed him. The
same friend, seeing how matters were tending,
proposed in July last an arbitration, with a view
to the settlement of the question ; Mr. Cameron
positively refused. When the said party heard from
me that I was going to exhibit at Dumfries, he told
Mr. Cameron and recommended him to send one
also, so that the very challenge which you say took
place at the last meeting of the British Bee-keepers'
Association, might be made by the production of
the two articles : Mr. Cameron still refused. I

* It also sent off two after swarms, one on the 5tla
and one on the 27th June.

exhibited and got the prize, and was duly gazetted
by yourself and others. You may guess my surprise
when Mr. Cameron, in the following number, with-
out a hint to me direct or indirect, issued the
letter which virtually accused me of being an
impostor. My reply should have settled if it did
not satisfy; ho was again approached after this with
a view to a possible reconciliation, and with my
approval offered arbitration. He insisted, however,
not only on choosing the arbiter, but also dictating
the mode of arbitration, and the matter took end.
He vaguely hints at this in his letter, and because I
did not agree to this, he says I am not 'game.' He
is quite correct, and I have no wish to be made
game of. He has found out this already to his cost,
and I hereby warn him that I will not submit to be
shot at from behind a hedge. If there is to be
arbitration, it must be according to the ordinary
practice among civilised nations. — D. Pateeson,
Struan Station, May loth, 1879.

THE BAR-FRAME FEEDER.

I feel obliged by your bringing under the notice
of the British Bee-keepers' Association the Bar-
Frame Bee-feeder.

The objection made to it is one which I fully antici-
pated, but do not find that it is borne out by experi-
ment, as the heat of the hive is so easily transmitted
to the tin and keeps it. I find, however, that they are
better and cheaper made of wood, the main draw-
back being the difficulty of nadiring the wood at all
points impervious to air which is essential to its
working. I am still improving and trust yet to
make it perfect. Weather still cold, we had snow
and frost this morning, wind still from the north-
east, and bees seldom out of doors. — D. Patersox,
Struan, May loth, 1879.

FEEDING WITH QUILT ON.

In reference to ,-

article on feeding \-

th rough quilt, I ar- j
range mine thus : —

A wooden frame to !

put on top of hive, [
liar across with cir-
cular piece with hole

in centre. Cover un- |

derneath with piece \
of tammy, and lay
pieces of carpet or baize cut to fit each compart-
ment at top.— T., Tulse Hill.

A GRUMBLE.
' Sow and plant seeds for flowers and bee3 and prevent
the growth of weeds about the hive don't forget to send
your subscriptions to the Bee Journal if any further in-
formation Sec'

Take away the points from the above, and it will
be rather amusing reading. Be all this as it may,
I owe something for Journals, which I may be able
to pay when I know what it is, — not out of bees, —

June I, 1871).]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

:;:;

oh, dear, all dead in the bar-frame liivcs all alive in
the straw, and should like to find a customer for all
my wooden boxes. I shall go back to my grand-
mother's mode of keeping and killing bees, profit
and account, if time and cost of feeding were
reckoned. What! 'all honey must be the produce of
his own hives,' what bosh! when they have been fed
on sugar half the year or more. Begin bee-keeping
with a strong swarm or more if necessary, to have
a continuance made safe. Next year keep the first
swarm, and destroy the old one, if a second swarm
follow soon on the first and is heavy enough to live
the winter keep it, or else destroy it with the old
one. After the old stock has thrown the first
swarm, and honey-making is good, enlarge the old
hive by nadiring, and in a good season you have a
good lot of honey all profit; brimstone cures all
dysentery, foul-brood, and every abomination brought
about by keeping old stocks. — J. C, Brentford.

FOOT-POWER CIRCULAR SAWS.
I consider it a duty to bee-keepers who may be
thinking of purchasing one of the Circular Saws
offered in Scotland, to advise them to agree carefully
for one that will stand the jar of work, without
much extra expense for new parts before it will
properly go, and further expense, bother, and loss of
much time to keep it going after getting it into work.
I should pity any bee-keeping friend wdio might be
troubled with such a ' loose ' one as was sent here.
— J. Verrier, Salperton Park, 19th May, 1879.

COMB FOUNDATION IN SUPERS.

I think you might profitably advert in your next
Journal to the question of using foundation in
supers. I have probably had more experience than
most in this, and the result is that I am more and
more convinced that the less of it there the better.
At certain seasons large sheets will be worked so
thin, that no one can tell it from natural comb.
But when honey isnglut, and also late in the .
when the temperature falls, many combs will show
the objectionable 'herring-bone.' In the former
case, it seems that the bees being gorged with honey,
and therefore il secreting wax abundantly, neither
have time nor desire to utilise the least particle of
the wax given them. Ill the latter case, the falling
temperature hardens the wax and renders it less
easily worked. I always #find those guides which
arc worked out by tKe bees beforehoney. is coming in
to any great extent, the nearest to natural comb.
They seem glad at that time to get such a job to do.

I would suggest also that judges at coming shows
should make it a point, that super honey should
show no trace, or as little as possible, of the founda-
tion. Looking through the comb against a strong
light will generally detect anything wrong, but if
suspicion exists, the knife will tell the truth. You
will observe from my printed directions that I have
led the way in urging only small guides in supers —
an inch or an inch and a half. Many of my friends,
against my entreaties, used three inches of the
yellowest last year — so that, interested as lam in

the sale of foundation, you may see that I am at
least as anxious to keep our British honey above
suspicion and without fault.

I may, perhaps, write you a short paper on Bees-
wax shortly, a subject too little referred to, and yet
of very great importance to bee-keepers and others.
I have bought and sold large quantities in a raw
State during the last year, and some very strange
tricks have been discovered. — W. Raitt, Blair-
gowrie.

QUEENLE3SNE3S.— BEES REFUSING TO
MAKE QUEEN-CELLS, .fee.

Last autumn I introduced a Ligurian queen into
one of my bar-frame hives, and the bees seemed to
take to her all right ; but this spring I find them
queenlcss, so a week ago I took a frame containing
brood in all stages and put into them (there were
lots of bees to cover it, and a couple more combs).
1 expected when I looked to-day to have found
queen-cells started ; there were lots of young bees
hatched and hatching, but no fresh queen cells.
To-day I have put in a second comb with a nice lot
of brood and plenty of new-laid eggs. I hope I shall
have better success this time — can you tell me why
they have made no attempt to raise queens from the
first lot 1 Is it possible they may have a queen
amongst them that does not lay at all 1 How old
do you consider Vices are before they begin to fetch
pollen into the hive! My own observation leads me
to suppose that that the}* come out of the hive and
fly abroad for three weeks before ever they begin to
carry pollen into the hive. From having introduced'
Ligurians I have had a good chance of observing it
both last year and this. We have only had two
half davs this last fortnight fit for bees to be out. —
Henry Yates, Grantham, May \\)(h, 1879.

[We have often stated, as the result of observation,
that old bees will not raise queen-cells, and this experience
strengthens our theory that they are incapable of forming;
the necessary pap for the development of queens. The
duty devolves upon young bees, and, doubtless, when suf-
ficient have hatch'', I from the newly introduced combs,
k will proceed in pro] t order. It is scarcely
likely that they have a non-laying queen, and it is for-
bur thai a fertile worker has n< I developed in the
hive, or great difficulty would be experienced in re-
queening the hive. Young bees that have no brood to
attend to, as in the presi nt case, after they have sealed
■ La rt given, go to work in a i-ery few days; but
in a thriving hive they have home duties to perform, and
seldom do more thrn play at the front until

they can be dispensed with within. Pray make the pre-
sent a case for careful oh ervation, and kindly report for
others' benefit. — Ed.]

BEES DYING (POISONING?)
I have had a strange affair come under my notice,
which is as follows. A strong hybrid stock in my
apiary daily throws out 200 or 300 bees, not dead,
but unable to fly, and they crawl about in front of
the hive until they die. At first I thought they
. , only turning out the old bees, but they are of
all ages, from very old down to the youngest. Ou
examining them, I find th it were,

as if they had been unable to ease themselves. I

84

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[June 1, 1879.

do not see how it can be put down to dysentery — the
hive has been perfectly dry all the winter, and not
a speck of dampness on either the quilt or combs ;
neither is there any stain in or about the hive as
with dysentery. The brood is perfectly sound and
healthy, and the young bees hatch out as in the
ordinary course of things. The hive is a nine-frame
Woodbury pattern, and the entrance is from three
to four inches wide. It is no use returning the
fallen bees, as they are turned out again immedi-
ately, and the ground iu front of the hive presents
a mass of crawling bees, unable to rise on the wing.
The finer the day, the more are turned out. They
had sealed honey until the end of March, and have
been fed from the middle of the same month till
now with the ordinary sugar syrup. Perhaps you
may be able to explain and give a remedy. — A Sub-
scriber.

[A similar case to the above occurred some years ago,
which was duly recorded in the Journal. It was then
supposed that the bees had access to tome poisonous
plant, or had partaken of food poisoned probably by
accidental contamination. — Ed.]

QUEEN EXCLUDERS AT HIVE ENTRANCES.

' BE WISE IN TIME.'

I often read with pleasure and profit your replies
to Queries in B.B.J. I should like to have written
over your reply to Query No. 309 in May Journal,
the old saying, ' Be wise in time.' And as a
note of warning to many I should like to give
a fact which came under my own observation last
spring, fully bearing out your practical observation
on the subject. A friend of mine last May had
three most splendid stocks in large straw hives,
floor-boards having 3-inch entrances grooved out.
Leaving home one fine morning he was afraid of
their swarming during his absence, thought at once
of what seemed to be a ' gi u id idea,' — not one of your
'new ideas,' exactly. It was to fix a piece of ex-
cluder zinc at the entrances outside — just the thing
— and no sooner thought of than done, 'Capital,
capital ; ' said he, ' I can now leave home without
" swarms on the brain "all daylong.' Returning
home at dusk, horror of horrors ! a large black
living mass at the entrance of each hive, and half
way up and all around it. Nor was this all, for all
the beautiful large combs so heavy with advanced
brood and honey, and softened by intense heat and
suffocation within, had broken down, so sure enough
down came 'cradles, babies and all.' It was a melan-
choly affair ; I helped to make the best of things as
they were. It was a delightfull}7 fine day, and the
bees had gone out in large numbers, when those
within found themselves partially imprisoned, and
not being able to make exit fast enough, the panic
began, and being aggravated from without by the
numbers returning laden, and clamouring to get in,
the temperature rose frightfully, and suffocation
sealed the doom of those within. Never have I
seen such combs of brood, as we found in clearing
up the debris next morning, transferring what wc
could to bar-frames. It was also distressing to see
under each floor-board a considerable heap of pretty

coloured pellets of pollen. Again let me say to
readers of our Journal, who may not think of what
might happen, ' Be wise in time. — Isaiah Gadd,
Wokingham.

QUEEN FERTILISATION, FLIGHT, AND
OVIPOSITING.

Your reply to my inquiries in this month's Join rial
is certainly a conclusive one, though wh}T the matter
has hitherto been written of in such a hesitating
manner is puzzling. For example, in last paragraph
but one, in leaflet 'Bees,' where the terms ' on which
doubt rests,' 'it is generally said,' &c. Several
writers do not even guess at this. I now crave
further knowledge. Given average good bee-weather
— on that day from the day of hatching does the
virgin queen take her short flight, and is it before
or immediately after the exit of first swarm 1 A
second natural swarm may be looked for in nine
days ; at what age does the next virgin queen take
her flight ? Do drones emerge with these virgins,
and at what age docs the queen begin to lay eggs] —
F. P.

[The leaflet 'Bees' was originally published by the
'Science and Art Department,' South Kensington, and in
our opinion was so pithy a resume of the natural history
of the honey-bee, that we begged permission to re-publish
it, as a leaflet. The writer is evidently ' a compiler,' and
not a practical hand, hence his 'hesitation,' for which we
are not responsible. Replying to your further ' craving- '
for knowledge, we wouldsay that the young queen under
the conditions named would probably leave the hive on
the third or fourth day of her life, and wonld commence
Ovipositing on the sixth or seventh. Young- queens do
not exist (normally) until seven or tight days after the
first swarm has left the hive, and on the ninth day after
one or mi ire lea ves with second swarms. It then becomes
a question of bee-expediency, — if the bees do not intend to
form more colonies, swarming ceases and all other queens
saving the one which will reign will he destroyed. If
swarming- he continued, they may issue daily until the
supply of queens becomes exhausted, or a l)t of little
swarms may come off simultaneously, each young queen
having only a handful of attendants. — Ed.]

CHEAP HIVES.
You will remember you made me one of your
commonest Cottager hives at 4.?. 6d. last spring,
with eight large-sized frames, and fixed bottom. I
wished to give the simplest and cheapest hives a
fair trial. The sides of the hive are barely half-
inch deal boards. The cover was slightly broken in
transit, so that it did not even shoot the water well
off the sides. I put a swarm in this hive on the
1st of June last, and fed it for a week, as the
weather was indifferent. In a month the swarm
had filled the hive with combs, and very fairly
garnished them with hone}'. At the end of August
I took away one comb containing about 71bs. of
honey for consumption, and replaced it by a dummy,
and shut the hive up for good, not touching it
before the winter. It, therefore, contained seven
frames, pretty well filled with honey, and lots of
bees. The weight of the hive I took, and satisfied
myself that it was sufficient, but have no record of
it. The only thing I did afterwards was to paste one

June 1, 1870.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

35

fold of brown paper round the walls of the hive.
Further than this, it had no protection whatever
during the whole winter, and it stood on a stand in
the open garden.

The winter has been quite as severe as anything you
have had in England. A careful register of the ther-
mometer gave the following average temperatures : —

November. December. January. February.

Maximum 43-7 3(>-4 38-0 43-7
Minimum 341 2G-G 20-1 84i

We had fifty-two days of frost in December and
January, and on ten days the thermometer fell
below 20° Fahr.

I opened the hive to-day for the first time, as the
weather has been so cold all the spring. I found
every frame cram to the full with sealed brood, and
still a little old honey in the hive. The hive is full
of bees, dry, with no dirt on the floor-board ; and
when I had removed all the frames and shaken the
bees out of it I could really find nothing to clear
away. It would be impossible to see a hive in
more satisfactory condition. Further than I have
recounted, I really have done nothing to help it. I
added to the thickness of the quilt by a bit of old
carpet, and latterly only I have put a bit of old
drugget over the hive, as I feared the brood I knew
it contained being chilled during the cold nights we
have had lately in the spring. All winter it stood
in the open air with nothing over it. I would not
draw general conclusions from one instance, but for
myself I am satisfied from this example, that the
cheapest form of hives you send out is capable, as
it is, and without further expense, of preserving a
colony of bees through a severe winter, and a more
than ordinarily severe spring ; and my own belief
that what enables the hive to do this is proper
ventilation. This proper ventilation is insured by
the quilt. Bad ventilation causes humidity in the
warmest hive ; aud it is humidity in the hives,
more than dry cold, that kills our bees in winter.
Towards the spring, when the brood is coming on,
warmth is, however, absolutely necessary. I may
add that I have not seen a hundred dead bees before
this hive since last October. As after all, the possi-
bility of bar-frames being made available to the
poorest bee-keepers should be our main object, I
think a carefully conducted experiment like this is
not without interest. — G. Pearson, Nancy, France.

A BEE COMPANY.
I have started a big bee company, and we intend
commencing this year with 300 hives. Our head-
quarters will lie East Brent, whence the hives will be
moved in the autumn for the heather, to the large
peat moor between Highbridge aud Glastonbury. If
you mention it in body of Journal I shall be glad, if
you will also say that we are attempting to start a
bee show at Weston again (Weston-super-Mare ). The
last show, owing to a falling off in the subscriptions,
left nearly 20/. for the secretary and others to make
up, and we were unable to send out the medals
promised. We have had a meeting, and from the
promises received, we hope soon to send out the back
medals and have a good show this year. — Obed
Poole, Weston-super-Mare, May 22nd, 1 879.

IMPORTANT SALE OF BEES AT DALRY.

After the trying winter, many of the apiaries in Scot-
land have suffered, and it wis with joy many proceeded
to Dairy on the 24th ult. to Mr. James Anderson's sale,
a tried bee-keeper, who was only parting with his excel-
lent stock on account of a new situation calling more
upon his time. It may be remembered that this gentle-
man went to London on the occasion of the first show in
1*74 at the Crystal Palace, and carried off the first
prize there, astonishing our friends across the border
with Ins beautiful Stewarton boxes.

The following was the order of sale and prices realised
in less than forty minutes : —

No. Kind.

Wt.
lbs.

Price,
s. d.

Buyer.

1 Cross of yellow queen

25

39 0

Mr. Alexander.

2 First cross oE yellow queen, 1878

40 0

„ Wilkic.

3 Young black queen, 1S78

33

42 0

„ McArthur.

4 Black queen of 1878

42

50 6

„ Bennett.

5 First cross of yellow queen, 1878

24

37 0

„ Wilkie.

6 Top swarm black queen ...

21

40 0

,, Ferguson.

7 ,, „ „ 1877

23

33 0

„ Sword.

8 Second cross of yellow queen, 1878

27

40 6

,, Sword.

9 Cross of black queen, 1878

32

41 6

,, Bennett.

10 Top swarm cross of yellow queen, 1877

23

43 0

,, Ferguson.

11 First cross of yello.v queen, 1878

43 0

„ McDonald.

12 Stale Black queen, 1877

30

42 0

„ Muir.

13 Pure Ligurian, a beautiful queen

48 6

,, Bennett.

It Black queen of 1878

25

39 0

,, Bennett.

IS Cross of yellow queen

26

4t 0

„ Ferguson.

Ill Black queen of 1877

30

40 0

„ Bennett.

17 Pure Ligurian queen, 1878

32

66 6

„ Bennett.

18 Cross of yellow queen, 1877

42 6

„ Bennett.

19 „ „ ,, 1878

43 0

„ Robertson.

20 Cross of black queeu, 1878

Si 0

„ Ritchie.

21

38 0

,, Bennett.

22

36 0

„ Willcie.

23

12 0

„ Bennett.

Total Amount

£ s. d.

Mr. Bennett

20 12 0

„ Wilkic

5 13 0

,, Ferguson

6 7 0

„ Sword

3 14 6

,, McDonald

2 3 0

,, Muir...

2 2 0

,, Robertson

2 3 0

,, Ritchie

1 13 0

,, McArthur ...

2 2 0

,, Alexander

£

1 19 0

18 9 0

NOTES FROM MY DIARY

Feb. Gth. — Examined hives, found all very healthy and
strong, with plenty of sealed corub except in No. 3, where
there was not much food left. Fed ditto. (No. ." was a
second swarm, taken in July last.)

March 1st. — Began to feed all hives, so as to promote
breeding, and p'.aced out Artificial Pollen on every tine
day, which they took freely.

March 8th. — Examined hives, all very healthy, with
plenty of sealed comb left. Gave clean bottom boards to
all hives.

April 1st. — Left off feeding, except with A. R., each
hive having taken about 21bs. of barley sugar and syrup,
(at :\Ul. per lb).

April 'Mh. — Dees began to refuse A. P.

April \Ath. — Weather very cold and wet; gave a little
food to all hives.

April 2Gth.— Left off A. P.

April 26t/i. — A few drones flying.

May 22nd. — No. 1 lave swarmed into a dead hive be-
longing to my man — (My man wintered three black stocks
in straw hives, but two of them died in the spring. He
left these hives on their stools, and it was into one of the:e
that my bees swarmed.) The swarm was headed by an
imported queen; therefore his greater gain and iny greater
loss. They must have gone off straight to his hive with-
out settling, otherwise I might have seen them. My other
hives are all very full, and I hope to get all my first
swarms off this week, and then I shall begin to super'
Your correspondent, ' A London Bee-keeper,' expressed a
wish in the February number of the British lice Journal,
that he should like to know how my Ligurian stock (the

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[June 1, 1879.

one lie took an interest in), would be off for drones in
April and May. They have a fair number, but not too
many, and will probably swarm to-morrow, as they are
now hanging out quite thickly. — Captain C. A.,'Mui/
23rd.

■ BEE-KEEPING MADE EASY.
By a Cottager.

( Continued from p. 25.)

When I say leave your hives alone, I don't mean
that you are never to look at them, but, on the con-
trary, make yourself sure that the bees are there,
and alive and well. All this cau be ascertained
without stirring the hives. Make the bees accus-
tomed to your presence, and the moment you go
amongst the hives they'll come out to greet you.
The following facts will illustrate a good many bee-
keepers. Farmer Giles lived a short distance from
my homestead, and in the summer of 1870 a swarm
escaped from one of bis best hives. He followed
in pursuit about two miles across country till the
be:s alighted on Farmer Jones's land. The latter
would not give up the bees to the rightful owner,
but hived them himself and set them apart in his
garden. The bees went to work, never heeding the
quarrel, and very soon stocked the hive to repletion.
All went well, and the bees were nicely located in
their winter quarters, ' secure and free.' In dull
November Farmer Giles, being aware of his loss,
hastened by stealth to Jones's garden, placed an
empty hive upon the stand, securing it as its
former occupant, and carried bis favourites away in
triumph. It was far away in the summer of 1871
when Jones discovered that he had nought but an
empty hive, and he wondering all the time why bis
bees were not swarming. It often occurs to me
how a good many people are able to have bees at
all. They'll begin bee-keeping this year, and next
year go about performing feats with their bees that
end in ruin to themselves and their pets. When
the}' fail, they get disgusted. It takes a good deal
of time and patience to surmount difficulties, and
become a successful bee-keeper. I think during all
your operations it is better to be guided by common
sense. One night on my return from work, during
the mouth of April, my wife complained that the bees
were robbing her hive (for so she called the rescued
sulphurites). I said, 'I'll soon remedy that.' To work
I went, erected a stand, placed empty hive thereon,
got a couple of shallow plates, put used-up tea-
leaves thereon, and poured in a good supply of
syrup ; and next night, on my return, I learned
that this had the desired effect ; so I continued this
for some time, and even the bees in her own hive
came to taste of the sweets made as follows : — 41bs.
best lump sugar, 1 quart water, when boiling put in
1 glass vinegar from own plant, half glass brandy,
boil all 10 minutes, and bottle.

On April 25th I purchased an additional stock
(skep). I was carrying it in a cloth when the part
I had hold of slipped, and down went hive and all
with a smash on the sod. I grasped end of cloth,
and held it again firmly, hive and all under my

arm. I felt that three of the combs, bees and all,
were lying in a lump ou the cloth. The bees made
dreadful roaring, but I got them home, placed them
upon the stand, pushed up the combs (through
cloth) into their places, and then opened the cloth,
leaving all so for the night. I got up early next
morning, and prepared two skewers to thrust
through the combs to support them, and called out
wife to pull out cloth when I'd lift up hive. I
lifted up the hive, she pulled out cloth, when lo,
and behold ! the bees themselves had made good
all breaches, and this saved me trouble of skewer-
ing. The bees being in strange quarters on their
return laden with pollen alighted on boards of other
hives, out came the sentinels ; and just as fight was
about beginning, the housewife brushed all off with
a switch, and every one returned to its respective
quarters, and all was peace and quietness after two
days. I shall tell you next time how to create
market for bees and honey. — J. Traynor, Tinahehj.
(To be continued.)

AFTER FOUR YEARS' EXPERIENCE.

I received the vulcanite, and am obliged to 3Tou
for forwarding it so promptly. I send you enclosed
a P. 0. 0. and stamps in payment of that account,
and of my subscription for the new volume of the
Journal now due. This will be the fourth year
that I have had the Journal; and I may say that
I do not regret the money spent, as I consider that
I could not in any other manner have acquired the
same knowledge of managing my bees. From the
books published doubtless much may be gained ;
but at a time when so rapid progress is being made
as now, books are soon left behind. And besides
the timely information of the Journal, it is, as it
were, the stimulation of the bee-keeper, inciting
him to early and vigorous work — frequently as
necessary and useful to him as to his bees. My
five or six years' experience in bee-keeping affords
hope to beginners ; for I started without the faint-
est practical knowledge of the subject, my sole in-
ducement to do so being the sight of a rustic picture
of a range of hives under a wall, which I met with
in a book upon garden management, to which was
appended a concise, but most interesting, account
of bee-keeping in various countries. I had never
seen a swarm taken, and always took care to give
any hives I came across a wide berth. Also, I am
not a very bold character (although I can manage
to screw nry courage up to the sticking-point when
required), and I soon found myself getting dread-
fully flustered at very inconvenient moments. I
have the disadvantage, too, that a sting makes a
terrible example of me. Modern hives were no
more known in this locality than Cetcwayo ; and
although I got some assistance from a bee-keeper of
over twenty years' experience, as much in love with
his bees as the Irishman with his pig, he had no
more notions of modern appliances than the Man
in the Moon — assuming that that gentleman has
none (although more may be known about bees in
that lunar region than we are able to give credit
for). Now, I am not a bee-leaver in the old style,

June 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

and have no rooted objection to progress, and I
have consequently tried my hand at most of the
improvements recently introduced, and can now
manage any of the necessary operations with suc-
cess. I have wooden hives of various kinds, and
have supered, extracted, transferred, united, and
Ligurianized. I remove my bees to the heather in
the autumn, and stimulate with syrup and pea-flour
in the spring; and, as the result of considerable
experience, I can support those who hold that the
new system is the more profitable, as well as the
more humane — and this in a district where thirty
pounds per hive is considered the ne plus ultra of a
honey harvest.

Before concluding, I will offer one or two sug-
gestions which may be useful to those of your
readers who are beginning bee-keejjing. It is a
capital plan always to use a veil. One may feel
proud to do without it ; but, after all, whatever one's
skill or coolness, accidents will occur if this pre-
caution be neglected — and it is neither pleasant nor
polite to look at people with one eye open and the
other significantly closed, and it is the reverse of
encouraging.

Next, as to Hives. Abbott's Standard is the best.
The Cheshire hive is an excellent one, and will give
satisfaction ; but Abbott's is more efficient, and
easier to manage, and better to imitate for those who
wish to male their own. For the latter purpose I
prefer one without legs.

Pea Flour. — The best way I have tried of ad-
ministering this is, to place an old skep full of
comb in the spot where it is intended to stand
the box containing the pea-flour. If it contain no
honey a little syrup should be run into the combs.
If this be done on a warm day the bees will crowd
into it, and at night the box may be substituted for
it, and. on the following day they will find pollen
instead of syrup. Robbing will not be encouraged,
but rather diverted, if this be done at least ten
yards from the apiary.

New Feeder. — Although you kindly sent mo the
vulcanite at once, I was put to a strait for want of
it, and it occurred to me to improvise a . feeder
made of a piece of blue slate, by boring a small
hole through it with a fine bradawl, and it answers
capitally.

My bees have come through this remarkable
winter very well ; but I have noticed more dysen-
tery than usual — perhaps due to my having
them too long upon the moors last autumn. —
J. J. Houn.sfield, Hackeathorpe Hall, near Sheffield,

SINGLE AND DOUBLE-WALLED HIVES.

The question whether double-walled hives have
any practical advantage in our climate over single-
walled ones is of great importance ; for if a dead-
air space is necessary for protection there is an
utter barrier to the introduction of bar-frames
among cottagers and working men.

A double-walled hive costs at least 25s. to 30s.,*

* Not strictly correct, as Abbott Brothers No. 4 and 10
are 12s. Qd., and 5 and 11, lis. each only. — Ed.

while a thoroughly good hive made of inch wood
can bo bought at from 7s. to 10s. Perhaps, in the
old days of wooden crown-boards a single thickness
of wood was not sufficient protection ; but with a
quilt, or other warm ventilating cover, on the top
of the frames, I believe that an inch thickness of
wood is all that is required, and to pay three times
the price for a double-walled hive is simply throw-
ing away money. Although several writers recom-
mend a dead-air space, I have never read any com-
plaints of a single thickness of wood being found by
practical experience to be insufficient ; but if any
one has such experience, I hope he will come for-
ward, in order that the question may be fully
discussed.

My hives are made of inch deal, painted,
Fugglc's pattern (Abbott's Standard Frame only
two inches shallower.) They were all fairly strong
in the autumn ; three had driven bees added to
them. The loss during the winter was as follows : —

Oct. 20,

1878.

Fol

. 27, 1879.

Los

lbs.

lbs.

lbi

35

27

8

GO

48

12

38

'■':')

27

28

11

35

::<>

5

35

274

No. 2 is a large straw hive.

The loss of bees during the winter was very
small. At the present time they arc all strong and
actively breeding, and have been some time. The
past winter has been as severe a test (as far as
regards cold) as we can ever expect to have ; and
unless it can be proved that double-walled hives
are advantageous in mild winters or warm weather
they must give way to simpler and cheaper hives.
I have used on the top of some of my hives a light
frame, two inches deep, covered with cheese-cloth
and filled with sawdust, or, preferably, wheat-chaff
(not straw-chaff). I prefer it to the quilt, as it is
warmer, and never gets sodden with moisture. It
is, however, not so convenient for feeding. — A. W,,
Hereford.

BEE SOCIETIES,

Since the advent of the British Bee Journal bee-
keeping in this country has got such an immense impulse
which has already established it as an important branch
of rural economy.

Those who kept bees before now manage with increased
pleasure and profit, and hundreds who never dreamt, of
having bees are going into' the pursuit with enthusiasm.
Since the formation of the British Bee-keepers' Association
bee societies have sprung up all over the land and are
yearly increasing-in numbers and importance. All those
societies have the same aim, viz., the encouragement of
practical bee-keeping. Every new society has its own
rod:' of rules framed "according to its own ideas but with
sum i similarity in them all. They have all been more oi-
l's; successful in their object, although not altogether
financially prosperous. I see the Caledonian's balance is
on the wrong side of (he sheet. Pity 'tis so, for want
of means is a serious block to any undertaking. The
parent association seems to be a thriving colony in this
respect since it pot rid of the foul brood. The East of
Scotland has all along kept up its stores, although it has
promoted more local shows than any Society extant.

The English County Associations are all in a floiirishing

88

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[June 1, 1879.

condition and yearly increasing in numbers and im-
portance.

There is a certain amount of rivalry between all the
societies which so long as it is legitimate is healthy and
does good. Let the truth, however, be told, there is far
too much envious opposition between them. Some are also
conservative, and do not wish to progress with the times.
Among the individual members there are too many
petty jealousies, angularities, and trivial misunder-
standings, which are neither good for themselves nor for
the societies with which they are connected. There is, in
short, a want of mutual forbearance which ought not
to exist. "Why should this be so ? The aims and objects
of all societies are similar — the encouragement and
advancement of humane and profitable bee-keeping.

The modus operandi of the moveable comb principle and
section supers to attain this object is rapidly extending,
and will be adopted in a short time, a few years at most,
by every class and every individual worthy of being a
bee-keeper. There are a great many bee-keepers every-
where who will not join a bee society because they
don't see any good in doing so. Let such glance at the
history of any bee society in the kingdom, and they will
get practical proofs of the amount of gocd they are
doing. Let them ask the Secretary of any society, and
he will soon convince them if facts will do it. Others,
again, are so stingy they will not join a society, because
a paltry half-crown or five shillings a-year bars the way.
Many of those who are members and enthusiastic bee-
keepers are very remiss and careless in paying their
subscriptions when due. The sum is so small that possibly
they think it can't be much up or down, although tin y are a
few months behind and the secretary or treasurer knows
theyare good for the amount. The sum is small individually ,
but it is everything collectively. Many others, again,
think that when they had paid their first subscription
with perhaps a donation to form the society, that it
ought tn flourish without any more calls on them. All
these militate against the usefulness of a society, and
gives its officials a good deal of concern and anxiety,
besides extra work, and as a matter of course entails
extra expense. Every one who has a few hives of bees
ought to become a member of the bee society in his or
her district. It is in numbers that strength lies, and
increased strength will give increased usefulness and
greater good will ensue. All who are members oiiu'lit tn
rigidly attend to the rules of their society, the rules and
regulations they have laid down for themselves, especially
regarding the payment of their subscriptions. The day
they are due they ought to be paid as punctually as
dividends are paid by the Bank of England. The amount
is so small that really there is no excuse for dilatoriness.
"When one reflects how it eases the mind of the treasurer
to have his subscriptions in hand, and also how this
security enables the secretary to know what he may do,
and enables him to put forward fresh efforts in extending
the usefulness of the society.

Notwithstanding all the drawbacks I have mentioned,
and many more not touched on, bee societies have
flourished and increased. It seems to me, however, that
they could he made more useful and more flourishing if
there was a better bond of unity between them. Bee-
keepers and bee societies are bound together by ties of
common interest. Why should not bee-keepers have a
mystic bond of brotherhood, like freemasons, gardeners,
ite. ? Seeing that the object and aim of bee sock-ties
are alike, why should they not have one code of rides or
regulations, applicable to all ? In place of being, as at
present, divided and disunited, would it not be possible
to amalgamate them altogether, and have only one Society
in the whole kingdom ?

I observe the British Bee-keepers' Association are
moving for more united action between themselves and
the English country Associations. This is certainly a
tep in the right direction, and shows that the parent

society is anxious to extend its usefulness. But why
not embrace the whole kingdom at once ? The plan is
feasible, as it would only need a very mild form of re-
volution to carry it out. It merely means one head
central Association, with branches all over the kingdom.
Once this National Society of Bee-keepers was instituted,
it coidd be established by ' Boyal Charter.'

Its exertions would be directed to the promotion of
scientific and practical apiculture, and could have branches
in every district or county in the kingdom, from which
representatives could be elected to manage its affairs,
allot prizes to be competed for at the district shows, ap-
point judges, employ experts or lecturers to illustrate
and teach the natural history of the honey bee and prac-
tical bee-keeping in districts where such aid was neces-
sarv, and, of course, have a powerful journal, ' our own,'
for instance, entirely devoted to its interests, where
proper and correct teaching would go on from month to
month, and where all the transactions of the Society
would be regularly published. The Government ought
to give an annual grant to such an institution. Besides
patrons, presidents, &c, there might be honorary, life, ex-
traordinary, and ordinary members, and one well-paid
official would conduct all the business of secretary and
treasurer.

Even our cr.;::ins across the water might be induced
to becom: members of such a society, for they lack
knowledge on many points, and their education has been
sadly neglected in the matter of doing the right.

If you were taking this matter in hand, Mr. Editor,
and devoting an article or two in your able style to this
subject, this ' uniting of swarms,' I have no doubt you
would very soon arrange the basis of a happy union of
the different societies.

Once there was a proper groundwork of understanding,
details cotdd be easily settled. — J . S., Arbroath.

KECOLLECTIONS OF BEE-KEErLXG.

Although I am only a junior, and as yet a novice in
bee-keeping, yet I have, I may say, been amongst bees
for fourteen or fifteen years. My father is an extensive
bee-keeper, and of course very fond of his pets.

The first I can rememb?r about bees is that when any
of them swarmed, I was very anxious to see them hived,
and would go quite near to watch. I next remember a
mischievous hoy (of course I was not one of that class)
pushing a stick into the hire, but whether the bees bad
been tamed or not, or whether they were too weak to
defend themselves, I did not know, at all events I thought
thej- were rather tame in their resentment, ho getting off
without a sting. Soon I rejoiced in being the happy
possessor of a hive of my own, it being my birthday pre-
sent from my father. But I think that it was either a
bad seas n for honey, or else my bees had intrigued to-
gether not to work for me : be that as it may, I did not
get any honey from them. I think the queen must have
grown old, and did not replenish the hive with young
bees, or else they had no queen at all, for, during the
following season, while a hive placed beside mine, belong-
ing to my father, gathered '22 lbs. of super honey, mine
was still idle.

The next year I exchanged my bees for the colony that
had gathered the super honey, and thought that perhaps
now I might have a chance to make a httle profit from
them. But no such luck! I succeeded no better with
these.

About this time father had his first stock of Ligurians.
I remember them being brought by him from Mr.
Abbott's, who was then at Ilanwell, and I too remember
that they were suffocated during their journey, by the
intense heat. Only a few bees remained abve, but by
these I could distinguish the difference between their ap-
pearance and that of the black bees. Not to be disap-
pointed, father had another colony of Liguriaus, which

June 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

39

arrived safely. How carefully -were these tended, almost
like a child ! I can recollect an incident which happened
ahout this period, which, though not amusing at the
time, we have often laughed about since. Seeing Mr.
Abbott's advice about ' warming up ' {i.e., warming the
bees during the winter nights by means of a lamp) father
intended to try it. Accordingly, everything being in
readiness, we sallied forth, lantern in hand, one very
dark night, to place the bees on their warm stand. My
father lifted up the hive, and placed it in its required
place. I suppose we must have disturbed them, or some-
thing, for there were some dozens of the bees left on the
floorboard. Directly they saw the light, of course they
flew towards it. I put down the lantern in a hurry (I
was not over bold in facing a bee) and ran away, leaving
my father to manage as best he could.

The bees crept on hirn, and up his legs, and stung him
one after another, but at last he succeeded in getting
some of them into the hive, and then he retired to dress
his wounds. Before the next ' warming-up,' he took the
precaution to put a thin floorboard under the hive, and
then ho lifted them, board and all, together, on to the
' warmer,' and so we did not have any more escapades
that winter.

In the following spring father and I visited the apiary
of Mr. Abbott, which was then at Ilanwell.

We went by excursion train (on Easter Monday) os-
tensibly to go to London, but we got out at Ilanwell
instead of going on farther. Here we spent four or fi^e
hours, during which time we looked around the ' bee-
farm,' with which we were very much pleased. We
were courteously treated by Mr. Abbott, who in-
vited us to dinner, after which we proceeded on to
London, and after a little time spent there, we returned
home, highly gratified by our first visit to Mr. Abbott's
apiary, though thoroughly tired, having travelled during
the day a distance of about 220 miles.

For some time^all went on as usual, and in a year or
two our apiary had increased. I now became useful as
my father's assistant during his manipulations, blowing
smoke, &c. We used a smoker that fitted on the pipes
of a pair of bellows, which answered very well, at least
for me, for I could stand at a respectful distance from
the sometimes angry bee, and yet be able to blow smoke
when required. Sometimes this smoker would come un-
soldered duriug operations, and then it was rather
awkward. (We now use Neighbour's smoker, which
works excellently.)

Once we had opened (I say we, for, like the organ-boy,
I blew the bellows) a bar-frame hive, and had put mi the
crown-board, which consisted of four or five pieces of
wood, each three or four inches wide. Imagining that
they did not fit well together, my father proceeded to
push both sides, when the middle pieces flew up. Out
came the bees with a vengeance, and I, though protected
by a veil, fled in consternation from the scene, taking
with me what would have been my father's weapon of
defence — the smoker. I, however, ventured again to come
near, and soon all was right.

After a year or two I owned a stock of Ligurians,
which then gave me a little honey.

The apiary had increased to about thirty colonies. It
was the height of swarming time, when my father was
compelled to leave home for a week, leaving me in charge
of the bees. The first day there issued forth a monstrous
swarm from a hive containing twenty frames, and vs hich
was win-king supers. They fettled" rather awkwardly,
but after some little difficulty I hived them into a Wood-
bury hive, which they nearly filled with bees then, and
soon afterwards filled quite with combs and honey.
Several other swarms came afterwards, which were suc-
cessfully hived.

I think that T am now a little bolder, and not quite so
afraid of the ' business end ' of a bee, and so you must
nut class me as a coward. — A Junioh in Bee-keeping,

A FEW WORDS TO COUNTRY MINISTERS

ABOUT BEES.

By one or Themselves.

Axioms. — The following axioms, given by Mr. Lang-
stroth, are just as true to-day as they were when written
by that noted author.

There are a few first principles in bee-keeping which
ought to be as familiar to the apiarist as the letters of
the alphabet.

1. Bees gorged with honey never volunteer an attack.

2. Bees may always be made peaceable by inducing
them to accept liquid sweets.

3. Bees, wlien frightened by smoke or by drumming
on their hives, fill themselves witii heney and lose all
disposition to sting, unless they are hurt.

4. Bees dislike any quick movements about their
hives, especially any motion which jars their combs.

5. lu districts where forage is abundant only for a
short period, the largest yield of honey will be secured
by a very moderate increase of stocks.

6. A moderate increase of colonies in any one season,
will, in the long run, prove to be the easiest, safest, and
cheapest mode of managing bees.

7. Queenless colonies, unless supplied with a queen,
will inevitably dwindle away, or be destroyed by the
bee-moth, or by robber-bees.

8. The formation of new colonies should ordinarily
be confined to the season when bees are accumulating
honey ; and if this, or any other operation must bo
performed, when forage is scarce, the greater precaution
should be used to prevent robbing.

The essence of all profitable bee-keeping is contained
in Oettl's Golden Rule : Keep all your stocks
strong. If you cannot succeed in doing this, the more
money you invest in bees, the heavier will be your
losses ; while, if your stocks are strong, you will show
that you are a bee-master as well as a bee-keeper, and
may safely calculate on generous returns from your
industrious subjects.

'Keep all Colonies Stbong.'

EXTRACTS FROM THE DIARY OF A LADY
BEEKEEPER.

(Continued from Yol. YI. p. 234.)

1878. — Began with the 2 new swarms and 1 cast,
Swarm from P.'s No. 1, May 29th, 1877. Call No. 4
hive and weighed 3 lbs. 14 ozs.

Feb.— Not fed at all in 1877.

10///. — Examined hive — all right — quite heavy enough.

April. — Fed with a few lumps of sugar — a bad plan.

June ■'<rd. — A capital swarm, at 11.30 put in Wood-
bury hive.

Sept. — No. 4 in good condition, not fed at all through
the winter.

No. 5.

Swarm of No. 2, May 31st. Hive weighed 7 lbs. 8 ozs.
Put into Abbott's ' Cottage Standard' — fed a little at
first.

June 7th. — Three bars with wax begun on them.
Glorious !

8rt.— Left off feeding.

Aug. 1st. — Took out a bar full of honey. Proud wo
are !

No. 6.

2nd Swarm from No. 1 put into A. B.'s old hive. Fed
from Jan. to 4th April.

May 7th. — Looked very like swarming ; went in again.

14?/-. „ „ „ „

23rrf. „ „ „ „

24tA. — Swarmed all over the hive ; went in again.

26//;. — Swarmed properly ; a capital swarm. For want

40

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[June 1, 1879.

of a better tire, it was put into ' Pagden's Nadir,' which
answered very well.

June Qth. — Looked into this new swarm, it is filled
with new conih about 5 or G inches long.

Sept, — Examined No. 6, all eight, but fight ; fed for a
month. Old S. argued with me about cutting off the
floor-board of the nadir, as I stoutly refused he took
offence, and went off with my wax. I have never seen
him since. Jubilate ! Good riddance.

No. 7.

May 26th. — A good swarm from No. 4 ; put into P.'s
old straw skep ; fed three weeks ; doing well. P. came
and examined my hives without veil or gloves. As P.
worked without, so the little boy E. refused to use either
in future, and has not had one sting yet. I have grown
callous to stings. I get them continually, and my face
seems in a chronic state of full moon beauty, looking so
lovely, good-tempered, nothing were ever so laughable.
Quite believe bee-stings a cure for rheumatism, as I have
no signs of it. Advised Mr. C, who suffers martyrdom,
to try it, but he refused, politely. I wonder at his dense-
ness. He says he should prefer rheumatism to bee-stings,
with the accompanying beauty ! Vanity, like pride,
must suffer.

No. 8.

June 1st. — A swarm from No. 5, put into one of A.
B.'s old straw skep for want of something better ; put in
some old comb.

21st. — Examined the hive, found the wax had fallen
down, and lying in a heap on the floor-board, all but one
piece, on which the bees were thickly clustered, and had
increased it so much it nearly touched the bottom of the
hive, where the rest of the old comb lay. What a good
thing we looked into the hive !

No. 9.

June 2-lth. — Another cast from somewhere ; put it in

another old skep — tho more the merrier — will they go on
so for ever ?

£ s. d.

Furniture from Abbott & Co. . . . 2 12 8

Bee Journal for 1878, Gs.; 1877, 10s. . 0 1G 0

Expenses for supers, work, taking hives, &c. 3 17 4
Drone-trap, 3s. 6a., lOd. carriage, wax guides,

2s. id., wood for fitting up, Gs. Crf. . . 0 13 2

(Barley sugar, 2s. Gd.) 7 19 2

Add balance from 1877 1 G G

£9 5 8

Bee-keeping a very unprofitable undertaking in my
case, must try to do better, or give it up.

1879. Feb. 12th.— S. examined hives, all doing well ;
gave them barley sugar.

13th. — Rain all day ; made bee syrup.

Ibih. — Very fine day. S. cleaned out ell the hives.
Very few dead bees, except in Pagden's nadir, and only
about a handful there. Had seen them fighting. S.
thinks feeding of no use now as all the hives are very
heavy, especially the Abbott's Cottage Standard ; I can-
not lift it.

17th. — Found the mouths of the hives No. 1 and 2 not
set right with the slope of the floor-boards. Tried to
move them round to their right places. Found them set
fast. Left them. Perhaps it is all right, for the hives
are too near each other, and this makes the space greater.
Bees at work as though it were spring; all about the
Portugal laurels and fir-trees, and cabbage tribe of
laurels.

18th. — Have already found fifty-eight dead bees, and
107 which have recovered in my warm hand. I wish they
woidd be more careful and keep indoors this cold
weather, but nature will out.

March 1st. — Found the bees busy over the pea-
flour at last, but it seems to be only curiosity. They
brush it away with their wings, but do not carry it into
their hives. Neither do they care for the barley sugar,
they are too well off.

2nd. — Tired of watching them. They are out when-
ever the weather is at all fit. Not caring for sunshine.

3rd. — A. B. here; promised to give him two swarms of
bees if I get them (coals of fire on his head ! ) Advised
him to try bar-hives ; especially Abbott's Cottage
Standard, 8s. 6d. not painted.

Shall put the swarms into two of her own old skeps,
and let her have them transferred into the A. C. S. when
they arrive at K.

Mrs. E. advised me to go to her husband for advice.
Am afraid; he serves me so. Have already had too many
advisers for my comfort, and pocket. I love my bees
dearly. They are as good as children to me, hut very
expensive ones. I can as well realise the man in the
moon, as the good accounts one reads of from the reports
of honey gathering. Would that I may have like
experience in the year of 1879. — M. B.

ITEMS OF IMPOETANCE,

BY MES. E. S. TUPPEB.

In the early days of our- bee-keeping, especially after we
began to use moveable comb hives, we found thedesire to
examine our bees and see what they were about almost
irresistible. Every few days the bees were brought up,
hives opened, and exhibited to company. We had 'ven-
tilation on tho brain ' then, too, and greatly overdid it ;
so much so that some colonies nearly ' went up ' on oc-
count of a draught through the hive nearly sufficient for
a stove-pipe ! We know better now, and, having bought
our experience dearly, are prepared to advise a serious
letting-alone policy between the middle of November and
the middle of February. Bees naturally remain semi-
torpid at this time of year ; and, if warm enough and not
too warm — with plenty to eat where they can get it if
they want it — are quiet and consume very little air. Be
sure your bees have these conditions, and then rest easy
about them, and leave them undisturbed, while you read
about them prepare your hives and be ready for another
year's operations.

The advantage of bee quilts, mats, or some other ma-
terial over the frames of the hives near the cluster of
bees cannot be too highly appreciated. They absorb all
moisture as it rises, and keep the bees comfortable. Co-
lonies can he wintered out-doors more safely with tho
quilts on than in a cellar without them. Some bee-
keepers with only a few hives on the prairies bury the
single hive as soon as hard freezing weather comes with
sods or earth, leaving the entrance slightly open and pro-
tected from storms, and are very successful. Of course
liives protected in this way must have, to be safe, some
protection over the frames ; nothing is better than a
quilt. One correspondent inquires how he shall prevent
his bees from gumming the quilt fast to the frames.
Simply by taking it off before the bees begin to bring in
much propolis. By the time they do this the necessity of
the bee quilt has passed, and it may be replaced by sur-
plus boxes or frames.

In arranging for next year he sure to include an ex-
tractor in your list of implements. Nearly every spring
an extractor has paid for itself by enabling us to take
surplus honey from some hives where it was really in the
way of the brood, and had better be taken, even if fed
back to them if a honey dearth occurs.

Every year in our experience has the extractor become
more valuable. We would not be without one in an
apiary of half-a-dozen hives, no matter how low the price
of extracted honey. — American Bee-keeper's Magazine.

June 1, 1870.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

41

<&tlj0cs from % |)ibcs.

Tinahely, County Wicklow, Ireland, April 2&th, 1879.
— 'I am watched greatly here, as they don't believe me
sane for indulging in bar-frames and sectional supers,
and waxed guides; and when I tell them that the bees will
begin to build combs where I've marked the supers, they
all say, " Every one has a different way of going mad."
If I get " Combination " I'll bo clapped into the asylum at
once.' — J. Tr.wnoii.

Loss of Queens. — Oxford, April 20, 1870. — 'Bees ap-
pear to be about six weeks late with me. I had one
.stock die in early spring, with plenty of food ; but I found
that they had raised a young queen after going into winter
quarters, which, of course, continued a virgin : whether
they got disheartened at the prospect of having no brood
I can't say. Of the remaining nine stocks I have but six
left, all having lost their queens but these — a Ligurian
queen, purchased last October ; two young Ligurians, bred
last year, and one black queen from a condemned lot of
bees; the bees belonging to these stocks were joined to
their next neighbours as soon as the loss was found out.'
—A. J. C.

[The number of queens lost during the past winter and
spring has been extraordinary. — Ed. J

Beauty, N.B., May 3, 1870. — ' My bees, I am glad to'
say, have wintered wonderfully this trying winter and
spring, and are now taking in any quantity of pea-flour.
I never remember such a backward spring ; there is
hardly a blade of grass to be seen. But to-day, I am glad
to say, we are having some nice warm rain, which will
do no end of good. Wishing you every success for the
coming season.' — W. C. P.

Bishops Stortford, May 5th, 1870. — Glass Hives. — ' The
two stocks (one of which was a last year's swarm) havo
wintered well in the open ; they are all that I have re-
tained when I removed to my new house; they are in
hives of your Makeshift pattern, but all glass. I am as-
sisting them with syrup as the weather is so much against
them. Yesterday was the first day here that the sun
shone all day, but it was wintry and cold still.' — G. T.

May 13th, 1870. — Ligurianising. — Queens by Post. —
' I received two Ligurian queens last autumn, which I
put at the head of two stocks in straw skeps. One of the
stocks died in the winter, and the other stock shows
drones. I saw some at it first on the 27th ult., and as it
is not very strong in worker-bees, I fear it may be a
drone-breeder ; if so, I think the Ligurian queen must
have been killed or died, and the bees reared another
queen in her place, which not being hatched until the
destruction of the drones had taken place, remains a
virgin queen. I trust our Continental cousins will never
send us bees by post again, for I believe they don't very
soon get over the injurious effects of such packing and
t ravelling. I have not seen any drones at any of my other
hives. We are not anticipating many May swarms in
this neighbourhood, and it would be almost useless to
take them unless the weather alters considerably from
what it has been lately.' — John Enock.

[The Post-office authorities in London will not deliver
Ji\ ing queens, if they know of them being enclosed in
parcels — wo have had costly experience of the fact. —
Ed. B. B. J]

May 14th, 1870. — 'I now use glass, size of carte-de-
risite, for feeding-stage. It is clean and rigid. I take
off polish by grinding on flat stone with sand, and then
I drill two or three small holes, as required. I am not
in the habit of smashing everything I touch as some
1 eople are, so perhaps a bit of tin or iron is more suitable
for ' light-fingered gentry ' — of course I mean the epithet
in good tense.' — J, L. S.

May 17t/i, 1870. — 'I thought of giving up the
II. B. Journal, as, on account of the infirmities of age, I
am unable to attend to my bees as I ought; but I liko
the seiial so much that I must pay for another year.
Herewith is enclosed my subscription. What a sad
spring for the industrious little creatures ! I saved my
stocks, very heavy, last autumn, and am now reaping the
advantage. Wishing you every success, I am, &c.' — ■
J. B.

Nancy, France, May 22. — ' How are you getting on in
England ? Here the bees have done absolutely nothing
up to date. I have opened my hives, and all are very
strong and full of young brood, but not an ounce of honey
stored yet, and I have fed all lately quite. I drove to-
day all the bees from the two strongest hives the Abbe
Collin had in his apiary for him to see — hives left full last
autumn. The same story: not a drop of fresh' honey,
though full of bees and brood. Please give us informa-
tion from other localities in your next.'— G. F. P.

Send Holme, Woking. — ' I hope the weather will soon
bo better for the bees and flowers. I never knew a later
season for everything than this is. About here peaches
and nectarines only just set their blooms, and plums only
just coming into flower. Apples are full of bud, and the
clover-fields look first-class, and when they do come there
will be something for the bees to do. I have not done
badly with my stock — ten in Woodburies and one in
straw. I have lost one. I have three lots of Ligurians
from the queen I had from you last May ; they have
all their centre combs now full of eggs, and brood in all
stages, so that I think now I shall be able to compare
them pretty well with the blacks.' — Stephen Spooned..
Hall. — A Lament. — ' I have been so busy during the win-
ter I have not been able either to complete the re-writing of
my own lecture, or to deliver the other one ; and having
lost all my bees, I am rather down-hearted just now.
How I miss their music when I go into the garden ! How
I have mourned to see my thousands of crocuses " wasting
their sweetness on the desert air," or destroyed by the
mischievous sparrows ! And to see the long lines of
white arabis, and no bees to suck the nectar therefrom !
It really gave me pleasure the other day to see a fine
queen humble-bee feasting herself upon it. I sometimes
think wo are getting too much built up for them to pros-
per here ; but shall try again I think soon.' — J. R. J.

Tisbury. — 'I may say that my hives have wintered
very fairly, all things considered ; and thanks to your
suggestion about winter passages, which are most neces-
sary. But the old Standards have wintered better than
any, each stock which was in them surviving the winter.
In very bleak places I might advise the erection of a
furze-hedge, about six feet high. I have found this very
useful, keeping off the wind well, as the prickles, when dead,
do not fall off ; behind this, if a laurel hedge be planted,
in a few years the latter will take the place of the former
warm (though not beautiful) screen.' — A. G. R.

Cherry Trees, Dumfries. — The Journal — Bee-keeping in
Scotland. — ' The enclosed money-order is for the forth-
coming eleven numbers of the volume of B. B. Journal.
You will pardon me as I state,with the order, that
this is a very good place for bees. It is quite usual
with me to take down swarms in tho middle of August,
the yield of which is OGlbs. of comb, and I have ob-
tained 1081bs. from a swarm after 22nd of June. This
year the hives were in a bad state from Feb. till
19th April. On the later date I drummed five hives,
and gave the bees clean empty boxes, and now they are
prospering exceedingly, and showing great numbers of
young bees coming in loaded from the maple-tree, glad-
dening my heart, and auguring well for swarming not
very late, after all.' — John Hume.

Grantham. — ' Bees now doing well, weather a little more
favourable, any number of yellow-legs ; not many drones

42

THE BEITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[June 1, 1879.

about (I mean drone bees of course) have not heard of
one single swarm yet in this neighbourhood. My stocks are
strong and are breeding fairly. I am still feeding with
barley-sugar, and it is taken freely by light stocks ; but
my heavier ones don't care about it. Account of great
losses during the winter are still being recorded, and many
inquiries for swarms and stocks are now being made.
Prices range from 10s. to 15s. for first swarms, and for
stocks (in straw) 15s. to 20s. ; the interest in our favourite
pursuit is on the increase, and the public begin to see
how very nice it is to be able to walk into their gardens
and take a little honey as they want it.' — R. R. Godfrey.

(Jraries anb JUplics.

Query No. 314. — 1. What depth should the comb-
foundation be put on supers, and what on frame hives?
2. I lost one of my hives during the day or two of very
cold weather we had in April, they were in a common
straw skep and the combs ran across the hive, which I
suppose was the cause of their dying, as they could not
get at the honey which was at the back, and I did not cut
any winter passages. 3. They had been in this hive three
years, what would you recommend me to do with the old
combs ? I have four hives more in three of which the
combs run across the hive, and two of these are natural
first swarms. 4. If I should get a ' Standard' hive, could
I lessen the size of it by a thin board between the frames,
if my bees did not fill it in one year P — W. J. G.

Reply to Query No. 314. — 1. We infinitely prefer
that supers should be furnished with guides only, say half
an inch deep, as wax, after having been ' manufactured,'
acquires a flavour which is not nice, and spoils the
delicacy of the honey. For hives the foundation may be
as deep as is consistent with safety. See page ' Edi-
torial, on the subject. 2. This may have been the case,
and if so, where is the vaunted superiority of the skep, and
the instinct of bees that always (?) teaches them to build
from front to rear of their hives ? 3. Cut them out, and
having taken the honey, melt the empty parts and save
the wax ; combs in which bees have died, leaving honey
behind is not safe. 4. Certainly. — Ed.

Query No. 315. —Foul Brood. — I fear to have got
foul-brood. Will you please be good enough to look at
the two pieces I have sent, and say ' yes ' or ' no ? ' If so,
what had'I best do? I have seven hives left: Wood-
buries, double-walled, about two years old. Shall I have
to kill all, or can I safely put two or three lots together,
saving my Ligurian queens, of which I have only two left ?
Woidd it do to use any of the old bars of comb that look
clean, without brood in, if I put it into clean hive ? I
think I must have got the pest through taking some old
straw skeps from a gentleman last year. My bees have
been dwindling down ever since. It will be a bad year
for me if it turns out to be foul-brood, which I feel sure
it is, although I have never seen it. There is not more
than one pint of bees left in some of the hives. —
Stephen Spooner.

Reply to Query No. 315. — The filthy stench arising
from the comb would prove the presence of the foul
disease, if evidence other than the rotten brood in the
cells were required. Unite all the bees of the effected
hives, and put them into one or more old skeps, that they
may consume the honey in their honey-sacs. Two days
of such quarantine will be sufficient, after which they
should be re-hived as natural swarms, and the old skeps
burned forthwith. Do not attempt to utilise any of the
comb except to obtain the wax. The indiscriminate use
of old comb is a great means of spreading the disease ;
and in these days of ' comb-foundation,' ' the game is not
worth the candle.' — Ed.

Query No. 316. — Supering. — 1. When is the proper
time to put on supers, i.e. how long after the swarm has
been hived? 2. Should supers that have wax-guides

run parallel with the bars underneath ? For if they did
not, and the hive stillremains inclined to the front, would
not the comb made in the sectional supers be out of
plumb with the sections ? 3. Does it signify about the
wax-guides being more than one and a half inch apart ?
4. Ought the quilting to be laid on after the swarm is
hived ? or woidd adapting boards do as well ? In one
number of the Journal I see you recommend laying on
the quilt, and cutting a narrow slit in it to allow the bees
access to the supers ; and in another Number you recom-
mend the adapter. — I. M. A.

Reply to Query No. 316. — 1. When the bees have
built the comb down to the bottom of the hive. 2. There
is no doubt but that your view is correct ; but if the hive
be set level, as it well might be when filled with combs,
the sections may be set either way. 3. In hives they
should not be more than one and a half inches apart ; but
in supers they may be two inches, though if less the
combs of honey will only be so much narrower. 4.
Adapting-boards will do very well for swarms ; but the
apertures should be covered with quilting. Cutting a
hole in the quilt is the right thing for feeding, but not
for supering. The cases are not analogous. — Ed.

Query, No. 317. — Dysenteric combs. — One of my
stocks died this spring of dysentery. As the hive is
combed and half full of honey, I should like to put a
swarm into it, but am afraid of doing so. Would there
be any fear of the swarm getting dysentery ? It was a
stock I bought last autumn, and I thought at the time
was healthy. — M. S., liuncorn.

Reply to Query No. 317. — We have usually found
foul brood arise from the young bees being fed on honey
from dysenteric combs, and believe the one disease (foul
brood) to be caused by the other. Removing bees during
cold weather often causes dysentery through the exercise
of their habit of taking large quantities of food when
disturbed, and through cold, being unable to take a
cleansing flight. We recommend the destruction of the
comb, their replacement with new ones, or comb-found-
ation and the boiling up of their honey, which may
afterwards be fed back to them. If the empty comb
could be cut out and thoroughly washed in a strong
solution of Condy's fluid, it might, after being well rinsed
in clean water, be utilised with safety, but it is barely
worth the labour and cost involved. — Ed.

Query No. 318. — Can I remove a hive full of bees
and comb at any time of the year ? and when first re-
moved how should they be treated ? — Catford.

Reply to Query No. 318. — Bees may be removed at
any season; and if great care be exercised, they require
no special treatment afterwards, provided they be taken
a distance of about twice their present radius of flight,
say two miles. They should be carried steadily on a
hand-barrow, the entrance being closed with perforated
zinc and a good ventilator of the same kind placed over
the open feeding-hole in the crown ; they should be
carried at night, and the entrance having been unclosed
and the cover adjusted, they may he left without fear of
injury. Sending bees by rail has often been described in
Journal, and moving them very short distances is imprac-
ticable at this season unless the method recommended on
p. 116 of Vol. VI. of Journal be adopted. — Ed.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS & INQUIRERS.

S. H. Chigwell, Essex. — It is impossible to say on what
day or hour any individual will be operating in the
manipulating tent at South Kensington. Entries have
not been made, nor times apportioned, and as we are
not favoured we cannot even suggest the hour when it
may be our lot to run the gauntlet.

%* By the insertion of four additional pages this month we
have been enabled to reduce the amount of outstanding cor-
respondence, but there are still some contributions which are
unavoidably postponed.

June 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

43

THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE BEES.

Translated and abridged from the work of the Abbi Collin.

Fourth Edition. Paris. Berger, Levraut §• Co. 1875.

(Continued from Vol. VI. p. 173. J

The ordinary period necessary for the hatching and
development of the young brood in each stage is for the
queen-bee fifteen days and twelve hours ; for the or-
dinary worker twenty days, and for the drones twenty-
four days. In the case of the queen-bee, this period is
subdivided as follows : In the egg, three days ; as a
grub, five days ; and after the cell is closed, in the
chrysalis stage, from seven days and eight hours to seven
days and twelve hours. The time occupied in closing
the cell must be very short, as the author has never been
able to surprise the bees in the act. This period may
occasionally be prolonged as much as thirty-six hours,
both for the closing of the cell and the full development
of the insect, under unfavourable conditions of tem-
perature, or in very weak hives. As soon as the insect
is ready to issue from its cell, the bees tear away the
wax-cover at the end, and when the cocoon is exposed to
view, you may be sure that the young queen is alive, and
ready to be born. This operation of opening the point of
the cell seems to be necessary, for in all cases where the cell
was untouched after it had been closed in for more than
seven days, the author has found that the young queen
was dead. In all cases, then, when you wish to detach
a royal cell, in order to give it to another hive, if at the
seventh day you find the point of the cell opened, you
may safely assume that the young queen is all right ;
and whenever the cell is intact, she is for some reason
not perfectly developed, or more probably she will be dead.

In case the bees are discovered opening the point of
the cell before the proper period, it may be relied on that
it is with a view to kill her, and not to release her from
captivity, that they do so.

For the development of the worker-bee the same
period i3 required in the first two stages as for the
queen, against three days in the egg, and five days as a
grub; but in their case twelve days are requisite in the
chrysalis stage, after the cell is closed in, or twenty days
in all. This period, however, may be shortened by one
day in very strong hives, and in very hot weather ; and
it may be lengthened out to twenty-two, or even twenty-
three days, under unfavourable conditions of hive-heat
and population.

The drones, like the queens and worker-bees, remain
three days in the egg, but are six days and twelve hours
in the grub form, and do not emerge from the cells as
perfect insects till the twenty-fourth day after the egg is
first laid. In 1803 the author observed many drones
that were not more than twenty-three days under incu-
bation from first to last. In this case the eggs were
laid in the latter days of July, and the heat during almost
all the period referred to was exceptionally great.

The German authorities are somewhat contradictory
in regard to the period requisite for the young brood to
come to maturity, and the question would seem to require
further study by them.

In regard to the worker-bee, they are all in error in
stating that she remains in the grub stage for six days,
and that the cells are closed nine days only after the
eggs are laid. The author proved absolutely by ex-
periments, in June 1861, that under an ordinary tem-
perature the cells were closed in eight days after the
eggs were laid ; and in regard to the queen-bee, the
following will be found in the works of LEtll, Dzierzon,
and Berlepsch.

CEtll. — -The queen arrives at maturity from the twelfth
to the fifteenth day after she emerges from the egg ; she
is fertilised ordinarily the day after the second swarm
leaves the hive ; she lays the third or fourth day after
she has been fertilised. In another place, however,

03tll says that the queen lays on the eighth day only
after the second swarm has left the hive.

Dzierzon says that the queen bee arrives at maturity
in sixteen days.; she is ready to be fertilised from the
third to the eighth day after her birth, according to the
temperature at the time, and the activity of the hive ;
she lays first two days after the act of fertilisation.
Further on, Dzierzon says that all laying ceases in a hive
for three weeks after a swarm leaves the hive, which is
equivalent to saying that the young queen only com-
mences to lay about the twelfth day after her birth,
which may be still further delayed in the case of un-
favourable weather.

Berlepsch states that the queen attains full develop-
ment in seventeen days, of which five and a half are
passed under the form of grub, and eight and a half in
the chrysalis stage. He says that the queen goes out
for fertilisation the third day after her birth, and that
she begins to lay the third day after she has been fertilised.

Swarming. — When God created living creatures on
the earth, His command to them was to increase and
multiply. The manner in which the bees obey this com-
mand is by swarming. By swarming one family is
formed into two, and the one that composes the new
family is called a swarm. Thus the swarm is that por-
tion of the old family which separates itself from the
hive to form a new one. The old queen always accom-
panies this new family to their new home, while one of
her daughters — a queen like herself - remains with the
old home to occupy her place.

The first swarm may be followed at a few days' in-
terval by a second, and even by a third swarm, which
are led by a young queen, which is born only after the
first one has gone away.

On the return of spring, in a well-stocked hive, the
queen will lay in April and May a number of drones'
eggs, and at the same moment the working-bees will
construct a number of royal cells ; and five or six days
before the chrysalis in these royal cells comes to maturity,
the swarm will usually issue from the hive. In case of bad
weather, if the issue of the swarm is prevented, the bees
will usually destroy the royal cells, and prevent the
chrysalis in them arriving at maturity, in which case
the swarm is stopped altogether. If, however, these
swarming preparations are only in an earlier stage, the
swarm may come off after all, though at a somewhat
later period.

If the hive is weakened considerably after the issue of
the first swarm, the bees generally give up at once all
idea of swarming again. They allow the first queen
which comes to maturity to emerge from her cell, and
she at once puts an end to her rivals, by stinging them
to death in their cells. But if the hive is strong enough
to throw off a second swarm, she will not be allowed to
do so; and then, either from fear or from jealousy, she
gives forth the well-known clear and plaintive cry of
'tuh,' 'tuh,' ten times and more running, and with such
vigour that, especially towards the evening, she may be
heard three paces, or more, from the hive. The day, or
at most the day but one, after this sound is heard, the
second swarm will leave the hive.

If, however, bad weather ensues, and the swarm cannot
go away, other young queens come to maturity, and,
being kept prisoners in their cells, they reply to the first
queen's cry of ' tuh ' by a stifled cry of ' quak,' ' quak.'
The first fine day the swarm, however, will go off with the
first queen (she who cried ' tuh '), and then the eldest of
the queens in the cells, who cried ' quak,' will be allowed
to come forth and take possession of her vacant home.
Generally she will be permitted to destroy her rivals ;
but if the hive be still inclined to swarm a third time,
this will not be permitted, and she in turn will cry ' tuh,'
like her predecessor, and, like her, will be answered by a
' quak ' from those who are still imprisoned in the cell ; a
third swarm will then leave the hive, and a second queen

•W THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL. [June'l, 1879.

■will be allowed to come forth and become the mother of | The author has never found any young queens dead
the hive. I jn front of hives that had swarmed only once ; but

The Germans were the first to recognise these cries of : inside the hives, in such cases, he has very often found

the queen-bee, and to distinguish between them ; and
the author, in his experiments in 1868, published in the
Apxculteur of January 1867, fully recognised the correct-
ness of their teaching in this particular. He has himself
observed the young queen as she uttered the plaintive
cry of ' tuh,' while he heard those imprisoned in the cells
reply to her cry by the stifled cry of ' quak.'

The day after a second swarm has gone out several
dead queens may generally be found on the ground
before the old hive. Sometimes, though more rarely,
they may also be found in front of the swarm. In the
latter case they are young queens, who in the tumult
and excitement of swarming, have got out of their cells,
and gone away with the swarm.

royal cells, perfectly closed, with young queens dead,
or chrysalis, in a dried-up state, inside them.

The young queens who have come to maturity, but
which are kept prisoners in the cells, are fed through a
small hole made in the cover of the cell. They pass
their trunk through this hole to demand and receive the
food which is duly given them.* As soon as they have
been fed, the hole is closed by the worker-bee.
(To be continued.)

* The necessity for food is, in our opinion, the cause of
the 'tuh' and 'quak,' au idea quite iu unison with other
facts stated.— Ed. B. B. J.

BRITISH BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION

INSTITUTED 1874.

PRESIDENT THE BARONESS BURDETT-COUTTS.

THE ASSOCIATION will hold their FIFTH GREAT EXHIBITION of Bees and their
Produce, Hives, and Bee Furniture, and HONEY FAIR, at the Royal Horticultural
Society's Gardens, South Kensington, in connexion with the Society's Flower Show,
on Tuesday, "Wednesday, and Thursday, July 22, 23, and 24, 1879.

Exhibitors must remit an Entrance Fee of One Shilling for each Entry made, and forward their Entry Forms properly
filled up, in time to reach the Eev. H. E. Peel, Abbot's Hill, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, on or before Monday, July 14th.
Entries will not be received unless they are made on the proper form of Certificates, and accompanied with the requisite
fees. Foreign and Colonial Exhibitors will not be required to pay any Entry Fees.

The Corrected Schedule of Prizes may be had on application to the Hon. Sec, Rev. H. R. PEEL,
Abbot's Hill, Hemel Hempstead.

HERTFORDSHIRE BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION.

This Association will hold TWO SHOWS of BEES, HIVES, and HONEY, during the ensuing
Season. The first to take place at Hertford, in connexion with the Labourers' Friend Society's
Cottage Garden Show, on July 17, and the second at Hemel Hempstead, in connexion with the
Hemel Hempstead Poultry Show, on October 1 and 2. The same List of Prizes will be given
at both Shows, Schedules of which may now be obtained npon application to the Hon. Secretary,
Rev. H. R. Peel, Abbot's Hill, Hemel Hempstead.

'"THE SOMERSETSHIRE BEE COMPANY are prepared to receive

""" Tenders for the following : — ■

300 SWARMS of BEES, in small or large quantities, at per lb., to be delivered at the
Highbridge Railway Station, Somersetshire, any date after 10th of June, 1879.

20C0 MORTISED WOODBURY HIVES, with Bell-wire Staples as distance pegs,
with wide slit in top to take Guide Combs. 500 will be required the first week in June, and the rest to
be delivered as may be required by the Company.

IMPRESSED WAX SHEETS, Brown Worker and White Drone, at per cwt., required the
first week in June. Not to exceed 10 inches iu width.

A Sample Frame, and Specimen of Wax Sheets, must be sent to the Manager, to the Weston-super-
Mare Railway Station.

CASH ON EECEIPT OF INVOICE.

0. POOLE, Manager,

Moorland Road, Weston-super-Mare.

THE

[No. 75. Vol. VII.]

JULY, 1870.

[Published Monthly.]

€tixtaxmlt Jtotias, &t>

JULY.

The weather and its peculiarities form, as is
usual, the chief topic of conversation at this
time of year ; but never in human memory has
it been so all-absorbing. Here is Midsummer
Day, and during the half-year which has
passed, there has not been one full day of true
spring or summer weather, ; and, as regards
' the crops,' all the 'culturists are in despair, and
are wondering how it will all end. It is usually
considered ' bad ' when May goes out without
a wheat-ear ; but in this extraordinary year,
June can scarcely be said to have produced the
phenomenon, for up to now, June 24, in this
London county, not a sign has been made which
can be construed into the semblance of a corn-
pod. Another old refrain says : —

' Whether 'tis early, late, or soon,
We always enjoy our rose in June.'
But it jars mournfully on the ear, for as yet
they are but sadly promised, the buds appearing
' like sweet bells jangled, harsh and out of
tune,' the probability being that they will not
develope into anything but subjects of regret.
And ' it's all owing to the weather and those
dreadful Yankees, for since they have under-
taken its management we have had nothing
but disaster,' so argued a bee-keeper of the
old style, while deploring the loss of three-
fourths of his stocks, because he did not think
it was natural for bees to want feeding. ' They
allays ought to get their own livin', it's natural,'
said he, with a growl. Yes, we agreed, it is
natural for bees and every other class of stock
to get their own living ; and in their natural
condition of wildness they do their best, but
none count their losses, or know how they
prey upon each other, and, except they be
discovered, and robbed, they produce no honey
for the use of man, though their services as
fertilisers of flowers are always invaluable.
This, in turn, brings out a fact which certainly
ought not to be overlooked — viz., that in con-

sequence of the severe weather while our
orchards were in blossom, the bees were unable
to perform their pleasant duty of collecting
the pollen, and insensibly fertilising the blos-
soms ; and, as a consequence, the general fruit
crop will be a small one. In a former number
of Journal we suggested that gooseberries
especially woidd suffer, and the result proves
the case, for where we should have thousands
of berries we have not tens, and doubtless our
fate is indicative of others' condition.

This is Midsummer Day, 1879, and it is
raining, hailing, howling, lightning and thun-
dering as if the weather had broken loose, and
was subject to no ride whatever. It is very
' trying,' but it bears out one other truism,
which says, ' that things are never so bad,
but they might be worse,' as those who read
the doleful letter of the great German bee-
master — the Pastor Dzierzon — on page 55 will
be compelled to admit ; the picture he portrays
is simply deplorable. The prospect for England,
in fact for all Britain and Ireland, is anything
but encouraging, a subject the more pitiful
because the public mind has been of late much
awakened to the advantages of intelligent bee-
culture, and fresh ground has been broken in
many places, where associations have been
formed and shows proposed, which it was
hopefully believed would help to spread a know-
ledge of the improved methods adopted, and
create a more ardent desire in the public mind
to engage iu the pursuit. Reference to the
list of shows to be held will at once convince
even the sceptical of the increasing interest
with which bee-culture is now regarded ; find
nothing is wanted but fair weather to ensure
its general popularity, and cause every cottager
to start an apiary, to help him to pay his rent
or buy food for his family.

USEFUL HINTS.

Queenless Stocks. — Look out carefully for
queenless stocks. After swarming is over, it
is necessary for the young queen regnant to go
on a fertilising excursion, and in such wretched

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[July 1, 1879.

weather as lias been experienced, many will
have been lost. All such should be requeened
forthwith, for it is troublesome to get old bees
to accept a queen, and dangerous also.

Swarms. — Do not neglect swarms, but take
care that they are supplied with food until they
have built their combs. A little neglect in bad
weather will cause them to cease building, and
after that they will not resume their work until
they want space for storing, if ever that happy
time will come in this year of grace.

White Bees. — White bees on the alighting
board are signs of starvation that require
immediate attention, and food shoidd be given
at once, and with a liberal hand. They must
be ' hard times ' that induce bees to devour
their own brood ; but this they do when under
the awful pinch of extreme hunger.

Wax Moth. — These will become a terrible
pest if their growth is encouraged by leaving
old hives of comb standing about. Theyr are
a great nuisance, and often infest straw skeps,
more particularly those that are old aad whose
crowns have sunk, permitting the combs to
reach the floor. Frequent exchange and
cleansing of floor-boards will do much to pre-
vent the evil ; but where the}7 have attained
entree, they must be sought out and destroyed.

Examine Hives. — Hives should be examined
occasionally, but it should be remembered that
bees are much more vicious when there is no
honey in the fields, therefore amateurs should
not be too venturesome. Smoking them and
wearing a veil and gloves are wise precautions,
but leather gloves should not be used. India-
rubber only, if any, should be worn.

Honey Glut. — If there shoidd be a honey
glut, and it is possible that a few fine days
may force the flower and limes to yield abun-
dantly, the bees will fill up their brood-nest,
and perhaps cluster idly as if about to swarm,
in which case the extractor shoidd be freely
used.

Extractors. — The extractor should often be
brought into requisition when honey is coming-
in freety. Extracted honey often requires
ripening — i.e., some of its watery particles
must be evaporated, or it will not keep. This
is done by subjecting it to a heat of about
100° Fahrenheit, until it has acquired proper
consistency.

Sections. — If sections be filled, remove them
as quickly as they are completed. It may not
be necessary to replace them by empty ones ;
the bee-keeper must judge of the wisdom of
that policy, by the state of the weather and
his surroundings in the fields.

Late Season. — There is plenty of time for
a good harvest even now. Everything is a
month late, or more, so Nil DeSperandum —
we'll still hope.

Former Hints. — These should be looked
over, and where practicable, adopted. It is
not possible to fit in work for the month when
the months do not fit their places in the
calendar. We try hard to meet all contin-
gencies, and are always willing to give every
possible information, on receipt of stamp-
directed envelope, to all our subscribers.

SUPERING— GETTING COMB-HONEY.

'Why do not my bees go into my supers
and make honey ? I have tried everything,
but they won't go up ; or if they do it is only
to loiter and waste their time till fine weather
comes, and then they swarm.' This is the
kind of question that has been harassing us of
late, though, on the face of it, it carries its
own reply. The bees keep waiting for fine
weather, and then they do as humans do, to
prevent starvation at home — they emigrate.
There is an old and true saying amongst
bee-keepers, to the effect that hot weather pro-
duces honey, and moist, swarms; and this year's
experience is fully in accordance therewith, in
a negative sense, as regards honey ; for hot
weather we have had none ; but the breeding
of bees, and their tendency to swarm, has been
remarkable. Of this, however, we shaU treat
in another article, and for the present shall en-
deavour to confine our remarks to the best
mode of obtaining comb honey, whether in
supers, nadirs, or collaterally.

It will do no harm to repeat here that the
time for supering is when there are plenty of
flowers and blossoms in the fields and orchards,
fine weather to cause the secretion of honey
and enough bees to gather more than is re-
quired for the daily wants of the hive. Ob-
viously if there are no blossoms, be the weather
ever so fine, there will be little, if any, honey ;
but should the weather be so that bees can
scarcely venture abroad, the chances of honey-
getting are highly chimerical.

At the present time there is naturally a
scarcity of honey ; the fruit -blossoms have
departed, and the limes and clover have not
appeared yet, and happyr are they who have
provided for the dull interval. In our own
apiary there are two or three thousand kail-
stems, each with a glorious golden head, bearing
myriads of blossoms, on which the bees have had
a good month's diversion, and this is now being
followed by twenty or thirty rods of mustard,
which will eke out a supply until the clover
comes on ; and, then, how about the weather ?
Aye, there's the rub ! If it be, as some one
has prophesied, so hot as to compensate for the
late continued long, cold winter, then there
will be hoioe for bee-keepers and honey galore.

There are, of course, many apiaries within

July 1, 1870.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

47

bee-shot of mustard-fields, bean-fields, broom-
fields, and the like, where, on every fine hour,
the bees will be as busy as is their wont ; and
we will hope that, during the present month,
they will be able to sport among the clover to
their hearts' content, and bear home many a
load of its pure nectar. Under any circum-
stances it is certain that, if opportunity offer,
the bees will do their best ; and if theyr appear
to the uninitiated to be idle during seemingly
good weather, it may safely be inferred that
no honey is being secreted in the flowers or
trees, and that there is wisdom in their re-
serving their strength. Bees do nothing for
appearance sake, and they should not be blamed
because they do not hit the whim of their
owner, who may, perhaps, have been too kind
to them, and by over - managing have pre-
vented the consummation he most devoutly
wishes for.

We will, however, suppose that there will be
an average honey yield, and average weather
to jDermit the bees to collect it ; then, what is
to be done to help them to take the fullest
advantage of the happy time ? Bearing in
mind that there can only be as much honey
stored in a hive as is brought in, in excess of
the daily requirements of its inhabitants, it is
a reasonable inference that if the queen be re-
moved, and the production of brood prevented
for the time being, the amount of honey stored
would be greater in proportion, so long as the
population was kept up. That it is so, is yearly
exemplified in the apiaries of cottagers ; they
allow their bees to swarm, and directly after-
wards put on supers — young bees hatch out
rapidly, and after a few days, having no brood
to attend to, storing commences and the supers
get filled.

But how much more honey might have been
stored if instead of the swarm having left the
hive, it had remained to help fill the supers, or
other receptacles provided for them ? It seems
only reasonable that if the population had all
worked to one end, instead of having divided
and caused the establishment of a new home at
great cost in honeys the result would have been
much more satisfactory, and we are inclined to
believe that the removal or confinement of
queens during the honey harvest would be the
wisest course to pursue. The removal of the
queen would prevent swarming and increase of
brood for at least ten days, and her confine-
ment would stop both for good. By confine-
ment we do not mean the fixing of her majesty
on a comb in an ordinary queen-cage, but
simply narrowing her dominion by putting
excluder zinc to embrace selected combs, so
that she can neither stray about the hive or
leave with a swarm, though whether attempts
to swarm, frustrated by her inability to join

the bees, would demoralise them remains to be
seen ; we think it would have no ill effect.

Now as to the construction and position of
the honey receptacles. Almost all advanced
bee-keepers are agreed that for marketing pur-
poses, the sectional super, the section- crate, or

SET OF SECTIONS,

the section frame, and the new-idea frame,
offer the most advantages ; though there are
not a few who believe in and admire the old-
fashioned, inconvenient bell-glasses ; and to all
we wish good luck, and that the)' may become
filled. It is a fact admitted by bee-keepers,
that bees store their honey at the farthest point
from the entrance of their hive ; a fact which
points to the absiirdity of making convenient
short cuts to the honey receptacles, added to
which there is the danger in such cases that
the bees may carry pollen to them, and deposit
it in the cells intended for honey only, and
thus spoil, in a marketing sense, the whole
super or set of sections. We are strongly in
favour of the method of storing used in tho
Combination hive, where the brood- nest can be
limited to the smallest compass, and sections,
to which alone the bees have access, can be
suspended, or piled at the back of the hive, or
laid over the top to almost airy extent. Others
have their own peculiar views as to the position
of sections, &c. ; some preferring that they
be placed at the sides of the hive, or at the
bottom ; but be they where they may, the first
difficulty is to cause the bees to take to them
and commence comb-building ; for comb must
be built before honey can be stored.

Many bee-keepers, however, are not satisfied
when their bees do thus much to show their
disposition. 'They build comb, but do not
make any honey ! ' querulously say they, for-
getting that bees are not honey-factors, but
only refiners. Man may as well be expected
to make sugar, as bees to make honey. The
one extracts sugar from the cane, the other
nectar from flowers (when such work is pos-
sible) ; and the sugar-factory and the bee-hive
are simply refining laboratories — the amount of
work done, and the value of the product, being
governed by the quantity and quality of the
raw material obtainable, and the labour strength

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[My 1, 1879.

of the hive or factory. In these days, when
exhibition honey and comb are compulsorily
required to be of the current year, feeding, to
enable the bees to produce comb in supers, is not
permissible ; but for private honey growers, i.e.,
those who produce it for their own consump-
tion, it will be found a good plan to aid the
bees by giving them syrup or barley sugar,
that they may get forward with their work, in
readiness for the harvest which they hope for.

One of the first inducements to bees to enter
supers is warmth, the next is an enticing piece
of empty comb, or some pure wax foundation,
and these placed where the combs are required
to be built will, if there be a harvest and plenty
of labourers, generally be efficient. The heat
of the hive ought to be sufficient to warm the
super, and in fine weather it would be so, but
when we are trying to procure enforced labour
it may be necessary to resort to artificial heat.

Heat may be applied artificially, as was
shown by a gallant correspondent, Captain A.,
last autumn, by winding a coil of piping around
the supers, and filling it (the coil) with hot
water, by placing hot bricks around or upon
them, or by any other read}'' means; but in
view of the necessity for a means to the end,
we are preparing an adapting -board which
shall contain a hot - water reservoir, to be
placed between the hive and supers, and when
filled will impart a warmth which will last a
good time, and which, when cold, wdl not be
injurious. This will be on view for the first
time, with Abbott Bros.' exhibits, at the Royal
Agricultural Show at Kilburn, and will, doubt-
less, be the subject of experiment there.

The requisite heat having been provided,
artificially or otherwise, and some nice clean
comb or pure foundation having been properly
placed in the supers, the bees ought to enter at
once and commence building operations.

Those who intend using attraction-comb will
do weU if they do not attempt to fix it in the
supers, but rather leave the bees to make it fast
for themselves. Bees cannot tolerate anything
that seems dangerous, tottering, or liable to
fall ; hence, if a bell-glass a foot high (placed
on a hive) contained some dangling pieces of
comb, the bees would go up and fix them,
though not intending to stay and work there ;
and if by such means they be ' persuaded ' to
enter the supers, a supply of food woidd pro-
bably keep them there, and comb - building
would go on as a matter of course. Pieces of
comb suspended by wires, so as nearly to touch
the top of the super, will ensure attention by
the bees.

Bell-glasses should have floor-boards of their
own, even though they be made of cardboard,
that when remo val becomes necessar y they may
be taken away intact, otherwise (if filled) the

bees will build down to the adapter, and it will
be necessary to break the cells away, and the
honey will be set running.

Loss of Heat. — We have often called atten-
tion to the loss of heat from the winter nest of
bees, by its escape through circulation round
the frame-ends of the hive, a fault which has
many tunes been pointed out by us when
comparing the bar-frame hive with the com-
mon box or skep. In the latter, bees build
their comb to the top, and as far down the
sides of their hive as they store honey, and
they act similarly in the frames of hives ; but
inasmuch as the frames do not touch the
adjacent hive-sides, the heated air, which
should be carefully preserved, circulates round
the ends of the frames, and is lost. A re-
ference to the woodcut will show our mean-

ing, and convince at a glance ; and if our
oft- repeated suggestion, that slips of wood,
half-an-inch square, were placed between the
frames at a and b, they would cut off the
circulation of air, and the upper part of the
hive would become an inverted chamber, sub-
divided by tiers of cells, than which nothing
could so well preserve the heat generated by
the bees. Bar-framists who will not trouble to
try the wooden slips have no idea of their
value in winter to protect the bee nest, and in
cold spring and summer to prevent chilling of
brood, and render hive and super more tenable.

DUMMIES.

We have many times expressed an opinion
that the very best dummy for enclosing or
narrowing the space occupied by bees, is an old
comb, which fills the frame. We were much
interested in the observations made by Mr.
Baldwin, the recognised cxjDert of the British
Bee-Keepers' Association, at the Conversazione
in April last, wherein he described his bees as
having bred in one side of the outsi de combs
of the bee nest. We had not noticed the fact
before, but have seen many instances of the
same thing, and the most remarkable feature in
the matter is that the bees deem the outermost
empty cells sufficiently protective of the brood,
for on no occasion under our observation were

July 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

40

there any bees on the outside of the comb
containing the brood, yet it all hatched out in
due course. It will be observed, as a rule,
that bees do not build comb to the sides of
frames any lower down than they store it with
honey, so that to make a frame perfect as a
means of preventing circulation, it should be
closely filled with comb, as in the wood-cut, and
, wooden slips should be placed
at the frame ends, as indicated
in our article on Supering, to
stop the passage of heated air
around them. Such a dummy
cannot possibly he objected to, as, from the
evidence just written, it is clearlj' acceptable to
the bees, and admirably fulfils its purpose as
a heat-preserver. An empty comb, viewed
scientifically, is a double scries of air-vessels, in
which there is no circulation, and the material
of which it is composed is non-conducting, so
that, like all the work of the Great Architect
and Designer, it is perfectly fitted for the
object intended.

INSERTING QUEEN-CELLS.

Many bee-keepers are in difficulties as to
how queen-cells may be inserted into hives ;
but it is really a matter of indifference, pro-
vided they be placed so that when hatching
there may be no impediment to the queens
coming forth. A favourite way with us is to
make a circular hole between two combs at the
top of the hive, by twisting a knife round, and
setting the honey running, then placing the
royal cradle point downwards (the position
in the wood-cut), in the hole made, so that
the point shall be fairly between the combs
and the means of exit un-
impeded. Sometimes the
bees through some delusion

WtiBs!&& 1'"s'' 'lue,'""<'l'"s "u dronc-
'<'• combs; but such will be
useless, as we once found
to our cost. They should,
therefore, be selected from
worker comb, and cut out,
care being taken not to
injure any part of the cell.
Another way of fixing
is, by thrusting one or
more pins through the cells
that are attached to the
queen-cell, and pinning it to a comb ; and a
third is to invert the hive, press two of the
central combs apart, push the queen-cell up
between them, and allow them to hold it by
pressure, as they return to their natural
position. A great fuss is made by many about
splicing queen-cells into combs ; but as it is a

KIPE QUEEN-CELL.

great deal of trouble, and requires to be pinned
in, or it would not be safe, we do not recommend
the plan) nor do we ever use it.

COMB -FOUNDATION.

{Continued from page 20.)

Following our remarks on the depth to which
comb-foundation majr be safely put into hive-
frames, we beg to say that results have satis-
factorily proved the measures we suggested to
have overcome the difficulties that stood in the
way of using deep sheets, and thus another
hill-top has been gained in bee culture.

The engraving represents portions of four
top bars of frames from the centre of the under-
side of which wax-sheets, a a a a, depend, and,
as will be well understood,
there will be an inch and a
half distance (nearly) between
them, which ordinarily would
be filled with bees, clustering
and hanging to the sheets and
to each other, and it is to re-
lieve the wax-sheets of their
weight that the proposed me-
dium has been devised, b b b are diaphragms
of wire-work, flattened and hung between the
frames, so that by the bees hanging on to it
the dragging weight upon the wax-sheets may
be relieved.

On Tuesday, June 17, we hived a swarm
Avith four frames fitted with fqundation as
above explained, three diaphragms of wire
as shown above, and two empty frames with
simple line of wax. On the evening of the
day the bees were found in the empty frames ;
but by the next morning they had taken pos-
session of the foundation, which was nino
inches deep, and have built it out in beautiful
order, and we ai-e to-day (Midsummer Day)
preparing other full sheets to place intermedi-
ately between, in place of the wires. There is
no sign of the foundation having stretched or
warped : it is beautifully correct, and the wires
do not appear to have been the slightest hin-
drance— in fact, they appear to have been of
great assistance as siqmorts, and when lifting
them out they were as thickly covered and
crowded with bees as if they intended to build
upon them. This completely satisfied us that
the idea is a valuable one, as it gives all those
advantages craved for in the use of comb-
foundation. The only wonder is that it has
never been thought of before.

SWARMING.

In another part of this Journal we hare

alluded to an old truism amongst bee-keepers,

that hot weather produced honey, and moist

swarms ; and it is a curious fact that such

50

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[July 1, 1879.

weather as has prevailed during the past month,
while it has prevented the bees gathering a
surplus for storing in supers or elsewhere, has
given them opportunities during one or two
hours of the day to gather just sufficient to
enable them to keep up their breeding and send
forth swarrns. "We know perfectly that swarms
are in a general sense very scarce, through so
many stocks having died, chiefly through
neglect and reliance on the ' old- fogey ' prin-
ciple that bees are best let alone, but that does
not alter the fact as above stated. It seems
strange also that when honey is scarce and they
can barely gather the means of existence that
the bees should emigrate and leave their parent
hive short-handed, and perhaps in a nearly
starving condition; while upon themselves they
thrust the necessity for the great labour of
building a new home when and where materials
are scarcest. Although these facts are indis-
putable there is a crumb of comfort in the
knowledge that swarms which establish them-
selves in such seasons are almost invariably the
best to keep, for the reason that being short of
honey while building their combs they feel the
necessity for worker bees, and therefore build
worker comb ; whereas if they came forth during
a honey-glut they would be principally occupied
in gathering it, and building drone or store
cells to contain it, and thereafter instead of
worker bees being produced, there would be a
preponderance of drones, and the hive would
'ne'er do week' These hints are, as may be
guessed, given in the interest of those who con-
tinue the use of hives in which the combs are
not moveable, though doubtless they will have
an influence with others as showing that whilst
swarms are building combs a large supply of
honey or syrup is not beneficial, but rather
detrimental to the future welfare of the colonv.

AMERICAN HONEY.

On page 98 of the Bee-keepers' Magazine
(American), the Editor, in a note to a letter
signed 'Aaron F. Heilman,' says: —

' We, too, are glad that " the shipload of adulteration "
turned out to be a mere myth; but, after seeing the
numerous slurs in late numbers of the British Bee Journal
against everything in the bee line coming from America,
■we can easily divine the source of the false report against
Tlnuber's honey. When such line samples of comb-
honey as that produced by Iletherington, Isham, and
others, are denominated "tallow rnd peppermint drops,"
and American comb-foundation called " stuff," we come
to the conclusion that either John Bull's palate has be-
come paralyzed and his judgment warped, or that supreme
selfishness overlaps and smothers his veracity. The same
samples were submitted to their eminent chemists, and
after a caref id analysis nothing coidd be found but honey.'

The worthy American Editor evidently
wants change of air and scenery ; there must
be something wrong within him, or he would

never insinuate that the British Bee Journal
gave rise to ' the false statement ' as to the
' shipload of adulteration ' having been seized
in England ; whereas, the first intimation of it
appeared in the American Bee Journal, as
having been copied from some trade journal,
wherein the statement never existed.

Wherein, also, have we ' slurred ' everything
in the bee line coming from America ? or said
a single word against anything which was not
perfectly justifiable ? Let the Editor of the
Bee-keepers' Magazine give his reasons and his
instances, or stand convicted a nameless thing !

Does he mean to deny that a large quantity
of American honey (?) was seized in Glasgow,
and its vendor fined ? and does he mean to
pretend that, in the face of that seizure and
conviction, we were not justified in suspecting
the next consignment from the same parties ?

It is true that the anatysts could not deter-
mine whether it had been adulterated, and we
readily gave publicity to their report ; but when
we, and many others, came to taste the ' fine
samples,' mentioned by the captious Editor, we
were perfectly reconciled ; and we can assure
him, and all whoni it maj' concern, that such
' stuff' will not displace English honey, and we
very much question if it will find a paying-
market here, or dealers foolish enough to send
it.— En. B. B. J.

BRITISH BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION.

We are desirous of calling our readers'
attention to the programme of the proceedings
during each day of the Annual Show at the
Horticultural Gardens, on July 22 and the two
following days.

Tuesday, July -22nd. Judging, 9 a.m. till 12 a.m. Show
opens at 12 a.m. Driving competition commences at
2 p.m. At 5 p.m. the quarterly meeting of the Com-
mittee for conferring with the representatives of country
associations. At C p.m., Conversazione; subject for
discussion, ' The Plants and Flowers most worthy of
Cultivation as Honey Producers;' to be introduced by
Mr. W. Ingram, of Belvoir Castle.

Wednesday, 23rd. Show opens at 10 a.m. At 12 a.m.
Driving competition continued; displays of manipula-
tions, accompanied by short lectures, given through )ut
the afternoon at the conclusion of the Driving Contest.
At 6 p.m., General Meeting of the Members of the
Association. Lord Aberdare, President of the Royal
Horticultural Society, has consented to preside at the
General Meeting.

Thursday, 2-tth. Show opens at 10 a.m. Displays and
Lectures in the Bee Tent throughout the day. At 6 p.m.
Distribution of Prizes by the Countess Brownlow.

The Baroness Burdett-Coutts, President of
the British Bee-keepers' Association, will be
unable, through absence from England, to dis-
tribute the prizes at the close of the Show at
South Kensington, on Thursday, July 24th.
She has therefore requested the Countess
Brownlow to represent her on the occasion,

July 1, 1879.

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

51

and that lady has most kindly consented to
do so.

DONATIONS TO THE PRIZE FUND.
£ s. d.

The Baroness Burdett Coutta 7 0 0

Rev. E. Bartrum 110

T. W. Cowan, Esq 110

R. R. Godfrey, Esq 1 1 0

F. R. Jackson, Esq 110

Captain D. E. Martin 0 11 0

II. Q. Morris, Esq 1 1 0

Rev. II. R. Peel 2 2 0

Messrs. Nnnn and Sons 2 2 0

Mr. R. J. Bennett 0 10 0

Rev. J. L. Sisson 0 10 0

G.Walker, Esq 1 1 0

Mr. S. Simmins 0 10 0

Mr. W. Sells 0 5 0

KILBURN SHOW.

The Judges appointed for the Hives and
Honey Department are : the Rev. George Ray-
nor of Hazleigh Rectory, Maldon, Essex ;
T. W. Cowan, Esq., Horsham, Sussex ; "VV. Carr,
Esq., Newton Heath, Manchester. The judg-
ing of this department of the Show will com-
mence at 2 o'clock on Monday, June 30th,
and the driving competition will take place
at 2 o'clock on Wednesday, July 2nd.

SOUTH KENSINGTON SHOW.
We desire to call special attention to the
fact that Mr. T. G. Newman, the Editor of the
American Bee Journal, is to he one of the
Judges at the South Kensington Show, and
will assist in the judging of hives and supers.

INSTRUCTIONS TO THE JUDGES FOR
AWARDING THE PRIZES IN THE DRIV-
ING COMPETITION AT KILBURN AND
SOUTH KENSINGTON.
That the maximum number of points be 100.
Time. — For every five minutes over quarter of

an hour, deduct five points. For eveiy five minutes

over half an hour, deduct ten points.

Queen.- — If the queen be not captured in transit,

deduct ten points ; nor in the receiving skep, de-
duct twenty points. If the queen be not captured

at all, deduct 100 points.

Combs. — For every comb broken loose, deduct

ten points.

Judges to have discretion to give not exceeding

twenty marks for extra neatness, coolness, &c.
The queen shall be considered as captured only

when placed in the box and handed to the judge

alive and uninjured.

The points of excellence to be aimed at to be

celerity, neatness, coolness under inconveniences,

and capture of the queen in her transit to the

receiving skep.

BEES AT THE BIRMINGHAM BOTAN-
ICAL & HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S
SHOW, 1879.

We have much pleasure in announcing that
arrangements arc being made with the British
Bee-keepers' Association for holding an ex-
hibition of bee-manipulation at the above
Society's show at Edgbaston, on the 8th and
9th of August next, when there will be a very
grand flower show and concert. The com-
mittee are willing to give 20/. in prizes for
various objects connected with bee-keeping;
and with this ' earnest ' of their desire to
encourage ' that glorious hobby ' we think and
hope the bee-keepers of Warwickshire will
feel it their duty to support them, and we trust
will unite and form a Bee-keepers' Association
for the county as a permanent institution.

The Hon. Sec, Yilliers Blakemore, Esq., is
particularly anxious that this first attempt in
Birmingham to popularise and bring apiculture
side by side with horticulture shall be a success;
and as the Hon. Sec. of the British Bee-
keepers' Association has undertaken to conduct
exhibitions of manipulation in thetenthclonging
to the latter on both days of the show, its
success may be looked upon as already
achieved.

It would greatly strengthen the hands of
the local Hon. Sec. (Mr. Blakemore) if all
those willing to assist in so laudable an enter-
prise would communicate with him and form a
nucleus out of which a committee (pro tern.)
could bo organized, for wc are quite sure that
after, if not before the show, a great desire for
knowledge of the improved method of bee-
culture will be created, which only local
associations can properly satisfy. There aro
many competent bee-keepers in Warwickshire,
and to them we cordially commend the present
opportunity for taking at the flood the tide
that leads to fortune, and hy happy union
strengthen themselves and create the means of
giving tangible help to their poorer neighbours
and direct encouragement to humane bee-
keeping.

BERKS AND BUCKS BEE-KEEPERS'

ASSOCIATION.
We have pleasure in announcing that an
Association is being formed for these counties,
and that there may be no delay, Mr. Wm.
Darby, of 5 St. Stephen's Villas, Windsor, will
kindly act as the Secretary pro iem* There

* Mr. Darby informs us that his first day's canvassing,
limited though his time is through his general duties,
procured eleven willing and anxious members ; and lie is
sanguine that three or four exhibitions will be possible
during the season, as the managers of the fetes and
exhibitions with whom he has coiuu into contact aro

52

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[July 1, 1879.

are many great gatherings of the local popu-
lation at Slough, Windsor, and Eton, and often
they are graced and honoured by the presence
of our Imperial Indian and Queenly British
Majesty, or other august representatives; and
we fondly hope that some day it may please
Her Gracious Majesty, in the interests of
humanity, to extend her Royal favour and
patronage to bee-culture as now practised. Bee-
keepers are intensely loyal — they are liable to
ecstasies when a queen-bee is visible, how much
more then would they value a sign of approval
from their own beloved Queen, whom Heaven
preserve !

FORTHCOMING SHOWS, 1879.
See also Engagements of British Bee-heepers Bee Tent.

June 30th. — British Bee-keepers' Association, at
Kilburn, and seven following days ; in conjunction
with Royal Agricultural Society of England. Entries
closed May 1st.

July 3rd. — Tiverton Branch of Exeter Association.
Hon. Sec, W. N. Griffin, Rock House, Alphington,
Exeter.

M.— Hitchin, Herts. Rev. H. R. Peel, Hon.
Sec, Abbot's Hill, Hemcl Hempstead.

10th.— Dunstable. Rev. H. R. Peel, Hon. Sec,
as above.

12th.— Leiston Vicarage, Suffolk. Bev. B. W.
Raven, Hon Sec.

17th.— Hertford. Rev. H. R. Peel, Hon. Sec,
as above.

17th. — The Surrey Association will hold their
first Show of Honey, Bees, and Bee-furniture in
Clandon Park, kindly permitted by the Right Hon.
Earl of Onslow. F. H. Lemare, Esq., Hon. Sec,
Sidney Terrace, Guildford.

22nd and two following days. — British Bee-
keepers, at Royal Horticultural Gardens, South
Kensington, in connexion with their Flower Show.
Rev. H. R. Peel, Hon. Sec, Abbot's Hill, Hemel
Hempstead, Herts.

2 6th.— Burton -on -Trent. Rev. W. C. Owen,
Hon. Sec

29th and three following days. — Caledonian
Apiarian and Entomological Society, at Highland
and Agricultural Society's Show, Perth, N. B., Hon.
Sec, R. J. Bennett, 50 Gordon Square, Glasgow.

August. — Central Show at Exeter, date not fixed.
Hon, Sec, W. N. Griffin, as above.

August.— Halberton Branch of the Devon and
Exeter Bee-keepers' Association, date not fixed.
Hon. Sec, W. N. Griffin, as above.

8th. — Berkeley Flower Show, Gloucestershire.

8th and 9th. — Edgbaston, Birmingham, Villiers
Blakemorc, Esq., Edgbaston, Hon. Sec.

13th.— West Herts, Watford. Rev. H. R. Peel,
Hon. Sec, as above.

lith. — St. Mary Cray. J. Garnet, Hon. Sec,
Hockenden, St. Mary Cray.

simply delighted with the prospect opened out. We
shall spare no pains to further so desirable an object, —
Ed. B. B. J.

20th. — Devon and Exeter Bee-keepers' Associa-
tion Show at Plymouth, in connexion with the
Royal Western Horticultural Society. Hon. Sec,
W. N. Griffin, as above.

20th and 21st. — Shropshire, at Floral and Horti-
cultural Show, Shi-ewsbury. Rev. Hon. C. Feilding,
Hon. Sec, Stapleton Rectory, Shrewsbury.

26th.— Long Buckby.

29th and 30th.— Arbroath, N. B. J. Stewart,
Hon. Sec, Arbroath.

September 3rd. — Much Hadarn, Ware, Herts.

ith. — Horsham, Sussex.

ith, 5th, 6th. — East of Scotland, Dundee. Hon.
Sec, W. Raitt, Bee Croft, Blairgowrie, N. B.

9th. — Warwickshire at Atherstone.

17^/j and 18th. — Lincolnshire Bee-keepers' Asso-
ciation, in connexion with the Long Sutton Agri-
cultural Society. Hon. Sec, R. R. Godfrey,
Watergate, Grantham.

October 1st and 2nd.— Hertfordshire County Asso-
ciation, Hemel Hempstead, Rev. H. R. Peel, Hon.
Sec, as above.

Note. — Hon. Sees, should study this list, and, by
timely arrangements, make it quite complete, and en-
deavour to avoid clashing. — Ed.

ENGAGEMENTS FOR THE BEE-TENT FOE 1879.

June 30 to July 7.— Royal Agricultural Show The
place selected for the Exhibition of bees, hives, and honey
at the Royal Agricultural Show is adjoining the Horti-
cultural Exhibition in the Show grounds.

July 0. — At Hitchin Flower Show.

July 10.— At Dunstable Horticultural & Poultry Show.

July 17. — Hertfordshire County Bee-keepers' Associa-
tion Show at Hertford.

July 17.— Surrey County Bee Show at Clandon Park,
Guildford.

July 22-21. — British Bee-keepers' Association Annual
Show,

July 2-1. — Winslow Horticultural Show.

July 26. — Burton-on-Tront Horticultural Show.

July 20. — Shendish Flower Show, Hemel Hempstead.

July 20 and three following days. — Royal Caledonian
Show at Perth.

Aug. 8. — Berkeley Flower Show, Gloucestershire.

Aug. 8 and 0. — Horticultural Show, Botanical Gardens,
Edgbaston, Birmingham.

Aug. 13.— West Herts Horticultural Show at Watford.

Aug. 14. — St. Mary's Cray Bee and Honey Show.

Aug. 20 and 21. — Shropshire Horticultural and Bee
and Honey Show at Shrewsbury.

Aug. 21. — Sevenoaks Horticultural Show.

Aug. 26. — Long Buckby Horticultural Show.

Sep. 3. — Much Hadarn Ware Cottage Garden Show.

Sep. 3. — Rickmausworth Flowrer Show.

Sep. 4. — Horsham Flower Show, Sussex.

Sep. 0 and 10. — Warwickshire Agricidtural Show at
Atherstone.

Sep. 11. — Harpenden Flower Show.

Oct. 1 and 2. — Hertfordshire County Bee-keepers'
Show at Hemel Hempstead.

Other engagements are in course of arrangement.

July 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

53

SURREY BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION.

This Association will hold its first Apiarian
Exhibition on the 17th July, 1879, in the
beautiful grounds of Clandon Park, Guildford,
b3r the kind permission of, and under the dis-
tinguished patronage of, the Earl and Countess
of Onslow. The Schedule of Prizes offered wiU
be found in our advertising column. It is not
ostentatious, but keeps well in view the object
for which all such associations are formed,
viz., the improvement of bee-keeping amongst
cottagers, with the hope of bettering their con-
dition, and for the advocacy of humanity to the
industrious bees. It will not, therefore, be sur-
prising that the prizes are chiefly offered to
cottagers ; and we fain hope, to cottagers of the
County onty, so that interest in the Association
and Show may not be damped by an over-
whelming rush from outside, for, when the
game is exposed, eagles and hawks will as-
suredly come and carry away the best of it.
The Hon. Sec. is "W. Lemare, Esq., Sidney
Terrace, Guildford, to whom all communica-
tions shoidd be sent.

BEITISH BEE-KEEPEKS' ASSOCIATION.

Committee meeting held at the Council Boom of the
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 105
Jermyn Street, St. James's, on Wednesday, June 11th.
Present, Mr. T. W. Cowan (in the chair), Bev. E.
Bartrum, Mr. J. P. Jackson, Mr. J. Hunter, Mr. J. M.
Hooker, Mr. F. Cheshire, and the Bev. H. B. Peel (hon.
secretary).

The minutes of the last meeting were read and con-
firmed. The Balance Sheet for the month ending
May 31st was also read, as follows : —

Income : Amount brought forward on £ s. d.
May 1st 95 5 7£

Amount received from May 1st to

May 31st 49 3 6

Expenditure : Amount brought for-
ward on May 1st...

Amount expended from May 1st to
May 31st

144

9

Is

14

12

H

4

12

10

19

4

iii

Balance in hand

£125 4 2

The Secretary reported that all the gentlemen selected
at the last committee meeting to act as Judges at
the South Kensington Show had consented to do so.
The committee selected the Judges to the several classes
as follows : —

Hives and Supers. — Classes 1 to 5 — Bev. J. D.
Glennie, W. B. Tegetmeier, W. Freeman, T. F. Ward,
T. (J. Newman.

Bees (Classes 6, 7, 8) and Foreign and Colonial
Honey (Classes 20, 21, 22).— Mr. W. Carr, Mr. J. G.
Deshorough, Bev. F. T. Scott.

English Honey. — Classes 9 to 19. — Mr. B. Syming-
ton, Mr. B. Harding, Mr. H. Bostock, Bev. C. Fielding,
Capt. Eettlewell.

Miscellaneous Classes. — Bev. J. L. Sisson, Mr.
C. Tite, Mr. F. E. Jackson, Mr. D. Stewart, Mr. C. E.
Fletcher.

British Bee Flora (Class 28). — Mr. W. Ingram, of
Belvoir Castle; Mr. Barron, of Royal Horticultural
Society; Dr. Hogg, editor of Journal of Horticulture.

Driving Competition. — Mr. W." Carr, Mr. J. G.
Desborough, Mr. C. Tite.

The Secretary announced that the applications for the
use .if (he Bee Tent at various shows in different parts
of the country were becoming so numerous that notwith-
standing another tint ^\as in course of construction for
the Hertfordshire Association the applications would
have to be refused unless further preparations were made
for this purpose. It was unanimously resolved that an
extra screen should be provided for manipulating pur-
poses at horticultural and other shows.

It was also resolved that each member of the Associa-
tion who had paid his subscription for the current year
should receive an admission ticket to witness one display
in the Bee Tent at the South Kensington Show.

S1IBOPSHIBE BEE-KEEPEES' ASSOCIATION.

The third annual exhibition will be held at the Shrop-
shire Floral and Horticultural Show, Shrewsbury, on
Wednesday and Thursday, August 20th and 21st, 1879.
A liberal schedule of prizes is offered for bees, hives, and
honey, amounting to 17/. 5s., open to residents in Shrop-
shire only,* except as regards hives, &c, for which
Nos. 3, 4, and 5 are offered as follows : — (3) For the best
and cheapest hive on the moveable principle, in wood or
straw, complete, with covering for supers, any number to
be supplied at price named, 1/. and 10s. "(4) For the
best collection of hives and bee furniture, gear and
appliances, no two articles to be alike, 2/. and 1/. (5) For
any new and useful invention for the advancement of
bee-keeping, 1/. Full particulars may be obtained of the
Hon. Sec. ; all communications to be marked ' S. B. A.,'
and when an answer is required to be accompanied with
an envelope, stamped and directed. Hon. Secretary's
address — The Bev. Hon. C. Feilding, Stapleton Eectory,
Shrewsbury.

Report, 1878.

The second annual exhibition of bees, honey, and
apicultural appliances was held on Wednesday and
Thursday, August 14th and 15th, 1878, in connexion
with the Horticultural Show in the Quarry. The com-
petition was certainly better than on the preceding year,
and the interest which it drew forth was considerable
among the thousands who visited the show. Much more
yet remains, however, to be done to make the objects of
the Association better understood. Among people in
general, the return which may be gathered from one
stock of bees by care, ingenuity, and perseverance, is
little known. It is not at all uncommon in the present
day to obtain 100 lbs. of honey in one hive ; indeed, this
was doubled in the past year. Of course, so large a
return can only be obtained by the use of moveable bar
hives and the honey extractor; neither of these, how-
ever, are now costly, but within the reach of even the
labouring classes.

We are glad to see that the cash account shows a
favourable balance on the right side.

AEBEOATH HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Prizes for Bees, Honey, Appliances, &c.

The East of Scotland Bee-keepers' Society offer a
liberal list of prizes for bees, honey, appliances, &c, in
conjunction with the Arbroath Horticultural Society's

* This effectually and sensibly prevents the depression
caused amongst local bee-keepers by the incursions of
' foreigners,' who in former years have swept country shows
of all their best prizes. We hope local Associations will
keep the idea well in mind. — Ed.

a2

54

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[July 1, 1879.

exhibition, to be held within the New Public Hall,
Arbroath, on Friday and Saturday, August 29th and
30th, 1879. This competition is open to members of
Arbroath Horticultural Society and East of Scotland
Bee-keepers' Society ; and the rules for competition will
be the same as those of the East of Scotland Bee-keepers'
Society. Intending competitors must apply to the Acting
Secretary, Mr. John Stewart, Letham Mill, Arbroath,
and return their entry forms not later than the 2oth day
of August next.

ST. MARY CRAY SHOW.
The Cray Valley District Branch of the British Bee-
keepers' Association will hold its first exhibition of honey,
bees and appliances, and practical apiarian manipulations,
in conjunction with the Orpington, St. Mary Cray, St.
Paul Cray, and Chelsfield Cottagers' Horticultural Society,
in the paddock of W. May, Esq., Northfield, St. Mary
Cray, on Thursday, August 14th, 1879. For schedule of
prizes and further particulars apply to Jesse Garratt,
Hon. Secretary, Hockenden, St. Mary Cray.

PETERBOROUGH AGRICULTURAL SHOW.

(From the Peterborough Standard.)
One of the most interesting extraneous features of the
day's proceedings was the exhibition by the British Bee-
keepers' Association in a small marquee, specially made
for experiments with bees. A common hive of bees was
obtained from Mr. J. House's apiary, and manipulated
by Mr. Baldwin, the expert of the society, who showed
how bees could be made to swarm and their rich stores
saved in a most simple manner. Mr. F. Cheshire, of
Acton, and Mr. J. G. Desborough, of Stamford, explained
the different modern modes of treating bees, and gave
any information sought by inquirers.

SURREY BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION.
Bees at Croydon Show.

On Wednesday, June 2-5, an exhibition of bees, honey,
&c, took place, in connexion with the Croydon Flower
Show, in the grounds of Wellesley House, kindly lent by
J. T. Balfour, Esq. The weather was very rough during
the morning, and the mud most profuse ; but the latter
part of the day was fine and clear, and the attendance of
visitors large, and a pleasant evening was the consequence.

For Bees there were three entries : Messrs. Abbott
Bros., with an observatory hive of Ligurian bees ; Mr.
Baldwin, with a bar-frame hive, and Miss F. Cudden,
with a skep, both containing black bees. Mr. Cheshire
was the judge, and disqualified Messrs. Abbott Bros.,
and gave equal first to the other two. The observatory
and the beautiful Ligurian bees were an object of great
interest during the Show.

In Class 2, for cottagers only, for the best and strongest
skep filled with bees, &c, Miss A. Holman was first,
Mr. Dudley second, and Mr. Fowler third.

In Honey, Classes 3, 4, 5, for cottagers, there was no
award, and only one exhibit — a small skep which con-
tained brood only, and some empty queen-cells. The
exhibitor was very indignant at not receiving a prize ;
but, evidently, he did not know the difference between
sealed brood and sealed honey.

Class 0 was a honey-counter, at which little business
was done.

Class 7, for wax in any form, Abbott Bros., with some
beautiful samples of comb-foundation.

Class 8, for hives, price not to exceed 10s. Mr. Fuggle
was awarded first prize ; Abbott Bros, highly com-
mended. Mr. Holland was also an exhibitor.

Class 9 — Supers. Mr. W. Holland received first prize,
at which no one was more surprised than himself.

Class 10. The driving competition produced two com-

petitors only, Mr. J. A. Abbott (of the firm of Abbott
Bros.) and Mr. J. S. Baldwin, the well-known expert of
the British Bee-keepers' Association. The former was,
however, the winner, he having driven out the bees and
captured the queen in six minutes ; while Mr Baldwin,
who drove the bees well enough, but failed to find the
queen (one of the necessities of the competition), coidd
not take a prize . It is a great ' sell,' when, after driving
out the bees, queen-cells are discovered in the hive,
proving that the bees had swarmed, or lost their queen
some days before. Nevertheless, as each competitor
provided his own bees, the competition was perfectly
fair, though 'luck' was a prominent element in it.
Messrs. Neighbour & Sons exhibited a collection of hives
and appliances, and Mr. Finlay a collection of straw skeps.
Altogether the Exhibition was a decided success,
though why a imicomb Observatory hive, stocked with
Ligurian bees, was disqualified, ' na fellah ' (pare the
Judge) can understand.

THE VALUE OF DIFFERENT RACES OF BEES.

Translated from the Eiehstadt Bienenzeitung, No. 10.

Ever since we have become acquainted with, and
introduced various foreign races of bees, the ' colour of
some of which differs in a striking manner from that of
our native bees, apiculture has become considerably
more interesting and profitable. Many questions on
which formerly opinions were very much divided, are
now capable of being solved in a simple way. If Baron
Ehrenfels were still alive, he woidd no longer venture to
express the opinion, that worker bees might attain the
age of the queen, and consequently live for several years,
if they escaped from all the dangers to which they are
exposed. For, any one who has introduced into a colony
of bees a queen of a differently coloured race knows how
soon the worker bees disappear, and will have noticed
that during the busy time of the year it hardly takes six
weeks for the old generation of bees to die out and a new
one to appear and take their place. The question
formerly so much discussed and often with a good deal
of bitterness, as to whether the queen is fertilised outside
the hive only, and often at a great distance from it, and
whether she also lays the egg.-i from which the drones
originate, is now no longer raised since other races, and
especially the Italian bees, have been introduced. Such
an important ratification and enlargement of the theory
of apiculture could not, of course, remain without a
favourable influence on the management of bees, and in-
directly contribute to the realisation of larger profits
from the pursuit of keeping bees.

But the introduction of foreign races of bees has also
been of direct benefit, as many of them possess valuable
qualities, of which our native bee is moro or less
deficient.

The common black bee, which is met with in most
parts of Germany, possesses many excellent qualities. It
is indeed a honey-bee. I consider it a very valuable
peculiarity of these bees that their young queens lay no
drone eggs during the first year, and the worker-bees
therefore make no drone cells either. When it was
stated by Bruening, in some of the earlier numbers of the
Bienenzeituny,\\\\xt second swarms which had scarcely
half filled their hive with comb, had made remote pre-
paration for swarming by breeding drones, I could
hardly believe it, as at that time I was unacquainted with
the exceptional peculiarity of the heath bees, some
colonies of which with queens of the present year indeed
make, preparations for swarming by producing drones.
With the common German bee this is never the case, for
which reason they do not swarm much, but they are
honey-bees in the proper sense of the word.

Their slight disposition to swarm, however, is not
appreciated by those bee-keepers who aim at increasing
the number of colonies in their apiary. The irritability

July 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

55

of our native bees and also their great inclination to sting
may frequently render bee-keeping very disagreeable.
Although an experienced bee-keeper does not mind a few
stings, still his patience is at last exhausted, when he
finds that his bees become so irritable, that all work,
however pressing, has to be suspended, and man and
beast in the neighbourhood are obliged to take to their
heels, and then finally he may expect the police to
interfere and order the removal of the hives, to save (he
neighbourhood from being molested by the bees.

It must therefore 1»- considered a great advantage that
we are in >w acquainted with races of bees, which, although
provided with a sting like our native bees, yet use this
weapon but rarely and only when very greatly irritated,
and they are incapable of such an outbreak of rage as we
have just mentioned. Of the most gentle bees may be
named the Carniolan and Italian bees. The former, in
addition to their gentle nature, show a great disposition
to swarm, the latter are distinguished by their extra-
ordinary industry, their capability of defending- themselves
against attacks by robbers, and the large quantities of
honey they collect, in which they certainly surpass the
capabilities of our native bees.

The advantage of the introduction of foreign races of
bees, however, is not only to be found in the good
qualities and superiority of the latter, but also in the
difference in colour. Generally speaking, we may grant
the correctness of the maxim, that success depends, not
on the colour of the dress, but on the capacity for work.
Still a decided difference in colour is also no mean
practical advantage. A Hungarian bee-keeper, in a letter
which I received from him, states, that in his opinion the
Italian bees are valuable chiefly on account of the
remarkably bright colour of their queens, which greatly
facilitates their being easily discovered among the bees.
The following example will illustrate the advantage of
being able to distinguish queens, more or less pure, from
one another by their colour. Some of the colonies in my
apiary at Carlsmarkt had become somewhat reduced in
population during the winter, and in order to strengthen
them I deprived several populous stocks in iny distant
Bankwitz apiary of a quantity of bees, which 1 crushed
into a box. When I got home 1 discovered to my regret
that I had brushed off a queen with the bees. The
weather being cold the operation had to be performed
quickly, and as I had removed no combs from the brood-
room, where the queen generally resides, I did not suspect
the presence of the queen upon the combs which I took
out of the hives. What was to be done now? Having
taken bees from four or five hives, which colony did the
queen belong to ? I was not long in doubt ; of the
colonies which I had deprived of bees, two were pure
Italians, one colony was tolerably pure, and one only con-
tained rather dark bees. I guessed at once that the queen
which was also of a rather darkish complexion belonged
to this stock, and my supposition proved correct. When
I returned to my distant apiary on the following day, I
found the colony in question without a queen, and on
putting her back into the hive she was joyfully received,
and thus the mistake was made good, which might
easily have caused me the loss of a good colony. The
queen of a swarm might fall to the ground, a queen
returning from her wedding trip might by mistake enter
the wrong hive and still be liberated unhurt from the bees
surrounding her, or she might slip down the combs
unperceived during their temporary removal from the
hive and be discovered afterwards. I need not, therefore,
enter into further particulars to show how important it
is, to know with certainty which hive. she belongs to.
If we kept only one race of bees this would he a mo.-i
difficult thing, hut when at the same time we keep
another land, especially t be strikingly differently-coloured
Italian variety, we possess so many distinguishing marks
not only in the strength and form of body, but also in
the difference in the colour, that wo are able recognise

with tolerable certainty among a considerable number of
queens,any queen which we ba e en 1ml ..nee and when
found restore her to her colony. — (Signed) Dr. Dzieuzon,
Carlsmarkt, 14 April, 1879.

CLIMATIC INFLUENCES.— WHAT A
DIFFERENCE!

While, according to the statements of men of science,
the succession of changes of climate, consequent upon the
change of seasons, takes place more regularly iu many
parte of the world, and more especially in tropical
countries, in our own country the variations of climate
are very great. This is especially the case as regards
springtime, which sometimes commences early and some-
times late, and is otherwise very variable.

It will, perhaps, hardly be possible to determine the
real cause of this difference, as the length of the days
and the position of the sun in the heavens, as well as the
power of radiating heat, remains the same from year to
year. In my opinion the best explanation that can be
given is, that when the masses of ice in the northern
regions begin to move, a larger or smaller number of
these blocks or icebergs are driven by storms towards our
shores, and we feel their effect in the prevailing low de-
grees of temperature.

Although this changeable weather affects every agri-
culturist, still more does it affect bee-keepers, for no
other branch of industry is so entirely dependent upou
weather as apiculture. Other branches of agriculture
may still succeed in spite of high winds, cloudy sky, low
temperature, &c. &c. ; but bees are unable to collect honey
and pollen if the temperature of the air be only one de-
gree less than that at which they are able to work con-
tinuously ; and if nevertheless they venture out visiting-
flowers the injury through loss to the colonies will pro-
bably be greater than any benefit to be derived from such
excursions.

Of what bees are capable of doing early in the year, if
the weather is favourable, we had proofs in l84-\ the
year of Revolutions. Though I do not keep regular
accounts of the state of the weather, still many events,
from their being out of the common, produce such vivid
impressions upon the mind that they are remembered long
afterwards. In the year referred to, the warm weather
set in so early that at Easter (about the 20th April) the
blossoms of the bilberry were falling off after the bees
had collected large quantities of honey from them. In
my apiary at Bankwitz, the bees had gathered so much
honey in April from a field of rape in the neighbourhood
that towards the end of that month I was obliged, in
order to give the bees more room, to empty the honey
compartments rilled by them with new combs which they
had stored with honey. The hives were completely full
of bees, and capable of giving off swarms at this early
time of the year.

When I think of this and compare it with the sad state
the stocks are in at the present time (nearly the middle
of -May), I feel inclined to exclaim: — '0 jerum jerum.
quanta mutatio rerum ! ' (How things have changed !) A
greater contrast can hardly be imagined than a com-
parison of the spring of the present year with that of
J34s<, as regards the progress of the colonies. I do not
remember breeding having commenced so late, and the
development of the colonies altogether being in such a
backward state for many years past. When the weather
is seasonable the bees in the hive at this time of the yea r
are generally numerous enough to cover their combs
completely, and any parts of comb which the bee-keeper
may have cut away will be found to have been replaced
by them, hut at present they are still concealed between
the combs. The population of the hives is much less
than what it was in March, and they scarcely have as
much brood now as is usually met with in the hives in
the month of February when the winter has not been too

50

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[July 1, 1879.

severe. Our actual winter the bees survived in tolerably
good condition, but the second -winter we have passed
through has proved more disastrous to them, and so has
the spring until now. The very elements seem to have
broken loose. It is reported from Szegedin, which town
has been visited with such a dreadful inundation, that
even after the dreadful catastrophe the works for re-
pairing the dams to protect the town were repeatedly
destroyed by the agitated floods ; here also frightful
storms have been raging, blowing off and destroying the
roofs of the hives in my apiary, knocking down entire
piles of hives and otherwise damaging them.

The heaviest loss, however, will be due to the present
unusually depopulated state of even the largest colonies ; the
bees from sheer necessity rush out of the hive impatiently
during a moment of sunshine, and perish in large num-
bers on these excursions ; and while pasture would be
plentiful, if only the weather were favourable, we are
now obliged to go to the trouble and expense of feeding
the bees in order to keep them alive. They were not
able to utilise to any extent the flowers of the hazel, the
aspen, the willow, or the cowslip, nor the very melli-
fluous blossoms of the gooseberry, the flowering time of
which is now nearly over. Their visits to the gooseberry
blossoms were limited to one fine day, the consequence
being that when on the following cold days they again
left their hives, most of them were lost. The bilberry is
at this moment in full flower, and is a great, attraction to
bees in the neighbourhood of woods and forests, on account
of the quantity of honey it yields ; but its time of flower-
ing will probably also pass without being utilised by the
bees, for the temperature is so low that we had a fall of
snow here last night, which indeed disappeared from the
ground the next day : still, an intensely cold north wind
continues to blow, which makes it impossible for any bee
to show itself outside the hive : and, so far, there does not
appear any prospect of an immediate improvement in the
weather.

This deplorable state of things affects me most pain-
fully, because I had engaged to supply fertile queens, or
small colonies of the beautiful, gentle, and industrious
Italian bees. I am quite willing to fidtil my promises ;
but it will perhaps he a month later than I should have
been able to execute the orders, if the season had not
been so exceptional — circumstances indeed are stronger
than the will of man. Man is powerless against the
forces of nature, and compelled to put up with what is
bi yi >nd his power to alter. I trust, then, that bee-keepers
will not lose patience in these trying eireurnstances, but
look forward to better times, which surely will succeed
this unusually bad season. The Latin proverb is, Post
nubila Phoebus, or, as we say in German, Auf Regen folgt
Sonnenschein. (After rain comes sunshine.)

(Signed) Dh. Dziekzon.
Carkmarkt, St. Pancras' Day, 1879.

SINGULAR DEATH AT PETERBOROUGH.

Swallowing A Bee and Poisoned by Ammonia.

A most extraordinary fatality occurred in Peterborough
on Sunday, the deceased being Mr. John House, father
of Mr. House, confectioner and horticulturist, at whose
nurseries at Eastgate he had for many years resided. On
Sunday afternoon, between three and four o'clock, the
deceased was taking a wall; in the gardens near his house
when a bee stung him on the tongue, flew into his mouth,
and went down his throat. He seemed not to have told
anyone of the occurrence at the time, but to have re-
sorted for relief from the pain to a strong solution o
ammonia kept on the premises for the purpose of destroy-
ing the virus of bees, there being an apiary near. Seeing
that he had swallowed the bee, he was under the im-
pression that a dose of the antidote was necessary, and
he accordingly swallowed a whole table-spoonful of am-
monia. Unfortunately, although he got much worse

after taking the poison, he did not complain sufficiently
to induce his friends to send for medical aid until half-
past six o'clock, just three hours after the occurrence.
Dr. Thomson, who was called in, found his patient in a
serious state, and at once gave an unfavourable opinion
as to his recovery. Subsequently Dr. Miller, assistant to
Dr. Thomson, also attended, but their combined efforts
to save life were unavailing. It is probable that had he,
soon after drinking the ammonia, taken a pint of milk or
water, the poison would have been sufficiently diluted as
to have had no fatal effect. However, as that was not
done, more extreme remedies had to be used. These,
however, were alike ineffectual. When Dr. Thomson
first saw the deceased he was in violent pain, and was
raising a frothy mucus mixed with blood. His tongue
and throat, too, were highly congested and inflamed.
Acid drinks were given him, the white of an egg, olive
oil, See., but nothing seemed to reach his stomach. He
died at two o'clock in the morning from a stoppage of
the air-passages, which caused suffocation. For at least
four hours before he expired he knew there was no hope.
The deceased, who was a fine specimen of his race, was
eighty years of age, and Monday, the very day that he
died, w-as the fiftieth anniversary of his marriage. His
widow is between seventy and eighty years of age. The
Coroner (E. Vergette, jun., Esq.), having inquired into
the facts, deemed an inquest unnecessary. — From the
Peterborough Standard, June 14th, 1879.

Regarding this sad affair, the following remarks by
the Editor appeared in the same paper as a leader : —

' At the ripe old age of eighty, Mr. House, father of
several of our business fellow-townsmen in Peterborough,
has been taken from amongst us by a most painful acci-
dent— painful because of the intense suffering it entailed,
and also on account of its remediable, if not preventable
character. On Sunday evening he was enjoying the re-
freshing air of the Eastgate nurseries when a common do-
mes! ic bee tlew into his mouth, stung him, and went down
his throat. He does not appear to have been particularly
alarmed at the occurrence. He had probably been stung
by bees hundreds of times before, and consequently he
would think but lightly of the sting. The presence of the
bee in his stomach, however, evidently caused him consider-
able misgivings, as he forthwith swallowed a quantity
of ardent ammonia, sufficient, undiluted, to kill him.
Had he not taken that stringent poison he might have
been living now. The body of a bee in itself could not
possibly have done any harm and the virus of its sting
would soon have disappeared. Unfortunately, however,
without advice, he drank the ammonia as an antidote,
and died within twelve hours. The lamentable occur-
rence shows how careful persons should be in dealing
with strong solutions; and. it is a question whether,
although ammonia is not strictly a poison under the Act,
it should not bear a label cautioning the public against
its dangerous nature. One might almost as reasonably
drink a bottle full of whisky as a table-spoonful of am-
monia. Perhaps this fact is not generally known. Had
it been, we might not now have had to regret the close
of a useful octogenarian life.

COOK'S 'NEW MANUAL OF THE APIARY.'
We regret that we were prevented giving our
promised remarks on the above, through having
parted with the volume in possession, and being
unable to obtain another copy. All that had been
imported to England had been sold, and it would
seem that the American demand was so great as to
prevent a further importation reaching us until the
middle of June, when the pleasing duty devolved
upon us.

The introduction shows, — 'Who mat keep bees,

July 1, 1870.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

W

Specialists, Amateurs, Who arc interdicted, Induce-
ments to Bee-keeping, Recreation, Profit, Excellence
as an amateur pursuit, Adaptation to women, Im-
provement of the mind, &c, Yield of delicious food,
What successful bee-keeping requires, Mental effort,
Experience, Learning from others, Aid from con-
ventions, Aid from bee publications, Promptitude
and Enthusiasm ; ' and a perusal of the views ex-
pressed by the author, while affording intense
pleasure to the reader, cannot fail to be of great
value to the intending bee-keeper. Here is a
specimen, among many, under the heading Prompti-
tude, that we heartily endorse,

The writer says : —

'Another absolute requirement of successful bee-
keeping is prompt attention to all its varied duties.
Neglect is the rock on which many bee-keepers, espe-
cially farmers, find — too often — that they have wrecked
their success. I have no doubt that more colonies die
from starvation than from all the bee maladies known
to the bee-keeper. And why is this ? Neglect is the
apicide. I feel sure that the loss each season by ab-
sconding colonies is almost incalculable, and whom
must we blame ? Neglect. The loss every summer by
enforced idleness, just because room is denied them, is
very great. Who is the guilty party 2 Plainly neglect.
In these, and in a hundred other ways, indifference to
the needs of the bees, which require but a few moments,
greatly lessens the profits of apiculture. If we would be
successful, promptitude must be our motto. Each colony
of bees requires but little care and attention. Our very
interest demands that this be not denied, nor even
granted grudgingly. The very fact that the required
attention is slight, renders it more liable to be neglected;
but this neglect always involves loss, often disaster.'

The work throughout is full of highly useful
information, and being written by one who has no
hive of his own to vaunt, his observations in this
respect are doubly valuable.

On page 122 the author says, in treating of
hives : —

' I feel free to say, that no person who reads, thinks,
and studies— and success in apiculture can be promised
to no other — will ever be content to use the old box-
hive. In fact, thought and intelligence, which imply an
eagerness to investigate, are essential elements in the
apiarist's character; and to such an one a box-hive would
be valued just in proportion to the amount of kindling
wood it contained. A very serious fault with one of our
principal bee books, which otherwise is mainly excellent
in subject, matter, and treatment, is the fact that it pre-
sumes its readers to be box-hive men. As well make
emperors lungs, and chivalry the basis of good govern-
ment, in an essay written for American readers. I shall
entirely ignore box-hives in the following discussions, for
I believe no sensible, intelligent apiarists, such as read
books, will tolerate them, and that supposing they would,
it would be an expensive mistake, which I have no right
to encourage, in fact am hound to discourage, not only for
the benefit of individuals, but also for the art itself.

'To be sure of success the apiarist must be able to
inspect the whole interior of the hive at his pleasure,
must be able to exchange combs from one hive to
another, to regulate the movements of the bees, by
destroying queen-cells, by giving or withholding drone-
combs, by extracting the honey, by introducing queens,
and by many other manipulations to be explained, which
are only practicable with a moveahle-frame hive.'

We shall from time to time make extracts from
this useful work, in the meantime we commend it
to our readers, — Ed. B. B. J.

LECTURE ON BEES : THEIR HUMANE AND

PKOPER TREATMENT.

By Mb. Baldwin.

{From the Comishman of June 6.)

Any one who had the good fortune to hear the very
practical lecture, and to witness the skilful manipulation
of the bees, by the representative of the British Bee-
keepers' Association of May ;'Oth in the Showfield of the
Pen with Agricultural Society at Penzance, will not soon
forget the valuable lessons he learnt on that occasion.
First let us describe the show. Entering an ingeniously-
contrived tent, the spectators were accommodated with
standing room, three or more deep, around an inner
compartment, screened off by a black netting, so pecu-
liarly constructed that it looked like perforated zinc.
Within this area stood Mr. Baldwin, and he had with
him a deal table, a model wooden hive, a bucket of water,
a flexible puffer for tobacco-smoke, a small tin scoop, a
full straw hive, an empty one, and a patent rotary
machine, something like a small churn, for extracting
honey from the comb. Before commencing operations
he favoured the company assembled with a few sound
and sensible remarks upon the anatomy of the bees
(illustrating them by means of large-sized coloured
plates), also describing the habits, instincts, and peculi-
arities of the honey-bee, dwelling upon the duties of the
queen, the workers, and the drones, in a manner both
popular and interesting. The laying o 2000 to 0000 eggs
per diem, the hatching, development, and death of the
bees, their work, food, protection from damp and cold,
capabilities of increase, swarms, and general management,
all came in for a share of notice. He deprecated the
system of using straw hives, placing them upon sods of
turf, which caused damp and harboured wood-lice,
breaking up of comb, the cruel and unnecessary destruc-
tion by sulphur-fumes of the workers, and advocated the
prevention of successive swarms by promoting large
colonies, giving plenty of room for as many as three
ordinary hives would hold, and affording opportunities of
frequent and easy inspection, so as to judge of the
condition, accommodation, and need of the food of the
numerous family. lie showed how, by this plan, a
cottager might easily make a sum of SI. by each hive,
and produce perfectly pure honey of a delicious quality,
instead of the too common mixture of cell-tissue, grubs,
dead bees, and honey, usually sold as pure honey — a
mess such as every true bee-master would repudiate.

Mr. Baldwin next prepared to put the principles ho
had avowed to the test. First he bared his arms to the
elbows and washed them in the bucket of water, to show
that he used no syrup or mixture to attract the bees.
Taking a hive full of comb, of the ordinary straw or skep
sort, he turned it upside down upon the table, mouth
upwards, and attached an empty skep to it by means of
iron clamps in such a manner that the spectators could
witness his operations. The upper skep fitted to the
other something like a visor to a helmet. A puff or two
of tobacco smoke now and then down between the comb,
and gentle but continual tapping at each side of the hive,
drove the bees upwards very quickly, and caused a great
commotion. Tins the operator humorously compared to
the inhabitants of a city being startled by an earthquake
and quitting their houses, partly out of curiosity and
partly for safety. The vibration soon caused the hum-
ming inmates to come up and pass into the empty skep
like a swarm. Meanwhile Mr. Baldwin was anxiously
looking for the queen, but in consequence of his attention
being taken off by giving explanations and answering
questions, he could not keep up so close an inspection as
was necessary, for it soon became manifest that his
watch had not been strict enough to enable him to detect
her majesty. However, he was quite equal to the

u8

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[July 1, 1879.

occasion ; for, after detaching the skep and carrying it
round with the swarm now clinging to the inside, he took
a shovel-full out and poured thern upon his hand and
arm, showing how harmless the bees were if the person
interfering with them was calm and self-possessed.
Spreading a piece of brown paper upon the sward, he then
turned out all the bees upon it, and, kneeling down,
searched, and soon found the queen-bee amoDg them.
The queen-mother is worth our attention certainly.
She is considerably longer in the body than either the
drone or the worker. The prevailing colour in all three
is the same — black, or black-brown. The head is not
larger than that of the workers ; but the tongue is shorter
and more slender. Mr. Baldwin placed the queen-bee in
his mouth to show how harmless she was. Indeed, all
the time these operations were going on he was surrounded
by a large number of bees, many of which settled upon
his face, arms, and neck without stinging. This he
attributed to his fearlessness and his freedom from
agitation and excitement. A heap of bees still remained
upon the floor ; but when the operator replaced the
queen-bee in the hive-skep, a general rush of her subjects
commenced after her, in a way which was most amusing.
Some people were under the impression that this was to
he an exhibition of trained or tamed bees, something after
the fashion of the ' industrious fleas ; ' but the bees in
this case were brought from the neighbourhood and were
unknown to the professional ' bee-master.' Those who
witnessed his clever management of the insects were
satisfied that there is a right way and a wrong way of
dealing with bees, as there is with everything else ; and
it is hoped much benefit to the county will result from
this very instructive lesson in the art of the humane
treatment of the hive-bee.

A good swarm of bees, we are told, should weigh 5 lbs.
and number from 20,000 to 35,000 bees. The wretched
lglb. and 21bs. swarms one daily sees shaken into hives,
are, as Mr. Pettigrew says, ' not even worth the worth-
less hives they are put into.' Small and weak swarms
are seldom or ever able to live through the coming
winter. A newly-purchased swarm, with proper care,
will yield from lOlbs. to 201bs. of virgin honey, value
from 20s. to 26s., and the following year the profits from
the hive will increase to 3/. There is, therefore, probably
no occupation that will make so large a return for the
expense and trouble as bee-keeping. The most simple
and uneducated may practise it as successfully as the
educated. It is a study well deserving of the attention
of the rich and poor alike, and affords interest to the
one and profit to the other. Any industrious cottager
living by the roadside, and having a small garden, may
realise a handsome sum of money by bee-culture, and thus
gain an honest living, while, at the same time, he main-
tains a spirit of independence. The first principles to be
understood seem to be, — large hives, so as to prevent a
numerous and weakly succession of swarms ; judicious
and systematic feeding, during wet weather and at night
time with a little sugar and water syrup ; warm, dry
situation ; avoiding all useless destruction of fife, the
honey being as easily taken without the sacrifice ;
the extraction of the honey, without injuring the comb,
and so making it useful again. The old policy of
sulphur-poisoning is suicidal, because you destroy that life
on which the profits of the following year so much
depend.

It may be mentioned that the British Bee-keepers'
Association, in sending a representative to the Pemvith
Agricultural Show, was influenced by philanthropic
motives only, and this disinterested conduct deserves the
thanks of the community. The receipts of the day would
not pay the railway expenses of the lecturer. Several
gentlemen were so deeply interested and delighted with
what they saw and heard, that they think seriously of
trying to induce, by influential and substantial represen-
tations, the Association (of which Baroness Burdett-

Coutts is president) to give another opportunity to the
inhabitants of West Cornwall of learning these valuable
lessons about bees, at the forthcoming show of the
Cottage Gardeners' Society, to be held in August next.

BEES IN AUSTRALIA.
From the ' Bienewzeitung] 1871, No. 9, p. 113.

'A most remarkable observation has been made by
Australian colonists on bees imported from Europe, not,
indeed, gratifying to farmers and bee-keepers in that part
of the world, but one in which naturalists must feel a
deep interest. It is found that our active European bee
remains industrious in Australia for the first year or two
after its introduction there, and during this period the
colonists collect a large quantity of honey. They increase
and multiply, and swarm about among the rich vegetation
of the country, while they keep their hives in good order.
After this time the;/ discmttimie gathering honeg.'

The above article on bees in Australia has evidently
been written by somebody unacquainted with the theory
as well as the practice of bee-keeping. "We will en-
deavour, therefore, to explain the matter both to bee-
masters and non-bee-keepers.

The bees in Australia do not leave off gathering honey,
for if they did they could not increase and multiply. It
is the aim of a colony of bees not to accumulate large
stores of honey, but to secure the propagation of their
species, and on bees mainly depends the fertilisation of
flowers. But in order to propagate the species it is
necessary for them to collect honey, pollen, and water
every day, as long as there is any brood in the hive, and
in sufficient quantity to supply the many thousands of
unsealed larvas with food; the consumption being still
greater when comb-making is going on at the same time.
To provide all these larvre with the proper quantity of
food, a couple of pounds of honey and pollen, at least,
will be required every day, and a surplus of honey in the
hive is therefore possible only when the consumption for
the brood is .smaller than the quantity of honey collected,
or if the bee-keeper knows how to restrict breeding, so
as to make sure of a good honey harvest.

Very large quantities of honey are frequently obtained
from colonies of bees in northern countries ; the reason
being that — in Germany, for example — the queen dis-
continues laying eggs in August ; consequently breeding
is gradually reduced, and in September there is no longer
any expenditure of food on the brood. All the honey,
therefore, which the bees gather from the buckwheat
and the heath {Erica) is stored up for the winter, whereas
in Australia bees no sooner become accustomed to the
climate there than they are sure that they will have
good pasture in abundance throughout the year, and will
therefore not for a moment be without the necessary
supply of food, even if they neglect to accumulate any
considerable stores. If the Australian colonists were
good bee-masters, and kept their bees in hives with
moveable combs, on the principle advocated by Dzierzon,
they would very soon separate the honey compartment
of the hive from the space occupied by the brood, when
they woidd find that, as honey is carried in every day,
the combs emptied to-day would be filled again in a very
short time. If bee-keeping in Australia is carried on
irrationally, it must appear obvious to any bee-keeper
who uses hives with moveable combs that the bees in
Australia exist solely for the propagation of their own
species, but not for the purpose of accumulating honey
for the benefit of man. As flowers blossom throughout
the year in Australia, the bees ought to be more indus-
trious there than with us in Germany, for wherever there
are sweet juices to be obtained the bee is busy from
morning till evening, and for this reason the worker beo
never dies of old age, but wears itself out with hard work
prematurelv. — (Signed) Br, Pollmann, Bonn, Jan. 1879,

July 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

69

Cjorawpmteitt.

%* These columns are open to Subscribers, so that their
queries, replies, correspondence, and experiences, may be
fully and faithfully recorded; and for the discussion of all
tlieories and systems in Bee-culture, and of the relative merits
of all hives and appurtenances, that the truth regarding them
may be ascertained. The Editor, therefore, must not be ex-
pected to coincide with all the views expressed by the various
writers. All Correspondence is addressed to the Editor.

FLASHING TO PROMOTE SWARMING.—
PIPING BEFORE FIRST SWARMS, etc.

I am sure you will consider the following of
sufficient interest for your Journal.

About ten days since a strong stock swarmed, but
the sun going in they returned to the hive. As
thousands were hanging out for several days aud
suffering from the rains for want of room, I nadired
them and all went on well. This morning it rained
heavily, but being out and propping up one of the
legs of this hive I heard the ' calling up ' note
generally heard at night, aud, as I have always been
given to understand, only before casts come off.*
Well, a gleam of sunshine came out at twelve
o'clock and I flashed it into the hive with a looking-
glass ; about two dozen bees flying in front of the
entrance in great excitement. I had given up doing
this and was sitting down about a yard aud a half from
the entrance, when the two dozen bees went in, and
a moment afterwards out came a splendid queen.
She flew three or four times round the hive and
then went in, reappearing almost immediately, when
she took flight and was followed by the swarm.

Now, iu Frank Cheshire's book he distinctly
says, — ' for the common idea that the queen issues
first and that the bees follow is quite erroneous.'

Of course being so near and their being no bees
about to hinder one's sight it was impossible to
make any mistake about it.

I wrote to you the other day about wooden hives
swarming, but I forgot to mention that of my eleven
stocks the two first swarms this season came out of
skeps covered with milk-pans and nearly a iveek
before any of the others, which were covered with
straw hackles. They were not favoured by situation
in any way and were not as strong in bees, as far
as I could tell, as some of the others. Is there any
virtue in milk bowls 1 It looks like it. I have
written this in great haste, as I am going from home
for a few days, but wished to be in time for your
July Journal. Is there any real good in the
looking-glass dodge 1 I have only tried it twice, and
in both cases the swarms have come out within a
short time, ten minutes in the above case, and per-

* There is little doubt but that ten days ago when the
swarru came out, the queen in attempting; to follow it
fell to the ground and was lost, and the swarms are now
in the character of casts, and the queens, young and
wilful, subject to no law. You will probably have a
succession of swarms, each headed by a young queen. —
Ed.

haps in an hour on a previous occasion. — Arthur
J. W. Wood, Kipon-.

[The milk-pans may be preferable through having a
virtue which the straw hackles cannot possess, viz., the
power of transmitting heat. We have often said, but
have not always been believed, that hives ought to receive
all possible benefit from winter sunshine ; we do not, nor
even did mean sunlight. Your ' flashing ' experiments
prove it to be most exciting, and it may prove to be a
help to those who desire ' natural swarms.' — Ed.]

LOSS OF QUEENS.— BIRDS AS BEE
ENEMIES.

I am glad to see, from a reply of yours to a cor-
respondent, that I am not the only person who
complains of the extraordinary loss of queens this
spring, as I almost began to fear there must be
something wrong in my way of management.

Birds (which some people seem to deny) have
played most fearful havoc with my bees this year.
They are the common house-sparrow ; and, though
several have been shot and hung up, the birds do
not seem at all frightened, but continue to fly in
front of the hives, and take off the incoming bees
when on the wing. With regard to a letter in your
last Journal from Mr. Hunt, I may say that my
bees, as a rule, have been much more ill-tempered
this year than last, more especially in exposed
places, where they have been subjected to the
driving rain, and so on. This seems, I think, to
bear out what Mr. Hunt says. — A. G. R., Tisbury.

QUEENLESSNESS— BEES REFUSING TO
MAKE QUEEN-CELLS.

As requested in the Journal, p. 33, I send you a
few observations on the doings of the hive there
mentioned : —

May 10. Put in brood-xomb, No. 2, from an old Ligurian
stock.

May 15. Looked in and found queen-cell partly raised,
and with pap in on comb inserted on May '4, called No.

1. No sign of queen-cell on comb, No. 2. Thought they
might have moved an egg. Black bees carrying pollen.

May 2(5. Found sealed queen-cell on No. 1, also on No.

2. Black bees carrying pollen.

May .'31. Queen-cells both destroyed, but no queen in
hive ; several more drones than I expected ; 5 p.m. had
another good look for queen, but finding none inserted
small piece of Ligurian eggs.

June 4. No signs of queen-cell on inserted comb ; 1 1
a.m. caged a black queen, and as soon as I put her near
the combs the bees rose up on the top of the combs an
inch thick, with a hum just like swarming.

June 5. Liberated black queen at 5 p.m.

June 0. All the brood inserted in this hive has been
Ligurian up to now; lots of Liguiians fly abroad, but
not one carries in pollen at present ; pollen is carried in
by black bees only.

June 8. A few Liguiians carrying half loads of pollen ;
blacks, full loads.

June 10. Opened hive and found queen all right, and
laying lots of eggs.

June 19. Bees working well, both Ligurians and blacks
taking in full loads of pollen. I shall have a good chance
now of seeing how long the Ligurians are before their
days are ended, and if you think it of interest will let
you know. — Henry Yates, Grantham, June 10.

[These 'observations ' fully bear out our oft-expressed

BO

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[July 1, 1879.

opinion that old bees cannot raise queens, or feed brood
properly, being incapable of preparing the necessary pap
for either case. The young Ligurian bees introduced in
comb No. 1. May 3, had hatched out in numbers by May
10th, when a second comb of Ligurian brood was in-
serted, and then queen-cells were raised, one being found
on the 15th partly raised, with pap in it ; and on the
20th a second sealed cell was discovered on No. 1, curi-
ously proving that bees do remove eggs, for no egg or
larvas coidd have remained dormant on that comb from
May 3rd to 20th, even though it were a drone-egg or
larva (after partaking of royal pap) ; and the fact of the
cell being destroyed proves that there was a living bee in
it at the time. On 31st May, both queen-cells were
destroyed, proving that one had hatched out a queen
which had destroyed the other. It is not in the slightest
against our theory, that our correspondent, who deserves
sincere thanks for his careful observations, was unable to
find the young queen, for she may have been lost on a
wedding flight in such wretched weather as prevailed
during Juno, or being shy, have evaded him, as is their
natural propensity. The further experiences regarding
the introduction of the black queen, are quite in accord
with our own observation. We sincerely hope our friend
will give careful dates as to the term of existence of the
Ligurians. — Ed.]

SWARM PREVENTION (?).

A hive was supered on June 4th, after the first
swarm had left on the same day. On June 10th
perforated zinc was placed between super and hive,
after almost clearing super of bees. On June 13th
the first cast came off, which was united to first
swarm from same hive. This was done during the
afternoon, but I saw no queen though I watched
carefully for her. On June 1 6th second cast came off,
which was returned during afternoon, but again saw
no queen. On June 18th third cast came off, which
was returned, but saw no queen. Whilst looking
into super, saw queen in super. Took her out and
put her into hive.

Query. How did queen get into super? Through
perforated hive 1 or was she imprisoned in super
when I placed perforated zinc on hive? If so would
casts have returned ?

N.B. — The casts showed no restlessness, although
they had lost queen.

If you accept the last alternative, does not it
sh»w that, however much you may imprison the
queen, you do not prevent swarming, though pos-
sibly the swarm will return again and again to the
hive, and, therefore, that the attempt is only waste
of time ? My belief is that it is a false principle in
bee-keeping to attempt to hinder swarming, and
thus the true principle is to get your swarms as
early as you can, and double if you please, in hives
with foundation or every other frame comb, and
super as soon as complete. Eeducing your stock in
autumn to half those you wish to have for harvest-
ing purposes.

Has any successful bee-keeper ever united swarms
to stocks that have already swarmed, and had good
super results % So many of us want to keep down
our stocks to a reasonable number — which cannot
be done by preventing swarming, — but which might
be done by thus reinforcing hives that arc reduced
by swarming. — S. N., Cowhridye.

BEGINNING BEE-KEEPING.— THE FOLLY
OF PURCHASING STOCKS.
Permit me to inform you that I bought a stock
of Ligurian bees, in April, from a gentleman at
Newton Heath, near Manchester. I paid M. 6s. for
bees and comb, and 19s. for hive, which is 51. 5s.
When I saw them on purchasing I thought there
were not many bees. However, I got them home
all right (nine miles), and, on looking through the
glass window at back, I found only three combs, or
spaces, with bees, only about half way down. The
other combs had not a single bee on them. I fed
them from the first with syrup, with a four-hole
feeder. They took but little, about 4 ozs. a-week.
I put fresh syrup on with muslin and perforated
zinc ; but they only took it at about the same rate.
I wrote to the seller, to inform him how things
were, and his answer was, ' Bees have not been
stimulated as they ought to have been.' I wrote
again, forwarding a sample of muslin and zinc which
was over the feed-hole. His answer was, ' Muslin
all right, but zinc was rather too thick.' Whenever
I raised the bottle I found syrup on the zinc, and
it appeared to me that the bees had plenty of syrup.
The syrup was made of loaf-sugar, with half of its
weight of water, 10 lbs. sugar, 5 lbs. water, and
boiled ten minutes. Since I got May Journal it
has reminded me of a thing I shall not forget very
soon, and that is, ' There arc sharks on land ; ' for,
I think, I never got the worth of my money. I
enclose a piece of muslin, such as I used, and have
taken the zinc away sometime ; but they consume
no more. The bees are still becoming less, and
there does not appear more than a handful. Hoping
I have made myself plain, and, if you can give me
the cause of them reducing, I shall feel obliged, and
what is the best thing to do. — James Page, Jericho,
Bury, Lancashire.

[There is little doubt but that the bees are queenless,
and are dwindling through there being no young ones
hatching to keep up their numbers. It is a pity the
warning given in the Journal did not reach you in time.
It would have been far better to have purchased a swarm,
as we have so often recommended. There is now no
remedy. You saw them before you purchased them,
and you ' got them home all right.' It was evidently a
bonajide purchase on your part, and you have evidently
no claim. What to do with the bees is another question;
but, as there is only a handful, it would be as well to
destroy them, or unite them, if possible, to another stock,
and put a new swarm into the combs they occupy, if the
said combs have no sign of foul brood, which may, after
all, be the cause of the dwindling. The muslin is all
right.— Ed.]

AN IRISH BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION.

I beg to enclose P. O. O. for 5s., being amount
of my subscription towards the above. I think it
much better to secure funds at first — talking and
writing afterwards. I am greatly pleased at
' J. S.'s ' remarks on Bee Societies in general, and
his muchly-admired sentiments of the British Asso-
ciation forming a Grand Union for the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. The
parent Association should hold three great Annual
Exhibitions each August — one in London, one in

July 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

81

Dublin, and one in Edinburgh or Glasgow. The
branches could be held in conjunction with the local
flower shows and other displays. As all our Irish
affairs are managed in London, you would do well
to have our head-quarters there, for some time at
least. We have a great many serious drawbacks
to deal with. No Baroness Burdett-Coutts to head
our list. I notice in all your accounts of English
and Scotch Associations the patronage is under the
Earl of So-and-so, Sir Charles So-and-so, &o. But
perhaps some kind friend may come forward and
aid us in the present movement. We can't exactly
get on well until after we have an Exhibition iu
Dublin, presided over by yourself and Rev. H. R.
Peel, with Bee Tent and manipulations. All the bee-
keepers of Ireland could then have an opportunity
of disposing annually of their surplus stocks of bees
and honey. They could there meet their hive-
makers and purchase their stocks of bee-furniture,
<fec. The farmers and other classes have their
societies empowered by royal charter, and I don't
see why we can't be protected, and enabled, by a
grant from Government, to carry out our peaceful
and loyal intentions, and thus promote a source
of industry and create more social comforts
for our rural peasantry by encouraging them
to engage in bee-keeping, and save the waste of
sweets wafted on the ' desert air.' When the
Society is firmly established, each member ought
to be called on (in addition to his annual sub-
scription) to subscribe to the expense of sending a
delegate to the monster honey shows, such delegate
to give an account of his stewardship in the columns
of our Journal. — J. Traynor, Tinahehj.

HIVE ENTRANCES— A CAUTION.
On paying my morning visit to my hives, about
10.30 a.m., I observed no bees either coming out
of or going into my strongest stock, on looking to
the entrance I saw it choked with dead bees, and
on further examination I found at least three
fourths of the bees either dead or dying. I then
proceeded to take out the frames one by one ; they
were covered with live bees, although in a very
sleepy condition ; there was brood hatching, and in
various stages, some only just filled up, some half
so, some eating their way out. The hive contains
eight Woodbury-shaped frames, four of these are
filled with worker brood, and one half filled with
drone brood, most of which were eating their way
out ; there was not a trace of honey or pollen, the
queen appeared all right, although in a semi-coma-
tose state from the effects of the suffocation. The
hive has a quilt. It was a first swarm last season,
with a one-year-old queen, so this would be the
beginning of her third year. It was the strongest
hive I have, or rather had ; and I expected it to
swarm daily, as drones have been flying from it for
a week past (May 30th) ; however, I found no queen-
cells in the hive. I may add that I have not fed
this hive during the winter, as they were well
supplied. The hive has three windows in it, so
that I have been able to see that the bees have
not been in want. I have now put on a bottle in

the hope of resuscitating them; and I hope, as
there is so much brood hatching out, that all will
yet be well. If you think this communication will
interest other bee-keepers, make whatever use of it
you like ; and if you can suggest the cause, and the
means of avoiding a repetition of such a disaster,
in the next Journal, I shall feel greatly obliged. — ■
Wm. Walker, J ax., Wellcomhe, near Devon, May
30, 1879.

We endeavoured to account for this accident — for
such we felt sure it must have been — by suggesting that
there was something wrung with the entrance; either
that it was too small and that a crush of bees had choked
it, or that the entrance-way, instead of being cut out of
the bottom of the hive, was sunk in the floor-board,
leaving, as is usual in such cases, an inclined plane for the
bees to ascend, and that perhaps the' hive had been slid
back so as not to permit the passage of bees. Our cor-
respondent, however, explained that the entrance was a
tunnelled one, and that the hive was in its proper place.
June 6th, he says : —

The entrance was not grooved in the floor-board
in the way you mean. The floor-board is con-
structed of two pieces, the grain being crossed,
with entrance half-
inch high in the lower
piece, and hole 4 inches
by 2 inches in the
upper* — thus. I have
no doubt you know
the sort well enough.
The hive was in its
proper position, too.
I cannot think what caused the death of the bees. —
Wm. Walker, Jun.

THE SEASON IN HERTFORDSHIRE.—

CHEAP HIVES.
What a backward season this is ! I have, for
the first time since I began bee-keeping, passed
into June without having had a swarm. The
hives are daily getting stronger, but perhaps
another fortnight must elapse before any are
powerful enough to be divided. However, the
flowers are as backward as the bees, and by the
time the honey harvest comes the labourers will be
numerous enough to gather it. The late frosts —

* Here, then, is at once the solution of the mystery,
and the only wonder in the matter is that there have
not been many more disasters of the same kind. A
few bees falling from the cluster, which in spring is
almost invariably in front of the hive's centre, and con-
sequently just over the hole in the floor-board indicated
at a in the woodcut, would fill it, or so nearly so as to
cause the bees great difficulty in their endeavours to
pass and repass, and presently a panic would seize
theni and suffocation would do its worst. We have
seeu most miserable effects produced by floor-boards
of the kind, whole colonies having been destroyed
utterly. In the present case, the quilt being gently
ventilating saved the remnant, who, as is usual in such
cases of excitement, go on with their breeding at a great
rate. There is no entrance so good as that which is cut
in the hive on a level with the top of the floor-board, so
that by passing a wire hook within, the whole floor-board
may be searched, and dead bees cleared out immediately
without disturbing the hive. — Ed,

62

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[July 1, 1879.

notably those of the nights of 7th and 8th May —
were most injurious to the clover crops. A farmer
told me that he entered a field of -white clover on
the 8th of May, when the sun was shining, and the
air was full of the smell of burnt hay. The frost,
succeeded by hot sun, had scorched the young crop,
and materially damaged it. I look for my honey
harvest during the last week of June and first two
weeks of July. This year I certainly cannot count
on it before late in July ; and as I hope to leave
home then, I fear my surplus honey will be small
this year, as I shall not be able to attend to its
storage properly.

I still have two of your half-inch stuff, ten-framed
hives, which have stood the winter well, having had
only an additional covering in the shape of a jacket
made of wine-bottle straw-envelopes. Wishing the
Journal and its Editor continued support and
success, &c. — P. H. Phillips, Offley Lodge, near
Hitchin, June 4.

BEE-KEEPING IN YORKSHIRE.
We are in a bad way here. Numbers of hives
have died, and the weather continues so cold and
ungenial that the bees can but rarely get out to
work. I have three which appeared ripe for swarm-
ing, but within the last few days they have begun
to throw out the drones ; and unless the temperature
rises, and the sun comes out, I expect they will
want feeding, which, at this time of the year, is
most unusual. This is not profitable bee-keeping.
I made twelve new hives (Makeshifts) during the
winter, but, according to present appearances, shall
not want one. — J. H., York*, June 7.

QUEEN ENCASEMENT.
From my observations this spring I think the
suggestion of your junior, that the queen is
squeezed [encased] to death by her attendant bees,
in their efforts to create heat for breeding purposes,
is very likely to be true. My loss in queens since
March has been very considerable indeed, and I
think during this late cold weather the bees very
probably have hugged the queen rather too much in
their endeavours to create heat. — A. G. R., Tisbury.

INSECTS IN POLLEN.

I laid by some frames of nice straight comb for
use this year, and on looking at them find that the
bee-bread which was in them is full of insects like
cheese-mites. The combs are quite sweet, and I
am loth to throw them away. Can I clean
them in any way, or may I give them to the bees
as they are 1 An answer in the Bee Journal will
oblige — M. E. B., Liverpool, June Yith.

[The insects found in the pollen are undoubtedly of the
same character as those found in cheese, and will do no
harm ; but it will save the bees much labour if the dust
and vermin he thoroughly cleaned out of the comb.
Cheese and pollen are highly nitrogenous — perhaps pre-
sently cheese will be found to he a substitute for the
latter — spraying the comb with diluted (2 to 1) CondVs
fluid, would remove all danger, it being a powerful dis-
infectant and deodoriser.— Ed.]

A BEE-KEEPING REPORT.

I have wintered in my garden here five stocks all
in bar-frame hives with quilt, I left them all at the
commencement of winter strong, and fairly well
victualled, after taking from them in all, after an
exceptionally bad honey season, not more that fifty
pounds. The hives occupy a southern exposure,
and have the full benefit of every ray of sunshine
throughout the winter. In February I commenced
slow, very slow, bottle-feeding, which was continued
tip to the end of May. On June 9th, heavy swarms
came naturally off my oldest stock in a Langstroth
Hive ; and up to the present date, June 1 7th, four
of the five stocks have thrown off swarms, all except
one unusually strong, and all five are now full of
bees to overflowing. This seems a fair illustration
of the advantages of the quilt, of a sunny exposure
for hives, and of the benefit of spring feeding. I
am the only bar-framist, and the only bee-keeper in
this neighbourhood, so far as I have yet learned,
who has emerged from last winter without, heavy
loss, and we think that our winter here has been
specially trying.

My bees have been working with really frantic
energy in every hour of genial weather, and are
now rich in brood and not ill off for honey. No
super work as yet ; but a ' New Idea ' frame in one
stock is more than half filled with virgin honey. I
write this mainly to express my sense of many ob-
ligations to the counsels of the British Bee Journal.
— A. W. W. P., Onehouse, Stownarket, June, 1879.

WHITE-EYED DRONES.

I enclose you three white-eyed drones, such as I
never observed before. Are they usxial or rare ?
How do you account for the white eyes % They seem
quite blind, and very numerous. I enclose stamped
envelope for rephT, if you will spare me a little
time. — A Correspondent, Northumberland, June
19, 1879.

[We can only suggest that the drone-brood suffered
from and remained undeveloped through lowness of tem-
perature in the part of the hive (probably the outer
comb) where the young drones were ' growing.' Under
the microscope — by-the-by, one of Deacon's, of Sydenham,
than which we do not wish for a better — the facets of
the eye instead of showing clear, exhibit the appearance
of sealed brood in newly-built comb. It is of course
needless to report that the eye of a bee is composed of
numerous hexagonal facets, each of which is an eye.
The appearance of such drones is not common. Perhaps
our readers will give their experience. — Ed.]

COMB-FOUNDATION.— SKEP v. BAR-FRAME.
—SWARMS NATURALLY UNITING.

I have some beautiful hives of comb this season,
with the aid of the foundation, and am now putting
on supers to four or five of them. It is the grandest
invention ever made for bees, and a good swarm
with its aid can fill ten Woodbury frames in little
more than a week. I can recommend it, with the
indispensable aid of your smelter, to every one.

I now wish to call your attention to the follow-
ing : perhaps you or some of your correspondents

July 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

63

may have found the same thing ; and that is, that
skeps swarm much earlier than wooden hives.* I
have three wooden hives (the only three I possess),
that have been, apparently, as strong as any of my
others, not swarmed yet ; and skeps all about them
swarmed ten days and a fortnight since. Is it that
the double walls and the large size hive keep them
cooler] It is of great importance, and makes me
hesitate whether to keep my stocks in skeps only.

An odd thing happened among my bees yester-
day. I hived a moderate-sized swarm in the after-
noon, and put them in a skep intending to unite
them in the evening to a cast of the previous day.
On looking at them in the evening I found the
skep, a very large one, full of bees to the very
bottom. I got out a fresh Woodbury hive and
threw them on my swarming-board, and the board,
4^ feet square, was completely hidden by bees ;
even the edges wrere hidden by bees hanging over
the board. I never saw such a boiling of bees in
my life. I let most go into the new hive, and took
the remainder to put to the cast previously men-
tioned. I suppose some time during the afternoon
a swarm, or perhaps two swarms, must have come
out and joined themselves to those first hived ; but
there were men working near the hives until
five o'clock, and they must have seen them go in
before that time. If you think the above interest-
ing you are at liberty to put it in your Journal. —
Arthur J. Wood, Ripon.

PARIS UNIVERSAL EXHIBITION OF 1878.

In reply to an inquiry as to awards at Paris Exhibition
■we have received the following reply, which may he
interesting to some of our readers : ' Sir, — In reply to
your letter of the 19th instant, I beg to inform you that
only gold medals and the accompanying diplomas have
as yet been distributed from this office (Canada Build-
ings, Westminster). The silver and bronze medals and
the honourable mentions have not yet been received
from the French authorities, but you shall be duly
informed when they are ready for issue. — (Signed)
Philip Cunliffe-Owen, Secretary.'

REV. W. C. COTTON.

We regret that we are called upon to announce the
death of the Rev. William Charles Cotton, eldest son of
the late Mr. W. Cotton, some time Governor of the
Bank of England. Mr. Cotton, who died on the 22nd
nit., aged sixty-six, was formerly student of Christ
Church, Oxford, and Newcastle scholar. He was through
life an ardent bee-keeper, and by his writings and per-
sonal example did much to popularise the science of
apiculture. In 1838 he wrote a Short and Simple Letter

* There may be several reasons why the skeps in this par-
ticular instance swarmed early, but we question if that is an
item which can fairly be set against bar-frame hives and
their advantages. That the latter as generally used are
cooler than skeps or simple boxes, we readily admit, but, as
will be seen in our article on Supering, p. *6 , the remedy is
in the hands of the bee-keeper. The ' beautiful hives of
comb,' filled in a week by the aid of comb-foundation, the
' grandest invention ever made for bees,' so highly recom-
mended by our valued correspondent, is sufficient guarantee
that he will not go back to the old system (?) where founda-
tion is comparatively valueless, and the hive not invadable
for any useful purpose. — En,

to Cottagers. In 1842 lie produced the well-known work
entitled My Bee-Book, winch not only treated of the
best modes of the management of bees in his time in all
parts of the world, but which also included several rare
tractates of former English apiarists on the economy and
practical management of bees. In 1841 Mr. Cotton be-
came domestic chaplain to the late Bishop of New Z"a-
land, Dr. Selwyn, with whom he embarked on board the
Tomatiii, on the 2Gth of December of that year. On
the voyage out, and subsequently, Mr. Cotton rendered
the Bishop much assistance in translating the Bible into
the native tongue. Mr. Cotton was accompanied by his
bees, and many marvellous stories are told of his mastery
over his favourites on ship-board. lie was very successful
in the introduction of the cultivation of bee-keeping in
his adopted country; and in 1848 he produced his Manual
for New Zealand Bee-Keepers, published at Wellington
(N. Z.). After his return to England Mr. Cotton
was presented, in 18o7, to the Vicarage of Frodsham,
Cheshire. To the end of his life he retained his
love to the fascinating study of his youth. He took
a great interest in the establishment of the British Bee-
keepers' Association, became one of its Vice-Presidents,
and was one of the Judges at its first Show at the
Crystal Palace in 1874. Though, in issuing his Letter to
Cottagers, he designated himself a ' Conservative Bee-
keeper,' he was ready, when convinced of the superiority
of the ' more excellent way,' to cast on one side the
mode of management of his early days, and to ad-
vance—foot to foot, and shoulder to shoulder — with tho
most expert of bee-keepers. The late Mr, Cotton was the
elder brother of Lord Justice Cotton.

Bees in London. — An unusual sight could be wit-
nessed in the Brixton Road, opposite Kennington Church,
on Saturday afternoon. A swarm of bees settled in a
laburnum tree, to which the owner soon followed them ;
but the difficulty arose, how to get them down. They
were about fourteen or fifteen feet from the ground, the
tree being too slender to support a ladder. Happy
thought! Take a cab. A Hansom was called; the
bee-master (Dr. Pine) mounted on the top of it, hive in
hand, and in a few seconds had secured his bees. I only
hope, for the sake of the next passenger, that none of
the bees took a seat inside. — 'Pick up Notes,' South
London Press.

(Btlpts ixonx % |j to.es.

Notts, May 27th. — ' Bees are not behind the vegetation
here, everything being late. Sycamores are out, but not
apples, and (weather permitting) some hives are ready
for supering.'

Struan, Perthshire, May 29th.—' I am sorry to say wo
are quite six weeks behindhand here with bees.'

Maidstone, June 16. — 'My bees are very backward.
My first swarm came out on June 4th. I hived one the
day previously for a lady in this neighbourhood, and I
have only heard of one person having had swarms in
May.'— J. T.

Salcombe, June 18. — Getting Bees into Supers. — Casting
out Drones. — Bees dying. — ' Thanks for your suggestions
as to hot water or hot bricks. I have tried the latter for
supers. Get them hot in an oven, and place them on top
of the super in the evening, and after one or two appli-
cations the supers became full of bees ; but the weather
is so unkind that they have done nothing in them, and
several stocks are ripping their drone brood, and driving
the drones out as if in the month of August. Would
that not be a token of non-swarming? — [Yes, for the
present. — Ed.] — The weather is still very unsettled, and

G4

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[July 1, 1879.

I fear it will be a bad season for super honey. A sub-
scriber complains of his bees coming; out by hundreds
and dying in front of the hives. I had a stock last year
that did the same. To some of them I gave syrup when
out, and if not too weak they would take it, and it would
strengthen them, and they would return, but the greater
part would not touch it ; they survived but did not
swarm, and were in a good condition at the end of the
season.' — W. C.

Bucks, June 21. — 'I have had splendid swarms, more
than I know what to do with. The casts we have
generally put back after cutting out the queen-cells. I
have no doubt now about the superiority of Ligurians,
and of quilts for winter, as I have never had my bees so
healthy and strong. What kind of a show will it be at
Kilburn ? I hope to come one day. There is a pig-headed
individual here who keeps (?) bees in his own style in old
straw skeps. lie has one immense super over a sleep as
big as a sea-kale pot, which the bees are expected to fill.
My Ligurians, however, have visited and turned out the
bees from the hives.'- — S. E, W.

Single v. Double - walled Hives. — Badminton. — 'My
stocks are all healthy and have wintered well. Those in
single-walled hives are as strong as those in double-
walled, but the weather is anything but genial, and
vegetation is very backward. I "fancy there will not be
many early swarms.'

Bees in Sussex. — 'The bees are not doing much else
but swarm, nor since the 3rd June in these parts. The
best of the honey season has passed without much being
collected, and I think, unless some are in more favoured
localities, there will be little honey to show. We have
had abundance of bloom, but the weather has been so
bad that the bees have not been tempted out.' — T. W. C.

(^xxtxuB anb spites.

Query No. .319. — Killing Drones and casting out
Brood. — I should be glad if you would give me an answer
to one question through the medium of your Journal.
I have seven pretty strong stocks, and have been work-
ing well whenever they had a chance, but had not
swarmed up to last Sunday, and on that day I noticed
two hives — one was your No. 1 Bar-frame, the other a
box of fixed comb — killing drones by the hundreds, and
busy as ever they could be bringing out young white
ones, and are still doing the same to-day. I examined
the bar-frame about a month ago, and found it to be a
very strong stock ; it did not swarm last year. It seemed
to me rather early for that little game. I may say my
gardener, who lives about a mile away, has two or three
stocks, and one of his was doing the same thing. — J. B.

Reply to Queby No. 310. — The meaning of the
' little game ' is, that the bees are not getting a living,
and are stopping the production of new mouths, and
destroying the now useless ones, for doubtless they have
for the present given up all idea of swarming, and there-
fore did not want the drones. It appears to be most
difficult to make bee-keepers understand that it is the
incoming of honey, &c, that governs the economy of the
hive during the period of activity. Their store at home,
though it may satisfy the bee-keeper, does not stimulate
the bees, and a cessation in the honey yield, or any-
thing that prevents the inflow of honey to the hive, is
sure to stop their breeding, and cause injury and loss to
the colony. The remedy in such case is food, gently,
but continuously, administered. — Ed.

Query No. 320.— 1. Will you kindly give me further
particulars about the right time I should use the queen
excluder and includer in your Combination Hive, to pre-
vent swarming, and for how long? 2. Is it well after a
swarni has issued to destroy the remaining queen-cells to

prevent further swarming, or is it waste labour to do so
where the bees are determined to swarm ? 3. What
guide is there for the right time for putting on the
supers ? — K. C. J.

Reply to Query No. 320. — 1. It is most fallacious
to give dates on any question in bee-keeping, because the
weather is the governing consideration. The excluder
zinc need not be applied unless swarming appears immi-
nent, and then it will have done good service if it prevents
for the time being. There is no law as to swarming or
supering which can be conveyed in specific terms ; every
one must judge for him or herself from the appearances
which the hive presents. 2. It is well to destroy the
' remaining ' queen-cells, less one ; if all be destroyed, the
bees will raise a fresh batch, and then a multiplicity of
after-swarms may come forth ; and again, if all queen-
cells are destroyed the bees would scarcely determine to
swarm, as they would have no leader until they bad
raised one, or more, as above suggested. 3. Kindly refer
to page 24 of Journal for June, and to article in this
Number, page 40, on Supering.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS & INQUIRERS.

W. T., Inverurie. — Your bees are starving, feed at once ;

the slaying of drones, and the turning out of white

bees, are unmistakable signs.
Transferring. — The engravings below may help you

to distinguish the queen. She has a long slender body

and short wings, nevertheless a drone is often mistaken
for a queen, though his squareness ought at once to
betray his masculine character as compared with the
elegance of the only perfect female in the hire.

One in Arrears. — Pray do not waste time and stamps by
writing, nor cause us to do so. Halfpenny stamps are
very serviceable, and will be gladly received. Receipt
stamps we are delighted both to receive and use, the
latter most ungrudgingly.

Bee Farm, Kettering. — 1. Bees are scarcely likely to
sting people passing fifteen yards from their hives, but
accidents will happen, and a laden bee returning to its
hive might alight upon a foot-passenger, and, being
subjected to rough usage would sting, but as a rule bees
never interfere with those who do not disturb them.

2. Bees do not need to be far from the dweUing-house,
the nearer they are, the more civilised they become,
and less likely to sting those who pass near them.

3. Slinging should, as a rule, be done inside a room or
close shed, to which the bees have not access — the
combs should be taken out one at a time, and the bees
shaken off into the hive, those that follow should be
brushed off as the comb is being carried away. If
not too busy it is well to extract the honey from
the nnsealed cells before slicing off the caps from
those sealed, so that the comb may be relieved of the
weight. Unsealed honey flies out very quickly. 4.
We prefer Abbott's Little Wonder to all other slingers:
it is very cheap, weighs only a few pounds, can be
readily used with one comb (a great advantage), and
there is little or no circulation of air to damage the
brood while rotating, and further it is compact and
portable,

July 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

69

SURKEY BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION

INSTITUTED 1879.

Under the Patronage of the EARL and COUNTESS of ONSLOW.

President

J. STEWART HODGSON, Esq.

THE ASSOCIATION will hold the FIRST EXHIBITION of Bees and their Produce,
Hives, &c, at Clandon Park, Guildford, on the 17th of July, 1879.

Class.

SCHEDULE OF PRIZES

:aas. HIVES.

All Hives to be fitted with Guide Combs.
.. — For a cheap well-made Bar-frame Hive, for Cottager's
use, either in straw or wood, on the moveable comb
principle, which shall commend itself to the Judges
as a serviceable substitute for the common Straw Skep.
British Bee-keepers' Association's Bronze Medal. 7/6 5/0
N.B.—The Association is not at present prepared to offer
Prizes to Hive Makers for Exhibits, except as above.

HONEY.

2. — For the best Harvest of this Season's Honey in Comb,

in Sectional Supers, each Section not to exceed 3 lbs.

in weight, the total weight of each entry not to be

less than 12 lbs.

British Bee-keepers' Association's Silver Medal. 10/0 7/6

COTTAGERS' CLASSES.

For bona fide Cottagers, being Members, no entranoe fee.

Cottagers not being Members to pay an entrance fee of 6d.,

to include all Exhibits in the Classes.

3. — For the largest and best Harvest of Honey in the Comb,

in any form, the produce of the Exhibitor's own Bees,

gathered naturally this Season.

A Hive of Bees. 10/0 7/6

COTTAGEBS' CLASSES— continued.

4. — For the best Exhibition of Bun or Extracted Honey,
naturally produced, of not less than 1 lb. in weight.
A Bar-frame Hive. 7/6 5/0
5. — For the best Stock of Bees, provided that one Stock
only be exhibited, by not less than three Exhibitors.
A Bar-frame Hive, with a Set of Sectional Supers complete.
The Winner of this Prize may have his Bees transferred to
his Hive by the Manipulator, without charge, if he wishes.

6.— DRIVING COMPETITION.— A Prize of 5s. will be

given to the Cottager, who shall best and cleanest
Drive out the Bees from one Straw Skep to another,
either by close or open driving. The Bees may be
smoked if the driver prefers. They may also be re-
turned to their own hive again if he wishes. All
Competitors in this Class to bring their own Bees.

For further particulars, Rules, Mode of Entry, &c,

apply to EDMUND WHEALLER, Esq.,

The Waldrons,

Croydon, Surrey.

BRITISH BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION

INSTITUTED 1874.

PRESIDENT THE BARONESS BURDETT-COUTTS.

THE ASSOCIATION will hold their FIFTH GREAT EXHIBITION of Bees and their
Produce, Hives, and Bee Furniture, and HONEY FAIR, at the Royal Horticultural
Society's Gardens, South Kensington, in connexion with the Society's Flower Show,
on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, July 22, 23, and 24, 1879.

Exhibitors must remit an Entrance Fee of One Shilling for each Entry made, and forward their Entry Forms properly
filled up, in time to reach the Bev. H. B. Peel, Abbot's Hill, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, on or before Monday, July 14th.
Entries will not be received unless they are made on the proper form of Certificates, and accompanied with the requisite
fees. Foreign and Colonial Exhibitors will not be required to pay any Entry Fees.

The Corrected Schedule of Prizes may be had on application to the Hon. Sec, Rev. H. R. PEEL,
Abbot's Hill, Hemel Hempstead.

COMB FOUNDATION.

Of pure Home Wax.

ROOT'S MACHINES.— To meet the wishes of
many inquirers, I have imported a DEONE CELL
MACHINE, which produces Sheets of extreme thinness,
and can now supply both WOBKEB and DBONE CELL
FOUNDATION at reduced rates.

Dove-tailed SECTION BOXES, in lots of 100. 1 lb., 4£
by 4J, 5s. 6d. ; 2 lbs., 5 by 7, at 7s. These Boxes are planed
on one side, and on both edges, to ensure accuracy.

For Samples of all the above, send Three Stamps to
John T. Kinneab, West Newport on Tay. fo. 28

COMB FOUNDATION.

WILLIAM RAITT offers Finest Impressed
Sheets, for next Season, at Eeduced Prices. Sheets,
9 ins. deep, for Brood Combs ; 5 ins. deep, very thin make,
for Supers. Safe arrival guaranteed.

See opinions of the Rev. G. A. Procter, and J. S., in B. B. J.
for November and December.
Send stamp for Sample and Price List.
ABBOTT'S ZINC EXCLUDEE at his own prices.

Address — Beecroft, Blairgowrie, N.B. fo. 16

CG

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[July 1, 1879.

HERTFORDSHIRE BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION,

UsTSTITTJTED 1878.

President

THE EARL OF VERULAM.

THE ASSOCIATION will hold TWO GREAT EXHIBITIONS of Honey, Bees, Hives, &c,
and Practical Apiarian Manipulations, during 1879. The first to take place at Hertford,
in connexion with the Labourers' Friend Society's Exhibition, on Thursday, 17th July.
The second at Hemel Hempstead, on Wednesday and Thursday, Octoher 1st and 2nd, in
connexion with the Hemel Hempstead Poultry Show. The same List of Prizes will he
awarded at both Shows.

Classes 1 to 8 open to all England. Classes 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and the Honey Fair, open to
Members of the Hertfordshire Association, and other residents in the County of Herts.

SCHEDULE

Class. BEES.

I. — For the best Stock of Ligurian or any other Foreign

Bees. 20/0 10/0 5/0

2.— For the best Stock of English Bees. 2010 10/0 5/0

The Bees to be exhibited living with their Queen in

Observatory Hives.

HIVES, &c.
3. — For the best and most complete Hive on the moveable
comb principle, to include covering, stand, floor-
board, and facilities for storing surplus honey.

20/0 10/0 5/0
4. — For the best complete Hive on the moveable comb
principle for Cottager's use, to include cover, floor-
board, and facilities for storing surplus honey. Price
not to exceed 10/0. 20/0 10/0 5/0

5. — For the best Straw Hive on the moveable comb principle.

15/0 7/6 5/0

6. — For the best and neatest Supers for producing honey

in the comb in the most attractive and saleable form.

7/6 5/0 2/6

7. — For the best Honey Extractor, calculated to meet the

wants of Cottagers. 20/0 10/0 5/0

8. — For the best and most complete Collection of Hives

and Bee Furniture ; no two articles to be alike.

20/0 10/0 5/0
All Hives, etc., in the above Classes, to be made or
Designed by the Exhibitor.

HONEY.

All Honey to be Judged according to Quality and Purity,
being the produce of 1879, and gathered by the
Exhibitor's own Bees in the Natural way.
For the best Exhibition of Honey in Supers, or Sec-
tions of Supers, separable, and each not more than
2 lbs. in weight; the total weight of each entry to be
not less than 10 lbs. 10/0 7/6 5/0 2/6

-For the best Single Section in the Comb, weighing not
more than 3 lbs. 7/6 5/0 2/6

11. — For the best Exhibition of Pure Extracted Honey in
Glass Jars, not to exceed 2 lbs. each ; each entry to
consist of not less than eight jars. 10/0 7/6 5/0 2/6
A Bar-frame Hive, value 11., will be given as a Special
Prize for the best Exhibit made by a bona fide Cottager in
Classes 9, 10, and 11 ; the Exhibitor being a Member of the
Hertfordshire Association.

9.-

10.

OF PRIZES.

Class. HONEY — continued.

12. — For the best Exhibition of Honey in the Comb, taken
from one Hive without destroying the Bees. Open
to all bona fide Cottagers residing in Hertfordshire.
(No entrance fee). 7/6 5/0 2/6

DRIVING COMPETITION.
13.— For the Competitor who shall in the neatest, quickest,
and most complete manner, drive out the Bees from
a Straw Skep, capture and exhibit the Queen. Each
Competitor to provide his own Bees. 20/0 10/0 5/0
The system of Open Driving shall be adopted, the Re-
ceiving Hive to be inclined at such an angle as shall permit
the passage of the Bees to be seen by the Spectators. Veils
and gloves may be worn by the Competitors. Members of
the ' Herts Bee-keepers' Association ' will be admitted to the
Bee Tent to witness the Driving Competition, on produc-
tion of then- Member's Ticket. An Admission Fee of 6d.
each for the two first displays, and of 3d. each to all subse-
quent displays, will be charged to Non-Members. These
Competitions will commence at Hertford and Hemel Hemp-
stead at 2 o'clock in the afternoon.

HONEY FAIR.

A distinct Counter will be appropriated at both Shows
for the Sale of Honey in the Comb and in Glass Jars, and
in this department Sales will be permitted, and Goods
delivered at all times during the Show. Invoices must be
sent with each consignment of Goods, stating the prices and
weights of the various Supers, Glasses, &c.

The Association will provide Salesmen, but will not un-
dertake to break bulk, nor allow it to be done.

The British Bee-keepers' Association offer a Silver
Medal, Bronze Medal, and Certificate, to the three Exhi-
bitors (being Members of the Hertfordshire Association), to
whom shall have been awarded the three largest amounts of
Prize Money in Classes 9, 10, and 11, at the Two ShowB
combined, viz., at Hertford and Hemel Hempstead; these
Prizes to be awarded at the latter Show.

For further particulars, Rules, Mode of Entry, &c,
apply to the Rev. H. R. PEEL,

Abbot's Hill, Hemel Hempstead.

R.

COMB FOUNDATION.

M. GKEIG having imported a 9 -inch

COMB FOUNDATION MACHINE from America,
is now prepared to supply the Finest IMPKESSED
SHEETS, manufactured from selected Wax.
Send Stamp for Sample and Price List.

Address— Parkhill, Aberdeen, N.B. to. 27

ENGLISH BAR-FRAME HIVES, Woodbury
size, 10 bars, 8s. each.
ITALIAN BAB-FBAME HIVES, 10 bars, two for 8«.
' Commended for simplicity and cheapness.' —

Alexandra Palace, 1877.

Directions for Management, 3d. each. Post-office Orders
payable at Horncastle.
Isaac Hale, Maker, Lincoln Road, HorncaBtle. fo. 5.

THE

S. E. (Jlutten,
^l'ittinulumiHulJ,
I'lessinftHelrt.

[No. 76. Vol. VII.]

AUGUST, 1879.

[Published Monthly.]

fflfoxtaxwl, |jtotkes, &t.

AUGUST.
August, tie harvest month, is upon us, when
the merry ring of scythe and sickle should
make music in our fields, and the husbandman
be mirthful over the crops he is garnering.

' When the bright Virgin gives the beauteous

days,
And Libra weighs in equal Scales the Year,
From Heaven's high Cope the fierce Effulgence

shook,
Of parting summer, a serener Blue,
With golden light irradiate wide invests,
The happy World, ....

.... while broad and brown below,
Unbounded Harvests hang the heavy Head,
Rich, silent, deep they stand, for not a Gale
Rolls its light Billows o'er the bending Plain,
A calm of Plenty ! '
So sang the poet Thomson nearly a century
and a half ago ; but it is certain that as regards
this year, his Seasons are by no means prophetic,
however truthful — subject of course to poetical
license — they may have been in his day. Sad,
indeed, is the retrospect — a vista tinged with the
pleasure of hope ; but sadder the prospect, for
except by some marvellous interposition of Pro-
vidence, it is scarcely possible, with shortening
days, for the earth to bring forth her increase, and
for the crops to ripen and be of service to man.
In apicultural matters the look-out is not
encouraging. Excepting in isolated places the
weather has prevented the bees making excur-
sions in search of honey, and as a consequence
the majority are in a state of semi-starvation :
that they are willing to work was amply proved
at the British Bee-keepers' Association Show at
South Kensington, just past, where, although
' driven ' daily, and exhibited in ways which
greatly hindered their well-doing for the time
being, they gathered during a few hours of
favourable weather large quantities of honey
from the abundant blossoms of the lime-trees
which appear in profusion in the Royal Horti-
cultural Society's Gardens at that place. There

is cause to fear that 1879 will be in a general
sense a honeyless year. Those who are near to
heather and ivy may possibly get their stocks
in good wintering condition, and perhaps a
little surplus, but the majority will be obliged
to unite and feed their bees if they would have
them alive another year.

It is peculiarly unfortunate that during a
year when the science of bee-culture has made
such headway that there should be so little
practical result from all the labour bestowed on
the bees. By persistence in the promotion of
'our hobby,' as bee-keeping has often been
called, we have gained, doubtless through the
tact and energy of our earnest Hon. Sec,
admission to the role of the Royal Agricultural
Society at Kilburn, and have received direct
and encouraging notice from the Royalty of
England ; and could we but show a good honey
result from the bees themselves, there is little
doubt that scientific bee-keeping would continue
in the ascendant. Humans cannot, however,
control the weather, and 'the rain it raineth
every day ;' and the result, not only to apicul-
ture but to agriculture and horticulture also, is
simply disastrous. In many cases where bee
and honej7 shows were to have been held in
connexion with flower and fruit shows (notably
at South Kensington by the Royal Horticul-
tural Society), the latter were abandoned, and
the bee and honey shows have had to stand
alone as the sources of attraction, and we are
glad and proud to remember the pleasing sen-
sation they created.

It must not be inferred that because in this
year of mud and slush bee-keeping has not
been as profitable as of yore, that it is not a
paying industry — as well might farming and
market-gardening be decried because there has
been no sunshine to fill the corn in the ear,
ripen the fruits, and develope the beauty of our
flowering and foliage plants. Great Britain as
a nation is imder a cloud, and we poor beings,
while striving to do our duty, and make the
best of everything, must bow with submission
to the Omnipotent Power whose good pleasure
it is so to visit us.

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[August 1, 1879.

USEFUL HINTS.

Extracting. — After such a very bad season
as the past early summer-time has proved, it is
worth considering if it will not be worth while
to use the extractor only, and take all the
honey possible, without giving the bees the
additional labour of comb-building in supers.

Supering. — At best there can scarcely be
more than a week or two of honey- gathering,
except on the heather, even though the weather
prove favourable ; and it will be well not to
give too much super space, but, by limitation
and careful wrapping, to economise the heat
and try to secure perfectly- sealed combs of
honey in preference to large supers imperfectly
filled.

Queenlessness. — This year has been the
worst for queen fertilisation it has ever been
our lot to experience ; all hives that have
swarmed shoidd, therefore, be examined to
ascertain the safety and fertility of the }roung
queen or otherwise, and all after-swarms should
be similarly treated with the same object. If
queenless, or the queens be unfertile, the bees,
if not very numerous, woidd be better united
to another stock than re-queened, as it is too
risky with old bees, and the raising of a new
queen by them from newly-given brood would
make them too late for usefulness, even shoidd
she become fertile. Giving a ripe queeu-cell
might be of use, provided the drones be not all
slaughtered by the time her young majesty
comes forth. We shoidd prefer to unite them.

Robbing — Should be prevented as much as
possible by avoiding the temptation to it.
Avoid, as far as possible, spilling syrup about
hives, keep entrances regulated, and do not, as
a rule, open hives until the evening, when, if
robbing be commenced, the darkness will
speedily stop it. Shoidd a free fight occur, a
tube of perforated zinc, through the perfora-
tions of which bees cannot pass, may be in-
serted firmly into the hive-entrance after Mr.
"VV. T. Braddy's method of forming a bee-trap,
and we have little doubt but that it will at once
put an end to the plundering, for the attracting
odour will still be at the hive-entrance, and the
robbers will congregate there, while the de-
fenders will be well ventilated, unassailable,
and with means of free egress. The tube
shoidd be from 6 to 9 inches long, and, say, of
a full half-inch ' bore.'

Wasps. — Pour turpentine into their holes in
broad daylight, and dig them out forthwith.
The turps will slay the sentinels, the dangerous
wretches, and the re turning wasps are not aggres-
sive, being, as a ride, too heavily laden already.

Young Bees for Wintering. — Let the
honey harvest end when it will, if it ever begin,
the importance of young bees for safe wintering

cannot be over-rated. When we first started
the idea, that great bee-master, Mr. Pettigrew,
ridiculed both us and it ; now, we are glad to
find, he is recommending what he formerly
condemned, and urging stimulative feeding for
breeding purposes.

Bad Look-out. — A man is a ' pliooV who
grumbles at what he cannot help, and an ' ass '
if he grumbles at what he might have avoided.
There's a good deal of philosophy in those few
words ; lay them to heart. If stocks are weak
through their owner's folly, he has no right to
complain ; if so, through no fault of his own,
let him shoulder the fact and ' present arms ' to
the riding Power, at the same time taking every
precaution to prevent bad becoming worse as
far as in him lies. ' It's no use crying over
spilt milk.'

Latest Note. — Summer weather commenced
Jul}' 28th — three months late. Coidd scarcely
believe it, but actually saw the sunshine. — Ed.

THE KILBURN AND KENSINGTON
SHOWS.

From arrangements made, as will be seen on
other pages, the Judges will, ere this, have
made official reports on the above Shows, and
we trust they will give satisfaction to the
various exhibitors, and the public generally.
We have no hand in their preparation, and up
to the present (July 28th) have no idea of
their nature, not having seen a line or word,
though we hear that they have been partly
deposited at our printer's ; and we faithfully
assure all whom it may concern that such re-
ports shall be — (are now) — published verbatim.
This is a new feature in Bee Shows, and one
the development of which we await with much
interest. It has been a rule in other than
bee-courts, that, having given a verdict, one is
not bound to give one's reasons for it ; but we
hope, in future, that the latter — and, we trust,
the better — system will prevail in bee-matters,
and that reasons wdl be given for awards
which will satisfy the public at large and pre-
vent what sometimes almost borders upon the
absurd, so strange and varied are the judg-
ments that are occasionally given. We do not
therefore propose to touch upon the merits or
demerits of any hive or implement for the
present ; but we beg of those who wish to give
publicity to their inventions to favour us with
their own descriptions of them at the earliest
possible moment, for insertion in future Jour-
nals. While, however, refraining from com-
ment on the hives and imjjlements exhibited,
we cannot forbear some slight notice of other
matters which attracted our attention, not one
of the least of which was — Mud ; and we coidd
scarcely refrain from wondering why such a

August 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

noble Association as the Royal Agricultural
Society of England could allow its splendid
efforts the possibility of failure and loss, not
only to themselves but to the exhibitors and
the public at large, bordering on a national
calamity, when by wise forethought they might
absolutely prevent it, and make their visit to
a county a permanent blessing that would be
highly bid for. Why should not this wealthy
body, comprising the noble and great of our
land, acquire powers, if they have them not,
' for taking laud otherwise than by agree-
ment ; ' and having obtained their site, make
roads through it, and, if necessary, kerb and
pave the paths and crossings, so that, after the
Show, it might be let or sold for building land,
and the great outlay, such as must of necessity
have been wasted on the Kilburn scheme, more
than saved? Go where they will they must
spend enormous sums of money — why shoidd
not they be spent in permanent improvements ?
We feel sure that Corporations would join
them in the enterprise, and probably relieve
them of the estates afterwards. The Crystal
Palace was the thought of a horticulturist—
here is that of an apiculturist offered ' for what
it is worth,' in the interests of agriculturists
and the public generally. Longfellow writes : —
' How beautiful is the rain !

After the dust and heat,

In the broad and fiery street,

In the narrow lane,

How beautiful is the rain !'
But had he been at Kilburn he would have
sung a different song, and imagination would
have filled his mind with ideas of asphalte
pavement, gravel roads, good drains, and plenty
of open gullies, as the kindest means of pre-
venting the ' beautiful rain ' being churned up
with the clay, making a composition which
caused the death of many horses and men, and
took all the poetry out of the business.

Another feature at the Kilburn Show was
the American Honey, about two tons of which
were exhibited by Messrs. Thurber & Co., of
New York, whose polite agent (Mr. Hoge)
gave us every possible information. Some of
the samples were very fine, and all looked
beautiful ; though we must not forget that taste
governs the idea of value in honey, and that
few think alike on such matters. But the
greatest feature of all was the visit on one
day of their Royal Highnesses the Prince and
Princess of Wales, their three children, and
suite, and the deep interest they took in the
various exhibits, not the least of which was
the honey above mentioned, of which Mr. Hoge
was the exponent. The Observatory Hives,
with bees all visible, held their attention for
several minutes ; and, though we were not
able to point out the queen of our hive, through

the denseness of the mass of bees, their Royal
Highnesses were gratified in that respect on
reaching that of W. Freeman, Esq., whose
hive afterwards received the first prize — a hive
called by him the ' Baroness;' but which, after
such Royal notice, we should feel inclined to
promote to the title of 'Princess.'

On another occasion the Kilburn Show was
visited by H.R.H. the Duke of Cambridge and
his grace the Duke of Sutherland and party,
and they were highly pleased with a small
case in which the queen, surrounded by her
retinue, was exhibited by our junior, causing
an observation to fall from H.R.H. on the
monarchy in insects.

Another distinguished visitor arrived on the
ground during the Show, not on the day ap-
pointed, for, through an accident, or rather a
series of them, his ship had to put back, and
he was delayed. We allude to Mr. T. Gr. New-
man, the Editor of the American Bee Journal,
who was received with open arms by all who
knew his fame, and his kind, genial manner
soon made him a general favourite. An ad-
vanced bee-keeper, he is most uncompromising
against adulteration and humbug in all their
bearings, and on several occasions boldly, yet
with due modesty, enlarged on the improve-
ments which had taken place in American bee-
culture, and, in reference to a honey-market,
commended to the notice of English bee-keepers
the splendid methods of marketing the product
adopted by Messrs. Thurber and Co., afore-
mentioned. He was everywhere received with
cheers, and his observations were listened to
with profound attention, broken only by the
shouts of laughter which his propensity for fun
often created.

Monsieur Dennler, the Editor of the Alsacian
Bee Journal, also honoured the Kensington
Show by his presence, and became a competitor
in the driving competition, using a stock of
bees which we had provided for him ; but, al-
though the bees went rapidly into the upper
skep, the queen could not be found, and only
by tearing out the combs coidd she be proved
to be present ; and, singularly, she was found
in the mortal embrace of an alien bee, who had
gained access to the hive and stung her to
death, the sting being found in her body.
Monsieur Dennler cannot converse in English,
but doubtless his accomplished companion,
Colonel Pearson, the translator of the work of
the venerable Abbe Collin, which has appeared
from time to time in the B. B. J., has helped
him to information and explanations which he
sought in visiting our Show. We had the
honour, also, of meeting the great German
bee-master, Herr Gravenhorst, whose hearing
is unfortunately defective ; and we are pro-
mised a visit by him, which will, at least, be

TO,

THE BKITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[August 1, 1879.

profitable to us, and to which we look forward
with pleasure. Doubtless these great bee-
luminaries will give their opinions on English
doings hereafter, to the benefit of England and
the world at large.

AMERICAN HONEY.

We beg to thank you, and through you the other
members of the acting Committee, for the fair and cour-
teous treatment bestowed upon our display of American
honey at Kilhurn. The judges manifested an honest
disposition to pin the colours where they rightfully he-
longed, and it will always he a pleasant recollection that
after patient and thorough investigation the highest prize
for the best pure honey was given to that we displayed.
The quality of our season's shipments has been so fre-
quently and seriously aspersed, that perhaps a firm with
less heart in the business woidd have folded their tents,
like the Arabs, and silently stolen away. But we have
faith in American bee-keepers, and knowing their honey
to be a first-class, meritorious article, we have never
abated for a day the struggle to place it in the very
front rank ; and now, after a hard tight, we are abund-
antly rewarded by an order from Her Majesty the
Queen, the quality of our honey complimented by both
their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of
Wales, and by its being named the purest and best by
such eminently respectable judges. Encouraged by this,
and the satisfaction of the public as manifested by the
constantly increasing demand for our honey, we have de-
termined to locate a permanent branch in London, where
we expect to build up and maintain a good trade in the
products of the little almoners of Nature, thus effecting a
benefit to the bee-keeping industry, not only in America,
but also in Europe. — Tours faithfully, II. K. & F. B.
Thuhbeh & Co., London, July 12th, 1879.

We received the above letter from Messrs.
Thurber, the great American honey caterers
for Europe, and we cheerfully publish it. We
had ' a good time ' at Kilburn with Mr. Hoge,
their agent, and did our best to improve the
occasion, and with great pleasure acknowledge
our obligation to him for his frankness in all
matters connected with what has been a vexed
question as between us and our American fellow-
workers.

English bee-keepers have had great cause to
deplore the fact that English honey merchants
have for years foisted upon the public the taste-
less outcome of Chili, as the finest product of
the most celebrated apistical districts, and such
'stuff,' labelled 'Narbonne,' with sundry super-
lative adjectives appended or soaring in its
behalf, led the English world to believe that
such (properly named) ' stuff ' was the embodi-
ment of excellence ; whereas it was singly
cheap rubbish, put up in gaudy attire, and
sold at large profit, to the great detriment of
the English honey producer. It cannot be
denied, and, indeed, Mr. Hoge candidly admits,
that the earlier consignments of American honey
had been ' treated,' such ' treating ' having been
at the instigation of the dealer to prevent the
honey from solidifying, he, the dealer, being

perfectly cognisant of the fact, it having been
so stated on his invoices.

We do not wish to reopen the question, but
with the treated honey in our mind we feel that
we said no more than such transactions war-
ranted, but with the present samples before us
we have great pleasure in testifying to their
general excellence. They vary as did the
flowers in the various districts at the times
when the nectar was gathered, and one may
find in the ' styles of honey,' as the vendors
call them, flavours varying from a slight remove
from golden syrup to the most delicate- flavoured
extract of white-clover blossoms, the prices
varying accordingly.

There are few beings in the world who have
not, at some period of their life — and many
times, too often — written what they would, with
a better knowledge of the facts, rather had not
been committed to paper, and in this particular,
i.e., in regard to American honey, we are willing
to withdraw anything which we have written
which may be thought to impugn the integrity
of Thurber 's comb honey : it is beautiful in
appearance, and sufficiently varied in flavour
to please all tastes; and to increase its popularity
we woidd venture to suggest that every package
should bear a number or name, which would
ensure a purchaser of honey of an approved
flavour being able at all times and places to get
other parcels of the same precise quality. — Ed.
B. B. J.

NEW BEE-TRAP.
We are indebted to Mr. W. T. Braddy of
Kelvedon, Essex, for a suggestion which will
be valuable to those who have supers to empty
of their bees. It is no more or less than a tube
of perforated zinc, 6 inches long, inserted into
the super, through which the bees may escape.
The tube sticks out of the super, and the bees,
after passing through it, do not attempt to
return by the same route, but cling around its
point of insertion into the super. It is described
as mod effective, and its inventor has such confi-
dence in it, that he leaves his supers or nadirs
for whole days, feeling assured that no bee will
aain re-admittance.

OUR VISITORS.
A most delightful afternoon was spent on
Monday last at the mansion of T. W. Cowan,
Esq., of Horsham, who had kindly invited all
our foreign guests to meet as manj^ British
bee-keepers as could, at short notice, be got
together. Everything was charming, weather
included, and will form the subject of a future
notice ; but at the present moment we cannot
resist the desire to let all bee-keepers know
that a resolution was passed approving the

August 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

71

sentiment expressed in an appeal on behalf of
the Rev. L. L. Langstroth, the father of modern
bee-keeping, now in reduced circumstances
through a set of brain-vampires having robbed
him of his means of livelihood. The list of
contributions is headed —

Rev. H. R. Peel £1 1 0

C. N. Abbott 110

Contributions may be sent to the Editor
of the B. B. J.

FORTHCOMING SHOWS, 1879.
See also Engagements of British Bee-keepers' Bee Tent.

August. — Central Show at Exeter, date not fixed.
Hon. Sec, W. N. Griffin, Rook House, Alphiugton,
Exeter.

August.— Halberton Branch of the Devon and
Exeter Bee-keepers' Association, date not fixed.
Hon. Sec, W. N. Griffin, as above.

August. — Caledonian at Perth ends.

8th. — Berkeley Flower Show, Gloucestershire.

8th and 9th. — Edgbaston, Birmingham, Villiers
Blakemore, Esq., Edgbaston, Hon. Sec.

13th.— West Herts, Watford. Rev. H. R. Peel,
Hon. Sec, Abbot's Hill, Hemel Hempstead.

11th. — St. Mary Cray. J. Garret, Hon. Sec,
Hockenden, St. Mary Cray.

19th and 20th. — Devon and Exeter Bee-keepers'
Association Show at Plymouth, in connexion with
the Royal Western Horticultural Society. Hon.
Sec, W. N. Griffin, as above.

20th. — Somerton, Somerset.

20th and 21st. — Shropshire, at Floral and Horti-
cultural Show, Shrewsbury. Rev. Hon. C. Feilding,
Hon. Sec, Stapleton Rectory, Shrewsbury.

21st. — Dorsetshire at Dorchester.

26th. — Long Buckby.

29th and 30th.— Arbroath, N. B. J. Stewart,
Hon. Sec, Arbroath.

September 3rd. — Much Hadam, Ware, Herts.

1th. — Horsham, Sussex.

1th, 5th, 6th. — East of Scotland, Dundee. Hon.
Sec, W. Raitt, Bee Croft, Blairgowrie, N. B.

5th and 6th. — Nottingham at the Arboretum.

9th and 10th. — Warwickshire at Atherstone.

12th.— Shifhal.

October 1st and 2nd. — Hertfordshire County Asso-
ciation, Hemel Hempstead, Rev. H. R. Peel, Hon.
Sec, as above.

8th and 9th. — Lincolnshire Bee-keepers' Asso-
ciation, in connexion with the Long Sutton Agri-
cultural Society. Hon. Sec, R. R. Godfrey,
Watergate, Grantham. [Postponed from September
17th and 18th.]

ENGAGEMENTS FOR THE BEE-TENT FOR 1879.

Aug. 8. — Berkeley Flower Show, Gloucestershire.

Aug. 8 and 9. — Horticultural Show, Botanical Gardens,
Edgbaaton, Birmingham.

Aug. 13. — West Herts Horticultural Show at Watford.

Aug. 14. — St. Mary's Cray Bee and Honey Show.

Aug. 20 and 21. — Shropshire Horticultural and Bee
and Honey Show at Shrewsbury.

Aug. 21, — Sevenoaks Horticultural Show,

Aug. 20. — Long Buckby Horticultural Show.

Sep. 3. — Much Hadam Ware Cottage Garden Show,

Sep. 3, — Rickmansworth Flower Show.

Sep. 4. — Horsham Flower Show, Sussex.

Sep. 9 and 10. — Warwickshire Agricultural Show at
Atherstone.

Sep. 11. — Harpenden Flower Show.

Oct. 1 and 2. — Hertfordshire County Bee-keepers'
Show at Hemel Hempstead.

Other engagements are in course of arrangement,

KILBURN SHOW.

Official Report of the Judges of Bees,

Hives, and Honey.

In making our Report on the bees, hives, honey, and
manipulations, in connexion with the Society's Show at
Kilburn, we, the Judges, remark the great popularity
and undoubted success of this attempt to introduce to the
notice of British agriculturists the improved methods of
bee-culture, which now prevail both at home and on the
great Continents of Europe and America.

There can be no doubt, judging from the crowds by
which the exhibition was daily visited, the exti'eme in-
terest evinced by the public generally in the manipulations
of living bees, and the explanations so ably given by some
of our leading apiarians, that this department of our
great annual national show was one of the most at-
tractive of the entire exhibition.

We earnestly trust that the science of apiculture, which
in ancient times was always considered a branch of agri-
culture,— and although it may be a small matter, it is by
no means an unimportant one : ' In tenui labor, at tenuis
non gloria,' as Virgil sang of old, — may become better
known and appreciated by the agricultural community
at large, from its exhibition having assigned to it a por-
tion of the Royal Society's patronage at its annually
recurring Show.

In the department for Observatory Hives there were
eight entries, displaying the advance made of late years
in this class of hive.

The hive of Mr. Freeman was a model of neatness of
construction, aud we had no hesitation in awarding to it
the first prize.

It consists of six frames, which, when closed — three
in front, and three at back — have communication with
the entrance by means of a channel, through which the
bees pass to and fro. The two outside frames of each
set of three are moveable, and turn upon a pivot, while
the third and centre one is fixed ; and all communicate
with a centre opening through which the bees come from all
combs, and enter the channel in connexion with the
entrance to the hive. Each frame is enclosed in glass, -
rendering both sides of the combs visible.

Mr. Brice Wilson, of Newbury, Bei'ks, obtained second
prize with a hive of most ingenious construction, con-
taining also six frames, but differing from the former in
having all its frames moveable. These are placed on the
sides of a hexagon, and can be joined together to form a
compact hive for the preservation of heat during the
winter months.

Mr. Abbott's third prize hive was of very simple and
less costly construction. It is intended to be fixed to a
wall, and moved horizontally at pleasure, the combs being
placed vertically, one above the other.

In Class 375, ' For the best hive on the moveable comb
principle, with best arrangements for securing a harvest
of comb honey, with covering and stand complete,' there
were twenty entries ; and Messrs. Abbott, of Fairlawn,
Southall, received the fii'st prize for their hive ' Superla-
tive,' No. 985, there being no other exhibit which united
so many combinations of almost every principle adapted
for securing a large honey harvest, in portable and sale-
able form, together with practical utility as regards the

72

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[August 1, 1879.

■wintering of the bees, and the inducement to work in its
supers. Space will not permit of our fully describing
the principles involved in this hive ; but its chief features
are — great facility for increasing or diminishing the size
of the hive to any extent desired ; adaptation to the
systems of supers, nadirs, collateral, or longitudinal de-
privation ; natural or artificial swarming ; and last, but
not least, the facility with which any portion of the
combs of the hive may be withdrawn for manipulation
in the Extractor.

The second prize was awarded to Mr. J. M. Hooker,
of Sevenoaks, for his hive the ' Alexandra,' the construc-
tion of which, for strength, solidity, and soundness of
material, leaves nothing to be desired. Its chief fea-
ture consists in the placing of a duplicate hive above the
stock-hive, by means of which a swarm, issuing from the
parent hive, can be placed over it until furnished with
comb and brood, when stock and swarm are again united,
royal quarrels settled by combat, and overflowing popu-
lation secured for work in supers, for which the usual
arrangements are made, tiers of sections being placed col-
laterally, and provision for super deprivation ; another
advantage being the moveability of the combs of the
hive laterally, free from any disturbance of supers.

Mr. Neighbour secured third prize, his hive being
adapted for working sections both laterally and as supers,
having, also, the same advantages as the former hive for
the lateral movement of the hive frames.

Mr. Lee, of Bagshot, Reserve and highly commended,
No. 975, whose hive, a model of neatness and skilful
workmanship, deserves special mention, his dummy being
a novel but practical idea.

Messrs. Clapp, of Abbot's Hill, and Thorne, of Ashwell,
Herts, fully merited the high commendations which they
received.

On the whole, we have no hesitation in reporting this
class most excellent, and in stating our belief that in no
other nation coidd such a collection of hives, either as
regards principle or workmanship, be brought together,
the competition being unusually severe.

In Class 376 : ' Honey in sectional supers, not exceed-
ing 31bs. each section,' the show, doubtless in consequence
of the unfavourable season, and the early time of holding,
was but a poor one. With the exception of Mr. Thur-
ber's display of upwards of one ton of honey-comb, in
small sectional supers, there was no entry of any note.
This obtained first prize, but the quality was by no
means equal to first-class English honey ; and if America
cannot supply us with a finer quality than this, we have
no fear of her much-dreaded competition in our honey-
market. The second prize was awarded to Mr. Thorne for
sections, which were only partially sealed ; and third to
M. Lucio Paglia, an Italian exhibitor, for sections also,
to which the same remark applies.

An American Honey-extractor, in which the combs are
emptied, by means of centrifugal force, and af tenvards re-
placed in the hive to be refilled, attracted much attention.

No English machine of the kind was exhibited, in con-
sequence, no doubt, of there being no class or prize as-
signed in the schedule.

We noticed also several smaller apiarian appliances,
which need not be here specified, but which are well cal-
culated to advance the science, and most useful to manipu-
lators.

The only other subject requiring mention is the driving
competition — by far the most attractive portion of the
show. This was witnessed by thousands with the
greatest interest ; and the people were taught, by demon-
strations, by descriptions, and by lectures, the loss sus-
tained by themselves and the country at large, by the
wasteful practice of suffocating the bees, in order to ob-
tain the honey from even the straw hive.

Mr. C. N. Abbott, the Editor of the British Bee
Journal, was the most successf id competitor : driving his
bees from the old-fashioned straw skep, capturing the

queen in the ascent, and transferring the combs and bees
to a bar-frame hive, in the space of 14 minutes 35
seconds.

Mi-. Baldwin, the expert of the British Bee-keepers'
Association, obtained second prize, occupying under the
same operation 18 minutes 5 seconds ; and Mr. Martin,
a cottager of High Wycombe, took third prize, perform-
ing his work in 19 minutes 20 seconds. These manipu-
lators, judging from the cool manner in which they handled
their bees, captured their queens, and transferred the
combs, were evidently able tacticians and skilled veterans
in bee-culture and practice.

That bees perform an important part in agriculture,
the advantages of which cannot be over-estimated in the
production of seed, fruit, &c. is an undoubted fact. This
was illustrated in our colony of New Zealand. Before
the late Rev. W. C. Cotton introduced the honey-bee in
1842, the colonists were obliged to import Dutch clover-
seed (Trifulium repens) annually; but owing to the intro-
duction of the honey-bee they are now able to export it.

We cannnot conclude these remarks without paying
a tribute of well-earned praise to the officials of the
British Bee-keepers' Association, who, under the most
tiwing circumstances and unseasonable weather, carried
out their programme in such a manner as to give general
satisfaction to all concerned ; and the Bee Show at Kil-
burn will long be remembered as an epoch in the apiarian
annals of this country. William Carr,

Geoege Raynor,

July 2nd, 1879. Thomas Wm. Cowan.

OFFICIAL REPORTS OF THE JUDGES OF
THE SOUTH KENSINGTON SHOW.

[Reports of Classes 1 to 8, and on the Driving Competition,
will be given in the September Number. — Ed.]

Report of the Judges, Classes from 9 to 19.

It is melancholy to see how sadly the depressed state
of weather has affected the show of honey, the exhibits
being extremely few, and, in most cases, such as, from
their merit, would in ordinary years deserve no attention.
The Judges would suggest that in the future it would be
well to insist upon the gross and net weight of honey
exhibits being stated in every case. They feel that in
the exceptional year the meagreness of the show of honey
calls for no further remark, unless it were to warn bee-
keepers to give their special attention in preparing their
stocks for the winter.

C. Feilding, Benj. Harding,

M. Kettlewell, C. Tite.

July 22, 1879. H. Bostock,

Report of the Judges, Class 28.
No. 163. — An admirable and well-arranged and pre-
served collection of bee flowers; the description appended
to each concise and practical. The omission of several
early and useful plants was noticed. The Judges recom-
mend that the flowers should not be bound together,*
but spread out, so as to be more readily available to the
inspection of the public. W. Ingram,

A. F. B. Barron.
Dr. Hogg.

Report of the Judges
On Classes 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32.

Class 23. — For the best and largest collection of Hives,
Bee-furniture, Bee-gear, and Bee-keepers' necessaries, no
two articles to be alike, first prize, silver medal ; second
prize, bronze medal ; third prize, certificate.

There is a very large number of articles shown in this

* Probably referring to the winning collection being tied
together in the form of a book. — Ed,

August 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

73

Class, particularly in the two exhibits Nos. 121 and 123.
The first prize is awarded to No. 121, Mr. Abbott's col-
lection, and the second prize is awarded to No. 128, but
they both contain nearly everything of merit used at
present in or about an apiary. There are upwards of
a hundred articles in No. 121, and nearly a hundred in
No. 123. In the former appeared the Bingham -and
Hetherington Honey-knife, which is likely to supersede
the old form of uncapping knife; a metal frame con-
taining liquid food, to be fed in the body of the hive ; and
an excellent cool and, above all, very cheap form of hat,
well adapted for, or with, bee veil. There are hives, of
course, in every form as adapted for all circumstances by
the firm of Messrs. Abbott. In No. 123 appears the
machine for making the celebrated American impressed
wax -foundation, and the well-known Stewarton hive
among other equally familiar ones of Messrs. Neighbour.
The third prize falls to the only other exhibit in this
class, namely No. 122. The number of articles in this
exhibit are very much less in number, being chiefly con-
fined to hives, supers, and stands, but they are all re-
markable for their excellent workmanship and finish.

Class 24. — For the best Honey Extractor, first prize,
silver medal; second prize, bronze medal; third prize,
certificate. In this class the first prize is unhesitatingly
awarded to No. 130, an entirely novel arrangement for
extracting the honey from both sides of the pairs of
combs without withdrawing them from the Extractor,
invented and exhibited by Mr. Cowan. This arrange-
ment, which works perfectly automatically upon simply
reversing the handle used to revolve the combs, is won-
derfully simple in all its working parts, which are also
very few in number, and all easily detachable and as
easily replaced, and seems to be deserving of the highest
praise. Mr. Cowan also had a very ingenious adaptation
of reversible combs in a cheaper form of Extractor, with
a revolving can, No. 131, that will be likely to suit many
who cannot afford a large outlay, but the arrangement
necessitates the can being detached from its stand and
turned over to pour out the honey, and woidd cause
serious delay in extracting a large quantity. This ob-
jection is, however, capable of being easily removed by
a slight alteration in the machine ; the judges therefore
awarded it the third prize, giving the second to No. 126,
an American machine, exhibited by the makers, Messrs.
Everitt Bros. ; this has, like No. 130, the gearing brought
out by ' Novice ' (editor of Gleanings in Bee Culture, pub-
lished in America), it runs very lightly and has in addition
to a strainer a large receptacle for honey below the
revolving cage, and has also, like No. 120, the usual
honey gate. There are twelve entries for competition
in this class, which possess considerable merit.

Class 25. — For finest samples of Bees' Wax, not less
than 8 lbs. weight, prizes, 10s. ; 7s. 6d. ; 5s. ; 2s. 6d.
There are twelve entries for this class, the first prize is
awarded to No. 145 ; the second to No. 139 ; the third
to No. 142 ; the fourth to No. 138, an American product ;
there are a pair of very handsome bars, No. 136, of
foreign wax, but the odour is not considered satisfactory.

Class 26. — For any invention calculated in the opinion
of the judges to advance the Culture of Bees. Silver or
bronze medal. The judges do not feel justified in
awarding any prize in this class. No. 151, Abbott's
plan of applying hot water to heat supers, and No. 153,
Mr. Cowan's plan for ventilating a hive, are both com-
mended for their ingenuity, but the judges considered
that their practical value requires further proof.

Class 27. — For the best Microscopic Slides, illustrating
the natural history cf the Honey Bee. Silver medal.
There is only one entry in this class, but though there is
no competition, the merit of the collection fully justifies
the award of the silver medal in the opinion of the judges.

Class 29. — For best and cheapest pair of Honey Jars,
with covers and fastenings complete, to contain 1 lb. and
2 lb. of extracted honey. Fiist prize, 17 ; second prize, 10s. ;

third prize, 7s. Gd. There are only two entries, but those
shown under No. 166 are considered to be so good and
reasonable in price that the first prize of 20s. is awarded ;
the other, No. 167, introduces a ready mode of securing
the contents, and receives the second prize of 10s.

Class 30. — For the best smoker. Bronze medal. In
this class, No. 171, exhibited by Steele, and made on the
pattern of the American one brought out by ' Novice,'
received the first prize; and No. 172, which had a metal
guard to the fire tube, is commended. There are six
entered for competition.

Class 31. — For the best Bee Dress. Bronze medal.
There are two entries, the prize is awarded to No. 175,
a veil with wire gauze inserted.

Class 32. — For the best set of diagrams illustrating the
Honey Bee, bronze medal. There are three exhibits, and
the Judges award the first prize to No. 179, most beauti-
ful drawings by Mr. Cheshire, illustrating, among other
thing's, some most interesting particulars of the mode of
strengthening the capped drone brood combs, hitherto
unknown. In consideration of the special merit of this
exhibit, the Judges recommend that a silver medal be
awarded in place of the bronze one. No. 178, the now
well-known beautiful Italian illustrations, is commended.

Duncan Stewart.

F. R. Jackson.

Chables E. Fletcher.

J. Lawson Sisson.

Committee Meeting, July 9th.

Committee Meeting, held in the Council Koom of the
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 105
Jermyn Street, St. James's, on Wednesday, July 9th.
Present, — Mr. C. N. Abbott, in the Chair, Messrs. Bar-
trum, Hooker, Cheshire, Hunter, Glennie, and the
Secretary. The Minutes of the last meeting were read,
confirmed, and signed. The Balance Sheet for the month
not having been prepared, in consequence of the extra
work attendant upon the Exhibition at the Koyal Agri-
cultural Society Show at Kilburn,was reserved until the
Quarterly Meeting on the 22nd instant.

With reference to the Members' Admission Tickets to
the Bee Tent, it was resolved that they should be marked
' Not transferable! Also that Bishop Tozer should be
requested to preside over the general meeting in the event
of Lord Aberdare being unable to do so.

The Secretary read a letter which he had received
from Mr. Cowan, containing a suggestion as to the rules
and regulations for the driving competition; and in
accordance therewith it was proposed by the Rev. E.
Bartrum, seconded by Mr. Cheshire, ' That the bees for
the driving competition shaD be placed on their arrival
in the Gardens in the spot selected by the Committee,
and allowed to fly; and that the driving competition
shall be reckoned to commence from the time when the
competitor leaves the Bee Tent (by the direction of the
judge) to fetch his bees.'

Proposed by Mr. Glennie, seconded by Mr. Cheshire,
1 That the secretary request competitors to have their
bees upon the ground not later than 10 o'clock.'

It was resolved unanimously, ' That the Secretary be
empowered to order a luncheon for the judges on the
first day of the Show, and for the Committee during the
three days of the Show, the price not to exceed 3s. per
head, including beer, tea, or coffee ; wine to be paid for
extra.'

Proposed by Mr. Abbott, seconded by Mr. Cheshire,
' That the Secretary inform the competitors that their
exhibits can be received at the R. H. Gardens and taken
care of on Saturday, July 19; and that all exhibits,
excepting those in the Honey Classes and Honey Fair,
must be delivered at the entrance in Park Lane before
the closing of the Gardens on Monday, July 21.'

A letter was read from Mr. R. R. Godfrey, containing

74

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[August 1, 1879.

some suggestions as to a division of labour amongst the
Committee in the superintendence of the various classes,
and an offer to find scarlet uniforms for two hoys who
should sell the Catalogue. The offer was thankfully
accepted.

A microscopical exhibition was suggested bv Mr.
Cheshire, and it was agreed that Messrs. Abbott,
Cheshire, and Hooker, should meet the Secretary in
the B. H. Gardens on the 19th instant, at three o'clock,
to complete these and other necessary arrangements.

Mr. C. N. Abbott kindly undertook the office of Judge
as an honorary appointment at the exhibition of bees,
hives, and honey, in connexion with the Show of the
Warwickshire Agricultural Society in Merivale Park,
near Atherstone, on September 9th 'and 10th.

Quarterly Meeting, July 22xd.

The Quarterly Meeting of the Committee for con-
ferring with the representatives of the County Asso-
ciations was held in the Albert Hal] on Tuesday,
July 22nd, at 5 p.m. Present, — Mr. T. W. Cowan, in
the Chair, Eev. E. Bartrum, E. R. Godfrey, J. Hunter,
J. M. Hooker, F. Cheshire, members of the Committee;
Eev. H. E. Peel, Hon. Sec, Eev. C. J. G. Jenyns
(representative of Herts), Mr. W. Ingram (Lincolnshire),
Mr. F. Lemare and Captain Campbell (Surrey), Hon.
and Eev. C. Feilding (Shropshire), Mr. W. N. Griffin
(Devonshire), and other gsntlemen who are engaged in
the formation of County Associations, were requested to
attend.

There were two points brought before the meeting by
the Hon. Sec: (1.) The necessity for the Shows of
County Associations being fixed as early in the year as
possible in order to prevent disappointment, and to ensure
the attendance of the Bee Tent and manipulator. (2.)
The importance of establishing depots in the principal
towns of each county having an Association, in which
the best specimens of hives and other bee furniture can
be exhibited, and orders received for similar articles.

With reference to frst point, the Eev. C. J. G. Jenyns
pointed out that as Bee Shows are generally connected
with Flower Shows, it is impossible to fix the dates for
County Local Bee Shows until the managers of Flower
Shows have decided upon the dates for the holding of
their exhibitions. Several other speakers mentioned
various difficulties of a similar nature which militated
against early fixtures. On the other hand, it was con-
tended that the Secretary of the Shropshire County
Association had found no difficulty in fixing the Bee
Show for that county as early as the month of January,
and that the great success which had attended the late
Show at Guildford, when they had decided to hold an
exhibition notwithstanding the postponement of the
Clandon Park Flower Show, was an argument in favour
of Bee-keepers' Societies not being too dependent upon
the managers of Flower Shows.

With reference to the second point, the Establishment
of Depots bv County Associations, the Hon. Secretary
stated what had been done in this respect by the Hert-
fordshire County Association. Depots had been es-
tablished in the towns of Hertford, St. Albans, Watford,
Great Berkhampstead, Hemel Hempstead, and Baldock ;
and though they were as yet only in their infancy, he
believed that they had already done much towards making
the public acquainted with the modern appliances for
bee-keeping. The system adopted in Hertfordshire was
this. The County Secretary invited some manufacturer
to supply a depot in each of the towns named with
specimens of hives, bee -furniture of different prices,
cheapness being desirable if combined with good quality
of wood and workmanship. These specimens are exhibited
in the window of the tradesman holding the depot, and
orders (prepaid) are received by him for similar articles,
which are furnished by the manuf acturer. The price of

the goods is then forwarded to the manufacturer by the
holder of the depot, a commission of 10 per cent being
deducted from the amount received by him from the
person who ordered and prepaid the goods.

The Eev. Edward Bartrum expressed a hope that the
goods supplied to the holders of depots us specimens by
manufacturers would be really of a cheap, as well as sub-
stantial character. He found that intending purchasers
were frightened away by the prices asked for the articles
exhibited.

Attention was called to the very inexpensive character
of the hives being exhibited in Classes 3 and 4, at the
present moment in the Western Quadrant, none of which
exceeded 10s. in price, whilst many of them, offering every
requisite for a cottager, were priced at 5s. or less, and one
exhibited by Mr. Lyon was marked at Is. Sd. After much
discussion the idea of the establishment of depots as an
educational measure appeared to be generally approved,
but further experience of its working was deemed neces-
sary before a definite opinion coidd be passed upon it.

The monthly statement for the month of June was then
read, the balance in the hands of the Treasures amounting
to Ulf. 2s. Oid.

CONVERSAZIONE

held in the Albert Hall, South Kensington, on Tuesday,

July 22nd, 1879.

The Eight Eev. Bishop Tozer in the chair. Present,
Messrs. Cowan, Hunter, Lemare, Feilding, Campbell,
Carr, Sells, Sisson, Jackson, F. W., Jackson, J. P.
Cheshire, Gravenhorst, Pearson, Harding, Whealler,
Godfrey, Green, Bartrum, and many others.

The chairman called on Mr. W. Ingram to read Ms
paper.

The Plants and Flowers most worthy of Cultivation as
Honey-Producers: by~\Y. Ingham, Esq., of Belvoir
Castle Gardens.
On the presumption that as an apiarian and as a large
cultivator of a class of hardy plants not much noticed
beyond Botanic Gardens in the present day, I should
be in a position to give you some information concerning
the relation of those plants to bees, and their capabili-
ties of affording them useful food, your secretary has
requested me to introduce the interesting subject of bee-
flowers to this meeting. Our botanical collectors have
sent us floral gems from every country in the world, from
the temperate zones of the Alps and. Andes, from the
lofty Himalayas, from China and Japan, from the stern
asperities of the Eocky Mountains, from storied Greece,
and from the rugged slopes of Scandinavian hills. Trees,
and shrubs, and flowers have been gathered and trans-
ported to our woods, and fields, and gardens, and have
been found to flourish, and to give us freely their gifts of
fruitf ulness, bloom, and beauty. Such additions to the
indigenous flora of our country offer us, as apiarians, a
singularly extended choice ; and it will be our own fault
if we do not avail ourselves of materials so rich and
varied, such, indeed, as were never gathered together
in any country in the world's history. In naming and
recommending certain exotic flowers for general cultiva-
tion in the gardens of those persons interested in bees,
and even advocating their extension beyond those limits,
we must still for the present regard such aids as sub-
sidiary. Bees will not be diverted from their natural
pasturages ; and the great sources of supply, in early fruit
blossom, in bean and clover fields, in the woods, and in
the wild flowers of our heaths and meadows, must still be
our dependence as food-producing areas for our bees.
But as food is most valuable when most required, and sup-
plies from the sources I have indicated are not always avail-
able when most necessary, we must make use, largely and
freely, of the materials which our travellers and botanists
have placed within our reach, There are periods in the

August 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

year when but few of our native plants appear in bloom,
:;nd we often see in very early spring that hees are
tempted frorn their hives by a little sunshine, and many
i f yon miift have observed the enjoyment they have in
visiting any chance flower they may find expanded. I
think I may be assured of your coneuirenee v\hen I say,
that it is most desirable to cultivate as many early
blooming plants as possible, to meet the anxious craving
of bees for their natural food ; and I have prepared a list
of very early hardy plants, which I will submit to you
and comment on by-and-by.

Now as an argument for the cultivation of bee-plants
during the summer.it must be remembered that the native
supply is not continuous. There are wide spaces of time
between fruit-blossom, and clover, and beans, and lime,
ai d these gaps may be usefully tilled up by the judicious
selection of suitable plants. And there is another great
argument for the heme cultivation of bee-flowers, which
in the present season must have pressed forcibly on your
notice. Bees are averse to travelling; and when
threatening clouds are gathering on the horizon, flowers
provided close at heme enable the busy workers to con-
tinue their useful labours of gathering and storing food.
I may, peihaps, venture to say that in extending the cul-
tivation of bee-flowers, the necessity for the employment
of artificial condiments maybe to aoertain extent obviated.
I cannot imagine but that sugar and water must be but
an in perfect substitute for the rich pabulum found by
bees in the neetarious glands of pure and beautiful
flowers.

I may here remark that the co-relationship existing
between bees and flowers is very intimate, and the de-
pendenee which may seem to exist on the part of the
irsect is not wholly so. The action of bees in visiting
expanded flowers, and thus ensuring fertilisation by
effectively distributing the pollen, is not the only good
they effect. Visiting succe.-sively flowers of the same
species, they carry pollen from one plant to another, thus
averting the necessity for self-fertilisation, and in con-
sequence the decay and degradation of the race, and
effecting the good that is recognised to accrue from the
fertilisation of the flower by pollen, not derived from the
same plant.

I have now to bring to your notice the various plants
which I believe may be cultivated with great advantage
by apiarians for spring bloom. With me, in orolinary
seasons there is no earlier or sweeter flower than that
produced by the Winter honeysuckle (Lonicera fra-
grantissima), and every bee-keeper should be in possession
of this excellent shrub, which can be grown against either
an east, or west, or south wall. I may associate with it
Jasminum nudiflorum, which is equally early but less
fragrant. As a plant which produces very early flowers,
and may be grown in any wild and unconsidered spot,
Tussilago fragrans may be mentioned. Then a very
beautiful and precocious crocus called C. Imperialis.
Closely following this is a bright blue anemone, from the
Appennines, called Blenda, succeeded by a paler blue
named Appennina; with this also appears Lis reticulata,
a perfect gem amongst plants. The Siberian violets and
their floriculturally enlarged allies should find a place in
every garden, as they are rare; in early spring they are with-
out flowers. Then we arrive at one of the best and most
easily cultivated spring flowers Arabis albida, of which
there are two varieties, one preceding the other by some
weeks; this should be largely grown: and associated with
this is the pretty little lilac Aubrietia from Greece,
which doubtless fed the classic bees of that land so rich
in recollections interesting the human race : so much do I
appreciate this plant that I have lately set out some 5000
seedlings.

Another plant, not so generally grown, but valuable
for its habit of early blooming, is Cardamine rotundifolia.
Erica carnea and herbacea, two spring blooming heaths,
are much visited by bees. The rnmrose and early Cow-

slip (Macrocalyx ) should be grown in every bee-keeper's
garden ; and also the early bonder hyacinths, particularly
the single forms, which, thanks to our Dutch neighbours,
are cheap and easily attainable. I am not prepared to say
which amongst the many foams of Croci is the best for
bees ; but the common yellow crocus is much visited by
bees. Scilla bifolia and Siberica are early and attractive
to bees ; and Fumaria solida purpurea, once introduced into
your' gardens, will not soon be lost, and will afford a
large surface of bloom. Several early shrubs should on
no account be omitted, llhododendron dauricum atio-
virens, and Andromeda floribunda, and Chimonanthus
fragrans, are very early and valuable.

I have mentioned the more prominent spring flowers:
Lonicera fragrantissima, Jasminum nudiflorum, Croci,
Anemones, Violets, Arabis, Aubrietia, Cardamine, Erica.
Primrose, Hyacinth, Scilla, Fumaria, Pihododendron, An-
dromeda, and Chimonanthus ; and the list might be easily
extended; but gifts of food from this array of very
early plants before the blossoming of native plants will
not be an inappreciative advantage to bees.

I can only venture to particularise a small number of
the numerous hardy summer blooming plants, specimens
of which are in the collection I have exhibited. The
few I can with confidence name, I am persuaded will be
greatly valued by bee-keepers when their' merits are
known. First, the little hardy Californian annual or
biennial, Limnenthis Douglasi, a plant that withstands
our most severe seasons, that blooms freely, reappears
constantly from seed, and is preferred by bees to almost
any other flower in its season — May, June, July. The
next is Verbascum phcenicium, a plant of less duration,
but in great favour with bees in June and July. Epili >-
bium august if oliumalbumis at tractive to bees, andThymus
montanus albus and Veronica rupestris are equally so in
June and July. These plants should be in the garden of
every bee-keeper.

I feel that 1 have only lightly touched upon a very in-
teresting subject, and my paper must be regarded as a
slight and imperfect notice of it.

The Rev. J, L. Sisson having thanked Mr. Ingram for
his most able and instructive paper, mentioned the Snowy
Mespilus, or Medlar, sometimes called Mespilus Cana-
diensis, which he had met with in Gloucestershire, as an
excellent plant, which he reco>mmended all bee-keepers'
to cultivate, as flowering early when no other shrubs are
available; he had found it mentioned in the works of
Label and Miller.

The liev. E. Bartrum — It is a mistake, as I have found
by experience, to cultivate any great number of flowers for
the sake of the bees. I should recommend the follow-
ing : — Wall-flower for spring. Borage, particularly pretty
and useful in moist as well as dry weather ; it continues
in flower a long time, and readily propagates itself.
Phacelia, a free-growing plant, of which the bees are
very fond, and which, I believe, affords honey of good
quality; it continues in bloom a long time. Mignonette,
rather difficult to grow, but most useful. Melilot Clover,
often recommended, is, I believe, a mistake. It is a bi-
ennial, and rarely blooms the first year. It occupies a
great space, is a very rank grower, and at present is not
with me fully out in bloom.

Mr. T. W. Coican asked Mr. Ingram, which of the
plants he had mentioned afforded honey, and which poillen
to the bees. The box and the crocus both afforded pollen,
but not honey. The Phacelia was also covered by bees.
He wished to know whether the Jasminum nudiflorum
was not poisonous, Kalmia latifolia was also said to be
poisonous. It was now in full bloom, but if poisonous it
had better not be cultivated near an apiary. It was a
plant requiring a peaty soil. Buddea globosa was also a
favourite plant with bees. The Cherloek, Myosotis,
Ledum angustifolium, which required a peaty soil, and
the Epilobium hirsutum, were all much visited by bees,

a2

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[August 1, 1879.

and yielded an abundance of honey. For late feeding the
Golden Rod (Solidago) is indispensable.

The Hon. and Rev. C. Feildiny asked whether Furze or
Gorse produced honey, and received an answer in the
affirmative from Mr. Ingram.

Mr. F. R. Jackson (Slindon) said that the Gorse in his
neighbourhood was much frequented by bees, but thought
that it produced pollen rather than honey. Laurustinus
was an abundant producer of pollen. He confirmed Mr.
Cowan's statement as to the partiality of bees for
Cherlock.

Mr. F. Lyon observed that bees frequented the Blue
Veronica, a remark confirmed by Mr. Ingram.

Mr. T. W. Cowan wished to add to his former list of
flowers liked by bees: the Catnip (Scrophularia nodosa)
and the Prickly Comfrey (Symphitum asperrimum).
With regard to the latter plant he had been unable to
ascertain whether the bees drained the honey from the
plant with their tongues, or whether they pierced it at
the lower end. He not only advocated the growth of
plants for producing honey, but also those which pro-
duced propolis, and mentioned the Poplar and Chestnut
trees as yielding the latter in large quantities.

Mr. Ingram said that he knew the bean, a plant with
a long tube, to be perforated by bees.

Mr. Jackson spoke of the Lime-tree as affording
abundance of honey.

Mr. Carr also mentioned the Butterburr (Catoniasta
microphylla) as being good for bees.

Bishop Tozer thanked Mr. Ingram, not only for the
Paper, to which all had listened with so much interest,
but also for his former kindness in sending a beautiful
collection of spring flowers to the last Conversazione.
lie thought it a good sign for the British Bee-keepers'
Association when such men as Professor Redwood and
Mr. W. Ingram take an interest and a part in its pro-
cei 'dings.

After a touching tribute to the memory of the late
Rev. Charles Cotton, author of My Bee Book, and
other works on apiculture, the Bishop brought the Con-
versazione to a conclusion, and the meeting separated
with a well-earned vote of thanks to the Chairman.

EXTRAORDINARY COMMITTEE MEETING, JULY 2.°iRr>.

Extraordinary Committee Meeting held in the large
Conservatory of the Royal Horticultural Gardens on
the morning of Wednesday, July 23rd, to consider the
protests made by Messrs. Sells and Hunt. Present, —
Mr. T. W. Cowan, in the Chair, Rev. George Raynor,
Mr. J. M. Hooker, Mr. F. Cheshire, Mr. R. K. Godfrey,
and the Secretary. Protests were read from Messrs.
W. Sells and W. Hunt against the exhibits of Mr.
Thorne, in Classes 12, 14, and 15, upon the ground that
they were not staged until after the time given in the
Rides of the Association.

These protests and the circumstances which had given
rise to them having been investigated, it was found that
Mr. Thorne had complied with Ride 4 in the Prize
Schedule, in having delivered his honey at the door of
the Western Quadrant in the Royal Horticultural Gardens
before 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 22nd. The Secretary
was requested to inform the persons protesting of this
fact.

Mr. Cheshire proposed and the Secretary seconded —
' That the Special Prize awarded to the former be with-
held on the ground that it had not been delivered at the
Show in accordance with Rule 4.' After discussion it
was found impracticable to apply this penalty to all
Exhibitors who had not complied with this Ride, as it
was impossible to ascertain the names of such Exhibitors
with certainty during the present Exhibition, and it was
therefore proposed by the Chairman, and seconded by
Mr. J. M. Hooker, ' That at future Shows notice be
given to Exhibitors that unless their Exhibits are de-

livered in accordance with the Rules as to time, such
Exhibits will be labelled — Too late for competition!

The Chairman said that he thought it would be
advisable to purchase Mr. Cheshire's diagrams, for a
reasonable amount, and to have the same reduced and
published in a smaller form for sale to members at a
nominal price, and to the public at a sufficient price to
cover the expenses. The subject was reserved for dis-
cussion at a future meeting.

General Meeting.

A general meeting of the members of the British
Bee-keepers' Association, held in the Albert Hall, on
Wednesday, July 23, at 6 p.m. The Right Rev. Bishop
Tozer in the chair. Present, Rev. G. Raynor, Mr. W.
Carr, Mr. F. R. Jackson (Slindon), Mr. J. P. Jackson
(Enfield), Mr. J. Lemare, F. Lyon, F. Cheshire, Captain
Martin, C. E. Fletcher, W. L. Manning, J. Hunter.

The discussion was confined to three points : —

1. The progress made in the formation of County
Associations.

2. The steps which had been taken by the Committee
to facilitate the sale of members' honey.

3. The appointment, of Vice-Presidents.

The Secretary gave a list of the County Associations
which had already been established, viz. in Shropshire,
Lincolnshire, Hertfordshire, Devon, Dorset, Surrey, and
announced that steps were being taken to form similar
associations in Warwickshire, Lancashire, the West
Riding of Yorkshire, Kent, Nottinghamshire, and, as he
had heard that afternoon, in Wiltshire, and spoke of the
mutual benefit which the Parent and County Associa-
tions woidd receive from one another.

The Chairman was glad to hear of the progress which
was being made in the formation of the County Asso-
ciations, and spoke of the liberal terms winch the parent
society offered to its children ; and, alluding to the meeting
of the previous evening, spoke of the interest manifested
by the representatives of the county associations in coming
from such distant counties as Devon and Shropshire to be
present at the quarterly meetings. He thought it desir-
able to have a cheap manual of bee-keeping drawn up by
the Association and disseminated amongst cottagers.

The Secretary explained that the Hertfordshire Bee
Association had obtaired Mr. Desborough's permission
to reprint his lecture, p.nd bore testimony to the avidity
with which it was purchased at the price of Id. at the
different flower and bee shows. He mentioned a little
American book, which he proposed to submit to the
Committee as a specimen of what was required for cir-
culation amongst cottagers. Mr. Cheshire, Mr. Lemare,
Mr. F. Lyon, Captain Martin, and others joined in the
discussion.

With reference to point 2, the Secretary explained
that a sub-committee had been appointed, consisting of
Mr. F. Cheshire, Mi'. J. P. Jackson, and himself, to carry
out a scheme for affording members facilities for the sale
of their honey; that certain shopkeepers in Covent
Garden, and in other parts of London, had offered to
purchase honey offered in saleable form ; that any mem-
ber wishing to dispose of his honey might communicate
the quantity and lowest price which he would take to
Mr. S. J. Baldwin, Gipsy Cottage, South Vale, Upper
Norwood, who would quote him the market price in
London, and if in accordance with the price fixed, would
direct him when to forward it, charging him a commis-
sion of 5 per cent. All honey to be sent carriage-paid.
A statement of all honey sold to be laid before the com-
mittee monthly, and Mr. Baldwin to receive a similar
commission to that exacted from the seller of honey.

An animated discussion arose upon the difficulties
which might be expected in earring out such a scheme,
Captain Martin, John Walton, Mr. J. P. Jackson, and
others recording their experiences in sending honey by

August 1, 187!).!

railway. Tlie discussion was at last terminated by Mr.
F. Cheshire, who reminded the meeting that the selieme
for bringing- the .seller and the purchaser into communi-
cation witli each other was already decided upon, and
had to be tried before it was condemned. The Secretary
also said, that difficulties might, no doubt, be expected;
but that few difficulties were insuperable, if properly
encountered. lie begged the meeting to give the pro-
posed scheme a fair trial.

The appointment of Vice-Presidents was allowed to
stand over for the present.

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

77

OFFICIAL AWARD OF PRIZES.

Hives. — Class 1 — For the best Hive for observation
purposes, all combs to be visible on both sides, to be ex-
hibited stocked with bees and their queen : 1st, J. A.
Abbott, silver medal ; 2nd, W. Freeman, bronze medal;
3rd, C. T. Abbott, certificate ; extra prize, F. Cheshire.
Class 2 — For the best and most complete Moveable
Comb Hive, to include covering, stand, and facilities for
storing surplus honey: 1st, J. M. Hooker, silver medal ;
2nd, C. T. Abbott, bronze medal ; S. J. Baldwin, certifi-
cate ; Highly commended, Messrs. G. Neighbour and Son.
Class 3 — For the most economical (best and cheapest)
complete Hive, on the moveable comb principle, for cot-
tagers' use, including cover, floor-board, and facilities for
storing surplus honey. Price not to exceed 10s. Gd. ;
1st, Messrs. Green and Son, silver medal; 2nd, R. Steele,
bronze medal ; 3rd, W. Hollands, certificate; IRghly com-
mended, C. T. Abbott. Class 4— For the best Straw
Hive for depriving purposes, cost to be taken into con-
sideration. Price not to exceed 5s. : G. Neighbour and
Son, silver medal.

Supers. — Class 5 — For the cheapest, neatest, and best
Supers for producing honey in the comb in a saleable
form: 1st, R. Steele, silver medal; 2nd, S.J.Baldwin,
bronze medal ; 3rd, G. Neighbour and Son, certificate ;
Highly commended, W. Hollands.

Bees. — Class 6 — For the best stock of Ligurian Bees :
1st, C. N. Abbott, silver medal ; 2nd, G. Neighbou" and
Son, bronze medal. Class 7 — For the best stock of other
Foreign Bees : 1st, G. Neighbour and Son, silver medal ;
2nd, J. P. Jackson, bronze medal; 3rd, G. Neighbour
and Son, certificate. Class 8 — For the best stock of
pure English Bees: equal 1st, G. Neighbour and Son,
and S. J. Baldwin, silver medal.

Honey. — Class 9 — For the largest and best harvest of
Honey in -the comb from one stock of bees, under any
system or combination of systems (one prize awarded):
S. Thorne, .">/. Class 10 — For the best exhibition
of Super Honey from one apiary: (no exhibit), (.'lass
11 — For the best Super of Honey. The super to be of
wood, straw, or of wood in combination with glass or
straw : 1st, S. Thorne, 21. ; 4th, Mrs. L. Spencer, 15s.
Class 12 — For the best Glass Super of Honey: 1st,
J. S. Thorne, It; 4th, W. Sells, 7s. Gd. Class 13— For
the bast exhibition of Honey in Supers, or section of
Supers, separable, and each not more than 3 lbs. in
weight, the total weight of each entry not to be less
than 12 lbs. : 1st, S. Thorne, 2/. ; 2nd, W. Hunt, 1/.
Class 14 — For the best single section in the Comb,
weighing not more than 3 lbs.: l.?t, AV. Hunt, 10s.;
2nd, S. Thorne, 5s. Class 15 — For the largest and best
exhibition of Run or Extracted Honey in glasses, not to
exceed 2 lbs. each: 1st, W. Hunt, 1/. 10s.; 2nd, S.
Thorne, 1/.

Cottagers' Classes. — Class 16 — For the largest and
best exhibition of Super Honey in Comb, the property
of one exhibitor, and gathered by his own bees : 1st, W.
Martin, 1/. and hive ; 2nd, J. Walton, 10s. and hive.
Class 17 — For the best Super of Honey : (no exhibit.)
Class Is — For the largest and best exhibition of Honey
in sectional supers, each section not to exceed 3 His. in

weight : 1st, P. Skinner, 1/. 10s. ; 2nd, Thomas Sells, It;
3rd, W. Martin, 15s. Class 10 — For the best exhibition
of Run or Extracted Honey in glass jars, not to exceed
2 lbs. each : 1st, J. Walton, 1/. ; 2nd, W. Martin, 15s.

Foreign and Colonial Classes. — Class 20 — For
the best exhibit of Honey in the Comb, either in
sectional or other Supers, the total weight of each entry
not to be less than 12 His. : 3rd, Lucio Paglia, 1/. Class
21 — For the best exhibition of Run or Extracted Honey
in glass jars, not to exceed 2 lbs. each : 2nd, M. Dennler,
15s.

Comestibles. — Class 22 — For the best Mead or Beer
made from Honey, with recipe attached: 1st, G. N.
Abbott, silver medal ; 2nd, R. Scott, bronze medal : 3rd,
It. R. Godfrey, certificate.

Miscellaneous. — Class 23 — For the best and largest
collection of Hives, Bee Furniture, Bee Gear, and Bee-
keepers' necessaries ; no two articles to be alike : 1st, C.
N. Abbott, silver medal; 2nd, G. Neighbour and Son,
bronze Medal ; 3rd, A. Rusbridge, certificate. Class 24
— For the best Honey Extractor : 1st, T. W. Cowan,
silver medal; 2nd, Everitt, Brothers, bronze medal ; 3rd,
T. W. Cowan, certificate. Class 25 — For the finest
sample of pure Bees' Wax, not less than 3 lbs. in weight :
lst,W. Martin, 10s.; 2nd, W. Hunt, 7s. 6rf.; 3rd, AV.
Sells, 5s.; 4th, J. A. Abbott, 2s. 6c?. Class 26— For
any Invention calculated in the opinion of the Judges t< i
advance the culture of bees : Commended, C. N. Abbi tt
and T. W. Cowan. Class 27 — For the best Microscopic-
Studies illustrating the natural history of the Honey
Bee: J. Hunter, silver medal. Class 28 — For the
best and largest display of British Bee Flora in a di ied
state or otherwise. Each plant or specimen must have a
card attached, stating time of flowering, duration of
bloom, and any other particulars calculated to be of in-
terest to bee-keepers : 1st, Mrs. Ellen Rooke, silver
medal audi/.; 2nd, R. R. Godfrey, bronze medal and
10s.; 3rd, E. Whealler, certificate and 5s. Class 2'.' -
For the best and cheapest pair of Honey Jars, with
covers and fastenings complete, to contain 1 lb. and 21b.
each of extracted honey: 1st, C. N. Abbott, 11.: 2nd,
J. M. Hooker, 10s. Class 30 — For the best Smoker :
1st, R. Steele, bronze medal; Commended, G. Neighbour
and Son. Class 31 — For the best Bee Dress : F.
Lyon, bronze medal Class 32 — For the best set of
Diagrams illustrating the Honeybee: 1st, F. Cheshire,
bronze medal ; Commended, R. R. Godfrey.

Driving Competition — For the competitor who
shall in the neatest, quickest, and most complete manner
drive out the bees from a straw skep, capture and exhibit
the queen : 1st, J. Walton, silver medal and 1/. : 2nd,
J. A. Abbott, bronze medal and 10s.; 3rd,S. J. Baldwin,
certificate and 5s.

DONATIONS TO THE PRIZE FUND.

£ s. d.

The Baroness Burdett Coutts 7 0 0

Rev. E. Bartrum 1 1 0

T. W. Cowan, Esq 1 1 0

R. R. Godfrey, Esq 1 1 0

F. R. Jackson, Esq 110

H. G. Morris, Esq 1 1 0

Rev. II. R. Peel 2 2 0

Messrs. Nunn and Sons 2 2 0

Mr. R. J. Bennett 0 10 6

Rev. J. L. Sisson 0 10 0

G.Walker, Esq 1 1 0

Mr. S. Simmins 0 10 0

Mr. W. Sells 0 5 0

R. Symington, Esq 2 2 0

J. G. Desborough, Esq 0 15 0

78

THE BKITISH BEE JOUBNAL.

[August 1, 1879.

H. Bostock, Esq £2

George Neighbour & Son 1

Captain P. E. Martin 1

C. H. Hodgson, Esq. 0

Mr. A. Cameron 0

J. Bassano, Esq 1

Bev. Thos. Milles 0

Bev. G. Baynor 1

J. M. Hooker, Esq 1

2

0

1

0

1

0

5

0

3

0

1

0

5

0

1

0

1

0

DEVON AND EXETEB BEE-KEEPERS'

ASSOCIATION.

Show at Tivebton.

{From the Tiverton Gazette and Hast Devon Herald.)

In connexion with the Tiverton Horticultural Society,
the Devon and Exeter Bee-keepers' Association held a
branch exhibition of bees and their produce, hives and
bee furniture, &c, on the 3rd July, 1879.

The Exhibition was the first of its kind ever held in
Tiveiton, and consideiable interest was therefore mani-
fested in it by the various visitors. There were not many
competitors, however, owing to the recent very un-
propiiious season havingprevented the beesfrom gathering
honey. For the reason just named there was no specimen
of honey exhibited, and the prizes in the first three classes
were consequently, of course, withdrawn, as well as
those in Classes 5 and G for exhibits of honey by cottagers.
The Rev. J. Dickinson showed a fine example of bees'
was, which for cleanness and purity could scarcely be
excelled ; it secured the first prize. Mr. W. N. Griffin,
the indefatigable hon. sec. of the Association, also
exhibited in this class a very good specimen, which wa3
awarded second prize. Mr. Griffin had likewise entered
for competition a very cleverly constructed observatory
hive, stocked with combs,bees, and their queen in working
order. For this hive Mr. Griffin was awarded a prize of
1/. and first-class ci rtificate. Messrs. G. Neighbour and
Son, Regent Street, London, were successful exhibitors
in Classes 8 and 9 for the most perfect bar-frame hive
with covering and stand, and for the most complete
hive i'n the moveable comb principle, suitable for
cottagers. In Class 10 for the best straw hive for
depriving purposes, cost to be taken into consideration,
there vert- eight entries, varying from the common
cottage hive with flat top to straw hives with frames,
and one was exhibited with a small straw super.
The best exhibitor in this class was Mr. John Wilcox,
whose specimens ranged in price from 2*. '.'</. to 10s. 6d.
The third prize was won by Mr. W. N. Griffin. In Class
11 for the best collection of hives and bee furniture
the hon. sec. Mr. W. N. Griffin again came to the front,
and secured highest honours. His exhibits were much
eulogised, and included an artificial American comb,
small sectional supers capable of containing from one to
thiee pounds, _bee-feeders of various descriptions, a Wood-
bury super with glass side?, a bee-trap for the clearing
bees out of supers, a bee-dress for the protection of
manipulators, Sec. In Class 12 Mr. R. Steele, of Dundee,
showed an ingenious centrifugal honey extractor, a
machine used for forcing honey out of combs without
injuring them, and replacing the combs when re-filled,
thus saving a great deal of time wasted by the old system.
Mr. Steele and Mr. Griffin each exhibited a sectional
super fitted in a box and intended for general use in an
apiaiy. The Judges considered the competitors in this
class equal in merit, and the prize was therefore divided
between them. The Judges were the Rev. W. Everett
(Dorchester), and Mr. J. B. Browning (Exeter).
List op Prizes.

Class 4. — For the best sample of bees-wax in cakes
not less than one pound— 1, Mr. Dickinson ; 2, W. N.
Griffin.

For Open Competition — Hives. — Class 7. — For the best
observatory hive stocked with combs, bees and their
queen, in proper working order, all combs to be visible
on both sides. The bees must be securely confined — 1,
and first-class certificate, W. N. Griffin.

Class 8. — For the most perfect bar-frame hive, with
covering and stand — 1, and first-class certificate, G.
Neighbour and Son.

Class 9. — For the best and most complete hive on the
moveable comb principle, suitable for cottagers — No
First; 2, Messrs. Geo. Neighbour and Sons.

Class 10. — For the best straw hive for depriving pur-
poses, cost to be taken into consideration — 1, and first-
class certificate, J. WTlcox ; 2, and second-class certificate,
J. Wilcox ; 3, W. N. Griffin.

Miscellaneous. — Class 11. — For the best and largest
collection of hives, bee furniture, and apieult mists' neces-
saries, no two articles to be alike — 1, and first-class
certificate, W. N. Griffin.

Class 12. — For the best honey extractor — 1, certificate,
B. Steele.

Class 13.— For the cheapest and best super for general
use in an apiary — 1, and certificate, W. N. Griffin and
R. Steele (equal).

The apiary manipulations were watched with keen
interest by a large number of spectators, and consisted
of driving the bees from straw hives to bar-frame hives,
cutting the combs, fixing bar-frames, looking for the
queen-bee and exhibiting her to the on-lookers, uniting
the bees and returning them to the bar-frame hive,
swarming at the pleasure of the bee-master, and showing
how docile bees are when properly managed. Those
who executed the manipulations were the Revs. J.
Dickinson (Tiverton), W. H. Webster (Tiverton), J.
Everett (Dorchester), H. Pennell (Lincoln), Mr. J. C.
Kennedy (Tiverton), and Mr. WT. N. Griffin (Exeter).
We may add, that although numbers of ladies and
others were afraid to venture into the tent, there was
not the slightest danger, as the public were protected by
m ana of a veil drawn across the portion of the marquee
in which the operations were carried on.

SURREY BEE-KEEPEKS' ASSOCIATION.

The bee show of the above Association, announced to
be held in Clandon Park, was, owing to the Cottage
Garden Show with which it was associated being post-
poned, by the Committee transferred to the grounds of
Henry Parson, Esq., The Firs, Guildford, one of the
vice-presidents of the Association. The weather proving
favourable, a numerous and select company assembled,
giving the Association much encouragement in their
starting of Bee exhibitions. As we have before re-
marked, the Association could not be charged with an
ostentatious schedule of prizes, and their greater en-
deavour to induce the better system of bee-keeping
amongst cottagers was well sustained. There was but
little honey displayed, viz., one pair of octagon supers
exhibited by Mr. Craigg, and one set of sectional
supers by W. H. Clarke, Esq., of Wimbledon. A
varied collection of hives and bee-gear was exhibited,
Messrs. Neighbour-, of Holborn, supplying a goodly assort-
ment ; also Messrs. Abbott Brothers, of Southall. Both
these firms contributed a unicomb or observation hive,
stocked with bees, making a strong feature in the show.

The competition for hives was limited to the best and
cheapest hive for cottager's use on the moveable comb
principle. The first prize was awarded to Mr. Fuggle,
of Brede, Sussex ; the second to Mr. Lee, of Bagshot ;
the third to Mr. Baldwin, of Norwood. There was a com-
petition of three exhibitors for the best stock of bees.
The prize — a bar-framed hive with sectional supers, &c.
— given by Mr. Baldwin, of Norwood, was awarded to
William fleathorn, of Godalming, who afterwards sold
the bees to the prize-giver, for driving purposes at the
Exhibition of the British Bee-keepers' Association Show,

August 1, 1879.]

THE BKITISH BEE JOURNAL.

71)

at South Kensington, on the 22nd ultimo. Some private
members of the Association exhibited — not for competi-
tion— hives, with and without bees.

Though last, by no means least, was the Manipulating
Tent of the British Bee-keepers' Association, wherein, the
public, from the confidence given them by its construc-
tion, crowded to witness the able displays of the mani-
pulator ; and many inquiries were made by the visitors
of those who sought to explain the objects of the display.
We heartily congratulate the Association on their suc-
cess, and doubt not this is but an earnest of more ex-
tensive usefulness in promoting bee-culture, and we hope
to hear of large additions to their members.

The judges were Mr. C. N. Abbott, of Fairlawn,
Southali; and Mr. Dashper, of Guildford.

DORCHESTER BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION.
The above Association will hold an Exhibition of Bees
and their Produce, Hives and Bee-furniture, in Colliton
Park, Dorchester, on Thursday August 21st, 1879, at the
same time as, and in connexion with, the Annual Exhibi-
tion of the Dorset County Horticultural Society. There
will also be some interesting practical apiarian manipula-
tions, such as driving and transferring bees from one kind
of hive to another, and extracting honey without injuring
the beesor destroying the combs. Admission to the Bee
Show from 1 to 3 p.m. Qd.; from 3 to 9 p.m. 3d. Further
particulars of W. Osmond, Esq., Dorchester.

BERKS AND BUCKS BEE-KEEPERS'
ASSOCIATION.

On Wednesday evening, July 16th, 1879, a meeting of
bee-keepers' was held in the Porney schoolroom, Eton,
(by the kind permission of the vicar), the Rev. C. C.
James, of Eton College, in the chair.

Resolved: (1) That in the opinion of this meeting an
Association of Bee-keepers is desirable and one be formed
forthwith, to be called ' The Berks and Bucks Bee-
keepers' Association,' having for its object the encourage-
ment of improved bee-culture, as set forth in ride 2. (2)
The election of members of Council be postponed until the
existence and objects of the Association are better known
in both counties. (3) In the meantime, members are
requested to do all in their power to enlist others in its
ranks, especially the clergy and country gentlemen, who
may be expected to take an earnest interest in the wel-
fare of the rural population.

In the interests of the Association, any assistance, either
by way of subscription or otherwise would be gratefully
received by your obedient servant, William S. Darby,
Hon. Sec. {pro tern.), St. Stephen's Villas Clewer, Windsor.

HERTFORDSHIRE BEE SHOW.

Postponement of the Hertfordshire Show announced
to be held at Hereford, on July 17th, in connexion with
the Summer Flower Show, held by the Hertford
Labourers' Friendly Society. No entries having been
received up to the date of closing, Saturday July 5th,
the secretary had determined to send the Bee Tent alone
to the Show of the Labourers' Friendly Society, and to
offer a prize for the best and strongest skep of bees. On
the 14th he received notice from the Secretary of the
Flower Show stating, in consequence of the inclement
state of the weather, the Show had been postponed until
September 4th. Herts exhibitors will do well to note
that the entries for the Hemel Hempstead Show, to be
held on October 1st and 2nd (same dates on which The
Poultry and Pigeon Show will be held) will close on
Saturday, September 20th, and that no entries can be
received after that date on any pretence whatever.

Postponement op the Lincolnshire Bee Show.
— The Lincolnshire Bee Show, to be held at Long
Sutton, has, in consequence of the late harvest, been post-
poned till Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 8th and 9th.

Carrcspanbcna.

%* These columns are open to Subscribers, so that tlieir
queries, replies, correspondence, and experiences, may be
fully and faithfully recorded ; and for the discussion of all
theories and systems in Bee-culture, and of the relative merits
of all hives and appurtenances, that the truth regarding them
may be ascertained. The Editor, therefore, must not be ex-
pected to coincide with all the views expressed by the various
writers. All Correspondence is addressed to the Editor.

THE LATE W. C. COTTON.

In your notice in last month's Journal of the late Rev.
W. 0. Cotton, and his literary productions, you have
omitted to mention a most amusing work published in
1872 entitled Buzz-a-Buzz, or the Bees done freely into
English, by the author of My Bee Booh, from the
German of Wilhelin Busch. It is written in rhyme,
profusely illustrated, and as the author says in his preface,
' The verses were written up to the pictures rather than
translated from the German Text.' It is a most amusing
production, and there is much truth lying hid under the
comical stories, and still more in the illustrations (as he
also says in his preface), and the notes which are
appended may be found useful even by serious bee-
masters ; and any one who saw the honest, burly, English
form of the author, in his quaint blouse, at the first show
of the British Bee-keepers' Association at the Crystal
Palace, will read Buzz-a-Buzz with redoubled delight.

In his preface to Buzz-a-Buzz, Mr. Cotton promises a
second edition of My Bee Book as perfect as he coidd
make it, and with as little delay as possible, but it has
not yet made his appearance. If he has left any materials
for a second edition it is to be hoped some energetic bee-
master will be able to take it up and publish it. — J. G.
Desborotjgh.

THE LATE ABBE COLLIN.

I feel that you and many other readers of your
Journal will lament the death of the old French
apiculteur the Abbe Collin, in his seventy-ninth year,
from an accident while engaged in hiving a swarm of
bees on the 14th of last month. Monsieur Collin
had devoted, so to speak, his whole life to the study
of apiculture ; and though too old readily to accept
the new and improved methods now so generally
adopted, had in his time added many steps to the
ladder by which these improved methods have
been reached. His work on the Bee and Bee-
keeping, part of which has appeared in your Journal,
has reached the fifth edition, which alone will show
the share he has had in promoting the science of api-
culture, aud in superseding the use of the brimstone-
pit in France.

Monsieur Collin was born in the first year of
the present century, and in or about 1824 was ap-
pointed cure" of Tomblaine, a village distant about
two miles from Nancy. There he remained for
thirty-seven years, and he carried on his studies in
bee-keeping and bee habits. He was a man of
much esprit: witty and pleasant in his conversation,
and a fine classical scholar— the love for the Latin

80

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[August 1, 1879.

poets breaking out from time to time as he talked
with you, even to the last. As a Churchman he
was a fine specimen of the old Gallican clergy,
utterly free from any sort of bigotry or in-
tolerance.

Monsieur Collin was still fairly strong, consider-
ing his great age. The last eighteen years of his
life he passed as honorary canon of the Church of
Bon Secours at Nancy, to which a residence is
attached, and where he kept usually from twelve to,
twenty hives in his garden, but entirely for his ofhi
experiments. Indeed, he never kept bees in any
sort of way for profit, and rather looked on the ordi-
nary taking of honey from a hive as a sort of theft,
which in a certain sense was an unfair proceeding
to his little friends, who had laboured so hard to
store it, and to whom his whole life had been one
long-continued devotion.

The Abbe Collin died in harness a^.much as any
soldier ever did on the field of battle. One of his
hives had swarmed on themorningof the 14th of June,
and having no one to call to his aid at the moment, he
got aladder, and with thehelp of his oldservantplaced
it against the tree. He had mounted about four
feet, when feeling the ladder shake, he unfortunately
leaped, to the ground, shattering his right ankle-
bone and the bone of the leg in several places. He
had every possible medical attention ; but even to a
young and strong man the accident would have been
of the most grave nature ; and at his advanced age
amputation was impossible. A naturally good con-
stitution enabled him to struggle against it for
some time ; but at his age the shock was too great,
and he died peacefully on the 25th of June, eleven
days after the accident. — G. F. Pearson.

QUEEN PIPING— WHY?

Having got a queen (said to be a fertile imported
Ligurian), after being caged the usual time I let her
at liberty. The bees took kindly to her : she then
commenced piping. I drew the frame to see if she
and the bees were all right, when I saw her flatten
herself and again commence piping. After moving a
little bit farther on the comb, the bees backing out of
her way, she commenced piping again, and repeated
the same for five or sis times. No queens nor queen-
cells in the same hive, unless the one spoken of
above. I cannot say her age ; but the time it
would take for transit from Italy or Switzerland, be
as it may. Kindly give your idea of her being
fertilised, or the reason of her piping at such a
time. — A. B. C, Baldovie, Dundee.

[We have repeatedly asserted our opinion that queens
' pipe ' through hunger, irrespective of age and condition,
and not, as has been fantastically considered, through
desire for combat with sister princesses. We have many
times seen a multiplicity of young queens in a hive, and
have always seen them try to avoid each other, or, per-
haps, we ought to say, the weaker tried to avoid meeting
with the stronger. Anyhow, they would rather swarm
out than fight. Their disposition will account for after-
swarms coming off at such unseemly times —often late
in the evening it is the effort of the young princess to
avoid destruction, though her followers may not he suffi-
cient to enable her to establish a colony. Piping, in our
opinion, is no index on the question of fertility. — Ed.]

QUEEN-PIPING.
I write to ask your opinion in regard to the
Ligurian queen I received yesterday. The hive
uot being ready to receive her, she is retained iu
the box she came in, and this morning, when all
was quiet, there was suddenly the high note of
piping, and, simultaneously, the bees with her
burst into a loud buzzing. I was surprised, and
after intervals of a few minutes the piping was
twice repeated. I know the note so well, that
there can be no doubt of the fact; and having
always supposed that after being fertilised a queen
ceases to pipe, I fear this one has been -sent away
too soon. It certainly shows that it is not from the
excitement of rival princesses that piping is induced.
Will you let me have your opinion at once? If the
queen is not fertilised and Ligurianised she is use-
less.— A. R., Alnwick.

[Please refer to previous Note. — Ed.]

Glanton Pyke, Alnwick, July Yith. — ' I cannot yet report
on the queen which piped. In a day or two I hope to ascer-
tain if she has been laying eggs. It is gratifying to find that
the subject of bee-keeping is likely to become as popular
as it ought to be, and the mailings and exhibitions of
hives, &c, and, above all, of the operations in the bee
tent must awaken a lively interest in the subject, as well
as convince many that bee manipulation is not so formid-
able as is supposed. With bar and frame-hives, the
management of bees is quite within a lady's powers.
Two ladies and myself have been transferring bees and
combs, to strengthen weak hives, raising artificial queens,
caging others, capturing queens, removing supers, and,
in short, having our bees and hives entirely under com-
mand ; and a very interesting amusement we find it. This
season is a very unfavourable one for honey gathering.
Swarming is very kite, and where attention has not been
paid, failures from starvation are not uncommon.' — A. R.

Glanton Pyke, Alnwick, July 19th. — 'I am glad to
have a confirmation of your opinion, that fertile queens
may pipe, from the success of the queen which piped in
her t ia vt'lling-box. On the ninth day after being liberated,
eggs and larvae were in the hive, the former queen having
then been removed twelve days. The weather had been
wet, and the temperature too low, to admit of the
Ligurian queen being fertilised in the interval. Is it
probable, that while in the box, in which there was honey
in the comb, and with her own bees, that she could so
require food as to be constrained to pipe for it? is there
no other sentiment or excitement which might account
for what is unusual in a matured queen?' — A. Reed.

BEE-KEEPING IN ALGERIA.
I have just got the news that at the ' Contours
Regional ' of Beauvaise — in other words, Flower and
Bee Show — I have been awarded a ' Medaille de
Vermeil' (silver-gilt) for the completeness of my
exhibit, and especially the introduction of the
manufacture of foundation into France, as also my
supers, when the principal judge was Mons. Hamet.
You may imagine I consider this a triumph. I have
sold all my bees and leave here very soon — heat
unbearable, killing me — so I will locate near Paris
(D.V.), and run a few hives iu the Gatinais, if
possible. This was an awful season for bees here —
three swarms on sixty hives and not a drop of honey.
Same all around — Arabs and French Algerian bees
and Italians all alike. — Arthur Todd, Blidale,
Algeria, July 8, 1879.

August 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

si

BEES WITH LOFTY NOTIONS,

HOW TO BRING THEM DOWN

' Oh ! dear me !
after all my care and
watching yon have
got quite above me.'
So thought Miss

T as she stood

with tongs and shovel
in hand, viewing,
with no little anx-
iety, a beautiful
swarm, which had
issued from a straw
hive, and was now
suspended to an over-
hanging branch of a
lofty tree in the gar-
den. A wishful look
at the dai-ling pets,
evidently enjoying
their outing, then a
deep sigh, next a
thought as to how
best to proceed to
secure them.

A happy thought
flashes across her
mind.

' I will send for
Mrs. W ,' ex-
claims Miss T .

' She will know.'

In a few moments
down comes Mrs.

W , who, taking

a rapid survey of the

position, at once con-
ceives a plan of cap-
turing the errant
bees.

A twenty-foot lad-
der is quickly reared
against the side of
the tree; up she as-
cends, rake in hand,
having first fixed
Joe, the gardener,
with a straw skep at
the end of a pitch-
fork in his hand.
One shake, and in
drop the bees, which
are lowered, quickly
turned over, and
placed upon their
new stand, to the
great delight of Miss

T , who has now

a higher opinion
than ever of the
ability of Mrs.
W .

The accompany-
ing sketch will more
plainly show the
novel performance,
if you think it de-
serving of a place
in your next issue.
— R. R. Godfrey.

BEE-KEEPING AT WARMINSTER.

(AN ELDORADO.)

The Ligurian queen I had from you is doing
splendidly. The hive is quite full of young Ligu-
rians and they are ready for a super; I am delighted
with her. The hive I wrote you about I find is
doing first-rate ; the queen is laying in every comb.
I don't yet know whether she has crossed with a
common drone ; she looks a fine insect. Although
we have had such iinfavourable weather my bees
have done well — what they would have done with
fine weather I should be afraid to say. I have one
hive on which I have, at the present time, forty-
two 2 lbs. section supers of Abbott's No. 38, and the
bees have them all full of comb and fairly full of
honey. I have this morning put on fourteen more,
so they now have fifty-six on, and they are working

in the new one already. I suppose you will think
I have done wrong. I have nine hives in an old
malt-house, this is one of them. Another of my
hives has filled, splendidly, two of Lee's Crystal
Palace supers. The same hive is uow working well
in two of your No. 29 supers ; this is a splendid
hive, it was a second swarm of last year. All my
hives I wanted to swarm, have done so for the first
one only ; I have had no second ones as yet. I had
two good swarms on the 30th ult., one was the
largest I have ever seen. They completely filled
the straw hive I took them in, previous to placing
them in one of your Standard's. I now find they
are working in all ten frames from side to side. I
heard of two first swarms belonging to one man
coming off at 6 p.m., one day last week; but is it
unusual to have first swarms so late? The two
swarms joined, and are already working in a super.
— R. R. V.

82

THE BKITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[August 1, 1879.

BEE-KEEPING AT BLAIRGOWRIE. '
I am glad to hear of your success at the Kilburn
Show, and specially of the Royal encouragement
you have had. We need it all just now ; for we're
England not a land of amateurs, the truth is, we
should have to knock under to the hard times. I
sorely pity the many poor men who have invested
in bees and bee-gear this year, and can get no
returns. This is July 9th, and I have not a super
on yet : have been feeding up till now. Last year I
supered several hives on June 8th. Unless in fed
hives, the populations are not increasing : drones
are being massacred, white bees thrown out, and
princesses three weeks old not mated yet. The
worst of it is there is a magnificent bloom of rasp-
berry, strawberry, and clover, all around for a week
past, and soon will be past the best. If I do not
get some heather honey I shall have none at all.
What's to become of our shows if this continues 1
We have no Yankee tons to make a display with :
they have not got as far north yet. We shall, as
we have done before, have to fall back on the former
year's stocks left in dealers' hands before we can
make a display. But it's no use crying over it.
The ' times are out of joint,' and will be, until the
unlucky planets get through with some malign in-
fluences they are hatching against us — and that
will be some years yet. As it goes, I am more con-
cerned in the price of sugar than in that of honey.
— W. Raitt.

PROSPECTS IN LINCOLNSHIRE.
Just a word about the bees and their prospects
hereabouts. Swarming to-day instead of working
in supers ; this is about one of their best working
days. Brown mustard in bloom. I have been a
bee-keeper forty years, and have not known such a
retarded season. Our Flower Show at Boston was on
1st and 2nd inst., I could not show a small glass full,
although I have hitherto always done so. I have
only three small bell-glasses on, and do not expect
to get them properly filled. But we may have a
favourable spurt in the weather, and then gaps may
be filled up. Wheat is only just now coming into
ear, and it will be another week before we can take
up a few favoured plots of early potatoes. Every-
thing backward : grass-mowing just commencing ;
hope the honey season has at last commenced in
your neighbourhood. Trusting you may go on and
prosper. — James Lighton, Framjrton, July 5th.

INDIAN BEES.
Can any of your readers tell me anything about
Indian bees 1 Has any one ever succeeded in getting
them into an English hive; and if so, what pattern
is best 1 I should think you will find this an in-
teresting question to open up. I have several
times tried to get them into ' ghurrahs ' or ' chat-
ties,' as they do in Ceylon, but have always failed.
Has the little native Australian bees ever been
hived? The introduction of these little non-
stingers, who make such beautiful pollen, would be
an interesting novelty in England. I have taken
many a fine load of their honey, but I never heard

of their being hived. I should fancy hives, for both
India and Australia, would need to have a largo
dead-air space, as the heat is tremendous. — A Mis-
sionary.

WHITE-EYED DRONES.
I have these drones in one of my hives, and I
can account for them in this way : — The bees were
starving for want of food ; I opened the hive (having
found white bees outside the hive) and found the
young drone brood destroyed, but the white-eyed
drones, being the nearest to maturity, were the last
to be destroyed. They had their cells unsealed,
ready to be sacrificed, but as I fed the bees, they
allowed the drones to live, and they came out blind
with their white eyes, through being exposed to the
air a few days before their time. It is certain they
are blind, for if you throw one of them up in the
air it will knock its head against a tree or hive, or
anything that comes in the way. — Br. J., Ireland.

SAVING BEE LIFE.

After our show here on the 17th, I found a
number of bees still remaining, and the next after-
noon I established a ' Home for Lost and Starving
Bees.' I put an empty hive, with feeding-bottle on
the top and a little syrup on the flooi--board, in the
place where the hives had stood, and in the evening
I found a cluster of about a hundred bees in the
hive. Thinking the same thing may occur after
the show at Kensington, on a larger scale, I have
asked Mr. Peel if some kind friend will place a hive,
with syrup and combs (and, if possible, a ripe queen-
cell), in the place where the hives have been. —
H. Parson, Guildford.

[We willingly give insertion to this kindly thought,
hut a queen-cell given to so few bees would be of little
service. It would be almost better to let them find
their way to hives in the neighbourhood, than encourage
them to remain under such circumstances to certain
death. — Ed.]

COOK'S MANUAL.

I have read Mr. Cook's book. There is a good
deal that is new in it to me. The separator to the
Supers seems to be a valuable idea for straight comb,
and the simplicity of the hive he recommends seems
a great point. I think your point of doing away
with the space between frames and hives during
the winter is secured by the Quinby and Bing-
ham hives, which practically make the frame the
hive. Each frame fitting close to its neighbour, and
a box fitting over all making it double-walled.

Though Mr. Cook does not like these hives he
acknowledges that others like them the best. I
must say they seem to me useful, and easy of mani-
pulation and of expansion to any size according to
locality and season. I specially like the the Bing-
ham hive as containing all the valuable points of
the Ayrshire without its disadvantages ; shallow and
therefore adapted to wax-sheets, and capable of
storifying to any extent.

It has struck me that the separators might be
made of perforated zinc the same width as advised,

August 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

which would make the passage all the more open to
tho bees. This plan I have also tried this year
between supers and hive, placing perforated zinc
between middle frame and super and leaving side
slits between end frames and supers. The queen is
thus confined to the middle frame unless she takes
a long journey round, and at the same time the
communication for the honey gatherers is freer than
if the zinc covered all the frames ; tho heat moreover
arises from the nest to the supers.

What a season ! our friend Cook says that you can
always be sure of two to three hundred per cent profit
in bee-keeping (p. 254). I think it would have
puzzled him to make it this year. Here I observe a
lack of queens and of propolis, and an excess of drones.

What is ' coffee-sugar ? ' What is ' drilling 1 '
And 'unbleached factory?' — pp. 160, 161.*

One surmise I can contradict from experience.
Cook, p. 98, says, that bees repair to the waters
during the heat of summer ; my experience is just
the contrary, in the spring. I used to find them
drowned in numbers on a pond with perpendicular
walls. I substituted a small trough which is
thronged in early spring, but neglected during
summer, and what seems strange it is thronged on
wet days. — From Rev. S. Nicholl, Llandough
Rectory, Cambridge.

BEE-KEEPING MADE EASY.

By a Cottager.

(Concludd from page 36.)

In my last notes I promised to tell you, ' How to
create a Market for Sale of Bees and Honey.' Well,
it often happens to a person passing your garden to
be struck by the appearance of a neat row of hives,
and he immediately takes the notion of beginning
to keep bees. He inquires if you would sell him a
hive ; you invariably answer, ' No ; I have not my
requisite number up yet, and when I have, I'll
begin selling then.' By this time the person has
purchased elsewhere, whereas, if you sold him the
hive in the first instance, some other person would
ask him, again, where he bought his hive, and
so on.

Same way with honey. You will have to begin
sale at once, and in many instances bestow a few
sections to persons of influence in your district.
Persons visiting there will at once ask the question,
' Where did you get the neat parcel of honey ? I
wonder if I could get some to buy ? ' ' Well, I'll
make inquiries of the honey man, and will let you
know 'in a few days.'

The majority of bee-keepers are clamouring for a
market to sell their honey (although, I think, they
will not be troubled much this year) because, when
they have little bees and honey, they will not sell
for love or money until they work their apiaries up
to the standard of their fancies. Other people
begin bee-keeping by reading books or papers on
the subject ; others are born in the business, and
hence have their bees and anecdotes handed down

* ' Coffee-sugar ' ia white loaf. ' Drilling ' and ' un-
bleached factory' are equivalent to our cheap calicoes. — Ed.

as heirlooms. But I would say, let all begin bee-
keeping, especially the class to which I belong
(cottagers), because it is a great means of keeping
the wolf from the door. It keeps you in peace with
all men, and especially your employers ; he knows
you are preparing for the rainy day, and should
hard times come upon you, you have your bee busi-
ness to fall back upon ; and hence the necessity of
landlords allowing their cottagers to be free and in-
dependent tenants of their own, and not under the
control of the middleman or farmer, because the
education of the country (thanks to the efforts of a
wise government) is in the hands of the cottagers
to use it to full advantage, and we now have two
classes educated, viz. gentlemen's sons and the sons
of cottagers, because the farmer's sons must now do
the work by reason of being unable to pay for
labour to the same extent as formerly. Where the
cottager is not the tenant of his landlord, but, on
the other hand, a cottier, living at the will of the
farmer, he may some fine morning find himself in
the following dilemma.

The poor cottager, or cottier, may have a friend
dead or sick, or some other cause, and he fails to
go to work as usual. Down steps Hodge, and
halloas, 'Pat, are you there'?' 'Yis,' cries poor
Pat. ' What is the reason you left my hay down?'
' I can't help it,' says Pat. ' Shane Magowran
is dead, and I must go to the berrin'.' 'The
dickens a berrin' you'll go to.' ' But I must,' says
Pat. ' Well, if you do, get yourself and your
bee-hives to blazes out of this.' Pat has no re-
source left, but go he must, and before he gets
another situation all his hives are sold for a few
shillings. I saw nine of such hives sold in a similar
manner for 2*. 6d. each. The middleman, if you
disoblige him, has no sympathy whatever for the
cottager.

Well, if the cottager rents his own house, what is
the result ? His family and his bees are his com-
panions ; another person employs him next day,
and saves him the trouble and sorrow of fretting
about his family. If no work turns up he can work
in his own garden, and the village shop-keeper will
give him credit till he makes sale of his honey ;
whereas, if he has no stake in the country, he must
rear up a section of paupers in the workhouse.
Contrast that with a section of bee-keepers in his
own cheerful home — a hive of industry. And once
the cottager enters a workhouse himself and his
family are lost for ever — family ties and home com-
forts are denied them evermore.

Well, the Journal and Leaflets are not sufficient
to learn us bee-keeping. We want you to publish
A Bee-keepers' Catechism, with chapters, questions,
and answers, such as follow : — Chapter I. How to
Begin Bee-keeping — and so on. It would save you
a good deal of trouble, and you could refer all in-
quirers to it for information. I have no doubt but
if you went over all queries in Journal since its
start, you could publish a neat handy book ' up to
the times,' and to be within reach of all should be
sold at Is.

In conclusion, I beg to inform the bee-keepers of
Ireland, that the firm of Messrs. Thomas Dowse

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[August 1, 1879.

and Sons, 10 Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin, will sell
on commission all honey forwarded, carriage paid,
in sectional supers, or extracted honey in glass jars,
but will not have anything to do with the sale of
honey in straw hives. Also state, that it requires
to be neatly packed and labelled properly. So it is
our own fault not to equal our cousins across the
water. Confectioners' empty glass jars can be had
for 8d. or Is. each ; empty brandy bottles, Id. each.
Abbott, Bros., should get out a flash label for supers
and extracted honey, this would act as a guarantee
that we had the genuine article in tow. There is
no royal road to fame. Look at the receptions
given our Irish farmers at Kilbum ; I hope Canon
Bagot will have a slap for cottagers next trip to
London. — J. Traynor, Tinahely.

[We are not sorry this article is concluded, it touches
on political questions which we have no desire to see dis-
cussed in this Journal, and we hope such will not he
again introduced. The Journal is open for free expres-
sion of opinion on bee matters by all who choose to avail
themselves of its columns, otherwise we might have
condensed this last chapter. — Ed. B. B.J.']

THE BULL'S MILL BEE FARM.

Extracted from the ' Hertfordshire Mercury.'

An account of a visit, which we paid some months ago
to the Bull's Mill Apiary, near Hertford, in the occu-
pation of J. P. Jackson, Esq., will no doubt interest our
readers.

It is strange that seeing how eminently favourable the
flora of Hertfordshire is for the production of honey,
more attention is not paid to the subject. Look at the
spreading fields of white clover, lucern, and sainfoin, and
the glorious lime-trees that are so plentiful among us.
Yet there are few stocks of bees in the possession of our
farmers and labourers, and those few are sadly neglected
and mismanaged. We are all familiar with the sight of
the row of old straw skeps rotting away from the effects
of glaring sun and driving rain, and which have nothing
but perhaps a few dry cabbage-leaves, and sometimes a
milkpan, to protect them. Under such circumstances a
harvest of 5 to lOlbs. of honey is quite as much as can be
looked for, and it is for such a consideration that the
industrious toilers, who have struggled so bravely against
damp, excess of heat and cold, and the innumerable
vermin that invest their home, are consigned to the
Bulphur-pit.

Proceeding now to the subject of our sketch, we
descend the steep road leading into the Beaue Valley
and are in front of the apiary. We find that its
position leaves little to be desired, for it is on a light
gravelly soil and has in its immediate vicinity abundant
streams and rivulets, whence may be drawn the supplies
of water so necessary for brood-rearing. Then there are
woods of oak-trees, so prodigal of 'honey-dew,' and
avenues of lime-trees, the delight of bee-keepers.

The opinion was long held that it was the best policy
for the possessor of several hives to locate them in a ' bee-
house.' That plan has, however, been found to have very
many disadvantages — such as the difficulty of operating,
the liability of jarring, and so disturbing all the hives
when one is touched ; so it has now been abandoned by
almost all advanced bee-keepers. Here, therefore, the
thirty-five to forty hives that compose the apiary are all
out in the open, and the only protection they have is a
high fence and a belt of evergreens to shield them from
the wind and a clump of shrubs on the south side of each
stock to protect it from the sun's fiercest rays.

The great economy of space effected by the use of the
hexagon, or six-sided figure, and which the bee? in the

construction of their combs so strikingly illustrate, is here
exemplified ; not only are the hives grouped so as to be of
the form of a bee's cell, but each separate hive has
associated with it, each at a distance of six feet, six other
hives, so that each is, as it were, in the centre of a
hexagon, which again forms the centre of six other
hexagons. The bee-tight ' manipidating-house ' takes
the place of the centre cell of the group. By this method
of grouping there is no waste of space, and much of the
bee-keeper's time and labour going to and fro is saved.
There is also a certain symmetry imported into the
grouping, which is varied by the young lime-trees and
maples, and the raspberry-canes and currant-bushes,
which are planted between the hives. The whole forms
a very pleasing sight, and the myriads of ' busy bees '.
pouring in and out of their homes and darkening the air
for a considerable distance around, give, as may be
imagined, an air of great animation and activity.

We need hardly tell our readers that the straw skep
finds no place here, but is ousted by the moveable comb
hive, the principle of which is that the bees are induced
to build each comb into a light wooden frame, which is
suspended from a ledge at the top of the hive, and when
the roof and woollen coverings are removed these frames
can be lifted out and the whole economy of the hive
studied at pleasure. During the honey season the frames
are periodically examined, and those containing honey are
swept clear of bees and placed in the ' honey extractor '
situated in the manipulating house. A few turns of the
handle and a frame of comb is removed quite uninjured,
but emptied of honey, and the bees will at once set to work
to fill it again. This extremely useful machine, the
' extractor,' consists of an upright cylinder fitted inter-
nally with a cage of wireclotli, which, by any of a variety
of methods, may be made to revolve at great speed on a
central pivot. The honey is flung out of the cells on to
the sides of the cylinder, and may be drawn off from the
machine perfectly clear and limpid. It is then imme-
diately run into air-tight bottles or jars, and so cleanly and
quick is the whole operation, that all the delicatearoma and
flavour of the honey are preserved, and an article is
obtained far superior, both as regards flavour and nutri-
tive value, to the jams and preserves that figure so largely
on our tables. A first prize was awarded to the apiary
a few months since, at the annual show of the British
Bee-keepers' Association held in the Royal Horticultural
Society's Gardens at South Kensington. The quantity,
too, of honey that is obtained from hives kept on this
system is really wonderful, for the produce of this
apiary amounts annually to many cwt., single hives
yielding in good seasons 100 or more pounds of honey.

It was with some misgiving that we asked how the
inmates of these many hives conducted themselves
towards their immediate neighbours, but we were assured
that it was a very rare occurrence for any of the cottagers
living near to the apiary to be stung, and then only on
provocation, and the animals grazing close by appear to .
possess entire immunity from attack. This is all the
more noteworthy, as the apiary contains, besides the
common blacks, stocks of the handsome yellow-banded
Italian bee.

THE APIARY, HERBERT ROAD, WIMBLEDON.

Herewith I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your
Journal, which, like the June number, I ordered from
mere curiosity to see how bee-keepers in general were,
or had been, going on this season, thinking I might
perhaps be able to draw some consolation from what I
should read in the Journal. Nor have I been disappointed
in this respect, for the gist of both numbers reads like
a doleful story, so much so that I feel a kind of pride in
having weathered the storm so well, for such it appears
to havebeen.to the great majority of bee-keepers. Whenl
ordered this month s number of the B. B.J.,1 determined
that it should be the last, owing' to its price; but I

August 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

cannot resist the curiosity I feel in learning the end of
this extraordinary season, I shall therefore feel obliged to
you to send me the August number as well.* Perhaps it
might interest some of your readers, that out of seventeen
stocks I had last winter, I have lost only one, by starvation,
in March. It being always so cold then, and the hives
well ensconced, I did not care to dismantle them too soon,
believing none needed food. One day, I think, woidd
have saved them, as they were almost warm when I
made the discovery. This circumstance induced me to
feed all the light ones, though I dislike feeding ; by
that I mean, I don't hold with feeding, as my experience
— although dating only four years back — has taught me
that it goes for very little, and more often makes bad
worse.t The maxim ought to be impressed upon all
would-be bee-keepers, that bees ought never require to
be fed. I feel sure you will own, that if bees were kept
on that principle, bee-keeping would expand at a greater
rate than what it has hitherto done ; and since one of
the principal objects of the British Bee-keepers' Associa-
tion is to interest the cottager in bee-keeping, that
maxim ought to be brought more to the foreground. A
great deal also depends upon constant attention to hives and
their immediate surroundings, and proper housing, roofing,
and sheltering, none of which subjects have I ever heard
prominently brought to the notice of the public at the
lectures at the shows. An observant bee-keeper will
know that a single one of those long-legged black spiders,
generally to be found one under each hive, will kill
hundreds of bees during a season, although a spider
making a sooty-black web is a still greater enemy to
them. Happening to be on Wimbledon Common yester-
day to see the camp, I called upon a labouring man who
lives in one of the cottages upon which the windmill
poses, who I knew keeps bees, for I drove a hive for him
two years ago, having .spied them in his garden from
without. He was very grateful for what I did, for he
gave me his bees, which he was about to smother, and
begged me to drive some for a lady at Iluntly Villas,
which he had kindly (?) offered to smother likewise ; and
I had those too, and an empty skep in the bargain, and
many thanks and ' anythin' I liked to take.' His bees and
hives were a sorry spectacle for a man who ' professes '
to understand something about bees. Out of three hives
he had last autumn, be had lost two; and the one left,
lie told me, had given off a swarm, and whilst expecting
a cast as well — which probably there was, and got lost
in his absence. The parent hive is now all but dead, and
the swarm he hived so weak as hardly to live ; and he told
me others were similarly situated, and I don't wonder at
it. In fact, my opinion is, there are few people fit to
keep bees, as the majority who keep them seem to think
bees ought to look after themselves, which you know
they woidd do right enough if we look only a little to
their home comfort. I I have now nineteen hives, having
had, so far as I know, four swarms, the two last coming
out and settling together on June 20th, making a tre-
mendous swarm, half Ligurian and half English. Never
caring to mess bees about more than I can help, I did not
like to throw them out of the hive again in order to pick
the English queen out; and I was not a little deligh ted
when I found her lying in front of the hive the next
day. It being a very large, new, empty, straw skep into
which I put them, I fed them well until I read in the
Journal your observation, that 'to feed a swarm will
make it build drone-comb ; '§ but considering the weather
then, I am afraid they woidd have fared badly without

The price of the Journal averages somewhat less than
lid., per week, and it is sent post free. — Ed.

+ This is a kind of cock-and-bull story that ' no fellah can
Understand.'— Ed.

t And took care to feed them to prevent starvation. — Ed.

§ We have made no such sweeping assertion. — Ed.

being fed.* For the first two swarms I fortunately had
skeps with comb in, and all are wonderf idly strong now, as
are all the others but one, who I thought was dead for fully
a fortnight in April, when to my surprise, one night late
— I only leave town about 8 p.m. — on taking it into my
tool-house, in order to clear it of dead bees and otherwise
clean it and close it against the wax-moth, I heard an
appealing buzz. It being only about a pint fidl of bees,
as far as I coidd make out by the light of my lamp, and
not worth while to unite to another stock, I decided
to leave them to see what woidd become of them. I
ch'iint'd the hive thoroughly of dead bees, going right
up with a wire, and cut out some comb near the bottom,
which had got maggots and eggs of some fly adhering to
it, and then put them back into their place and fed them ;
but they either did not require any food or else were too
weak to make any impression on the bottle, which, when
the weather got warmer, I removed ; but they did not seem
to get stronger at all, which induced me to gently feed
them again, which I have done now for these three weeks, t
and I am happy to state they have improved wonderfully
since, so much so that they bundle woidd-be robbers
down like a shot. I knew from the first that they had
a queen though I had not seen her, as they never hang
about on the hive-board like queenless bees do. I am in
hopes of their becoming strong enough again to stand
the coming winter. I must confess that I am in favour of
skeps, as being handier iu every respect, especially to
parties situated like myself, i.e. without command of
the time and the moving required by frame hives ; and
although now "Wimbledon is not a spot for bee-pastures,
I had some splendid supers last year, one weighing I
should think 351bs. (it was an old straw skep, got a
little shallow through old age), which was a solid lump
of honey ; and one hive weighed at least half-hundred-
weight after the lime-tree blossoms were over ; but this
year I have my doubts about any supers unless the
weather gets fine and warm at once, and remains so.
I have about half an acre of borage planted for my bees
on purpose ; and if any of your readers wishes to see a
sight worth seeing they ought to bend their steps to
Herbert Road while that is in flower, which it will be
these four weeks to come. I have no doubt you know
the honey-yielding properties of that plant. I have
literally seen the honey in a small crystal-looking drop
suspended from the blossom. Every bee-keeper ought
to cidtivate that plant above any other. It requires no
attention, sows itself, and any excess of them is easily
pidled up, and bears transplanting. I grow it to the
height of a man, with stalk at the base as thick as my
arm. It does not draw the ground in the least; it seems
to take all its nourishment from the air, and does not
allow a weed to nestle under its wing.j Seeing you
recommend removing bees in hive with comb in a
hand-barrow, allow me to recommend another and
in my opinion a much better mode, as it must
be apparent to any one who has driven, or been driven,
in a wheel-barrow§ — I advise a short trial of the latter —

* How does this square with the assertion that feeding
makes bad worse ? — Ed.

t Feeding again. — Ed.

t We have been well acquainted with the value of borage
as a bee-plant for many years, but we have never yet seen
it as high as a man, or its base as thick as his arm. The
worst of it is that it is useless for any other than honey pur-
poses, except that its leaves are much in demand at Wim-
bledon (and elsewhere, of course) for flavouring cooling
drinks in hot weather. — Ed.

§ Thanks ! we are content to think that a wheel-harrow
woidd jolt considerably, though many of them have springs,
but we recommended a 7m«rf-barrow, and well know the
difference between them. Our dictionary says, a ' hand-
barrow ' is ' a barrow without a wheel carried by two
persons,' and though our correspondent may be so hard-
headed as to prefer to make seven journeys, each with a

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[August 1, 1879.

that it must shake them terribly, owing to their spi'ing-
lessness. I carry all my hives — i.e. when I have occasion
to carry them any distance — on my head ; it is the most
comfortable, easy, and ready way of any, so much
so that of seven hives I took up on the Common,'
about the furthest end of it, Caesar's Camp, about two
miles from my garden, between five and six o'clock 'a.m.
— I left the entrances of three quite open — and when, on
arriving on the Common, where the turf is very elastic,
my bees seemed to think they had already arrived at
their destination, and began to go out f sraging, not a bee
ever attempting otherwise than to fly, or in any way
make themselves answerable to me ; and to prove to you
with what ease, even if heavy, some of which were very
heavy indeed, they can be conveyed on the head by any
one on a straight or even road, I may mention that with
two out of the seven I had to clamber over a furze
hedge surrounding one of the three little cottages
situated behind the Rifle Butts, and I did it successfully,
and I took them back the same way late in two nights,
a time at which it is anything but light walking over
bouldery ground like it is among the furze behind the
Butts. . Another advantage is, that iu- case auy comb
were to fall you would feel the thud on the head and
act accordingly. With your kind permission, I will let
you know the result of my honey harvest this year. —
William Hennig.

MY BEES SIXTY YEARS AGO.
' Ohi the days of my childhood ! they are gone ! they are

gone !
But " sweet memory " remains.'

Will you come with me into my picture-gallery ?

Picture No. 1. — A bright, active, small gentleman,
who lived in advance of the times, standing before an ex-
quisitely-built bee-house, a little brown child with him.
He is saying, ' See what industry and perseverance will
do.'

The shutters are opened, one by one, the eager child
blesses him for the never-to-be-forgotten passing sight of
bees, wax, honey, framed in glass.

' How lovely ! ' was all she coidd say.

' I built the house myself,' he said, modestly.

Pardon the boast ! it was a thing to be proud of :
superior workmanship, with lovely carvings wherever
good taste allowed it, made with walnut and bay, both
trees having lived their day, cut down on purpose for
this work out of respect for their age and former
beauty.

No. 2. — The brown child sitting on a three-legged
stool, in a snug corner of a luxuriant garden, overhung
by a noble bay-tree, a double bee-hive in front of her,
her own property, a book on bees in her hand, the
dear little Brandy 8 tine high-heeled shoes on her feet, a
dressy turban on her head, also the quondam property of
the dead, but never-to-be-forgotten darling little, black-
eyed, beautiful Grandy.

There comes a sudden hailstorm, the book is safely
lodged under the hive, the child is running about like a
wild thing, as she is, picking up the fallen bees caught by
the storm while on the wing.

No. 3. — Nurse Greenley, a Cleopatra for beauty, a
Xantippe for temper, rushing out, and with a generous
donation of pushes and shakes, dragging the child indoors,
screaming beyond your power of imagining, ' You'll be
wet through to the skin, you daring, bold child ! You'll
never be a lady ! ' Easily escaping from Xantippe, for

hive on his caput, we would much prefer a less number,
and as many hives as possible on a hand-barrow. One hive
may be carried in the hand or on the head, a practice which
we found so inconvenient in the latter case for long dis-
tances, that it led in some measure to the adoption of fixed
legs to hives as a means of holding them. — Ed.

Cleopatra's brain was away with .... leave out the
slander : the child is back to her bees.

No. 4. — A kind, gentle, lazy, roly-poly, little gover-
ness, carrying a large umbrella, and walking upon her
heels, has again seized the child. ' You naughty thing I
you are qxute incorrigible ! ' This time she is neither
pushed nor shaken, but gently led. ' To show you how
ready I am to forgive this very naughty act of disobedi-
ence to Greenley, I shall allow you to sit by me to-day,
and if we walk out you may hold my hand.' ' Coals of
fire ' burning deeper than Xantinpe's fiercest anger.

No. 5. — A large, airy room, with windows to the
ground, the door openins into a flower-garden, the pride
and envy of the whole parish, a perfect bee paradise, the
room used as the children's schoolroom in the week,
and a Sunday school for the village. See the child
sitting at a table with Carpenter's Spelling and John-
son's Dictionary before her. Suddenly, she wildly throws
her arms across the books, and with a great cry of an-
guish, exclaims, ' I can't find " incorrigible," and my bees
will be wet through to their skins ! ' — A Lady Bee-

CHEAP HIVES.

I like your observation upon cheap hives in this
month's issue very much, and feel sure that no
working man need stick to the straw skep and its
fixed combs because he cannot obtain at an equally
low price a really well-made and serviceable bar-
frame hive. I have two stocks in your cheap
Woodbury bar-frame hives, and by giving them
additional outer walls during the winter, and a quilt
upon the top, I fiud bees winter well in them, and
so I do in the Excelsior prize hive, which is of
stouter material and well made. My experience
last winter has been that the bees have fared better in
these hives than in my straw skeps. — John Enock,
Sibford Gower, Banbury.

Importance of Bees. — A great bee-master, the Rev.
M. Sauppe, in Liikendorf , makes the following calculation,
intended to prove the eminent agricultural and economical
importance of the rearing of bees : — Of each of the 17,000
hives to be met with in Saxony, 10,000 bees fly out per
diem — equal to 170 millions — each bee four times, equal
to 680 millions, or, in 100 days, equal to 680,000 millions.
Each bee, before flying homewards, visits 50 flowers,
therefore the whole assemblage has visited 3,400,000 mil-
lions of flowers. If out of the ten only one has become
fertilised, 340,000 millions of fertilised flowers would be
the result. Supposing the reward for the fertilisation of
5000 flowers to be one German pfennig, the united bees
of Saxony have obtained per annum a sum of 68 million
pfennigs— 680,000 marks (34,000?. sterling). Each hive
represents in this way a value of 21. sterling.

Tinahely, July 9th, 1879.— 'The Catechism alluded to
in "Bee-keeping made Easy" woidd be an admirable
idea, as no one would be at a loss then ; besides, you'd
have more time to pick and glean peeps abroad at other
bee-keeping countries. The weather has left me without
profits this year, bee 3 hanging out in basketfuls, striving
to keep them covered with bits of boards and old sacks.
A great many people are asking me for advice. Their
swarms (very few) have all died with hunger, and a
good many stocks gone too. You must be fortunate if
you can fill half your orders. I fear it is a bad year to

August 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

87

get swarms for " Big Bee Company." I hope Irish
Association will get on well.' — J. Traynor.

[We shall be very glad to give answers to questions,
and thus form a catechism; but we can scarcely do both.
Many have made the attempt, but have failed. We have
been answering queries for the past seven years, and pub-
lishing the questions too ; and there is little in bee-
keeping at present known that has not been touched
upon. It is curious how tastes differ. One writes,
' Tell us what to do, and do not make us wade through
all the reasons why.' Another cavils at every dogmatic
direction, and insists on knowing the reason why, treating
us to a set of his own views, for us to wade through,
without the slightest compunction. We have now had
some experience, and think we had better keep our
course, viz., reply to all inquiries, and give the plainest
directions possible. — Ed.]

Mulbarton, Norwich, July \Qth, 1879. — 'I have had a
sight at home in my glass hive that I did not expect to
see. In the autumn of last year, we added three lots to
those already there ; but they did not appear to work so
well as the others, and have not now filled all the hive
with comb. I have, however, had two swarms from it.
On the 11th of this month I was looking at the bees,
and presently a queen came and called. " I shoidd say,
she appeared to look very red." I found that every other
time of her coming, she stopped on a queen's cell ; and
on the 12th, she came out. I had her taken from the
swarm to see if it was the same ; and I believe it was.
On the 13th another was seen ; and to-day (16th) I have
seen one on the right side of the hive. Towards the
south, I see four or five queen-cells ; two, if not three,
are now empty. I am now waiting the result. Had
they been in a bar-frame, I could have done as directed
in the July number of B. B. J.' — James Turner.

Fore Street Hill, Kinysbridye , Devon, July 17th, 1879.
— 'Enclosed please receive cash for Cook's Manual of the
Apiary. So far as I have looked into it, I think it is a
delightful book. In July number of " ours " the descrip-
tion and cut of the wire-work for bees to cluster on, to
take off the strain on the full-sized foundation sheets,
greatly takes my fancy ; but it is not quite clear to me
whether every other frame is first treated thus ; and
when the sheets are worked out (partly), the wire is
removed, and the intermediate wax foundation dropped
down in their places, or whether all the frames are at once
put in their position, with the wire between each. I fancy
it is the latter plan which is adopted. I like the idea of
comb-dummies much, also the strips to close space
between frames at the sides. Wretched weather for
bees ; worst season for thirty years.' — George Fox.

[The frames are intended to be fitted in their places,
each filled with wax-sheet, except a quarter inch round
sides and bottom, and the wire or thin wood is intended
to hang between the sheets to relieve them of the weight
of the bees. It is a very usefid invention, being effec-
tive.— Ed.]

4 Cloncliffe Terrace East, Cloncliffe Road, Dublin,
23rd July, 1879. — Irish Bee-keepers' Association. — 'How
does the movement to start an Irish Bee-keepers' Associa-
go on ? Although only an amateur, I shall be very glad
to join, provided the subscription is not more than 10s.,
or 1/. at most. I fear, however, that we have not
sufficient talent (so far as numbers go) on this side of
the water to form a really strong society.' — R. S.

[There is plenty of local talent, if only some one would
make a plucky start. Get a few guarantors of a pound
each to prevent large individual loss, call a meeting, and
do something. If you are willing to subscribe 20s. per
annum, take four shares at 5s. each, and persuade others to
do likewise. Nothing can be done without an energetic
pusher ; and thankful we are that in our B. B. K. A. we
have the right man in the right place. If you can do
nothing else, arrange for a show of manipulation, and

make the place ring with wonderment, an association
will soon follow upon that. — Ed.]

Wexford, Ireland, July 23rd, 1879. — 'All over with
bees here. Stocks and swarms — very few — all dead. He
must, indeed, be a bee-keeper that will have any alive at
all. Did you ever hear of swarms in August? Awful
weather.'' — Zulu.

Nottingham, July 2ith. — ' Our bees are in a poor way
here. Feeding has been necessary all the summer (?).
I left off feeding one of my stocks a few days ago, and the
result was, that they began to cast out white bees and
droijes. I am told, that up to the present week we have
only had twelve days without rain during the whole of this
year, a statement I can well believe. I see some of your
correspondents say they have had more swarms this
season than they knew what to do with. That is not
our case in this district, as I know several bee-keepers
who have had no swarms at all. We are to have a show
at Nottingham during the first week in September ; but,
as far as honey is concerned, I shoidd imagine the ex-
hibits woidd be nil.' — W. S.

Much Hadham. — Combination Hive. — 'I am very
pleased with my two Combination hives, and they are
both progressing capitally, and are filling well at the
back, besides a super over the front.'

' I desire to express my extreme gratification at the prac-
tical lessons given under the auspices of the Bee-keepers'
Association during the Agricultural Show, and my great
regret that your junior, through no fault of his own,
failed in the contest on Wednesday. At the same time,
I think it was somewhat unfair that the judges, after
quietly finishing their own cigars within the ring, should
give orders to the spectators to put out theirs, and so
deprive them of the only whiffs of comfort to be had on
that most uncomfortable day.' — Fitzroy Square.

Newton Kyme, near Tadcaster. — ' Weather here fearful.
Drones killed in most of the hives ; and, I conclude,
owing to their death and the temperature of the weather,
the bees in several hives have left the brood-comb, and
the young bees are dying in their cells, or hatching im-
perfectly. I commenced the year with twenty-one hives,
and have now twenty-two ; and if mine are in such a
state that have not swarmed, what must be the state of
those who have, and their swarms ? And I question,
whatever the weather may be, whether it will be possible
for sufficient honey to be collected to carry them through
next whiter. ' — J. Chaloner.

Inverness. — ' I enclose P. 0. O. for my B. B. J. I find
it the greatest help, as my knowledge has all to be learnt
by experience, there being no one in this locality who
has any idea of frame-hives and their management that
I can refer to. Our weather in the north is most dis-
heartening, such cold winds and deluges of rain. I do
not think the bees have had above two, or most three,
entire days that they coidd be outside for nearly two
months; and, I am sure, a great many are lost when out,
from the high winds that have prevailed. There is
hardly any honey in any of my hives, and I am con-
stantly feeding, when continued bad days follow each
other, as the hives are so full of brood and young bees
I fear they would starve. A Stewarton, a very strong
hive, on which I put a honey-box a month ago, during
two or three finer days, was immediately taken to, and
the comb began to be visible at the window very quickly;
but for a week or two, though crowded with bees, I see
no progress, and on 11th and 12th, last week, they turned
out all the drones. There has been a field of wild
mustard close to the garden, and also gorse and broom,
in bloom, and yet they have hardly had a day they could
stir abroad from rain. I have not had a swarm, and
have only heard of one in this neighbourhood.'

Pitlochry, Dundarach. — 'Desiring to inform you of my
experience and success with my bees, I am glad to say
that I have succeeded well in introducing the queen you

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[August 1, 1879.

sent me on the 18th of June. As soon as I liberated her
the poor drones caught it. Black and white were de-
spatched, although I had a feeding-bottle on. They (the
bees) saw that gentlemen were not required by the
queen then. By lifting a frame two days later I saw the
queen quite at 'home aud laying two eggs iu some cells.
I am quite agreed with your correspondent who men-
tioned in the last Journal that the introducing of Ligu-
rian queens and comb foundations is of the greatest im-
portance to the success of bee-keeping. In 16; 7 I re-
ceived two Liguiian queens, one of which was killed
during the first night of release through my own fault.
From your one I got the first crosses, and through the
kindness of Mr. W. Raitt, of Blairgowrie, I received a
sample of his comb-foundations. I got 1 lb. on trial.
Very little, however, was used during the summer in
question, so that I had enough over for the summer of
1878, and the result I might repeat again. From three
stocks I had 223 lbs. of super honey, and of cut comb
and run honey 147 lbs. ; total, 370 lbs. For comparison's
sake I might go back to 1876. It was a good summer,
as everybody knows ; but I had only 99 lbs. super honey,
total 268 lbs. — the produce of four stocks. It will be
seen at a glance what one Ligurian queen and 1 lb. of
comb-foundation did for me. Well, out' of real gratitude
I do say that you and Mr. Baitt are real public bene-
factors, in bringing f oi th many things indispensable to
the benefit of the public, and within easy reach of every
bee-keeper. This summer here has every appearance
of 1877 ; but to those who persevere and do not neg-
lect their bees another 1876 will be sure to follow. The
weather changed here for the worse on the 21st June,
and l^s ever since been wet and cold. I had a bit of
fun about a fortnight ago, upon visiting one of my
neighbour bee-keepers. He remarked that his bens writ-
busy killing their drones and young bees, and a^ked my
advice on the subject. Of course, as it was all through
scarcity of food, 1 simply advi-ed him to feed them. A
week having intervened, I again was passing, and ob-
served two swarms in the garden, which, as he informed
me, he had drummed off. I sail, " Man, you have done
very wrong ; " upon which he replied that lie was sure
they had been slaying on account of the want of room.
Another old friend of mine received a bar-frame in a
present, but was not willing to stock it. Upon my urging
him, he however consented, desiring me to fasten comb-
foundations for him, which I gladly did. After this he
remarked, in a simple enough style, that his bees never saw
such a thing before, and perhaps they would not know
what to do with it. The same old gentleman remarked
to me a few years ago that it was a bad plan to feed in
the spring, as it created maggots in the hive.' — Valerian
Novitzkt.

(Queries anij Jicpltcs.

Query No. 321.— I should be glad if you would say
in the next number of the Journal the cause of my bees
behaving as they have done the last few days. The
hive is one of your Standards, and the bees a last year's
swarm— now very strong. They have not swarmed this
year. I put super over half the hive, June 28th, and
they began to work it July 7th, and have filled it with
comb and some unsealed honey, except the two end sec-
tions. Put another super on other half the hive, July
17th, aud bees began on it at once, and are working two
sections. Last Friday and Saturday, two fine hot days,
and plenty of honey about from bean-field and clover
close at hand. The" last three days very wet, and on
the first of the wet days noticed bees dragging out white
"bees; they have continued to do so ever since, till I
should think thev have brought out as many as would
fill a pint pot. Have opened the hive to-day, but find it
to all appearance all right with unsealed honey and sealed

brood in all the bars. I send you a few of the bees
thrown out for you to see. Do you think they are only
drone-brood that the bees are destroying, or do you think
there is anything wrong ? Here are lots of empty cells,
so it cannot be that the bees are in want of room to store
honey. — H. T. U., Shannon's Cross, Solihull, near Birm-
ingham, Jul;/ 23, 1879.

Reply to Query No. 321. — It is not the quantity of
honey in the cells that governs the actions of bees in
such cases, but the suspension of its incoming. The bees
sent are immature drones. — Ed.

Query No. 322. — Transferring. — As I have had no
chance to put a swarm into a bar-frame hive, I want to
transfer one from a straw skep into it, and a week or
two after unite two or more colonies of driven bees to
them. The bees have been in the skep two years and
are very strong — in fact, all my bees are strong, through
my putting supers on to prevent swarming — but I am
sorry to say the little honey which they had in them
about a month ago, is now all gone ? Please say when
is the best time to transfer them, now or in the autumn ?
and if I am right in uniting as above ; also, which is the
best way to unite in a frame hive P I have the ' Leaflet '
on transferring, but could get none on uniting. I can
have plenty of bees here in the autumn for the trouble of
driviug them, if I knew how to keep them through the
winter. — W. J. G.

Reply to Query' No. 322. — We would advise that
you keep the bees as they are during the month of
August, for it is by no means certain that there will not
yet be a honey harvest. The weather here is just such
as the Americans had previously enjoyed ; but now they
are subject to 120° Fahr. in the' shade. Let us hope that
the heat wave may pay us a visit, and restore our equa-
nimity, late though it be. We would transfer about the
second week in September, and put all the brood avail-
able into the bar-frame hive, then feed gently until the
stock becomes heavy and strong enough for wintering.
Uniting was fully described in late Nos. of Journal, (See
February last, p. 185.)

Query No. 323. — Would you please say in next
Journal what I should do with an Abbott No. 1 Hive
which has the combs built across the bar-frames ? Can
I drive the bees out and straighten them ? — A Bath-
gate, Fairfield, lith July, 1879.

Reply to Query No. 323. — It would be easier, after
having smoked the bees from the top to lift out all the
frames en masse and carry them a few yards away ; then
cut out the combs singly, and having brushed the bees
back into their hive, tie' the comb separately into the
frames, taking care not to injure the queen. It is sin-
gular that the bees left their guides and built across the
hive ; some of our would-be clever bee-masters think such
a course highly unnatural, and of course the bees must be
very naughty. — Ed.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS & INQUIRERS.

Amateur , Darlington. — The Woodbury hive is 14J inches
square inside, and 8| deep. The Standard is 17 inches
from front to rerr at top, and 16J at bottom, and is one
and a half times as many/ tches wide, as there are
frames in it. Now that coi b foundation is so cheap,
it is scarcely worth while', to trouble with the old
foundation plates. It is impossible for us to tell you
the cost of carriage of a hive from London to Dar-
lington.

Loch Gavick, Rothesay.— Cardboard would do in winter
to form a division-board or dummy, and crumpled
paper, or paper cuttings, would do very well above a
quilt to prevent escape of heat ; but if placed where
the bees can get to them during their time of activity,
they will tear them to tatters, and waste a deal of
strength and labour. The back numbers of the Journal

August 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

89

may possibly be obtained, by advertising for them.
Kindly state which numbers you require.
Old Edinbuegh Koad, Inverness. — In such a very bud
season it -would not be -wise to risk the life of the
Ligurian queen that is doing so well, with the almost
certainty that any young queens raised by her progeny
■would be lost in their first flight. We would gi\ e the
pugnacious bees another comb of young brood. Per-
haps they have lost their queen, and that is the reason
they have not increased their comb-building. Queen-
raising should take place in warm weather, when there
is little risk of the queens being stunted in their growth
or lost on their wedding trip. Our correspondent, a
lady, is anxious to gain assistance from any bee-keeper
in the vicinity who can help her; and if any there be
■who are willing, we shall only be too glad to effect an
introduction.

Feeding. — Bishops Wallham. — Never feed your bees
upon lii:; i n .ii syrup is cheaper by far, and it can
always be relied upon as being free from the elements,
or germs of disease, which cannot be certainly said of
honey, it being so liable to change.

V.' E. II., Hull. — A queen should reach the address
named within 24 hours. As they cannot be kept on
hand for any length of time, the Ligurianising shoidd
be delayed until inquiry has satisfied you that a queen
will lie quickly forthcoming. There is no leaflet on
the subject of queen imprisonment. Usually they will
live in their boxes until all the bees have died of
strivv.ition or old age. We have always advocated the
breeding of bees as fast as possible, to be in readiness
fi >r the honey harvest, whose coming is usually known.
When it comes, the bees ought to be busy gathering
it instead of nursing young brood.

LINCOLNSHIRE BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION,

HTSTITUTED OCTOBEE , 1875.

President : The Right Rev. the Bishop Suffragan of Nottingham.

(Postponed from September 17th and 18th.)

THE ASSOCIATION will hold their FOURTH GREAT ANNUAL EXHIBITION of
Honey, Bees, Hives, &c, and Practical Apiarian Manipulations, in conjunction with
the Long Sutton Agricultural Society's Show, at Long Sutton, on Wednesday and
Thursday, October 8th and 9th, 1879.

Entry Forms and Schedules may be had of R. R. GODFREY, Grantham, Hon. Secretary of the Lincoln-
shire Bee-keepers' Association ; or
J. W. SWAIN, Long Sutton, Secretary of the Long Sutton Agricultural Society.

EXHIBITION OF BEES, HIVES, HONEY, AND
BEE MANIPULATIONS;

IN conjunction with

A FLOWER AND FRUIT SHOW,

AND AN

OPEN-AIR VOCAL AND INSTRUMENTAL CONCERT,

AT THE

BOTANICAL GARDENS, EDGBASTON, BIRMINGHAM,

FRIDAY and SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 and 9, 1879.

Shows open at 3 o'clock on Friday, and 9 on Saturday.

For Schedules of Prizes, Forms for Entry, and other information, apply, with Postage Stamp, to
Mr. VILLIERS BLAKEMORE, Hon. Sec. of the Botanical Society, Birmingham.

ENTRIES CLOSE ON MONDAY, AUGUST 4th.

The Rev. H. R Peel, Hon. Sec. of the British Bee-Keepers' Association, has kindly promised to
lend the Bee Tent of Jie Association, and arrange for the Exhibitions of Driving, Transferring, making
Artificial Swarms, and Capturing Queens.

The Gardens of the Society are 1\ miles from the centre of the Town. Cab fare Is. id. from the
Railway Stations to the Gardens.
ADMISSION EACH DAY ONE SHILLING.

Makers of Hives and Bee Furniture are informed that this will afford them one of the best possible
opportunities for introducing their manufactures to the Residents of North Warwickshire, East
Worcestershire, and South Staffordshire. fo. 34

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITIF

NOTTINGHAM AND NOTTS BEE-*.

<AL. [Aug. 1, 1879.

ASSOCIATION,

THE ASSOCIATION will hold their EXHIBITIONS of x ,ney, Bees, Hives, &c, and
Practical Apiarian Manipulations, during 1879, in the Arboretum, on Friday and
Saturday, September 5th and 6th.

Classes 1 to 8 opeD to all England. Classes 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and the Honey Fair, open to
Members of the Nottingham & Notts Association, and other residents in the County of Notts.

SCHEDULE OF PRIZES.

BEES.

Class.

1. — For the beat Stock of Ligurian or any other Foreign

Bees. 20,0 10 0 5,0

2.— For the best Stock of English Bees. 20/0 100 5/0

The Bees to be exhibited living with their Queen in

Observatory Hives.

HIVES, &c.
3. — For the best and most complete H?'-e on the moveable
comb principle, to include covoring, stand, floor-
board, and facilities for storing surplus honey.

20,0 10/0 5/0
4. — For the best complete Hive on the moveable comb
principle for Cottager's use, to include cover, floor-
board, and facilities for storing surplus honey. Price
not to exc- ed 10/0. 20/0 10/0 5/0

5. — Fo: the best Straw Hive on the moveable comb prmciple.

15,0 7/6 5/0

6. — For the best and neatest Supers for producing honey

in the comb in the most attractive and saleable form.

7/6 5/0 2/6

7. — For the best Honey Extractor, calculated to meet the

wants of Cottagers. 20,0 10/0 5/0

8. — For the best and most complete Collection of Hives

and Bee Furniture ; no two articles to be alike.

20/0 10/0 5/0
All Hives, etc., in the above Classes, to be made or
Designed by the Exhibitor.

HONEY.

All Hone3r to be Judged according to Quality and Purity,
being the produce of 1879, and gathered by the
Exhibitor's own Bees in the Natural way.
9. — For the best Exhibition of Honey in Supers, or Sec-
tions of Supers, separable, and each not more than
2 lbs. in weight; the total weight of each entry to be
not less than 10 lbs. 10/0 7/6 5,0 2/6

10. — For the best Single Section in the Comb, weighing not
more than 3 lbs. 7/6 5/0 2/6

11. — For the best Exhibition of Pure Extracted Honey in
Glass Jars, not to exceed 2 lbs. each ; each entry to
consist of not less than eight jars. 10,0 7/6 5,0 2/6
Bar-frame Hives will be given as Special Prizes for the
best Exhibit made by bona fide Cottagers in Classes 9, 10,
and 11 ; the Exhibitor being a Member of the Notts
Association.

Class. HONEY— continued.

12. — For the best Exhibition of Honey in the Comb, taken
from one Hive without destroying the Bees. Open
to all bona fide Cottagers residing in Nottinghamshire.
(No entrance fee). 7/6 5/0 2/6

DRIVING COMPETITION.

13. — For the Competitor who shall in the neatest, quickest,
and most complete manner, drive out the Bees from
a Straw Ukep, capture and exhibit the Queen. Each
Competitor to provide his own Bees. 20/0 10/0 5/0

The system of Open Driving shall be adopted, the Re-
ceiving Hive to be inclined at such an angle as shall permit
the passage of the Bees to be seen by the Spectators. Veils
and gloves may be worn by the Competitors. Members of
the ' Notts Bee-keepers' Association ' will be admitted to the
Bee Tent to witness the Driving Competitions on produc-
tion of their Member's Ticket. An Admission Fee of 6d.
each for the two first displays, and of 3rf. each to all subse-
quent displays, will be charged to Non-Members. These
Competitions will commence at the Arboretum, at 2 o'clock
in the afternoon of each day.

HONEY FAIR.

14. — A distinct Counter will be appropriated at the Show
for the Sale of Honey in the Comb and in Glass Jars, and
in this department Sales will be permitted, and Goods
delivered at all times during the Show. Invoices must be
sent with each consignment of Goods, stating the prices and
weights of the various Supers, Glasses, etc.

The Association will provide Salesmen, but will not un-
dertake to break bulk, nor allow it to be done.

The British Bee-keepers' Association offer a Silver
Medal, Bronze Medal, and Certificate, to the three Exhi-
bitors (being Members of the Nottingham and Notts Asso-
ciation), to whom shall have been awarded the three largest
amounts of Prize Money in Classes 9, 10, and 11.

Further particulars may be obtained of
Mr. W. C. CHESHIRE,

Gelding, Notts,

rFOIE?, SALE.

FIFTEEN HIVES of BEES, mostly in Bar-
frame Hives and Cottage Covers; several Empty
HIVES, STEELE'S SLINGER, VEIL, GLOVES, KNIFE,
&c, 20/. the lot. They are very cheap, as there is a good
Crop of Honey, and the Hives have not been opened this
year. The owner is moving into London. To be seen at
Wye Cottage, Lion Road, Bexley Heath.

The COTTAGE, Eight Rooms, with Stabling, Green-
house, and large Garden full of Fruit Trees, a most charming
resort, to LET at the low rent of 55/. fo. 38

pOMB FOUNDATION — The best American,

\J as per Abbott's Catalogue. RAITT'S FOUNDATION
at his prices, from Abbott Bbos., Fairiawn, Southall, Mid-
dlesex.

Bronze Medal awarded for Straw Skeps at the Great
Crystal Palace Show, 1875.

Sixteenth Edition. Price One Shilling.

SEVENTY POUNDS A-YEAR:

HOW I MAKE IT BY MY BEES.

By the late J. W. Pagden.

Also, by the same Author, price Sixpence.

Early Artificial Bee- Swarming.

No watching required.

Apply to Mrs. J. W. Paoden, the Chestnuts, Alfriston,

Sussex, by whom the same manufacturers of ' Economical

Bee Furniture ' are employed as formerly. fo. 23,

London : Printed 1 iy Stkanqewats & Sons, at their Printins Office, Tower Street, Upper St. Martin's Lane, in the Parish ot St. Giles's-in-the-Fields,
m the County of Middlesex ; ard Published for the Proprietor by Kent & Co., 23 Paternoster Row, in the same county.— July 31, 1879.

THE

[No. 77. Vol. VII.]

SEPTEMBER, 1879.

[Published Monthly.]

(^bxinrial, |]toiu*s, #r.

SEPTEMBER.

The past month has been one during which
the weather has been most calamitous through-
out the British Isles, and with it summer-time
may be said to have passed away without a
week of summer weather. The old story, of
' bees in May being worth loads of hay ' has been
bitterly fulfilled in this terrible year, and there
are thousands of hay farmers who would give
many loads of hay for a week or two of weather
such as produces swarms of bees in May ; but,
alas ! the fearful rain, hail, thunder, and wind-
storms, have blighted the promise of the year,
and well-nigh driven the country to despair.
Here we are in the ninth month of the year
with thousands of acres of grass (first crop)
uncut, and many other thousands of acres
where, though cut, the partly-made hay is
under water.

Between Oxford and Banbury, as we wit-
nessed in returning from Shrewsbury Show,
the water covers the land for miles, and boats
may be seen in the hay-fields (?), save the mark,
the occupants apparently searching for the im-
plements which they had been using when the
floods overtook them. Pitiable, indeed, is the
sight : waggons half-laden with hay, standing
about the fields, the water covering their
springs and nearly reaching the hay within
them; hay-making machines almost submerged,
hay-cocks sticking up through the water, or
floating upon it, swarth and winrow covered
and rotting ; and, in several cases, whole ricks
of the valuable fodder standing, as it were, in
a sea, and spoiled to all intents and purposes.
The effects of the weather are manifest, also,
to a dreadful extent in all other outdoor in-
dustries and amusements ; and Failure, like a
flag half-mast high, recognised from afar, fills
all around with despondency. How it will all
end (?) is a question passing from lip to lip,
and what will be the winter condition of
thousands of families, human as well as apis-

tical, can only be imagined with dread. It is
fortunate, nevertheless — and the fact silvers
the lining of the over-hanging cloud — that the
necessaries for life, both for bees and humans,
are cheap, and, therefore, one may hope that
starvation, though impending, may be staved
off at comparatively small cost while we are
awaiting better times. From nearly all parts of
the kingdom the story is the same : no honey,
and the bees sure to die if not fed. In many
instances, swarming has been prodigiously in-
dulged in by the bees ; in others, there have
been no swarms at all. In the former, the bees
have barely half filled their hives ; and in the
latter, they are simply bursting with bees.
During a few days of fine weather in the
middle of August, we used the extractor to
good purpose, and got out a large quantity of
honey; and we trust our readers, acting on our
suggestion of last month, did the same in pre-
ference to trusting to the chances of obtaining
supers. In our case, a large field containing
abundance of white clover was allowed to
stand uncut for near three weeks, through a
squabble as to the charges for mowing it, or
we may not have been so fortunate. The grass,
however, was cut on the 12th to the 14th, and
the rain has since baffled every attempt to get
it together, even in the form of small hay, or
what are more often called grass-cocks. Dis-
cussion on hay-making will, we trust, be par-
doned by our readers ; we have recorded the
facts, that when, the year 1879 is in future
referred to as a bad honey year, it may be
remembered as a bad year for agriculture gene-
rally ; and that, although our readers may have
much to deplore, there are many thousands
who are far worse off than bee-keepers.

USEFUL HINTS.

Do not lose courage, things might have been
worse.

Preserve the Caloric. — At the risk of
being accounted tedious, we again say, do not
give the heat generated by the bees a chance of
escaping. Heat is life, and can only be gene-

92

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[September 1, 1879.

rated by great wear and tear. Hinder the wear
and tear by all means. This is not meant to
be tautologous, but ' line upon line,' &c.

Twenty pounds of sugar will cost in these
cheap times five shillings only, and that
quantity will make about 30 lbs. of syrup.
Who, in the face of such figures and facts,
would let their bees starve ?

A live dog is better than a dead lion, and
one stock of bees next spring will be worth
twenty dead lots in the present autumn, call
them by what name you will. Dead lions
do not nowadays get filled with honey ; if
they did there would soon be a scarcity of
lions.

Queenless stocks at this time of year are, as
a rule, broodless, and therefore, except for
their weight in bees and comb, valueless —
a pound weight of old bees, and a ditto of
wax, in old comb ; and in trying to save the
latter, one may spend a shilling in coals, &c,
for firing and labour, and realise eighteenpence
for a pound of wax, and in trying to utilise
the former, may spend the life and cost of
half-a-dozen queens of all nations with a result
— nil.

Old Bees. — These are in no way to be
judged by the age of the hive they are in, nor
for requeening purposes must they be adjudged
young by the presence or absence of brood
in a hatching state.

Drones. — Hives that contain drones at this
season may, as a rule, be accounted queenless ;
and we should say useless, except for breeding
purposes. Many disappointments arise in such
cases, bee-keepers often preserve stocks con-
taining beautiful drones to mate with late bred
queens ; but if they examine their queenless
stock, in which the drones have been kept and
nurtured, they will find them a mixture of all
sorts, it being a fact that drones of other hives
are welcomed to a hive in which, from the
absence of a queen, their services are likely to
be required.

Wasps. — ' It is an ill wind that blows no one
any good,' and, at least, bee-keepers can feel
safe against depredations from wasps, which
appear to have been nearly exterminated by
the continued wet weather, as bees will be if
not liberally fed.

Mice. — These pests should be well looked
after, the wet drives them for shelter into hives,
if they can be reached ; and the bees get robbed
of their means of living, and eaten up into the
bargain. Mice, it would appear, consume a
great quantity of comb, at any rate, they
destroy it most unmercifully.

Dry Hives. — It is of vast importance that
hives, floor-boards, and quilts should be kept
dry. Skeps, particularly, should be examined,
and their lower rims cleansed.

Bee-plants. — We have provided many thou-
sands of seedling wallflower plants for next
spring blooming. The weather of last winter
killed off almost all our stock, and prevented
growth in the survivors, and we suppose it was
no kinder to other people. Those who wish
for a supply, may have them for a shilling per
hundred, either the dark red or dwarf yellow,
and if only a dozen survive they will be value
for money. Plantations of bee-flowering shrubs
should be shortly made. A list of those for
which Miss Roohe was awarded first prize at
the South Kensington Show will be published
in our next, and will doubtless prove useful.

Uniting Weak Stocks. — These should be
united, without delay, to each other if prac-
ticable ; but if not, then to those nearest to
them. It will be better to have six strong
ones, that will swarm in the spring, than twelve
that may die in winter, or, if they survive,
will not be strong until after swarming time
next year.

Barley-sugar is the best winter food for
bees. Many who do not care to trouble with
syrup, may find this hint useful.

A RED-LETTER DAY.

Monday, July 28, will long be remembered
by those whose happy privilege it was to be
present at the assembly of bee-keepers — of all
nations, we had nearly said — which took place
on that day by the invitation of Mr. T. W.
Cowan, at his mansion at Horsham.

The foreign guests present were Mr. T. G-.
Newman (Editor of the American Bee Journal,
and President of the Bee-keepers' Convention),
Monsieur Dennler (Editor of the Alsatian Bee
Journal, Engheim, Alsace), Herr Gravenhorst
(President of the Bee Section of the Brunswick
Agricultural Society, Brunswick), Herr Estler
(his relative), and Colonel Pearson (of Nancy,
France). The ladies were Mrs. T W. Cowan (the
amiable hostess), Miss Cowan, and Miss Clement.
The English bee-keepers present were Mr. T.
W. Cowan (Chairman of the Committee of the
British Bee-keepers' Association), Rev. H. R.
Peel (Hon. Sec. to the same), Mr. C. N. Abbott
(Editor of the British Bee Journal), Mr. R. R.
Godfrey (Hon. Sec. of the Lincolnshire Bee-
keepers' Association), Mr. W. N. Griffin (Hon.
Sec. of the Devon and Exeter Bee-keepers'
Association), Mr. J. M. Hooker (of Sevenoaks),
Mr. F. Cheshire (of Acton), Mr. J. Hunter (of
Ealing), Mr. J. P. Jackson (of Bull's Mill
Apiary, Hertford), Mr. W. Carr (of Clayton
Bridge, Newton Heath, Manchester), Rev. J.
Lawson Sisson (of North Walsham), Mr. F. R.
Jackson (of Slindon, Sussex), Rev. J. F. Hodg-
son (of Horsham), Mr. Hugh Clement (of Wal-
berton), and the Rev. A. H. Scott (of Waraham).

September^!, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

93

The whole party, soon after arrival, sat down
to an elegant luncheon, and kept up a lively
hum of conversation — bees, as a matter of
course, being the subject ; and many were the
experiences discussed, notes compared, and
ideas exchanged for the general benefit.

The toast of the day was ' Our Foreign
Visitors/ which was received with great ap-
plause, and the representative members were
each presented by the Hon. Sec, Mr. Peel,
with a silver medal as a souvenir of their visit
to the British Bee-keepers' Association Shows
at Kilburn and South Kensington. Responses
were made, implying the pleasure which their
visit had given them, by Mr. Newman in Eng-
lish, Mons. Dennler in French, and by Herr
Gravenhorst in the German language.

Mr. Newman, on the suggestion offered
by Mr. Abbott (see below), gave a most
interesting account of the life, labours, and
present condition of the Rev. Mr. Langstroth ;
and everyone felt that the good old man who
had been such a benefactor to his fellow-
creatures had been basely treated by some of
them, and robbed of the just reward of his
labour, leaving him in indigence in his old age.

An adjournment then took place to the
apiary in the grounds, where there were on
view bees of all kinds, in hives of nearly
every pattern, but all in splendid condition,
and gathering abundantly from phacelia and
borage, of both of which there was a
plentiful supply. Here, again, the buzz of
conversation was well sustained, and hives in-
vaded to wrest their secrets from the bees, and
a most pleasant time was spent, and profitable
withal. But the concluding feature gave
perhaps most satisfaction ; for a photographer
had been engaged to take the group, and
there was great fun while the imposing scene
went on. Two or three sets were taken—
volleys we ought to call them, for they all went
off at once — to prevent possibility of failure ;
and after another half -hour with the bees and
a little of the cup that cheers, &c, the visitors
left for the railways, all declaring that they
had spent a most delightful afternoon, giving
three hearty cheers for their host and hostess
and all their household.

THE PROPOSED LANGSTROTH FUND.

At the gathering of bee-keepers at Horsham
on the 28th July, the Editor of the British Bee
Journal, in referring to the above, said : —

' It has often been our honour and pleasure to exhibit
before the world's notabilities the devotion of worker-
bees to their queen, more particularly when she is in
distress through long confinement, or impending poverty
and starvation. We all know that in such case her
faithful followers surrender their last drop of honied
wealth for her sustenance, and willingly die rather than

live to see her dead who gave them life, and hope, and
energy. Such being the action of insects for their queen,
what, may I ask, is our duty to our King, — the King of
bee-masters, the Rev. L. L. Langstroth, whose mighty
mind gave life, and hope, and energy to all bee-keepers
by the production of the moveable-comb hive, coupled
with his delightful work on the Hive and Honey Bee,
thereby opening-up to the world the improved methods
of bee-culture which have led to the enormous success
the present time exhibits ? What is our duty, may I
ask, when we find this great father of our work reduced,
in his old age, to comparative indigence ? I do not
suggest that it is our duty, nor is it expected of us, that
we should all yield our last drop for his sustenance ; but
I do think it is the duty of the many who have benefited
by his great brain-efforts, to make some sign in his
behalf, and, like bees, add their honied drops until
sufficient store has been provided to enable this good old
man to pass the winter of his life in security, cheered by
the feeling, that though there have been those, as there
ever will be, brain vampires, who live on others' efforts
and do their best to crush them, yet that there are honest
and noble minds that appreciate the right, and are ever
ready to do honour to profound intellect and inventive
genius, such as are combined in the person o J him in
whose behalf this appeal is made in the hour of his need.'

Mr. Abbott thereupon proposed, and Mr.
Cheshire seconded, and it was unanimously
resolved, ' That the sentiment contained in the
foregoing be approved, and that it be published
in an early number of the British Bee Journal.'
The result has been the following subscrip-
tions, which we earnestly hope will be consider-
ably added to. In such a case, ' he that giveth
quickly gives twice.'

Rev. H. R Peel £1 1 0

T. W. Cowan, Esq 110

Mr. C. N. Abbott 110

Walter Hewson, Esq 1 1 0

CYPRIAN BEES— BUILDING UP

STOCKS.

We were fortunate in being able to secure a
Cyprian queen of pure breed, sent over from
Germany to the Kilburn Show, by Mr. Julius
Voigt, 'President of the Bee-keepers' Asso-
ciation at Bahn, in the province of Pomerania,
in the kingdom of Prussia,' and believing her
to be perfectly genuine, took the best means in
our power to build up a stock of bees around
her in such a way that she should incur the
minimum, of danger. She was in a box con-
taining one piece of comb only, about eight
inches by five, and there were with her perhaps
300 bees ; and considering the wretched weather
during the Show, and the drenching the little
box had during the stormy time (for tent-
canvas would not keep out the heavy rains),
we were glad to find the queen alive afterwards,
though her attendants were somewhat reduced
in numbers.

Our first care was to warm them up and
restore the life that was nearly gone from many
of them, for which purpose they were placed

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[September 1, 1879.

for a night in a second box over a kitchener,
and were there thoroughly revived.*

Next morning we made a box (small hive) to
hold eight frames of same size as that in the
German box, and having filled one of the
frames with comb containing hatching bees,
and two others with empty comb, we carefully
introduced both bees and queen to them ; and
when all were in (they were very few, and we
could not afford to waste one) we covered up
the frames, and slipped a piece of glass over
the unoccupied part of the hive, so that the
bees had an airing court into which they could
pass, and take a short flight, if required. In
two days some hundreds of the black bees given
had hatched, and most comfortably agreed with
the queen and the other bees ; and to add to
their number we gave two other full combs of
hatching bees, in lieu of the empty combs, and
restored their own comb of honey, which in the
meantime we had unsealed. At the same time,
to help them, we gave a small heap of barley-
sugar in one back corner, and a heap of pea-
flour in the other, and by the next morning
both were cleared away and stored, the old
Cyprians working well at them. By this time
there were three or four thousand bees, with
their queen ; but singular to say, during the
whole week that this was going on, not a bee
had died, nor was there any attempt to get out
through the glass. It appeared as if the old
bees had been so long confined as to have be-
come used to it, and as if the young ones had
not bten taught the necessity for flight. On
the ninth day, when the young had nearly
all hatched out, we took two full-sized Wood-
bury combs, nearly all sealed ; and arranging
them between two others containing a supply
of honey, we put the bees and queen into them,
and were gratified to find eggs and young
larvee in three of the combs in the nucleus they
had vacated.

Having made our increasing colony snug,
we quickly stocked the small hive with bees
from another colony, and in a few days had
queen-cells ready to transplant to other stocks.
In the meantime the growing colony received
other frames of brood from established stocks,
and became itself one of the strongest in our
possession : so strong, indeed, that on August
25th it had prepared to swarm, having raised
three queen-cells, which were sealed, and
which we quickly transplanted to nuclei. The
queen-cells in the original nucleus, three in

* We mention this because it is a most important
matter. Many persons when they receive queens in
boxes, are in such a hurry to get them into their hives,
that they do not give them time to recover from the effect
of a (possibly) cold journey ; and thus, instead of leaving
the queen to recruit with her own subjects, she is thrust
amongst alien bees, very often benumbed and half starved.
—Ed.

number, duly hatched, one being the most
beautifully golden queen we ever beheld, the
second much darker, and the third the smallest
little wretch conceivable, being scarcely as large
as a worker, and as black as an English drone.
The last has departed, but the others are
fertile, and will be built up as were their parent
stock, trusting that they may live through the
winter, and, if Dzierzon's theory be true (which
we do not believe), breed pure Cyprian drones
in the spring. These, with our Ligurians,
which have been imported from various dis-
tricts in Italy, may help to cross the breed ; and
we hope without loss of the beaiity and gentle-
ness which are the special qualities of both.

WINTERING.

After a profitless spring and summer, we
have now in autumn but slight prospect of im-
provement in the condition of our colonies, and
it will therefore be well to at once commence
preparation for wintering them. How glibly
the words run out from the pen, and how airily
we all talk of preparing the bees for the troublous
time in store for them ; but how seldom do
we begin in time to make our work success-
ful. Our advice has hitherto been for bee-
keepers to take the work in hand immediately
on the close of the honey harvest; but as in this
wretched year there has been no such harvest,
and the probability of such has passed away,
we earnestly exhort bee-keepers, in their own
interest, to at once commence feeding their
bees, as the only possible chance of saving
them through the coming time, or if they,
through lack of time or means, are unable to
do so, then that they sell them or give them
to others who will try to save them. Accounts
come pouring upon us from all quarters,
that unless the cottagers can be induced to
feed their bees, which a vast majority refuse
to do through ignorance or superstition, whole
counties will be left beeless, and the busy hum
of our favourites will, in a great measure,
cease in the land. This is a very sad prospect,
and one that should stir the hearts of those
interested in the well-being of cottage apiaries,
to leave no effort untried to preserve them.
We have heaped line upon line, and precept
upon precept, and, doubtless our labours, well
supported as they have been by the various
bee associations, have done great good ; but
there are thousands of cottage bee-keepers who
have never heard of the Bee Journal, or of the
many efforts that have been made in their
behalf generally ; or, if they have, it has been
with an unwilling ear, and with no idea of
acting on the counsels offered. And so it will
come to pass, that acting on the lore and cus-
toms they have inherited from their ancestors,

September 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

85

they will destroy the major part of their hives
because of their poverty, and allow the few they
retain to perish of starvation during the winter,
because they will not feed them sufficiently.

Surely the saving of so much valuable bee-
life is worth an effort. There are few villages
in our land that have not their various clubs,
presided over by gentlemen of influence and
position, who could almost command attention
to so important a matter ; and we hope it is
only necessary to inform them of the grave
necessity for their interference, to set them
moving in the matter. Take the case of a
cottager who has, say, six hives of bees, which,
if examined at once, will be found with scarcely
a pound of honey amongst them, but, as a rule,
each crammed with bees, which they have
continued to produce in the hope that the har-
vest would come ; and it will be found that
such cottager will condemn three or four of
them to death, and will hope to keep the re-
mainder alive by feeding them with a trough
of elder wood, in which he will give them an
ounce or two of beer and sugar occasionally,
with a result after such a winterly summer
which may be only too easily forecast.

Now, could someone but induce such cottager
to feed his bees rationally, giving them, say,
a pound's worth of sugar amongst them, and
giving it in good time, the whole would, most
probably, be saved, and next spring would be of
considerable value ; and out of such value the
cost of the sugar could be recouped, and the
joyful hum maintained. Surely there are plenty
of large - hearted men who can see that the
advance of a guinea or so for such a cause
would be a twice, nay thrice, blessed charity ;
it would benefit the recipient beyond doubt, as it
would be the means of preserving his property,
it would benefit the community also on similar
grounds, and in addition to the satisfaction
attending so benevolent an act, the lender could
be repaid in bees or honey, or the money
arising from their sale, in the future.

Now after having, as we hope, induced those
in position to lend a helping hand to their
poorer neighbour, it is incumbent on us to show
how their effort can be best applied, and this
we purpose to do, as may be hereafter gathered.

Premising that the bees have been, by a
gradual incoming of honey, induced to con-
tinue the increase of their number, stimulative,
i.e. slow- feeding, will not be so absolutely neces-
sary as it would be if breeding had gradually
declined, through excessive storing, and the
consequent prevention of oviposition, and there-
fore some of the precautions attending our prin-
ciple of slow, or stimulative feeding, may be
dispensed with, and the matter thus becomes a
simple one.

We do not propose to go over old ground, and

therefore refer new readers to our leaflet on
Feeding (post-free one penny) for the formula
by which bee food is prepared and administered.
But there are other considerations beyond
feeding that require particular attention for
safe wintering, to wit, dryness within and
without the hive, perfect upward ventilation,
without draught, a minimum of unsealed honey
cells, plenty of sealed stores of both honey and
pollen, the means of preventing loss of heat
through circulation of air around frame ends
(in frame-hives), limitation of entrance-way,
absence of sunlight in entrance, plenty of sun-
shine on hive itself, absence of exciting causes,
perfect rest, cleanliness, the means of passing
through combs instead of being forced to go
round them or die, through being unable to
pass from an empty comb to one containing
honey. Most of these considerations have been
already brought before the world, and are ac-
counted necessary, and we here repeat them
by way of reminder only ; but as regards the
necessity for feeding bees, to preserve them for
the good of the nation, we treat that as a pri-
mary subject, and exhort every one to use all
possible influence to that end.

ABBOTT'S WOODEN FOUNDATION.

This, as exhibited at Edgbaston and Shrews-
bury, at which latter place it was awarded a
first prize, as a most useful invention, consisted
simply of very thin board dipped in melted
wax, on which the bees had raised their cells,
and deposited in them brood, honey, and pollen.
The boards were of a size to fill the frames, and
the coating of wax was even all over them on
both sides without corrugations of any kind,
and the bees had to scoop out the wax and
form the walls with it, leaving the cells flat-
bottomed, and the wood clean and easily per-
ceptible. This experiment is only the begin-
ning of what we hope will, to a great extent,
revolutionise bee-keeping, as we have learned
by it that bees can be forced to act according to
the will of man, and build combs that cannot
break down, either in transit from vendor to
purchaser, or on their way to the moors, or
other places where honey may be found in
abundance, nor can they well be broken while
being used on the honey extractor. At first,
the bees, a swarm of Ligurians, did not appear
to relish the plain surfaces, and began to build
crosswise from one to the other ; but we cured
that propensity by hanging between them other
boards, about a twelfth of an inch thick, with
no wax upon them, and then the bees began to
act reasonably, and build as described. It will
be perceived, that since bees will accept the
flat-bottomed cells and the wooden foundation,
it will not be necessary that the cells should be

96

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[September 1, 1879.

so carefully constructed or placed as they must
necessarily be when wax alone is used, and the
bases of each form the point of intersection of
three other walls on the other side of the comb,
for these cell bases being all flat, and indestruc-
tible by the bees, they may be placed on both
sides of the wood without reference to, or the
necessity for, exactly corresponding with each
each other ; and, therefore, if the waxed boards
be rolled between two cylinders, each studded
with projections that will form the bases of
correct size, the desideratum will be accom-
plished, and the foundation can be turned out
wholesale by any novice who can dip the boards
and turn the handle of —

Abbott's Proposed Foundation Machine. —
Scarcely any one can pass along the streets of
any large town without observing ' Wringing
Machines ' exposed at almost every hardware
shop, such wringers being composed of two
cylinders of beech-wood turned perfectly true,
their spindles being fitted into an iron frame,
and so arranged as to be easily fixed to the sides
of a tub or upright board; and there is a spring
arrangement above them that can be made to
regulate the pressure of one cylinder against
the other to any extent desirable, while a strong
handle is attached to one of them that will set
both in motion, and give any thing placed
between them an awful squeeze. Now, we in-
tend to take one of these ' wringers ' and drive
a few pounds of nails of proper size and
shape, close together over as much of the sur-
faces of both cylinders as will be required,
say 9 inches in width ; and this, if nicely done,
will give us a pair of rollers that will give the
shape and make of worker cells sufficiently ap-
proximating to the natural (barring the shape
of their bases) for the bees to adopt them, with
the advantage of having thicker walls than is
usual with foundation, for them to utilise. We
are quite sanguine, that by this mode of pro-
cedure a serviceable ' machine ' can be made,
which will largely dispense with the expensive
American production, with the advantage that
any one who can drive a lot of nails can make
his own. We are unwilling at all times to
anticipate, preferring to prove the utility of
things before giving them to the public ; but as
at sundry shows we have somewhat enlarged on
this subject, we publish our idea in the hope
that it may prevent some landshark from
patenting it, and thus robbing bee-keepers of
its value. Before our next issue, we hope to
have a machine in operation, and then will give
further experiences.

good appearance, should be almost costless, so
as to be included in the price charged for the
honey, or made the subject of a very slight
additional charge. We had in former years
ransacked every town in which we could hear
of glassworks likely to suit our purpose, but
were unable to obtain anything respectable that
could be offered for less than 4rf. each to hold
one pound of honey or jam. Now, /f==^b
however, the case is altered, for we
were able to exhibit at South Ken-
sington one-pound jars which can
be obtained at 15s. per gross, and
two-pound jars that can be had at
18s. per gross, from the works at
Birmingham.

By calculation it is found that these prices
show the cost of the jars to be l^d. and l|rf.
each, and some of our friends appear to sup-
pose that we are bound by the terms of the
prize offered to send them out in dozens, half-
dozens, or pairs at those charges ; but we beg to
differ on the point. Our offer was at per
gross, and that, as is well known, does not
include cost of packing or liability for break-
ages ; but we are quite willing to supply them
retail, if those who wish for them will fetch
them, or send package and packing material
for them to be forwarded in. To expect us to
make boxes (worth Is.) to hold bottles (worth
9d.) is absurd. We have opened the way to a
cheap market at a rate profitless to ourselves
except the boon be appreciated and we gain
e'clat for disinterestedness.

FORTHCOMING SHOWS, 1879.
See also Engagements of British Bee-keepers' Bee Tent.

September 3rd. — Much Hadam, Ware, Herts.

ith. — Horsham, Sussex.

ith, 5th, 6th. — East of Scotland, Dundee. Hon.
Sec, W. Raitt, Bee Croft, Blairgowrie, N. B.

5th and 6th. — Nottingham at the Arboretum.

9th and 10th. — Warwickshire at Atherstone.

12th.— Shifnal.

October 1st and 2nd. — Hertfordshire County Asso-
ciation, Hemel Hempstead, Rev. H. R. Peel, Hon.
Sec, as above.

8th and 9th. — Lincolnshire Bee-keepers' Asso-
ciation, in connexion with the Long Sutton Agri-
cultural Society. Hon. Sec, R. R. Godfrey,
Watergate, Grantham.

FIRST PRIZE HONEY JARS.

There has long been a difficulty, severely
felt, in obtaining honey jars that, while of

ENGAGEMENTS FOR THE BEE-TENT FOR 1879.

Sep. S. — Much Hadam Ware Cottage Garden Show.

Sep. 3. — Rickrnansworth Flower Show.

Sep. 4. — Horsham Flower Show, Sussex.

Sep. 9 and 10.— Warwickshire Agricultural Show at
Atherstone.

Sep. 11. — Harpenden Flower Show.

Oct. 1 and 2. — Hertfordshire County Bee-keepers'
Show at Hemel Hempstead.

September 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

97

OFFICIAL REPORTS OF THE JUDGES OF

THE SOUTH KENSINGTON SHOW.

Report of the Judges.

Class 1— Hives (10 Exhibits).

What struck the Judges at once on entering upon their
task with this class was, that a most perceptible onward
movement had this year been made in a department
of bee culture which had lain stagnant for many years.
And this finding of theirs they felt fully authorised in
making patent to all, by awarding an ' extra prize,'
where in former years they have even had to withhold
one or more of the prizes offered.

The first prize was unanimously adjudged to Mr. C. N.
Abbott's Observatory hive. It commended itself at once
by its simplicity of construction ; the fact that it pre-
sents the entire hive of bees in its strictly normal con-
dition for general observation, and retains it so up to the
very moment when a partial separation of any of its
component parts is required to be made for any special
investigation ; and that it appears to open out a field for
very extensive development in the future, whereby many
of the vexed questions in bee science may be partially, if
not entirely, solved. The principle of this hive presents
a new starting-point for vast improvements.

The beautifully made and contrived ' Baroness Obser-
vatory hive ' of Mr. W. Freeman commanded the second
prize, as furnishing the furthest stage of development to
which the old principle of Observatory hive has, so far,
arrived.

The hive of Mr. J. A. Abbott on the same old principle,
but with many improvements, took the third prize ;
while the extra prize was offered to Mr. Cheshire for a
hive of much ingenuity and clever contrivance, but, as
yet crude in some of its adaptations and facilities for
manipulation. Doubtless this hive will reappear much
simplified in the hands of so scientific and practical a
bee-master, marking in itself progress of ideas, and sug-
gesting them to others.

Class 2 (16 Exhibits).

Mr. J. M. Hooker received first prize for his 'Im-
proved Alexandra hive.' The improvements here are
accompanied also with simplifications. The hive affords
facilities for storing surplus honey in any legitimate
direction, according to the fancy of the bee-master, or
the apparent requirements of the bees, as varied by the
season or the honey crop. Mr. Abbott obtained the
second prize, and G. Neighbour & Sons the third.
Almost all the hives shown in this class were really good,
and either have been or might be prize-takers ; and
doubtless each one only needs a familiarity in practice to
make it, to its own possessor and advocate, ' the best
known hive.' It is a question, however, whether some
of the hives were not made to aim at too much, and
whether the inventors were not led into error on this
point by the wording of the specified requirements for
this class. The object seemed to be to catch all comers
(and the prize) by combining every system, good or bad,
in one hive, leaving a purchaser to chose any or all
systems for practice in his apiary as he pleased. This is
not educating the public mind, but confusing it, as to
improved methods of bee-keeping ; and prizes awarded
on such terms endorse an appreciation of ingenuity rather
than of what is practical and beneficial to the advance-
ment of bee-culture.

Class 3 (15 Exhibits).

This is a class intended to serve eminently practical
purposes, which were certainly met by ' the Cottagers'
Myrtle hive,' with sectional supers and adapter, with
other specified requirements, complete for 10s. Qd., by
Green & Sons, first prize; that of R. Steele, at 10s.,
second prize; that of W. Hollands, at 9s. 6d., third
prize; and that of C. T. Abbott, at 10«. 6d., highly
commended.

Class 4 (4 Exhibits).
Messrs. G. Neighbour & Sons obtained the only prize
given for an excellent straw hive with floor-board and
super. Price 5s. complete.

SUPERS.
Class 6 (12 Exhibits).
Here in a special degree does economy in the units of
price, material, space, and compactness of arrangement
enter into computation, and the sets of sectional supers
of Messrs. R. Steele, S. J. Baldwin, and G. Neighbour &
Son, were judged to combine the chief excellence on
these points, and received the first, second, and third
prizes respectively, while the box super of W. Hollands
gained high commendation.

The facts stated and opinions advanced in the fore-
going report are approved by us,

John D. Glennie, I T , . <-, ,.
Wm. Freeman, U^ges "i S t

W.B. Tegetmeier, ( *' 2> 3' 4' and 5>

Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens,
South Kensington, July 22, 1879.

THE CALEDONIAN APIARIAN AND
ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY'S SHOW AT PERTH.

The Caledonian Apiarian and Entomological Society
held their annual exhibition on July 29, and the three
following days. In accordance with a precedent in-
augurated some few seasons ago, they chose the occasion
of the Highland and Agricultural Society's show for
their exhibition of hives, bees, honey, &c. The Highland
and Agricultural Society have taken the sister show
under their wing in a very kindly manner, for they have
at once given a free site, voted a grant of 20^., and
offered a handsome silver medal for the driving compe-
tition.

The show yard, which occupied the South Inch of
Perth, covered about forty acres, and was visited during
the four days by many thousands of spectators. The
Bee-tent was pitched in the north-west corner of the
yard, where exhibitors found roomy and comfortable
stands for their various exhibits.

The manipulation tent, belonging to the British Bee-
keepers' Association, was a scene of great interest during
the Show. It is of octagon shape, the operator stand-
ing in the middle, while the public feel secure under
the protection of an intervening gauze screen. Driving
bees from a straw skep, and transferring their combs to
a bar-frame hive, were hourly operations, and never failed
to strike with astonishment the spectators who stood
aghast at seeing a human being, unprotected, turning up
a hive of live bees and handling them as if they were blue
flie3. The following gentlemen conducted the manipula-
tions during the different days : — BaillieLaughland, Kil-
marnock ; Messrs. Paterson, Struan ; Anderson, Dairy :
Hutcheson, Glasgow ; Ellis, Bridge of Earn ; and Wilkie,
Gourock. Not a little excitement was created amongst
the onlookers when Mrs. W. W. Young entered the ring
alone and demonstrated to them that ladies were quite
capable of performing the different operations connected
with apiculture.

Passing along to the north-east corner of the grounds
where are pitched the tents sacred to the bee, we find
the centre of attraction to be the Observatory Hives. In
this department there was a keen competition ; and the
first prize fell to Mr. Bryce Wilson, Newbury, whose
hive, working somewhat on the old ' Huber' principle,
was noticeable both for its ingenuity and beauty. The
bars, seven in number, were of the Woodbury size,
arranged in a row, and standing parallel to each other.
These woiking on a pivot opened out like the leaves
of a book, while the bees found their way to the
main channel down the centre of the pivot. Mr. W.

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[September 1, 1879.'

W. Young came second with a six-bar Woodbury bive.
In it the frames were arranged in two perpendicular
rows, showing artificial comb-foundation in the various
stages of extension up to the complete cell. The exhibit
looked remarkably neat, enclosed, as it was, in a bower.
Mr. J. D. Hutcheson, Glasgow, made an exceedingly
good third; it being a matter of no small difficulty to ad-
judge the respective places merited by those excellent
exhibits. A most interesting; thing was elicited by the
prize offered for the most artistic design wrought by the
bees. Mr. W. W. Young, Perth, did himself an honour
by the exhibition of the Perth arms — two spread-eagles
with the word ' Perth' underneath, and wrought out in
honey-comb ; and the design received the attention and
admiration it so well deserved. Mr. R. R. Godfrey, of
Grantham, showed a beautiful collection of natural
objects and diagram mie illustrations of apicultural sub-
jects. Among the former was a curiosity in the shape
of a wasp's nest found in a hive. The hives shown were
numerous, and all of a superior kind,' both as to work-
manship and design ; the bar-frames, indeed, were so
fine a show as to awaken a hope that the old ' ruskie '
and the barbarities too long associated with its use will
speedily vanish. Mr. Wm. Thomson, High Blantyre,
again exhibited his celebrated Lanarkshire Ne Plus
Ultra Hive, a model of ingenuity, deserving the careful
attention of all bee-keepers. Its complication rendered
it, however, in the opinion of the judges, only worthy
of the second prize ; Mr. R. Steele, Foulis, carrying
off the first. Mr. Thomson, however, came to the
front in class 13, with his original Lanarkshire hive,
which deservedly carried off the first honours ; while his
Renfrewshire-Stewai ton hive attracted much attention.
Mr. Steele's and Mr. Raitt's supers were on the American
21b. system, while Mr. Young's was on the lib. principle
with the possibility of alteration in several directions.
There were only two competitors for the Society's Silver
Cup, which was carried off by Mr. W. W. Young, for
bis collection of hives, bee-furniture, bee-gear, and api-
culturist's necessaries. The collection included 135
articles, from a needle for fixing queen-cells up to a
bar-frame hive. Mr. Steele's collection was inferior
to the former only in point of extent. One of his exhibits
was a machine for making artificial comb-foundation,
along with a specimen of the work produced, which was
of a high order. This machine, we may state, is, like
many of our leading inventions, the product of American
ingenuity ; but the mechanical reputation of this country
was so far sustained by Mr. Thomson, of Blantyre, who,
although only a working joiner, has succeeded in imi-
tating the American design, and in producing from his
machine impress sheets that took the first place. The
Patersoh bar-frame feeder, improved by Mr. Young, is a
capital thing. To both these gentlemen bee-keepers are
much indebted, especially in a season like the present,
when the bad weather has made feeding assume an ab-
normal importance. The straw hives showed a wonder-
fully good front. The first prize was carried off by
V. "Novitzky; it had a flat wooden top, with comb-
foundation guides and spaces of \ inch cut in the top
board for supering, an excellent idea, which all straw-
hivists would do well to pick up. Mr. W. W. Young
also exhibited in this class a manipulating table, which
was, in the opinion of the judges, the best invention, but
was only awarded second prize on account of being too
expensive.

In class 25, for the best honey extractor, Mr. R.
Steele carried off first prize, with a reproduction of
A. J. Root's, of America, being his 20-inch Woodbury,
with a strong wire mesh of about f inch. The second
prize was awarded to Mr. W. W. Young, who also ex-
hibited a superior machine, somewhat after the same
pattern ; but instead of the comb being placed as it
stands in the hive (as in the former one), it is placed on
its end in a slanting position. Mr. Godfrey's collection

of honey-producing plants was noticeable for its neat-
ness, as was also Mr. Young's, wrought into the form
of an arch, with a crown suspended from the centre,
and a water-fountain beneath.

In the class for comestibles Mr. John Wilkie, Gourock,
gained first prize with two samples of wine made from
honey. In class 20, for the best sweetmeats, Mrs. Pater-
son, Struan, gained first prize with a jar of honey-balls
and tablets. In class 21, for the best honey-cakes,
Mr. Wm. Sword, Falkirk, gained first prize; while
Mr. Angus Cameron, Blair Athol, came second; and
Mr. W.W. Young, third. Mr. Wm. Thomson demon-
strated to the visitors, at intervals, his chemical test for
detecting spurious from genuine honey.

Mr. Thomas G. Newman, editor of the American Bee
Journal, who is in this country at present collecting
information relative to the state of apicultural science in
Britain, was present during the first three days of the
Show. He was sent by the American bee-keepers, has
visited various parts of Europe, and is now on his way
home to lay the materials he has gathered before the
Convention which meets at Chicago in September. Mr.
N ewman gave two addresses on the American system of
bee-keeping, which were very interesting and were well
received. The Society presented to him a medal as a
souvenir of his visit to this country, and for the valuable
services he has rendered to the present session of the
Society.

The driving competition for the Highland and Agri-
cultural Society's Silver Medal took place on the last day
of the Show, in the manipulating tent. The end aimed
at was to drive the bees of a straw skep from their
combs, and to capture and exhibit the queen. The
points taken into consideration by the judges were quick-
ness, neatness, and cleanliness. There were nine entries,
and after a keen contest it was found that the prize fell
to the lot of Mr. John Wilkie, Gourock, who captured
the queen in transit in eight minutes, and finished the
driving in three minutes more. Mr. Wm. Raitt, Blair-
gowrie, came second, having taken thirteen minutes to
capture the queen, she having passed into the empty
hive along with the bees without being detected.

The judges were, for exhibits — Messrs. James Ander-
son, Dairy ; Alexander Shearer, Yester Gardens, Had-
dington ; and Baillie Laughland, Kilmarnock ; and for the
driving competition — Messrs. J. Ellis, Bridge of Earn ;
and R, Steele, Fowlis via Dundee.

With the exception of Thursday, when rain fell
abundantly, the weather was fine, and from morning till
night, throughout the week, the bee-tent was a scene of
activity, both on the part of the bees and of the thou-
sands who came to see them. The floral decorations of
the tent were executed in a very tasteful style by
Mr. MacGregor, a member of the Perthshire Apiarian
Society.

Altogether, the Show was a great success, the credit
of which is due to Mr. W. W. Young, whose painstaking
labours, during the past six weeks, have been very great ;
and also to the Managers, assisted by the able Secretary,
Mr. Bennett, and the Acting Committee.

PRIZE LIST.
Cloveb ob Floweb Honey. — Class 1 — For the two
best supers above 20 lbs. each : No entries. Class 2 —
For the best super above 20 lh=. : No entries. Class 3 —
For the best filled and finished super above 10 lbs. and
under 20 lbs. : No entries. Class 4 — For the best sample
of run or extracted honey, not less than 4 lbs. : 1st,
Thomas Tennant, Ecclefechan ; 2nd, Walter Thornhurn,
Ecclefechan. Class 5 — For the best exhibition of pure
honey in sectional supers, separable, and of not more
than 4 lbs. ; total weight of each entry to be not less
than 20 lbs. : No' awards. Class 6 — For the best glass
super above 10 lbs. weight : No awards. Class 7 — Pret-

September 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

9it

tiest design in honey-comb, worked by the bees : 1st,
W. W. Young, Perth. Class 8— For the best exhibition
of sectional supers in an attractive and saleable form,
no section to be over 2 lbs. : No entries. Class 9 — Special
Prize, offered by Mr. J. Steele, hivemaker, Fowlis,
Dundee, and the Rev. John Irvine, Iunellan — For the
best exhibition of pure honey in sectional supers, each
section to be separable, and not more than 1 lb. ; the
total weight of each entry to be not less than 20 lbs. :
No awards. Class 10 — Special Prize, offered by Mr. R.J.
Bennett and Mr. Wm. Sword — For the best exhibition
of pure honey in sectional supers, each section to be
separable, and not more than 3 lbs. each ; total weight of
each entry to be not less than 12 lbs. : 1st, Miss Watson,
Inchture. Class 10|— Extra Prize, offered by Mr. W. W.
Young and the Society — For the best table display, not
less than 4 feet by 3 feet 6 inches, of pure honey and
comb, the product of one apiary during 1879 : No awards.
Hives and Wax. — Class 11 — For the best hive for
observation purposes, all combs to be visible on both
sides, stocked with bees and their queen : 1st, Brice
Wilson, Newbury ; 2nd, W. W. Young ; 3rd, John D.
Hutcheson, Glasgow. Class 12 — For the best and most
perfect bar-frame hive, with super, or set of sectional
supers, and cover complete: 1st, R. Steele, Fowlis; 2nd,
Wm. Thomson, High Blantyre; 3rd, W. W. Young.
Class 13 — For the most perfect hive on the storifying
principle, with the best arrangement for securing harvest
of comb honey : 1st, Wm. Thomson ; 2nd, R. Steele ;
3rd, D. Paterson, Struan. Class 14 — For the best straw
hive of any description: 1st, V. Novitzky, Pit!ochry;
2nd, Thomas Tennant. Class 15 — For the two best
samples of wax, in cakes of not less than 1 lb. each :
1st, R. Steele ; 2nd, Wm. Raitt, Blairgowrie ; 3rd, W. W.
Young. Class 16 — For the best sample of wax-guide
sheets, not less than 6 sheets : 1st, Wm. Thomson ; 2nd,
Wm. Raitt; 3rd, W. W. Young. Class 17— For the
best bar-frame hive on the moveable comb principle,
with cover and stand complete, stocked with bees and
their queen : 1st, W. W. Young ; 2nd, John Ellis, Bridge
of Earn.

Comestibles. — Class 18 — For the best liqueur or
wine made from honey, with recipe attached: 1st, John
Wilkie, Gourock. Class 19 — For the best mead or beer
made from Honey, with recipe attached : No entries.
Class 20 — For the best sweetmeats made with honey,
with recipe attached : 1st, Mrs. Paterson, Struan. Class
21 — For the best cakes made with honey, with recipe
attached: 1st, Win. Sword, Falkirk; 2nd, Angus Cameron,
Blair Athol ; 3rd, W. W. Young.

Miscellaneous. — Class 22 — For the best and largest
collection of hives, bee furniture, bee gear, and api-
culturists' necessaries, no two articles to be alike : 1st,
W. W. Young; 2nd, R. Steele. Class 23— For the best
bee feeder: 1st, W. W. Young. Class 24 — For the
cheapest, neatest, and best supers for producing honey
Comb in a saleable form : 1st, R. Steele ; 2nd, Wm.
Raitt. Class 25 — For the best honey extractor, cost to
be taken into consideration : 1st, R. Steele ; 2nd, W. W.
Young. Class 26 — For any uew invention calculated in
the opinion of the Judges to advance the culture of bees :
1st, Wm. Thomson ; 2nd, W. W. Young. Class 27 —
For the best chemical or other test for detecting spurious
from genuine honey : No entries. Class 28 — For the
best and most interesting collection of natural objects,
models, or diagrams connected with apiculture, and
illustrating the natural history and economy of the
honey bee : 1st, R. R. Godfrey, Grantham. Class 29—
For the best and largest display of honey-producing
plants, in a dried state or otherwise, such plants to have
a card attached, stating time of flowering, duration of
bloom, and any other particulars calculated to be of
interest to bee-keepers: 1st, R. R. Godfrey; 2nd, W.
W. Young. Class 30 — Driving competition, extending
through the four days of the Show — For the competitor

who, without assistance and without veil or gloves, shall
in the neatest, quickest, and most complete manner drive
out the bees from a straw skep of not less than 14 inches
diameter, and capture and exhibit the queen : 1st, John
Wilkie.

CALEDONIAN APIARIAN AND ENTOMO-
LOGICAL SOCIETY.

The business meeting of the Society took place on
Thursday morning, Mr. John Wilkie in the chair, when
the following gentlemen were nominated office-bearers
for the forthcoming session. Present — Rev. Alex. R.
Findlay, Messrs. Bennett, Cameron, Edwards, Ellis,
Hutcheson, Johnstone, Laughland, Muir, McGregor,
Paterson, Steele, Sword, Young, Wilkie, Wood, and
Thomas G. Newman, of Chicago, America. The Secre-
tary read the minutes of the last meeting, which were
duly approved of. The following gentlemen were unani-
mously recommended : — Hon. President, the Right Hon.
the Earl of Roseberry; President, Charles Howatson,
Esq., of Dornal ; Vice-Presidents, James Lumsden, Esq.,
of Arden, James Laughland, Esq., of Kilmarnock, and
Rev. John Irving, of Innellan; Hon. Secretary and
Treasurer, Robert J. Bennett, Glasgow.

The Chairman moved the first resolution, ' That it is
incumbent upon all bee-keepers to lend their aid and
influence in forming local societies to work in connexion
with the Caledonian Apiarian and Entomological Society,
for the purpose of encouraging the science of apiculture
throughout Scotland.'

Mr. Bennett said he had much pleasure in seconding
this motion ; and he was sure all bee-keepers would be
willing to assist to the best of their abilities. This had
been a favourite theme of the chairman's for the last
four years, and he had written a very able article in the
British Bee Journal as far back as the 12th of March,
1875, and which appeared in the May number of the
third volume. He advised all who had that number to
peruse it at their leisure.

Mr. Sword moved the second resolution, ' Thit as the
Perthshire Apiarian Society had been the first to take
advantage of our offer of affiliation, any member who
may wish to join our Society be admitted for Is. Qd.
pei- annum, and that we likewise award a silver and
bronze medal for competition at their local show this year.'
Mr. Wood had much pleasure in seconding this motion.
Mr. Benuett moved the third resolution, ' That as the
season has been so unpropitious as to prevent honey-
gathering, the September show in connexion with the
Glasgow Horticultural Society shall be abandoned for
this year.'

Mr. Johnstone begged to second this resolution ; while
he regretted the cause, yet it was better not to appear,
than not to make a good show.

Mr. Muir moved the fourth resoluti-m, ' That as in a
season like the present much spurious honey may be put
into the market, all members should have their honey
assorted and labelled by the Society's agents, showing
both its quality and genuineness.'

Baillie Laughland had much pleasure in seconding this
resolution, as the practice in imposing on the unwary
public with sugar instead of honey-comb should be put
down, and thus prove one great good the Society was
doing.

Mr. Hutcheson said he had much pleasure in moving
the fifth resolution, ' That our silver medal be presented
to Thomas G. Newman, Esq., of Chicago, President of the
North American Bee-keepers' Association, as a souvenir
of his visit, and for the valuable services he has rendered
to the Society.'

Mr. Paterson, in seconding this resolution, said he was
sure every one present was greatly delighted with Mr.
Newman's short stay amongst them.

A vote of thanks to the chairman brought the meeting
to a close.

100

THE BEITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[September 1, 1879.

BIRMINGHAM BEE-SHOW.

Exhibition of Bees, Hives, Honey, and Driving Competi-
tion at the Birmingham Botanical and Horticultural
Society's Gardens, Bdgbaston, on August 8th and 9th,
1879.

The Judges, in reporting on the first exhibition of bees
at Birmingham, have to congratulate the Society and
their energetic honorary secretary, Mr. Villiers Blake-
more, on the great success of their spirited undertaking.
Each of the classes was well represented, except honey,
which was very scarce, Mr. John Walton taking all the
prizes for honey.

In Class A — For the best Observatory Hive, stocked
with bees and their queen : all combs to be visible on
both sides. First prize, 3/., second prize, 21., were
awarded to Messrs. Abbott.

In Class B — For the best hive on the moveable comb
principle, complete with covering and stand, and with
the best facilities for storing surplus honey. First prize,
21,, was awarded to C. N. Abbott; second prize, 11. , was
awarded to K. Steele.

In Class C — For the best and cheapest hive for cot-
tagers' use on the moveable comb principle, complete
with cover, floor-board, and facilities for storing surplus
honey. First prize, 11., was awarded to H. Fuggle ;
second prize, 10s., was awarded to Green & Sons.

Messrs. Neighbour and Son were awarded an extra
silver medal for their excellent collection of hives, bee-
furniture, bee-gear, and bee-keepers' necessaries.

In Class I — For driving competition ; for the com-
petitor who shall, in the neatest, quickest, and most
complete manner, drive out the bees from a straw skep,
capture and exhibit the queen, and transfer both combs
and bees into a hive on the moveable comb principle.
First prize, 21., was awarded to C. N. Abbott, who
drove the bees and captured the queen in 3 minutes 30
seconds, and transferred the combs and bees in 6
minutes 15 seconds: total, 9 minutes 45 seconds
in driving and transferring, which is the shortest time
ever accomplished at any driving and transferring
competition. Second prize, 1/., was awarded to John
Walton, who drove the bees and captured the queen
in 4 minutes 45 seconds, and transferred the combs and
bees in 7 minutes 10 seconds: total, 11 minutes 55
seconds.

The Bee Tent was crowded at each competition on both
days with a very attentive audience. Mr. F. Cheshire
described the operations and lectured, and Mr. T. G.
Newman of Chicago, editor of the old American Bee
Journal, gave an address. On the second day upwards
of 100 deaf and dumb from the Birmingham School
were admitted to the Bee Tent free, and a stock of
bees were driven, which was explained by Mr. Cheshire,
and interpreted to the deaf and dumb by the head master
of the school.

The receipts for admission to the Bee Tent on Friday
were 151. 4s., and on Saturday, 15/. 17s. 3d. : total,
31/. Is. 3d., which was the largest amount ever received
from the Bee Tent.

The Judges were Mr. William Carr, of Newton Heath,
near Manchester, and the Bev. and Hon. C. Fielding, of
Stapleton Rectory, Shrewsbury.

BEE SHOW AT PLYMOUTH.

The Devon and Exeter Bee-keepers' Association held
their central show on the Hoe, Plymouth, in connexion
with the Royal Western Horticultural Society, on the
19th and 20th August, 1879. Owing to the unfavour-
able season, the honey exhibits were not numerous ; but
eight well-filled sections of honey-comb were exhibited
by W. N. Griffin, the hon. sec. There was a small dis-
play of run honey and a few entries of bees'-wax.
W. N. Griffin was fortunate enough to be awarded the
silver medal of the British Bee-keepers' Association, and

he also carried off the cup offered by the Dawlish Bee
Club. In the classes for open competition may be men-
tioned a handsome observatory hive stocked with bees
belonging to the Secretary, and during the two days'
show, crowds admired with great interest this novel
feature. In the class for perfect bar-frame hives there
were five entries, those most notable being a well-finished
hive made by Mr. R. Steele, of Fowlis-by-Dundee,
which obtained the first prize ; also a hive exhibited by
Mr. S. Baldwin, winner of the second prize. The im-
proved Griffin hive took the third prize, and was much
admired. There were six entries in the cheap bar-frame
hive, Mr. R. Steele again coming to the front with a
well-made hive, costing only 10s. In the class for straw
hives Mr. W. N. Griffin was awarded first prize for a
well-made, flat-top hive, straw super and floor-board
complete for 4s. lOd. ; the same exhibitor also took
second prize for a smaller hive at Is. 8d. There was a
large collection of bee furniture. Mr. T. W. Cowan, of
Horsham, exhibited the Amateur Rapid extractor, a
most useful machine, which well deserved the first prize ;
Mr. G. Neighbour taking the second prize ; and there
were several other entries in this class. There were
three cases of dried flowers exhibited by Miss Symons,
of Hatt, which were tastefully arranged. Mr. S. Bald-
win, the expert of the London society, conducted the
manipulations ; and, although nothing could be done the
first day, owing to the heavy rain which fell incessantly,
the second day the crowds of visitors partly compensated
for the trouble and expense, and they eagerly watched
with great interest the various operations in the manipu-
lating yard.

There was a ready sale for the transferred bees. The
attendance at the show on the two days was 1500. In
the evening of the second day, the tent was lighted by
gas, which gave a novel appearance, and enabled the
exhibition to be kept open unti la late hour. The Secre-
tary greatly regretted that Abbott Bros.' exhibits did
not arrive, owing to an accident, as they would have
been a great addition to the show. The judges were
the Rev. W. Webster, Tiverton; Rev. P. Williams
Rewe, Exeter; Rev. J. A. Kempe, Merton, North Devon;
J. D. Pode, Esq., Ivybridge ; and Major-General Saun-
ders, Plympton. The following is the list of awards, for
members only : —

Honey. — Class 2. — For the best exhibition of pure
honey from one stock, in supers or sections of supers,
separable, and each not more than 3 lbs. in weight, the
total weight to be not less than 12 lbs.: First prize,
1/. 10s., W. N. Griffin. Class 4— For the best sample
of bees-wax, in cakes of not less than 1 lb. : First prize,
5s., W. N. Griffin; second, 2s. 6d., W. N. Griffin. Class 5
— Offered by the Dawlish Bee Club, and to be competed
for by those who were members of that Society during
1877. For the largest and best harvest of honey in the
comb from one stock of bees, and gathered during the
present year : First prize, a cup, W. N. Griffin. The
silver medal of the British Bee-keepers' Association,
offered for the best exhibit of supers, or sections of
supers, of honey in comb produced in the most saleable
form, was awarded to W. N. Griffin.

Foe Open Competition. — Hives — Class 9. — For
the best Observatory Hive stocked with combs, bees, and
their queen, in proper working order, all combs to be
visible on both sides : First prize, 21., and first-class cer-
tificate, W. N. Griffin. Class 10— For the most perfect
bar-frame hive, with covering and stand : First prize, 21.,
and first-class certificate, R. Steele ; second, 1/., and
second-class certificate, S. Baldwin ; third, 10s., and
certificate, W. N. Griffin. Class 11 — For the best and
most complete wood or straw hive on the moveable-comb
principle, suitable for cottagers: First prize, _ 10s. and
certificate, R. Steele; second, 5s. and certificate, S.
Baldwin. Class 12 — For the best straw hive for de-
priving purposes, cost to be taken into consideration:

September 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

101

First prize, 5s. and first-class certificate, "W. N. Griffin ;
second, 2s. Gd., and second-class certificate, W.N. Griffin.

Miscellaneous. — Class 13 — For the "best and largest
collection of hives, tee furniture, and apiculturists'
necessaries, no two articles to be alike : First prize, 11.
and first-class certificate, W. N. Griffin. Class 14 — For
the best honey extractor : First prize, 11. and first-class
certificate, T. W. Cowan ; Second, 10s., and second-class
certificate, G. Neighbour & Sons. Class 15 — For the
cheapest and hest super for general use in an apiary :
First prize, 5s., and certificate, R. Steele. Class 16 — For
the best and largest display of British bee flora in a
dried state or otherwise, each plant or specimen to have
a card attached stating time of flowering, duration
of bloom, and any other particulars calculated to be of
interest to bee-keepers : Prize, 6s., Miss Symons. Class
17 — For any useful apparatus connected with bee-
management calculated to be of real use in an apiary.
Extra prizes were given. Green & Sons, for an improved
bee-feeder ; S. Baldwin, The Desideratum Smoker.

Many other prizes were offered, including three for
cottagers, by Bev. Parker Smith, Messrs. G. Neighbour
and Sons, and Mr. J. Lee ; but they were not awarded.

CRAY VALLEY SHOW.
(Communica ted.)

The first exhibition of the Cray Valley District Bee-
keepers' Association was held in conjunction with that
of tne Cottagers' Horticultural Society on Thursday the
14th of August, in the grounds of W. May, Esq.,
Northfield, Orpington. The weather was all that could
be desired ; and in consequence, a numerous and fashion-
able company were attracted to the show. The locale
was well chosen, and the kind hospitality of the owner
was not the least, pleasing incident of the afternoon.
The Association entered upon its existence in October
last, and, with one exception, it comprises novices only
amongst its members. This, coupled with the fact of the
very unkindly weather that has prevailed generally
throughout the year, militated against a great success.
Howe /er much interest was displayed, both in the exhi-
bition of the various products as also in an especial
degree in the manipulations conducted by Mr. Baldwin,
whose fearlessness and genial disposition obtained for
him great praise.

Mr. R. R. Godfrey, of Lincolnshire celebrity, kindly
undertook the office of Judge; and it is needless to say,
that his awards gave full satisfaction. To Mr. Skinner,
a cottage member from Swanley, were awarded four
first prizes and three second prizes. His exhibit in Class
1, for the best sectional supers, over 20 lbs. in weight,
and not over 2 lbs. each, elicited high praise from the
judge. Messrs. T. Packman, J. Stiles, and Waterman,
also cottagers, were successful exhibitors in classes
for sectional supers under 20 lbs., single sections, best
super in wood, or wood and glass combined, best super
of any description, run honey, &c. The Secretary
and Mr. Hardy competed in Class 10, ' for the best
specimen of run honey in most marketable form, not
exceeding 2 lbs. in weight, the selling price to be quoted,
exhibitor guaranteeing to supply any quantity of the
vessels containing the honey at a price to be named.'
The first prize was awarded to Mr. Garratt, whose exhibit
consisted of a glass jar with lid, capable of holding
18 ozs. of honey, the price of which was quoted at
19s. per gross (a marvel of cheapness), whilst that of
Mr. Hardy, who took second honours, also consisted of
a glass jar, but without cover, holding 12 ozs. of honey,
the price of the jar being 21s. per gross. The result of
the show generally was a great encouragement to the
committee ; and it is not improbable that it may be em-
boldened to assume the wider designation of a County
Association, to take which step it has been greatly
encouraged by the Hon. Secretary of the British Bee-
keepers' Association.

THE SHROPSHIRE BEE-KEEPERS' ASSO-
CIATION AT SHREWSBURY.

The annual exhibition of this society took place on the
same days as that of the Horticultural Show, in a tent in
the Quarry. The president of the society for the year is
Viscount Hill, and the acting committee are the Rev. and
Hon. C. W. A. Fielding, Rev. A. Corbett, Rev. E. D.
Carr, Rev. R. E. Warren, R. Taylor, Esq., Mr. W.
Phillips, and Mr. B. Harding.

The greater share of the labours of the day fell upon
the Rev. and Hon. C. W. A. Fielding, who originated
the society, and has since been its chief supporter.
Mr. Lyon showed a bar-frame hive for cottagers made
out of an old box with the simple tools — a knife and
a hammer, and at the total cost of about a shining.
These hives result in a much more liberal supply of
honey than straw hives, and this fact, with their cheap-
ness, is a strong recommendation in favour of their
introduction among cottagers. Mr. Frank Cheshire, of
Acton, near London, gave a lecture on bees and their
manipulation, and it attracted much notice, and afforded
no small attention among those interested in bee manage-
ment. The lecture was delivered in a newly-constructed
tent with a passage around it, and the most timid of the
audience was thus able to hear and see without the
slightest alarm from an attack of the ' industrious
labourer.' The judges were the Rev. J. D. Glennie,
Croxton Vicarage, and Mr. J. Clevere Jones, Market
Drayton. In Class 1, Ligurian bees, with queen, there
was no entry, but the Kev. C. W. A. Fielding showed an
observatory hive containing a ripe queen-bee's cell, which
was not in competition.

The awards were as follows : —

Bees. — English bees, with queen, in observatory hive :
1st, 10s., Isaac Lake, Criftens.

Hives. — For the best and cheapest hive, on the move-
able principle, in wood or straw, complete with covering
for supers ; any number to be supplied at price named ;
1st, 1/., Messrs. Abbott Brothers, Southall ; 2nd, 10s.,
Messrs. Abbott Brothers, Southall. For the best collection
of hives and bee f urniture, gear, and appliances, no two
articles to be alike : 1st, 21., Messrs. Abbott Brothers. For
any new and useful invention for the advancement of
bee-keeping : 1st, 11., Messrs. Abbott Brothers. Applica-
tion of wood for comb-foundations.

Honey. — For the best exhibition of run or extracted
honey, in glasses, from one apiary, the number of hives
being taken into account : 1st, 1/., Mr. B. Harding, Cole-
hurst Manor, Market Drayton. For ditto from one hive :
1st, 11., Mr. B. Harding ; 2nd, 15s., Mr. B. Harding. For
the best exhibition of honey-comb in any form from one
apiary, the number being taken into account: 1st, 11., Mr.
B. Harding ; 2nd, 10s., Sir. P. Day, Donnington Rectory.
For ditto from one hive in bell-glasses, or glass and wood :
1st, 11, Mr. B. Harding.

OPEN TO COTTAGERS ONLY.

(Besides the foregoing.) — For the best exhibition of
honey in comb, in any sort of super, from one hive,
gathered by exhibitor's own bees in the natural way : 1st,
15s., Mr. H. Powell; 2nd, 10s., Mr. P. Fowler ; 3rd, 7s. Gd.,
Mrs. Mary Ellis. The classes for hives were open to all,
the others being confined to the county of Salop. This
department of the show ground was tolerably well
patronised, but the mud which prevailed around trie tent
kept many outside. Still a general feeling was expressed
by all who witnessed the exhibition that, considering the
season, it was a great success. — Shreivsbury Chronicle.

[The weather during the show was grievous, and the
ground was covered with several inches of mud of a
creamy consistency. It was a novel sight to see the gude
wives of the neighbourhood walk into the Severn and
wash the skirts of their clothing (helping each other),
rather than carry the slush with which they were be-
draggled away with them. — Ed.]

102

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[September i, i879.

BEE SHOW AT HALBERTON, DEVON.
The Devon and Exeter Bee-Keepers' Association held
an exhibition at Halberton, in connexion with the Cot-
tage Garden Society, on the 8th of August, 1879. The
tent was erected for the Bee Show, and the Secretary,
Mr. W. N. Griffin, delivered a lecture on the natural his-
tory of the Bee, gave a description of the different hives
now in use, and at intervals during the afternoon carried
out various manipulations with living bees, showing the
different operations — driving and transferring combs and
bees from straw skeps to bar-frame hives. Much interest
was shown by the visitors in the proceedings.

FIFESHIKE BEE ASSOCIATION.

POSTPONEMENT OF PROPOSED EXHIBITION.

In consequence of the extreme backwardness of the
season, combined with a great scarcity of honey, the
committee of the Fifeshire Bee Association have decided
to have no exhibition and competition this year.

The committee desire meantime to return their best
thanks to those who have been friendly to the formation
of the association, and hope to be able, when the proper
season returns, to give due notice of their arrangements.
John Blair, Secretary, Markinch, 23rd August, 1879.

HERTFORDSHIRE BEE-KEEPERS'
ASSOCIATION.— COUNTY SHOW.
We beg to call the attention of our readers to the
amended Schedule of this Show. Three extra classes
have been added, which are open to all England and
foreign competitors, in addition to Classes 1, 2, 3, 4,
5, 6, 7, 8. These classes are, — 8a, For the best
exhibition of honey in supers or sections and supers ;
Class 13a — Driving and transferring competition.
Excellent prizes are offered for this competition,
and we trust our great experts will compete for
the liberal prizes offered. A honey fair, open to
all England and foreign producers, is also to be
held. The show will be held at Hemel Hempstead
on October 1st and 2nd in the Bury Grounds
adjoining the Drill Hall, where a large Poultry
and Pigeon Show will take place during the two
days. All entries to be sent to the Rev. H. R.
Peel, Abbot's Hill, Hemel Hempstead, on or before
September 20th. On the first day of the Show the
driving competition will be confined to residents in
Hertfordshire only, and the second day's competition
will be open to all comers. See Class 13 and 13a.

DEATH OF SIR THOMAS MONCRED7FE, BART.

We regret to have to announce the death of Sir Thomas
Moncreiffe, Bart. President of the recently formed Perth-
shire Apiarian Society, which took place at his residence,
Moncreiffe House, Perthshire, on the 16th August. An
ardent explorer in the various walks of nature from his
earliest years, Sir Thomas has latterly devoted himself to
the study of insect life, and has succeeded in gaining a
position among the foremost entomologists of the day.
His collection of the lepidoptera of the Moncreiffe estates
forms one of the most complete local collections in the
country. His death has cast a gloom over the county
in which he was so much respected, and his loss will be
long felt in the several scientific and benevolent societies
with which he was connected.

€BXX£8$aVibZM£t

*„* These columns are open to Subscribers, so tliat their
queries, replies, correspondence, and experiences, may be
fully and faithfully recorded; and for the discussion of all
theories and systems in Bee-culture, and of the relative merits
of all hives and appurtenances, that the truth regarding tliem
may be ascertained. The Editor, therefore, must not be ex-
pected to coincide with all the views expressed by the various
writers. All Correspondence is addressed to the Editor.

THE LANGSTROTH MEMORIAL FUND.

At last, then, bee-keepers are awakening to a sense
of duty. At last the dear old man, whose very
name is music in the bee-keeper's ear, is to be recom-
pensed in some measure (fully he never can be) for
the service he has rendered to the world. And at
last every bee-keeper will have an opportunity to
pay some tribute to his great leader : for whether
he knows it or not, every bee-keeper who uses
moveable frames, whether in Abbott's, Lee's, Carr's,
or any other form of hive, uses Langstroth's.
Although I bought my first hive, with right to
make, of J. H. Thomas, Brooklin, Out., and did not
then even know of Langstroth and his claim ; when
I did I found I was morally liable to him, and
seeing this, I at once remitted to him his right.
Brother bee-keepers, believe me that 21. was not
thrown away, for it fetched me over the Atlantic
wave a letter full of kind words and good wishes,
from Selina, his loving wife, which you may be sure
I prize very much. This was in 1869.

In addition to subscriptions, could not his por-
trait be for sale at your office 1 I should be glad
to purchase one for 5s. ; 100 might be sold for that
price : 251. I know is no great sum, still it would
help to swell the bulk which I hope is rising on
both sides of the Atlantic. — Walter Hewson,
Wickham, Sandwich, Kent.

P.S. — Please put me down for a guinea. — W. H.

[We should be glad to have a hundred or two of his
photos, on sale on his behalf. — Ed.]

YOUNG BEES FOR WINTER.— REQUEENING
OLD BEES.
I am glad to be able to bear testimony to the
useful advice you give in the pages of the Journal,
especially on the point of rearing young brood for
wintering. In pressing this advice to your readers,
in August number of Journal, I can quite verify
your statements. In the fall of last year, after
using the extractor, my bees (half-breeds) became
so irritable that it was necessary to remove them
from their vicinity to the public road. Anticipating
that a quantity of bees would return, I left one
stock, a very weak one (pure Italian), for the lost
bees to come to ; it was a 12-bar-frame hive, full of
comb. The day following the removal, a large quan-
tity of bees came back. I tilted up the hive all
round, and no opposition took place, and the hive be-
came densely stocked. It was very late in the year,
and breeding had stopped. Well, during the winter
I was astounded to see the mortality in this hive ;
dead bees on the floor-board an inch thick every
time I examined them. Now, note, all these were
half-breeds; and — I was going to write in ' spring,

September 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

103

only it has not put in an appearance yet — however,
in March not a single half-breed was left with the
handful of pure Italians that I had hoped to benefit.
This was a most striking proof of the utility of
young bees for wintering. Another point was the
advice you give upon the difficulty of requeening
old bees. Last May, finding a hive very sluggish
and idle, I looked for the queen ; she was nowhere
to be found, and no eggs whatever. A few days,
and still no eggs, and not finding a queen, I gave
them a black queen in cage and liberated her after
two days, but never saw her more. I next caged a
half-breed ; they got her out the first day and killed
her. I then took the rascals and well scented them
with peppermint, and also a small stock of black
bees with queen, which I joined to them together :
and such a joining ! it was war to the knife, and
within ten minutes all the blacks were slain — queen
and all — the victors raging over the combs in search
of more enemies. I then gave them, after a few
hours, several combs of brood ; most of it they de-
stroyed, and at last started some queen cells and
went on all right. — W. Crisp, Chester Le Street.

QUEEN PIPING.

One day at the beginning of last month, while ex-
amining a super in one of my hives, I was much
surprised to hear what I thought a queen piping.
I accordingly listened attentively for a few seconds,
when I again heard the well-known note from three
sources. Now, this hive had not swarmed, the
bees at the time were working well in two of Lee's
Crystal Palace prize supers ; and had they pre-
viously swarmed, I should have at once detected it
by the supers. They threw off a first-rate swarm
two days after, and a second swarm eight days after,
the two remaining young queens piping incessantly
the whole time till the issue of the second swarm.
Thinking it strange to find this hive of bees acting
thus, I went round to all the other hives, and I was
not a little surprised to find two more in a similar
state. One of them was a Ligurian hive, from
which I made an artificial swarm in May last. The
Ligurians swarmed three times in a week, the young
queens, as in the other case, keeping up the usual
note. I could detect three or four young queens
in this hive piping at the same time. I united the
two swarms of the three swarms in one hive each
respectively. I was very sorry to have to sacrifice
two young Ligurian queens, but there appeared no
help for it. The third hive swarmed the day after
I first heard the young queens; but they all re-
turned within an hour. The young queens, how-
ever, kept on piping for another week, the weather
preventing them from swarming. At last, a fine morn-
ing arrived, when they swarmed before 8 a.m. The
piping then ceased, and they did not swarm again.

I am quite convinced that in neither of these
three cases the bees had thrown a first swann, as
all three hives were working well in the supers, and,
as I look every day, I should have at once noticed
it. In two of the cases the old queens were two
years old ; the age of the Ligurian queen I don't
know. I am at a loss to account for their death as

I feel sure they must have died from some unknown
cause. Can the unusual season we have had any-
thing to do with it 1 I have been from home for
a short time ; and on my return, I find that two
more of my hives, which had queens doing well
when I left, are now queenless. Neither of these
hives had swarmed this year. One of these hives
had given me 30 lbs. of super honey ; and I was
excessively mortified to find the queen gone and no
successor in her place, when I examined the hive
after removing the supers.

I notice you draw attention to young queens being
in many cases unfertilised this season. I have been,
perhaps, singularly fortunate, as out of eleven hives in
which I have young queens, I find in every case
they have brood in all stages, thanks to your advice
on stimulative feeding, as I have not ceased to feed
gently all my swarms every day up to the present
time ; and most of the hives are now full of worker-
comb and brood. My misfortune appears to have
been with my old queens. — H. Russell Vincent,
Warminster.

BUILDING A BEE-HOUSE.

I intend erecting a house for my bees ; please
state in your next Journal a general plan of a bouse
to hold four hives, and the best way to do it. I
use bar-frame hives. — J. R. T., Thankerton, July
3\st, 1879.

[As a general ride, we should give the advice that
Punch gave to those about to marry, and should say,
' don't ' do it ; but as you use bar-frame hives, there can
he no harm in your making a trough, say twelve feet
long, of a size that will contain the frames you use. We
have in our mind the Abbott's Complete Apiary (so
called), which figures on page 16 of Abbott Brothers'
Catalogue for the present year ; and from our experience
with it, and from the good report we have had of it, we
recommend it with confidence. Make a trough, or long
hive, as before said, and make an entrance in front at
each end, and two others, 2 feet, on either side of its
centre. The engraving will give an idea of the building

of such a ' house.' A strip an inch thick and an inch
and a half wide should be nailed, edgewise, along the
bottom edge of the trough, just above the floor-board,
and similar strips half an inch below the top edge, all
round ; and by boarding-up the front to any convenient
height, and the back, as represented in the engraving,
and giving a hanging roof and back as shown, and fixing
alighting boards and porches to the entrances, a good,
cheap ' house,' of the most serviceable kind, can be made.
A geutleman at Southborough, writing of such a hive,

104

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

"September 1, 1879.

says : ' The bees are making honey very fast, some of the
comhs being filled. He takes this opportunity of saying
that he is much pleased with his hive, and it has always
been the means of affording many young people great
delight.' This hive, trough, or nest of hives, is sub-
divided by glass dummies or dividers, and thus gives all
the advantages of windowed-hives without the usual
expensive appurtenances ; no shutters being required,
since when the upper part is closed up, the glass is
darkened, and the bees work undisturbed. — Ed.]

QUEEN LOSSES.
I have been in Argyllshire for the last week or
two, where I left one hive in spring under the care
of the gardener. I found that it had swarmed,
naturally, four times, and that he had made a
nucleus ; but, of the five queens, not one was pre-
sent when I examined the hives. The last swarm
had been off more than a fortnight. I started this
spring with one hive here, and made an artificial
swarm and a nucleus. The nucleus has now got
a fertile worker, and the old one has lost its queen ;
so that of seven queens raised by my bees this
year, every one has been lost on her wedding-trip.
I have induced a friend in Mull to take to bar-
frame hives. I find your Combination hive very
convenient, and am makiDg one or two to the
pattern. — H. B., Currie.

MAIDEN SWARMS.— UNITING.— STRONG
STOCKS.— OPENING HIVES.

I had a maiden swarm on Tuesday last, July 29th,
from a swarm that was hived June 8th. I have
united it to a cast, which was in a bar-frame of
your make, which was hived on June 24th. This
cast was not at all strong ; but I gave them every
advantage, by giving them three inches of founda-
tion, and feeding them for some time. I had
thought of adding some condemned bees to them
in the autumn, but now I shall not require to do so,
as the swarm which I have united to them is a
very strong one, and the hive seems to be almost
full of bees : so that, I think, I may possibly get
some super honey this year. Is there any fear of
making a stock too strong 1

I cannot open my bar-frame and examine the
frames without first driving some smoke in. When
I was at your apiary your junior opened one of the
hives and took a frame out without any smoke at
all. Is it that the bees want training to it 1

I united the swarm and stock according to the
directions given in the February number of the
Journal— W. W. H., July 31 si.

[In such a season as that of this year (taking it
generally) the incoming of honey has, except in rare
instances, been little more than sufficient to keep up the
breeding propensity, which, as a rule, increases as the
days lengthen ; and in this instance, and probablv in
many others, in so exceptional a summer, the propensity
has been kept up beyond the average time, as is evi-
denced by the maiden swarm having issued so late as the
29th July. Had it been our lot, we should have carefully
overlooked the hive from which the bees issued, as it is
possible it may have been left poorly off in bees and
brood.

We wish every one would remember that ' Uniting ' is
described in February and later numbers of Journal,

A great deal has been written about the value of
strong stocks; but they are, as a matter of fact, only
specially valuable when there is work for them to do.
Making stocks strong, at untoward times, when they are
not likely to get a living for themselves, is like engaging
haymakers in winter, or snow-heavers in summer, they
must be kept without remunerative labour. There are
lots of working men (?) whose professions, as suggested,
do not dovetail with the time, and ' never having nothing
to do,' but knowing they ' must be kept,' are a curse to
the commonwealth.

We are inclined to believe that bees do become ' civi-
lized ' by gentle treatment, and we know full well that
in hives which can be opened and examined without jar-
ring or injury to them they make a minimum show of
resentment. Further, there is a gentleness of character
in some bees, over and above others. Pure Ligurians
may, in some instances, be played with without the
slightest apparent danger ; but an accidental jarring may
turn them into demons, and spoil their temper for a long
time. We once had a pet stock, in a pet hive, standing
under a cherry-tree ; we examined it, showed it to all
comers for many months, but once our hat, knocked off
by a branch, fell on top of the frames, and it took us a
long time to rub out the stings, and the bees were never
so manageable afterwards. — Ed.]

MR. RAITT ON THE LIMITED INCREASE

OF BEES.
Will Mr. Raitt be kind enough to benefit the
readers of the Bee Journal by describing more
minutely what he means by allowing ' a certain
limited amount of increase ' in the matter of swarm-
ing ? I quote from his article on bee management
in the Country, July 25th.

The total prevention of swarming, as there de-
scribed, presents most formidable difficulties to the
learner. — Kate C. James, July 28th.

ABNORMAL BEES.

Can you explain the following, and tell me how
to prevent if! A Ligurian queen, at the end of
April, laid eggs all right ; but when the young bees
hatched out they were very small, and either came
out, or were turned out, directly they were hatched
in such numbers that I actually thought, at first
sight, that the box edging for a yard in front of the
hive was dead, it was so brown from the little bees
clustering on to it. After a time this ceased ; but
it has now commenced again. Yesterday I picked
up 180 in the morning, and 78 in the evening,
besides lots which I left on the ground. I turned
them into the hive in the evening, and they have
not been thrown out again. I send you a few ;
they are remarkably small. It occurred to me that
the cells might be reduced from age, but they are
last year's combs : so that is not the reason. It is
not from starvation, as there is a lot of honey
coming in ; so much so that I am extracting, and
the cells are filled and sealed every three or four
days (not from this hive, it is too weak). I never
experienced a similar case, and cannot understand
it. The queen is not a very small one, although I
have seen many larger. — 'Dr. Pine.'

[The bees sent were very little larger than house-flies.
We cannot account for the peculiarity, though similar
cases have been brought under notice. Very recently a
hive of our own gave forth similar bees for a short time;

September 1,1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

105

but they quickly disappeared. Is it possible that they
are a distinct race, driven forth by stress of weather from
their forest home to seek shelter, but find death at the
hands of the Ligurians ? — Ed.]

ABBOTT'S QUEEN EXCLUDER ZINC.

Will Mr. Abbott benefit the readers of the Bee
Journal by giving them his experience of the use
of the queen zinc perforated excluder to prevent
her escape with a swarm, as this method of pre-
venting the weakening of hives through swarming
presents, apparently, less difficulties than Mr. Raitt's
method for limiting the increase of the population of a
hive 1 — Kate C. Jambs.

[All we can say with regard to the zinc perforators is,
that they are of dimensions that will permit worker-bees
to pass readily, while they retain drones and queens
unless they be very small ones ; and such being the case,
the material is useful as a means of preventing queens
spoiling supers by charging them with brood, and that
by interposing it between the brood-nest and the hive
entrance, swarming can be hindered, if not altogether
prevented. We have made no elaborate experiments in
the direction suggested, and not having seen Mr. Raitt's
article on the limitation of increase in bees, we cannot
make comparisons on the subject. Our method is to
cause the greatest possible increase in the population of
a hive, having regard to time when a glut of honey is
probable, so that there may be a vast number of bees
to collect it. At the same time, to prevent swarming,
which often takes place while supers are being filled, we
would cage the queen, by confining her with sheets of
the zinc to a certain number of brood-combs. Our ex-
perience has been, that the method is effectual, and that
any drone enclosed with the queen, if he died, is dis-
membered and all his parts carried out of the hive
except the thorax, which will not pass the zinc, but
remains within, black and shiny as a jet bead. We once
covered the bottom of a twelve-framed Woodbury hive
with the zinc, letting a rim of wood run round it to keep
it off the floor-board and allow the bees to pass under it ;
and we confined the queen to six frames of brood in front
of the hive, giving the bees (a large population) a lot of
sections at the back, fitted with foundation for them to
work out. This they did most satisfactorily ; but the
weather did not permit them to store honey in them,
though they did store some pollen in those next the
brood-chamber, and this led to our placing a frame of
empty comb on both sides of the queen's prison-house,
outside the zinc, the one in front for the bees to use as a
temporary storing-place for their honey, and the other
at the back as a repository for pollen, which they prefer
to place as near the brood-nest as possible. Some may
smile at the idea of the comb in front ; but the com-
bination principle, involving the frames running parallel
to the entrance, has taught us that bees store their
newly-gathered honey in the nearest empty cells, and
afterwards remove it to more convenient and secure
quarters.— Ed.]

A PROLIFIC STOCK.
One of my Liguriau stocks gave me the first
swarm on the 31st of May, a second on the 8th of
June, and a third on the 10th. I placed a super
on the hive on the morning of the 15th, and it
threw off a fourth swarm on the 16th; all these
swarms were large ones, except the fourth, which
was good of its sort. The first swarm by the 15th
of July had filled a Woodbury hive so full of comb,
brood, and bees, that I put on a Crystal Palace super,
so as to give more room, and prevent them from

swarming, if possible. The extra room seemed to
quiet them for a time ; but on the 31st of July they
gave me the largest swarm that I have taken this
year, and so making up five swarms to the one stock,
and all, I suppose, bred from one queen, besides
keeping up the supply of the mother hives. Is this
not rather unusual 1 The queen, I believe, is over
three years old. All my bees have been swarming
in a most unusual way this year ; in fact my garden
is quite crowded with hives ; but I am sorry to say
I have been unable to get any super honey. All
the old people about here say they have never
known such a bad year for bees : the cottagers lost
quite half their stocks in the spring, and they have
not now a single hive fit to stand the winter, and
as they use nothing but the old straw hive, they
are unable to feed them. Our old church, which
has always had its roof full of bees for the last hun-
dred years (thirty-four years to my own knowledge),
is now nearly clear of bees : they seem to have been
starved out (the church is of Saxon date), and
strange to say, no one has ever known a swarm of
bees to leave the church ; they always swarm out
of one hole and go into another without pitching,
and numbers of swarms go to the church in the
same way. I watched a swarm last month that
had come straight away from their hive a quarter
of a mile away, they had been followed up by two
children, and had passed over five gardens and two
orchards, but never attempted to pitch, and went
straight into a hole under the roof of the church.
Does this not prove that bees select a place to go
to before they leave their hive 1 — Captain C. A.,
Hurstbourne Tarrant, Andover, August 19, 1879.

[There is little doubt but that bees often select a spot for
swarming to some time before they issue ; but we have
never known a swarm, with their queen mother, leave the
hive and go direct to the place chosen. When swarm-
ing has been delayed, and the mother queen destroyed,
the young princesses play all sorts of pranks, being light
of body and strong of wing. They often ' lead' a swarm,
being driven from the hive by internal discord, whereas the
parent queen is sometimes the last to leave the hive ; and
often then falls to the ground and is lost. After such a
calamity a young princess leads off ' a first ' swarm, and
her actions, if not understood, are very misleading. — Ed.]

EXTRAORDINARY FECUNDITY.

From one hive of Ligurians I have had three
swarms. From the first swarm I have had three
casts, all of which we have put back ; from the second
swarm there has also been a cast, which we put back.

We put fourteen sectional supers on the first swarm
at first ; and I have had over 1 41bs. of honey from them,
which took a first prize at the Highland and Agricul-
tural Show this month. We have cut forty-seven
royal cells out of the first swarm hive. I put a glass
super on the second swarm hive, and when looking
at it we found it full of brood. — A. S. W., Perth.

AGE OF BEES.
Following up your request on p. 60, 1 noticed that
on July 25th there were not 100 Ligurians in thehive;
these would doubtless be the few hatched out of the
little piece of comb inserted May 31st. On August
2ud these were all gone. — Henry Yates, Grantham.

106

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[September 1, 1879.

COMB-FOUNDATION.

On 6th of June I commenced bee-keeping with a
first swarm of Ligivrians in an Improved Cottage
hive. As the weather was bad I fed it for a few
days, and only stopped when I found the bees were
able to go out. They had the hive full of comb
about the beginning of July, and seemed going on
well, till I found one morning they were throwing
out immature bees. This continued for two or
three days, until I began to fear the hive would
become depopulated. Without any definite idea
I started feeding again, and was glad to find the
bees stopped throwing out dead grubs very soon after.

About the middle of July, finding the hive quite
full I gave them a bell-glass super, with a piece of
comb-foundation. The comb-foundation was treated
by the bees with contempt, as they did nothing for
about a fortnight but hang about the zinc ventilator.

Things continued in this state until the beginning
of August, when finding the bees hanging outside
the hive in great masses, I gave them another bell-
glass, which enabled the outlying bees to stay in
the hive. They did nothing but cluster about the
ventilator until August 15th, when I found they
had commenced building comb in both supers ; but
in one case they started from the floor of the super,
and in the other on the ventilator. I should say
that in both supers the comb is at right angles to
the direction of the comb in the hive.

My faith in comb-foundation has been sadly
shaken in consequence of no notice whatever having
been taken of it by the bees. — R. S., Dublin.

[The limited experience above rendered affords no cri-
terion of the value of comb-foundation, for it was offered
to the bees in a season when they could not get honey
enough to induce them to take possession of it, and in-
crease its waxen bulk ; and it was also in a kind of super
which requires great heat, and a large inflowing of honey
to enable them to store therein a surplus at any time.
If our correspondent doubts the value of foundation, let
him put a frame containing it into the body of his hive,
in the brood-nest ; and if his bees have the means, i.e.
sufficient honey or syrup, they will at once proceed to
work it out. Bees cannot make wax if they cannot get
a supply of honey, any more than an animal can become
fat when food is denied it. — Ed.]

COOK'S NEW MANUAL OF BEE-KEEPING.
We have much to regret with regard to the way in
which this valuable work came before our readers. A
cupy reached us from Triibner & Co., of Ludgate Hill,
the American and other foreign publishers in England,
and their published retail price was 7s. 6d. per volume,
subject to a trade discount, as is usual in such cases.
We were in blissful ignorance of the true state of affairs,
and accepted the conditions bond fide, and were the
medium unfortunately through whose influence a number
of the hooks were sold at the price named. But on the
arrival of Mr. Newman (the editor of the American Bee
Journal, and the actual publisher of Cook's work) at
Kilburn, we were both surprised and disgusted to learn
that the selling price of the Manual was 5s. only, less
considerably than we had been paying Triibner for it.
Naturally enough we applied to that firm for recoup-
ment of the overcharge, stating what Mr. Newman had
s<aid, and intending to return a half-crown to each of
those who had purchased the book through our agency,
but our application was not successful ; and as a matter

of business we now leave it to the Ludgate firm to make
any explanation they may think advisable, for which our
columns shall be open ; but in the meantime we beg to
say that we can supply the work direct from the pub-
lisher at 5s. per volume. We must, however, state that
since it has transpired that the price is comparatively so
low, our stock is much reduced, and only a very few
applicants can be supplied at present, though we have
taken measures to satisfy the demand which is already
created.

The extraordinary knocking down of price in this one
book is highly suggestive, and points to the value of per-
sonal communication; for, except for the visit of Mr.
Newman, our faith in Triibner's prices would not have
been disturbed, and thus a most valuable work would
have been practically denied to the British public. We
regret exceedingly that any one should have been mulct
of 7s. Qd. before we knew better, but we can fairly say
that all who have sent 7s. Qd. for the book since the
Kilburn Show have (often to their surprise) received a
half-crown's worth of stamps into the bargain. — Ed.
B. B. Journal.

A CAUTION.
We have received information that a man calling
himself ' Wyld ' has paid a visit to several bee-keepera
in Essex representing that he had been sent by our
firm for the purpose of purchasing stocks of bees on
our account. We learn that after obtaining the bees
he has decamped without paying for them or his hotel
bill for hoard and lodging for a week, and also the hire
of a horse and trap. "W e wish to caution those who
may keep bees to be on their guard, as we have no man
of that name, or who answers the description given, in
our employ. — George Neighbour and Sons, 127 High
Holborn, and 149 Regent Street, London. August 28,
1879.

(Srjxctts ixmn % Hitxes.

Rectory, Upton Scudamore, Warminster. — ' I am en-
chanted with my medal for bee-flora collection, and
feel very proud of it. I owe much to the British Bee
Journal, and some of my specimens were grown from
seeds obtained from Southall, and were flowers that I
should not have known of but for the Journal. And
here I shoidd like to tell you that my greater success in
bee-keeping, and my increased plersure in the pursuit, are
owing to the Bee Journal also.' — Ellen Rooke.

Godahning, July 80, 1879. — ' It seems to me so late in
the year, the days getting rapidly shorter, the weather
uncertain and so forth, that I feel no confidence as to what
is best to be done. I had a stray swarm come and take
possession of my tower on Monday last, so the swarming
instinct has been raised by the change in the weather.
The Ligurians do well, they work early and late ; they
carry in pollen in large quantities, yet they seem crowded
with bees. They seem a very vigorous, active kind of
bee, and I should fancy hardier than the other lands ;
at any rate they go out later in the evening. But none
of my bees seem to have any stores unless they have
gathered something the last three days. I have not had
time to look at them this week.' — J. P. W.

Thankerton, Aug. 2<tth, 1879. — ' Miserable weather here,
scarcely a swarm, and bees not able to keep themselves.
I hope we shall have better weather for the heather, or
we shall require to feed to keep them right for winter.'
—John K. T.

Bridge of Earn. — ' Honey gathering is over for a season,
except in the higher grounds where the heather is just
coming into bloom. Super honey is nil, and late swarms
are being fed preparatory to wintering.' — J. Ellis,

.September 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

107

Queries anb Jicplics.

Query No 324. — 1. When a general slaughter of drones
takes place in the old stock two or three weeks after it
has swarmed or been driven, is it evident that the young
queen has been fertilised P — Reply. Not absolutely; but
in an ordinary season it is a fairly good criteiion.

'2. How can the existence of the queen in a hive at the
end of the season be most readily established ? — C. T. S.
— Reply. By ocular demonstration. — Ed.

Query No 325. — Uniting in frame-hives. — Thanks for
your reply to mine in last Journal; but on referring
to Feb. No. I find it does not state how to drive and unite
bees in a frame-hive that have recently been transferred
from a sleep. I quite understand how to do it with skeps,
but I should think that driving from a frame hive would
knock down the newly-transferred combs. And you did
not state whether I should be right in uniting bees from
other hives in a week or two after the transfer. The
bees which I could have for the driving are about a. mile
from mine, how would you manage to get them home
for the purpose of uniting ? — W. J. G., Ottery St. Mary's.

Keply to Query No. 325. — There is no necessity for
' driving ' bees from bar-frame hives for the purpose of
uniting them. Remove all the combs and brood from
the bees, shaking or brushing them back into their hives,
and reducing them all to a common state of poveity,
with nothing to defend. Give them an odour by sprink-
ling them with thin scented syrup, and mix them alto-
gether; then gradually return their brood combs (also
scented) and as many others as may be required to furnish
a proper brood nest. Bring the bees home in the skeps
into which they have been driven, and, after scenting,
unite as above. — Ed.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS & INQUIRERS.

W. L. 0. ( We.stbury, Salop).— Extracted honey will keep
and solidify if it be ripe, i.e. fit for sealing at the time
of extraction. When taken from ^the comb, crude as
it is gathered, it is apt to sour. We have found the
plate-rack above our kitchener a good place for our
honey jars before tying down with parchment. There
is considerable dry heat, and there being no open flue,
little liability to dust which might contain the germs
of fermentation.

Carolus. — The honey-comb arrived, '^butjthrough not
having been put into an impervious case, it was in a"sad
mess and greatly annoyed our postman. There is no sign
of foul brood, but there are evidences of brood having
been reared in it, and there is a litt'.e^pollen which
adds to the discoloration. Foul brood is unmistakable.
Before it has dried it is of a nasty _ brown colour,
viscid in its consistency, and gives forth a most dis-
agreeable stench, and afterwards it forms a scale which
lies flat at the bottom of the cell, and which the bees
cannot remove, making the cradie into a coffin. This
being so, it is not very surprising that the next infant
bee fed in the cell with the dead corpse for a bedfellow
should sicken and die also.

S. S. B. D. (Buxton.) Bee Food. — Our recipe for bee-
food at this time of the year is ' to five pounds of best
luaf sugar add two pints of water, boil and stir, and
add a wine-glass full of vinegar, boiling for a few
minutes after. There are, however, so many different
qualities of best (?) loaf sug.xr that every one must
judge from experience, and act accordingly. Bee-food
cannot be too thick at this time of year, as it relieves
the bees of the necessity for evaporating the super-
fluous moisture.

^IEW AND ENLARGED SERIES.

THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOG-IST

A PICTORIAL MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF

FLOWERS, FRUITS, AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE.

ESTABLISHED AS 'THE FLORIST' IN 1848.

The FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST has been enlarged to Imperial 8vo. size. Each Number will consist of Two
Coloured Plates, with Text equivalent in quantity to that of the numbers of the former Series. The price will continue to
be One Shilling.

The Florist and Pomologist is issued in a form suitable for admission to the Drawing-room, and from its practical
character is equally adapted for the Garden House and the Bothy. The information it gives is such as to keep its readers
informed as to all Novelties of importance, and to supply instruction on the best forms of Garden Practice ; to furnish
a digest of Current Information on all Gardening Matters of interest, and to give Seasonable Hints on Garden
Management.

Advertisers will find the FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST one of the best monthly mediums for circulating their
several announcements amongst readers who are necessarily purchasers of garden requisites of all kinds.

'The cheapest shillingsworth ever offered
gardening serial.' — Gardeners' Record.

i and improved

' The illustrations are
Jan. 12, 1878.

' A couple of gorgeous
Oxford Times, July 15, 1876.

' A very excellent pictorial monthly magazine,
Jan. 13, 1877.

the form of a monthly

quality.' —

marvels of excellence.' — Hereford Journal,

illustrations attract the eye at once.' —

Stajordsntre Times,

rder to afford fuller scope for the plates, &o. The
improvement.' — Gardeners' Magazine, Jan. 5, 1878.

'The illustrations are always most artistic and attractive, and
compare most favourably with other publications of a similar class.' —
Oxford Journal, Jan. 19, 1878.

' Good judgment and enlightenment mark this periodical.' — Vcrhy
Mercury, Jan.'l8, 1871.

iriably well executed.' — Hereford

LONDON: W. KENT & Co., 23 PATERNOSTER ROW, E.C.

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[Sept. 1, 1879.

LINCOLNSHIRE BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION,

IITSTITTJTED OCTOBEB 1875.

President : The Right Rev. the Bishop Suffragan of Nottingham.

THE ASSOCIATION will hold their FOURTH GREAT ANNUAL EXHIBITION of
Honey, Bees, Hives, &c, and Practical Apiarian Manipulations, in conjunction with
the Long Sutton Agricultural Society's Show, at Long Sutton, on Wednesday and
Thursday, October 8th and 9th, 1879.

SCHEDULE OF PRIZES.

Class.

BEES.

1. — For the best Stock, or Specimen of Ligurian Bees, to

be Exhibited with the Queen in an Observatory Hive.

20/0 10/0 5/0

2. — For the best Stock, or Specimen of English Bees, to be
Exhibited with the Queen in an Observatory Hive.

15/0 7/6 5/0

3. — For the best Stock, or Specimen of any Distiuct Species
of Honey Bees, other than Ligurians, or the British
Black Bees, to be ExhibiteJ with the Queen in an
Observatory Hive. 20,0 10/0 5/0

HONEY.

4. — For the largest and best Supers of Honey, the produce
of one Hive. 20,0 15/0 10/0 7/6

SPECIAL PRIZE, presented by Mr. C. N. Abbott, Fair-
lawn, Southall, a Honey Slinger, for the largest and best
Exhibition in Class 4, by a Cottager, who shall be a Member
of the Association.

5. — For the best Glass Super, under 20 lbs. nett weight.

15/0 10/0 7/6 5/0 2/6
6. — For the best Glass Super, under 10 lbs. nett weight.

10/0 7/6 5/0 2/6

SPECIAL PBIZE, presented by Mr. J. Bolton, Grantham,

a Complete Bar-Frame Hive, for the best and largest Super

of Honey Exhibited in Class 5 or 6, by a Cottager, who shall

be a Member of the Association.

7. — For the best Wood, or Wood in combination with either

Glass or Straw, Super of Honey.

20/0 15/0 10/0 7/6 5/0 2/6

8. — For the best Exhibition of Honey in Supers, or Sections

of Supers, separable, in the most attractive form and

each not more than 3 lbs. in weight, the total weight

of each Entry to be not less than 12 lbs.

15/0 10/0 7/6 5/0 2/6
SPECIAL PRIZE, presented by Mr. E. W. Lister, of
Oakwood, Kirkburton, Yorkshire, Lister's Hive for the
Million, for the best Exhibit in Class 8, by a Cottager, who
shall be a Member of the Association.
9.— For the best Straw Super. 10/0 7/6 5/0 2/6

SPECIAL PRIZE, presented by Mr. R. R. Godfrey,
Grantham, Current Vol. of B. B. Journal, for the best
Exhibit in Class 9, by a Cottager, who shall be a Member of
the Association.

10. — For the best Glass of Extracted or Run Honey, of not
less than 5 lbs. nett weight, quality to be the chief
point of excellence. No Exhibitor will be allowed to
take more than one prize in this Class.

10/0 7/6 5/0 2/6

SPECIAL PRIZE, presented by Mr. J. Plowright, of

Grantham, Four Crystal Palace Supers (Wood and Glass),

for the best Exhibit in Class 10 by a Cottager, who shall be

a Member of the Association.

11. — For the best and largest Exhibition of Extracted or Run
Honey, in Glass or other Jars, quality as well as
weight will be taken into consideration.

20/0 15/0 12/6 10/0 7/6 5/0
All Honey must be bond fide the produce of 1879, gathered by
the Exhibitor's oirn Bees. {See Rules.)

SPECIAL PRIZE, presented by Mr. G.Brett, of Grantham,
Brett's Bar-Frame Hive, for the best designed Super, Sec-
tional or otherwise, by an Amateur, who shall be a Member
of the Association.

SILVER CTJP.

The Silver Cup of the Association, open to Members only,
for the best and largest Exhibition, in all or any of the
Honey Classes, of Honey taken without destroying the Bees.
The Cup to become the property of the Member who shall
win it Three Times.
Class.

12. — For the finest sample of pure Bees' Wax, in cakes of

not less than 2 lbs. 5/0 2/6

13. — For the best Liqueur, Wine, or Mead made from Honey,

with the recipe attached. 10/0 5/0 2/6

HIVES.

14. — For the best Hive for Observation purposes. 20/0 10/0

15. — For the best Complete Hive, on the moveable comb
principle, with facilities for storing surplus honey.

20/ 10 0 5/0

16. — For the best and cheapest Complete Hive, on the
moveable comb principle, suitable for Cottagers, price
not to exceed 10/0. 15/0 10/0 7/6 5/0

17. — For the best and cheapest Straw Skep, of any
description. 7/6 5/0 2/6

18. — For the best and cheapest Sectional Supers for pro-
ducing Honey in the Comb in a saleable form.

10/0 5/0 2/6

19. — For the best Honey Extractor, portability and cheap-
ness to be considered. 20/0 10/0 5/0

20. — For the best and most complete Collection of Hives,
Bee Furniture, and Apiculturist's necessaries, no two
Articles to be alike. 30,0 20/0 10/0

21. — For the best and most interesting Collection of Natural
Objects, Models, or Diagrams, connected with Apicul-
ture, and illustrating the Natural History and
Economy of the Honey Bee. 20/0 15/0 10/0

22. — For the best and largest display of Honey Producing
Plants, in dried state or otherwise, such Plants to
have a card attached, stating time of flowering,
duration of bloom, and any other particulars calculated
to be of interest to Bee-keepers. 1st Prize, Langstroth
on Bees. 2nd Prize, Current Volume of B. B.
Journal.
EXTRA EXHIBITS.— The Judges will be empowered to

award Prizes for any Exhibit not included in the above

Classes, having a bearing on the science of Bee Culture.

Entry Forms and Schedules may be had of

R. R. GODFREY, Grantham,
Hon. Secretary of the Lincolnshire Bee-keepers' Association;
or J. W. SWAIN, Long Sutton,

Secretary of the Long Sutton Agricultural Society.

RULES.

Every intending Exhibitor must send his Name and
Address, enclosing Entrance Fee, to the Hon. Secretary before
the 29th of September, 1879.

THE

[No. 78. Vol. VII.]

OCTOBER, 1879.

[Published Monthly.]

€bxtaxml, ftottas, #r.

OCTOBER.

With the present month will end all hope
of further honey-harvest, and there will be
nothing to do but pack up the poor bees for the
winter, and we most earnestly advise immediate
attention in that respect. The past month Las
been more kindly than was expected, and gave
nearly a whole week of fine weather, during
which much was done in securing the crops of
hay (first crops in September ! !) and corn ; but
the bees had little opportunity for anything
save the very natural process of robbing and
uniting. There is an old law, universal it would
appear, that —

' They shall take that have the power,
And they shall keep who can;'

and in regard to bees in the natural state, or
in the hands of careless bee-keepers, it is a law
which provides against their extermination ;
and it is really providential that their instincts
survive their attempted domestication to so
great an extent. We say ' attempted,' but we
mean, in numerous instances, their pretended
' domestication,' for with many hundreds of
bee-keepers their cultivation is but a sham, and
they are let alone to follow their own devices ;
and but for the brigand instinct which teaches
them to ' rifle, rob, and plunder,' and absorb
the weaker with the stronger stocks, there
would be great danger of their ceasing out of
the land. We regret very much that the
season has been such a bad one ; it troubles us
exceedingly, because it has been one of great
effort, as may be seen by the newspaper reports
of the doings of the British (and other) Bee-
keepers' Associations, and it is really grievous
that such effort should be nullified in so great
a measure by weather contradiction.

We, in common with all well-wishers to bees
and bee-keepers, continually assert the advan-
tages that accrue from the humane system of

bee-culture, and urge upon cottagers the de-
sirability of their cultivation as a means of
increasing their wealth ; but the wretched
weather has this year falsified all such asser-
tions, and put the balance on the wrong side,
causing many to lament the necessity for an
outlay to preserve their stock, instead of re-
joicing in an income to cheer them by its aid
to face the coming winter. There is, neverthe-
less, an amount of satisfaction in the feeling,
that all those who have worked in the good
cause have done their best to prevent loss, by
giving advice and instruction to their less-
enlightened brethren ; and we can only hope
that the salutary lessons that have been taught
and learned during this ' year of disappoint-
ments' may be harbingers of good in the future.
We need not, however, waste time or space in
useless verbiage; there is work to do, as may be
inferred from the following, taken from a heap
of letters on the same subject : —

' Owing to the most inclement season, so many
new bar-frame hives are not half filled with comb,
that I expect hundreds of stocks are likely to dis-
appear during the winter. A few hints in your
next issue on the best system of doubling, feeding,
and preparation of food would, I think, save many
valuable lives. I have been feeding, both English
and Ligurian, nearly all summer, and certainly since
Kilburn, except during one week. — J. P., Penrith.'

We, therefore, proceed to the more congenial
task of showing our readers, at the end of a
bad season, ' how to make the best of it.'

Preparation for Winter. — Before going
largely into this question, we will first try to
tell those whom it may concern, what ought
to be the condition of a stock of bees, to ensure
(as far as is humanly possible) its safety during
the trying time of winter. Firstly, then, there
should be, say, at the end of October, an
abundance of bees, and the majority should
be young ones, or thei'e wiU be but few left
to undertake and carry on the all necessary
recuperative breeding in the spring of the
following year. Secondly, there should be an
abundant store of both honey (or syrup) and
pollen, nearly the whole of which should be

110

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[October 1, 1879.

sealed, so that there may be little liability to
souring or fermenting, either of which forms
of decomposition will be almost certain to pro-
duce dysentery, and eventually foul brood.*
Thirdly, bees should be kept perfectly dry
and clean, and there should be no draught
through their hive, nor any possibility of
wasting their self- generated heat. Fourthly,
they should be allowed to remain perfectly
quiet during all dull, cold, and wet or stormy
weather, which implies that all ' preparation '
should be completed before such weather sets
in. These are the heads of the subject we
intended to dilate upon, and out of them we
hope to weave an instructive and profitable
discourse.

In the first place, then, as there should be
plenty of bees, and the Majority of them young
ones, we must see how such a desirable condi-
tion of things can be brought about. It is
quite understood that, naturally, bees discon-
tinue breeding on the cessation of income ; but
that they will continue to increase if the income
be kept up. Now in many parts of the king-
dom, during the past summer, there has only
been a sufficient income to induce breeding,
and large popidations have been the result ; but
where such income has stopped, as in the
majority of cases it has, by the end of August,
there woidd be no further increase, and the
bees would, by the time for going into winter
quarters, be all old ones ; that, considering the
wear and tear of foraging, fighting, and de-
fending, would have nearly lived their allotted
time. We say lived, because the life of a bee
depends on the amount of labour it performs ;
its delight is in hard work, which is its life's
measure, and its accomplishment is the end of
bee life. It will, therefore, be evident that to
ensure the healthy condition of a colony, it
should go into winter quarters with a large
proportion of young unworked bees, such as
shall survive until the spring, unexhausted by
labour of any kind, further than that neces-
sarily brought about by the natural production
of heat, and that is really very little.

Seeing, then, how important it is that bees
should be kept breeding until as late a date as
possible, consistent with safety to the brood,
the importance of continuing the food suppl_y
after it has naturally ceased cannot be over-
estimated. It is renewed life to the hive, it is
indispensable to its existence; and the bees
seem to know it, for do not they strive to their
utmost to obtain its increase, by robbing, by
visiting the grocery stores, breweries, cider
mills, public-houses, and many other places

* A good housewife seals or covers down her preserves
and pickles that they may keep, and only opens such as
are required from day to day ; and bees do likewise, if
they are able,

where sweet odours may be found, and where
they die or are slain by thousands ?

Yet nearly all this great loss may be pre-
vented, or its effect provided against, by the
adoption of our system of gentle, continuous
(stimulative) feeding, invented in 1872 (see
p. 14, vol. xv., of English Mechanic and World
of Science). We have again and again referred
to this subject, and we feel we cannot too strongly
impress upon our readers the fact that there is
no saf ety during winter for hives with old bees ;
and that even though they may survive, they
will be useless in the spring, because the labour
attendant on early breeding will wear them out
before sufficient young bees have been brought
to life to take their places ; and the stock will
come to grief 'just as they were breeding
nicely,' as has been many times sagely observed.
But there is another way in which it is possible
to accumulate large populations, and a good
supply of young bees, and that is by the process
called uniting.

TJxitixg is one of the simplest operations in
bee-culture, yet is most often attended with
failure, because amateur operators will try to
avoid or dispense with some part of the
formula by which it may be successfully
achieved. In the February number of this
Journal directions were given for uniting the
bees contained in straw skeps; and we inferred
that those having frame-hives would know that
shaking bees from the combs, and thus de-
priving them of their property, would be equi-
valent to what is known in the skep world as
' driving.' The former removes the property
from the bees, and the latter causes the bees to
leave their property ; and that is all the differ-
ence, if it be any, in the result of the proceed-
ing ; and yet the former process is considered
so terrible and difficult, as to cause a real
flooding of letters to us on the subject. The
fault is doubtless our own, because we ought
not to ' take it for granted ' that anyone has
read former directions from our pen ; but,
apologetically, we confess to a fear that a too
frequent repetition of any subject may fall
upon the eye or ear of the majority, and
hence our frequent allusion to our ' leaflets '
on the chief branches of bee-keeping, which
we, practically, ' give away.' Nevertheless,
the demand for present information must be
complied with, and as regards uniting, or
doubling, as the process is sometimes called,
we will now state the first great principles
on which success in the operation may be
hoped for, viz. : —

Stocks, to be united, must be near each other,
no other hive intervening. They shoidd be
made to bear the same odour, and the bees
shoidd be caused to gorge themselves with
honey or syrap, as in that condition they are

October 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

Ill

always inclined to be peaceable. To get them
near each other when their stands are not con-
tiguous, the)' may be brought from long dis-
tances, at once, and placed together ; but when
comparatively near each other, they must be
brought together by short stages, day by day,
on such days as they can fly abroad, so that
they may note each successive removal.*

Now those who neglect one or other of these
precautions, and fail in their endeavour, are
apt to call themselves amateurs, or novices, or
beginners, and hold themselves excused on such
grounds ; but if, by any fortuitous combination
of circumstances, they succeed, everything they
did not do they immediately write down as un-
necessary, and the world is at once made wiser (?)
by their experience (?). When stocks are to be
united, they must be got together. They may
be taken to a loxg distance (according to the
season) and set down side by side, and united
forthwith, and they will not desert their new
home, because they will not be within the radius
of their former flight ; or the}' may be gradually
brought together in their own curtilage as afore-
said.

To make them bear the same odour, nothing
more is necessary than that they should be well
smoked with the same tobacco, rag, or fustian
smoke, or that they shoidd be sprinkled with
syrup scented with peppermint, or nutmeg, or
any other odoriferous agent. Smoke shoidd,
however, be first administered, that the bees
may become alarmed, and be anxious to gorge ;
otherwise, on opening a hive, many may fly
abroad and not partake of the odour intended,
and such bees on returning may be quarrelsome,
fightable, and cause mischief.

The next requirements are plenty of stores,
which should be sealed over ; and common sense
dictates that where the bees have not been able
to gather for themselves, food should be given
to them. Experience has shown that bees do
not seal their liquid food until the superfluous
water in it has been evaporated ; and as this
operation requires time, and considerable heat,
the same monitor (connnon sense) ought to
induce bee-keepers to give the supply in time
to get it sealed over before the cold weather

* It is impossible to give minute data in this respect-
In a fine summer the radius of bee-flight may extend for
two miles (or mure), when it will be evident that at a dis-
tance of three miles only foragers will come well within
the area they formerly flew over, and ' memory may bring
back the feeling,' that they love their old home still, and
they may go back to it to perish. But it ought not to be for-
gotten that there are times when for many weeks, more
than the usual extent of a bee's life in fact, through
awkward weather, the bees may be unable to take a
flight of even a hundred yards, and, therefore, if removed
at Mich times to a distance of say three hundred yards,
they will not get within view of their former foragiug-
ground, and their removal may, in that case, be safely
effected.— Ed,

comes. Unsealed honey (or syrup) is liable to
the action brought about by the germs of fer-
mentation that are everywhere floating in the
atmosphere ; and should fermentation be ' set
up,' the fate of the hive is sealed : for the food
given to the young bees would contain fermen-
tive properties, and will ferment in the bodies
of the baby-bees, and the dire disease, called
foul brood, following on dysentery, will be the
result. These suggestions may appear to be
late, but they are simply explanatory of reasons
for directions given long since, and often re-
peated.

The next necessaries for safe wintering are
perfect dryness and cleanliness, and these can
only be secured by perfect ventilation, without
draught. There has been a great deal of non-
sense written about the porosity of the straw
skep, and of straw being a good ventilator ; the
writers forgetting that the bees stop the possi-
bility of ventilation through it, by glazing it
inside with propolis to such an extent that an
old skep, when the combs are removed, may be
used as a vessel to carry water in, if it be not
broken or cut. This being so, straw skepites
shoidd take care that ventilation shoidd be se-
cured by cutting a hole, two or three inches
across, through the top of the hive, when, by
putting a piece of flannel, or other porous
material, over it, and covering with a handful of
hay, the requisite conditions will be secured.

Frame-hivists have little to do beyond at-
tending to the qudt, remembering that it is
possible to have ' too much of a good thing/
One layer of sheeting, ticking, or hair-cloth,
and from three to four of house-flannel, are all
that are required; but care must be taken that
there is plenty of ventilation through the space
under the roof that covers it. The vapours of
a hive can pass safely through ' the quilt ' as
described ; but if more thicknesses were piled
on, they might condense in the upper strata,
and cause wetness and coldness, that would
soon generate mouldiness, and the whole thing
would be a defect instead of a benefit. The
loss of heat by its circidation round the ends
of the frame is treated of on another page,
and is a subject of very great importance — far
greater, indeed, than the majority suppose.
We have been dinning this into the ears of our
readers for years, and, at the risk of creating
nausea, repeat it once more.

If dryness be not ensured there will soon be
disease, and cleanliness wdl then be out of the
question. Dryness wdl prevent dysentery, but
if the disease be set up, it will continue until
spring.

The last subject we have to touch upon is
the necessity for perfect quiet during the winter.
It ought by this time to be thoroughly under-
stood that even a slight disturbance of bees,

112

THE BKITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[October 1, 1879.

whether by tapping the hive to ascertain if
they be alive, lifting them to discover their
weight and probable chance of existence, in-
creasing their protective coverings or supports,
or doing an}^thing that may bring forth a re-
monstrative or demonstrative buzz, is damaging
to the well-being of the hive during cold
weather ; and, therefore, to prevent the seeming
danger, all that is likely to occur should be
provided against beforehand. A prolific source
of irritation, and consequent damage, was lately
pointed out by TV. Hunt, Esq. of South Warn-
borough, Hants, who, in referring to the action
of the wind, its effect on trees, &c. which were
touching the hive, or bee- shed, sufficiently
showed that disturbances to hives may arise
outside the general run of experience, and,
having in view the perfection of the art of
wintering, it will be well to avoid the irritating
media hinted at.

Floor-boards may often require attention
during winter ; but, as now constructed, they
can be removed at night, and cleansed or reversed
in a moment without the bees being in any way
disturbed, unless they be sufficiently numerous
for their cluster to reach down to the floor, in
which case its removal will be unnecessary.

USEFUL HINTS.

Bee Food. — In these days, when sugar is
made from such varied materials, a distinct
formula cannot be given either for syrup or
barley-sugar, their constituents requiring varied
correction. What is required is a food that the
bees can imbibe. They are not Kke wasps, with
hard jaws, with which they can bite out lumps
of sugar, and carry them into their hives. All
the sweets they carry are taken into their honey
sacs in a liquid form, and therefore the idea
that dry sugar can be stored by the bees is
erroneous. Syrup shoidd be as thick as possible
for 'winter storing, for the reasons that it will
require very little evaporating ; but thin syrup
should be used for sprinkling bees, when uniting,
so that all may get a taste, without fear of their
being stuck together. We much prefer barley-
sugar for late feeding ; but always recommend
that feeding for winter be got over in time to
prevent the necessity for its use.

Quilts should have holes cut through them,
to feed through, except in the cases where hair-
cloth is used, as that, being sieve-like, will
permit the bees to take their food through it.
In such cases only the upper strata of the quilt
need be cut through. Where a hole is made
entirely through, it shoidd be cut over the bees'
winter nest (i.e. the present brood nest), and if
a feeding-stage be set over it the bees can be
fed, or examined at pleasure. When quilts are
of several layers of thin material it woidd be

well to lay excluding-adaptors, zinc side upper-
most, to keep them flat and comfortable, as
sometimes a mouse will find its way to the
upper story, and do mischief.

Crown-boards should never be used. They
are useless incumbrances, and a curse to bee-
keepers, since they permit no ventilation with-
out draught.

Wasps' Nests. — These are very scarce now,
and by vigilance may be made much scarcer.
The floods have befriended us a great deal in
this respect ; but the remnant are very active,
and will produce a queen progeny, that may
worry us in the future. When their nests are
discovered, pour in some turpentine at once,
and dig out the combs. Remember it is the
sentinels that are dangerous, and the turpentine
having settled their account there is no danger
even in broad daylight. Fire is quite unneces-
sary. The combs should be crushed and
buried.

Wax Moth. — This nuisance is very mis-
chievous, and should be very carefully watched
for and destroyed. It attacks half-empty hives,
those that are queenless coming in for a good
share of their attenion. American apiarians
declare that Ligurian bees are more than a
match for the moth, and that it never attacks
their hives.

Condemned Bees. — These may be utilised
in a profitable way if the brood and pollen
combs found in their hives be saved and put
into frames, as per directions in our leaflet on
' Transferring.'*

Narrow Entrances. — Entrances should be
gradually narrowed : nights are long and cold
increasing ; so that the evaporation of surplus
moisture prior to sealing is more difficult.
Narrow entrances are easy to defend, and their
being so will help to prevent robbing. Pre-
vention is better than cure.

CYPRIAN BEES.

The Journal of Horticulture reports, vide p.
2-11, Sept. 18, that at a Committee meeting of
the British Bee-keepers' Association, held on
the 10th ult., Mr. J. P. Jackson stated that
he found himself, through press of business,
unable to attend to his apiary so constantly as
he could desire, and he wished ' to place at
the disjxisal of the Committee the only Cyprian
queen of undoubted purity in the country, in order
that the holder of her might, if possible, secure
from her pure progeny, with a view to the
establishment of Cyprians amongst us.' The
italicising is our own, and we wish to direct
attention to the passage so treated, because it is a
puffing ' flourish of trumpets ' in favour of an
individual member of the Committee, and a

* Price Id., post-free, Office of B. B. J., Soutliall.

October 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

118

direct libel against the integrity of others who
profess, by equal right, to have Cyprian queens
qf undoubted purity. Such a libel is damaging
to every other bee-keeper who makes profession
of having Cyprian queens, and to every sender
of those described as such.

We leave others who may feel hurt by the
imputation to defend themselves ; but, on our
own behalf, shall be glad if the gentlemen who
sanctioned the statement that has gone forth,
as described, will make plain the grounds upon
which the purity of the Cyprian queen which
we purchased at the late great Kilburn Show,
can be impeached P To the best of our belief
the Cyprian queen, imported by Mr. Jackson,
was bred in Germany, and brought over to
him by Herr Gravenhorst, our visitor at South
Kensington. Ours, on the other hand, though
also bred in Germany, came by the usual ex-
press route, and was delivered over to the
Rev. H. R. Peel, the Hon. Secretary of the
British Bee-keepers' Association, of whom we
purchased it. From our personal knowledge
of Mr. Jackson we do not believe he made use
of the words attributed to him, but would
rather consider them the effusion of mischievous
writers, who use the pages of the Journal re-
ferred to for their own aggrandisement, with-
out reference to truth and justice, and without
concern for the injury they may inflict upon
others.— Ed. B. B. J.

ABBOTT'S ROYAL STANDARD HIVE.

First Prize at the Royal

Agricultural Society's International Show

at Kilburn, 1879.

This hive exhibits an extension of the ' Com-
bination ' principle which prevailed at nearly
every competition in England during 1878,
and shows to the fullest extent the advantages
that such principle offers. Hitherto prizes have
been offered for hives alone, but this year greater

opportunities for the display of judgment and
ingenuity were afforded, the rjrize offered being
for —

'The Best Hive, on the Moveable Comb prin-
ciple, with the best arrangements for securing a.
Harvest of Comb Honey, with Covering and Stand
complete.'

For this hive are claimed the following ad-
vantages : —

1st. — That the roof is easily removeable, per-
mitting access to any part of the hive on either
side.

2nd. — That the body-hive is elastic, its capa-
city being readily increased or diminished at
will by the use of the mechanical dummies.

3rd. — That it may be used on the supering,
nadiring, collateral, or longitudinal principles,
and swarming can be almost certainly pre-
vented.

4th. — That it is so constructed that its supers
may be heated by a hot-water apparatus, which
will cause bees to take immediate possession.

5th. — That its construction permits of sec-
tions being placed longitudinally — i.e., at the
back of the body-hive — the brood-nest being
easily contracted, and queen-excluder zinc pre-
venting the access of the queen to them.

6th. — That nadirs (in sections or otherwise)
may be placed beneath the brood-nest, and may
be protected against queen intrusion with zinc,
if desired, with perfect ease and celerity.

7th. — That sections may be placed collaterally
on both sides of the hive, and admission given
at any point or points, by an ingenious arrange-
ment of slides, the queen being excluded.

8th. — That in lieu of sections being placed
at the rear of the brood-nest, as suggested in
No. 5, ordinary frames of comb may be inserted
for use with the honey extractor.

9th. — That the ingenious arrangement of
slides in the sides of the hive permit of its use
as a twin hive for wintering, the stocks being
divided by a thin mechanical dummy. The
loss of heat will thereby be minimised. En-
trance can be given at any point or points on
either side of the hive.

10th.— That when used as a single hive, the
sides and back may be stuffed with hay or chaff
on the American plan, or they may be left as
dead-air spaces — dead air being an excellent
non-conductor — and the heat preserved.

11th. — That, whether used as a single or
twin hive, the bees may be completely enclosed
without the entrance being stopped up, thus
virtually placing them, as it were, in a dark
cellar, and preserving them against the ill
effects of snow-light and other evil influences
to which bees are liable in winter.

12th. — That, by the arrangement of the
slides at the sides and the space at the back of
the hive, the bees may be fed at any point in

114

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[October 1, 18?9.

absolute security, as the food may be enclosed
or distributed at any part, perfectly isolated
from outside attack.

13th. — That, though the hive is capable of
so much in the hands of an expert, it is so
simple in construction that it may be used by
a cottager or amateur, and even a wayfaring
man could scarcely mistake its uses.

14th. — That, as a bar-frame hive, it is one of
the easiest to put a swarm into, the space at the
back giving the greatest possible facility.

15th. — That, being a combination of the best
ideas of all nations, it is, in a sense, a model
hive, adaptable to all climes and purposes.

This hive also took second prize at the South
Kensington Show ; first at Edgbaston ; first at
Shrewsbury ; and first at Atherstone, War-
wickshire.

LINCOLNSHIRE BEE-KEEPERS'

ASSOCIATION.

LONG SUTTON SHOW EXTENSION OF TIME FOE

ENTRIES.

"We are requested by the Hon. Sec. of the
Lincolnshire Beekeepers' Association to state
that entries will be received up to the 4th of
October ; and we hope that all who possibly can
will send exhibits of hives and honey, to enhance
the exhibition, and make it worthy of the
position it holds in respect of the Agricultural
Association to which it is allied.

CIRCULATION ROUND FRAME ENDS.
We have many times called the attention of
bee-keepers to the loss of heat which is per-
mitted by the circulation of air round the ends
of the frames, particularly during winter
months, when heat is the essence of life ; and
we ask pardon for reverting to the subject ;
pleading, however, that our experiences of the
past summer (?), during which natural heat
was considerably below the average, has forced
upon us the conviction that the circulation of
air round the ends of frames, is as detrimental
in such a season as at any other time. The
leaven of the idea is beginning to work in the
minds of many, and we are continually inquired
of as to the way in which the circulation is to
be prevented. All open bar-frames have a
space of about half an inch between them, as
will be understood by any one looking at the
top surface of a hive, and as the frame
ends do not touch the back and front of
the hive, as exhibited in the woodcut on page
48, it is essential that something should be used
to impede the passage of air and heat around
them. We do not propose to put anything be-
tween the frame ends and the front and back
of the hive as many seem to imagine, but to

place pieces of wood between the frames them-
selves ; at the same time these pieces of wood
will be close against the hive, and will thus cut
off the escape of heat. The woodcut will

sufficiently illustrate our meaning ; but we can-
not dismiss the subject without further alluding
to the experience hinted at above.

In early July we found a small cast or swarm
on a branch, and hived it in a skep for the time
being, then taking an old bar-frame and six
frames of comb, standard size, we placed them
in the hive, with a block at each end, as
suggested, placing a full frame of comb at the
back, as a dummy. Six weeks after it had in-
creased marvellously, and was one of, if not the
best stock in our apiary, beating all the earlier
swarms that had been equally well supplied
with combs, and yielded us a good share of
honey, taken in mid- August by the aid of the
extractor. When a full frame of comb is used
as a dummy, it affords an excellent means of
ascertaining the increase of the bees. There is
circulation under all the frames but not round
them, so that as the numbers increased the bees
take possession of the said dummy, and store, and
breed in it, and spread themselves outside of it at
the back of the hive, giving their owner a hint
that they are ready for more space in which to
labour.

QUEENS FEEDING.
Mr. Pettigrew, in the Jorrnal of Horti-
culture, Sept. 18, under the heading, ' Things
Known and Things Unknown,' says, ' From
every standpoint the history of a queen-bee is
surrounded b}T a world of mystery. A queen
cats often and eats much, but who has seen a
queen-bee at her own breakfast and dinner-
table ? Who has seen her feed at all ? ' We
do not pretend to reconcile the assertion we
have italicised with the queries following it,
but as regards the latter we take leave to say
that we have often seen queens feed themselves
from both honey and syrup. Only a short time
since, on the arrival of a batch of queens from
Italy, a queen was the sole survivor in one of
the boxes, all others having died of starvation,
and she, poor thing ! was in a staggering con-

October 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

115

dition, blundering about anyhow, if such a
term may be used with reference to a queen ;
but as soon as a drop of syrup was placed before
her, and her head directed to it, she began to
imbibe it ; and having warmed her by breathing
tipon her, she soon recovered liveliness, and was
forthwith introduced to a stock of black bees.

THE LANGSTROTH FUND.

The following subscriptions have been re-
ceived : —

Eev. H. R. Peel £1 1 0

T. W. Cowan, Esq 1 1 0

Mr. C. N. Abbott 110

A Renfrewshire Beekeeper ... 1 1 0
R. J. Bennett, Esq 1 1 0

The following have been promised : —

Dr. C. Onne £0 10 6

Walter Hewson, Esq 1 1 0

LETTER FROM HERR GRAVENHORST.
Before departing from England, allow me to
express my most sincere thanks, through your
valuable Journal, to the English bee-keepers I
have had the pleasure of meeting during my stay
iu England, for their kindness and amiableness
towards my brother-in-law, Mr. Estler, and myself.
We shall never forget the days we spent in their
company at the Kensington Show, and at the
mansions and bee-farms of some of them. When-
ever bee-keepers meet and talk on bees (which they
always will do a tout prix) or visit one another's
bee-farms, they always will (who can deny itl)
learn from each other. Therefore, I hope I shall
have also the benefit of my trip to England, and
my brother bee-keepers in Germany too, as I shall
endeavour to give a true account of what I have
seen in regard of bee-keeping in England. Also I
shall tell the bee-keepers in Germany what a hearty
reception I found, and that our English brethren
are far advanced in bee-keeping, are going on very
fast on the way of progress, and agree with us in
the love to that little diligent insect that always
forms a kind of freemasonry between its admirers. —
C. J. H. Gravenhokst, Hope Cottage, Godfrey Hill,
Woohuich, August, 1879.

LATEST FROM MR. NEWMAN.

I had hoped to be able to call on yon on my return to
London, but fmdl cannot be there but a few hours before
the steamship leaves for New York. I am exceedingly
well pleased with my trip in Europe, and thank you for
your many kindnesses to me. I have visited ten editors
of Bee papers and thousands of the most eminent bee-
masters, and have gleaned information which I hope to
profit by myself as well as to assist my constituency to do
the same. The very friendly feeling now existing between
America and Europe I hope will increase and multiply
a hundred-fold. Bee-masters, the world over, should be
the most intimate friends. At Prague I had a most

interesting time with Dr. Dzierzon, Herr Vogel, Herr
Hilbert, Herr Karl Gatter, Signor Sartori, Prof. Pal-
merow, and many other gentlemen who are well known
among apiarists. Also with the Baroness, the widow of
the late Baron Berlepsch. She is a very intelligent and
amiable lady, and one that is highly esteemed by apiarists
generally.

With kindest regards, I beg to remain yours very truly,
T. G. Newman, Dresden, Sept. Vith, 1879.

FORTHCOMING SHOWS, 1879.

October 1st and 2nd. — Hertfordshire County Asso-
ciation, Hemel Hempstead, Rev. H. R. Peel, Hon.
Sec.

8th and {)th. — Lincolnshire Bee-keepers' Asso-
ciation, in connexion with the Long Sutton Agri-
cultural Society. Hon. Sec, R. R. Godfrey,
Watergate, Grantham. Entries close October 4.

ENGAGEMENTS FOR THE BEE-TENT FOB 1879.
Oct. 1 and 2. — Hertfordshire County Bee-keepers'
Show at Hemel Hempstead.

BRITISH BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION.

Committee Meeting, held in the Board Room of the
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals,
105 Jermvn Street, on Wednesday, September 10th.
Present: Mr. T. W. Cowan (in the Chair), Rev. E. Bar-
tnvm, F. Cheshire, J. Hunter, J. M. Hooker, J. P. Jack-
son, \Y. O'B. Glennie (Treasurer), and Rev. H. R. Peel
(Hon. Sec.) The minutes of the last meeting having
been unanimously confirmed and signed, the Secretary
read a letter received from the editor of the Herts and
Cambs Reporter, inquiring as to whether any diagrams
or sheets illustrating the honey-bee, as suitable for use in
schools, &c, were published; and expressing the hope
that the Association would undertake the publication of
such sheets or diagrams. The question was discussed at
great length by the Committee, the general opinion being
that a great amount of knowledge might be spread in
this way ; ultimately, it was moved by the Chairman,
and seconded by Mr. Jackson : — ' That the Secretary be
requested to make inquiries respecting the cost of pub-
lishing diagrams, and as to their being adopted by the
various Educational Publishing Societies.'

The question of the publication of a small cheap pam-
phlet for the use of cottagers was again brought before
the Committee, the Chairman of the last general meeting
(Bishop Tozer) having pointed out the necessity of the
Association publishing a work of this kind. On the
motion of the Rev. E. Bartrum, it was unanimously
resolved that Mr. Hunter and Mr. Cheshire should draw
up a simple manual, and submit the same to the Com-
mittee, with the view to its publication. Mr. Jackson
informed the Committee that he had the pure Cyprian
bees, as exhibited by him at the South Kensington
Show, and he woidd be glad to hand them over to the
Association for the purpose of queen - raising for the
benefit of members. A vote of thanks was awarded to
Mr. Jackson for his handsome gift, and it was unani-
mously resolved that the bees shoidd be placed in the
hands of Mr. Cheshire, for the purpose of carrying out
Mr. Jackson's wishes. It was arranged that the next
quarterly meeting and conversazione should take place on
Wednesday, October 15, at 446 Strand, the conversazione
to commence at six o'clock. Subject for discussion —
' Wintering Bees.' To be introduced by Mr. T. W. Cowan,
of Horsham, Sussex.

The Balance Sheet for two months, ending August 30,

116

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[October 1, 1879.

including ihe income and expenditure of the Kilbum
and Kensington Shows, was read as follows : —

income. £ s. d.

Amount received Jan. 1 to June SO ... 187 12 7|

„ „ July 1 to Aug. 30 ... 20111 6|

Total £389 4 2

EXPENDITURE. £ S. d.

Amount expended Jan. 1 to June 30 ... 44 10 7

„ „ July] to Aug. 30 ... 293 5 8

Balance in hand 51 7 11

Total £389 4 2

A BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION FOK THE
MIDLAND COUNTIES.

From the ' Rugby Advertiser.'
A new feature in the Warwickshire Agricultural
Society's Show at Atherstone this year was the visit
of the tent of the British Bee-keepers' Association, in the
charge of its able and entertaining expert, Mr. S. J.
Baldwin. In one tent there was to he seen a fair display
of hives and bee-furniture. For hives, Abbott Brothers,
Southall, London, and Neighbour and Sons, of Regent
Street, took the principal prizes. By the former was
also exhibited an observatory hive stocked with combs,
Ligurian bees, and their queen, in working order, which
excited great interest and was much admired. Owing to
the unfavourable season there was little honey shown,
but there were admirable centrifugal honey extractors
exhibited by Messrs. Abbott Brothers, and by Mr. J.
Walton, of Weston, near Leamington, which were most
ingeniously made for throwing honey out of combs with-
out injuring them ; so that combs might be replaced and
thus the bees saved much time and strength, whilst
in the tent lent by the British Association numerous
manipulations were carried out on both days. About
650 people visited the tent, and great interest was evinced
by the spectators, who made many inquiries during the
operations. The names of all persons willing to help in
the formation of a Warwickshire Bee-keepers Association
were solicited.

A meeting was held on Thursday at the Grand Hotel,
Birmingham, for the purpose of establishing a Bee-keepers'
Association for the Midland Counties. Amongst the
gentlemen present were the Revs. Canon Evans (Rector
of Solihull), H. R. Peel (hon. sec. of the British Bee-
keepers' Association), and J . E. Sale (Dymock, Gloucester).
— The Rev. Canon Evans was voted to the chair, and in
opening the proceedings dwelt upon the happiness and
pleasure, apart from considerations of profit, that were de-
rived from bee-keeping. He had great pleasure in moving,
' That a bee-keepers' association be formed with the two-
fold object of advocating a more humane and intelligent
treatment of the honey-bee, and of bettering the condition
of the cottagers of the United Kingdom by the encourage-
ment, improvement, and advancement of bee-culture, and
that the association be called "The Midland Counties'
Bee-keepers' Association." ' The Rev. H. R. Peel (late
rector of Handsworth) seconded the resolution, and spoke
of the need that existed amongst the cottager class for
knowledge on the subject of bee-keeping. The Association
in London, of which he was the secretary, was founded
in 1874, and ever since then has been endeavouring to
promote a more humane treatment of bees, principally by
cottagers, but of course by all those who kept bees.

He maintained that by keeping bees, cottagers would
be benefited both morally and financially, and, with
regard to the latter point, mentioned that it had been
estimated by those who had gone carefully into the
subject, that an intelligent cottager could make SI. out
of every hive in a good season. The Americans were
pouring tons of honey into this country, and trying their

best to monopolise the whole of the English market, but
their honey was not equal in flavour and purity to
English honey, which, if its production were fostered
by means of such associations as the one they were that
day inaugurating, would easily stand its ground against
American honey. — The resolution was carried. — The
Chairman then proposed the election of Lord Leigh as
president of the Association. — The Rev. Mr. Johnson
seconded the resolution, which was unanimously adopted.
— On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by the Rev.
L. Randle, a committee was appointed empowered to
elect vice-presidents and officers, and to draw up rules
based upon the rules and regulations of the British Bee-
keepers Association.

[We trust that every bee-keeper in and near Warwickshire
will rally round the standard here unfurled. James Noble
Bower, Esq. of Knowle, Birmingham, or Alfred Sale, Esq.
of Atherstone, Warwick, will give every possible informa-
tion.— Ed.]

EAST OF SCOTLAND BEE-KEEPERS' SOCIETY.

As in former years, this Society held its chief Exhibi-
tion in connexion with that of the Dundee Horticultural
Society. In spite of many misgivings and head-shakings,
the Committee determined to go on with the Show as
usual, and the result, though not elating, is certainly
gratifying. There were only about forty entries of honey ;
but as this was chiefly in sectional form, and on the whole
well finished, it was fitted in itse f to make no mean
display. Indeed, several of the exhibits could scaicely
be excelled even in the best of seasons. The same re-
mark applies to the samples of extracted honey — the
prize glasses being equal to the best of former years.
By dint of close attention and hard ' scranning ' our friend,
Richard M'Gregor, managed to get forward a very
creditable glass of heather-honey, the only one in its
class. He was also able to show a small super in
heather-comb honey, also the only one in its class.
The classes for hives and apparatus having been severely
cut down in the last schedule, prizes only being offered
for collections, there was not the quantity of miscel-
laneous gear, which cumbered floor and tables in former
years. There were, however, very excellent samples of
everything, and more than everything, needed in an
apiary. The only exhibitor in this class was Mr. W. W.
Young, of Perth, who tabled a collection of almost 150
different apiarian appliances. Although only a silver
medal was offered, the Judges unanimously awarded
30s. to Mr. Young, in recognition of his industry and
spirit.

The following is the prize list : —

Harvest from One Hive — 3, Charles Carnegie, Mary-
kirk, 23 lbs. Super, under 20 lbs. (4 entries) — 2, John
Reid, Ballindean ; 3, Geo. Greig, Arbroath. Sectional
Super, over 20 lbs. — 2, J. H. Edwards, Fowlis ; 3, Wm.
Duke, Newbarns. Sectional Super, under 20 lbs. (6
entries)— 1, Wm. Gibb, Littleour; 2, Wm. Duke, New-
barns ; 3, Ch. Stonier, Lintrathen. Straw Super, over
10 lbs.— 2, A. Watson, Milnathort. Straw Super, under
10 lbs. — 3, W. Tarbat, Dunnichen. Heather Super —
3, Richd. M'Gregor, Inchmarlo. Run Fruit Blossom
Honey— 1, John Reid; 2, J. H. Edwards. Run Clover
Honey— 1, C. Carnegie ; 2, A. Watson ; 3, T. Waters,
Milnathort. Run Heather Honey— 1, R. M'Gregor.
2 lbs. Wax— 1, A. Watson ; 2, T. Waters. Wax Comb
Foundations — Wm. Raitt, Blairgowrie. Observatory
Hives— 1, John Stewart, Arbroath; 2, Mrs. Stewart.
Nest of Humble Bees — R. Wilson, Kilmany. Best
Collection of Apiarian Appliances, silver medal and
special money prize — W. W. Young, Perth. Best Bar-
frame Hive stocked with Bees — 1, Eliza Warden, Moni-
fieth ; 2, W. W. Young, Perth. Driving Competition
not yet decided, a protest having been entered by a
competitor.

October 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

117

CALEDONIAN APIARIAN AND ENTOMO-
LOGICAL SOCIETY.

Minutes of Second Quarterly Meeting of the session,
held in Mlnnes' Temperance Hotel, 12 Huteheson Street,
Glasgow, on Wednesday, 17th September, 1879. Pre-
sent — Messrs. Bennett, Ellis, Hutchison, Johnstone,
Laughland, Sword, Wilkie, and Young. On the motion
of Mr. Bennett, seconded by Mr. Sword, Mr. John
Wilkie was called to the chair.

The minutes of last meeting were read and didy
approved. The Treasurer read the Financial Report,
which the meeting considered highly satisfactory, the
income this year to date amounting to 112/. The office-
bearers for 1879-80, nominated at last meeting, were
duly elected. Mr. Ellis proposed that the thanks of the
Society be awarded to the Judges at the Perth Show,
and that the same be minuted, and an excerpt be sent
to these gentlemen. Mr. Young, of Perth, was presented
with the Society's silver cup for the best and largest
display of bee-furniture, and the prize-money was there-
after paid.

An interesting discussion took place regarding the best
means to be adopted for securing the bees during the
coming winter, seeing there is so little honey in the hives
at present. One gentleman stated that a neighbour of
his bad smoked three swarms, and had only got 2 lbs. of
run honey from the whole. The meeting regretted that
this barbarous custom was still in existence, notwith-
standing all that had been written regarding it, and a
Bee Journal having been in circulation for six years.

The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the Chair-

CALEDONIAN APIARIAN AND ENTOMO-
LOGICAL SOCIETY'S OBSERVATORY HIVE.
It is now a good few months since the Society's Ob-
servatory Hive and Bees took its first stand, to the
delight of the many visitors who came to see the honey-
bee at work. The following are amongst the principal
places it has been this year. Its first place was the
Royal Botanic Gardens and Crystal Art Palace, Glasgow.
It stood there about a month, to the delight of the many
thousands who flocked to see the busy movements of the
honey-bee. The visitors to this place averaged between
10,000 and 12,000 weekly. Its next destination was to
our show, which was held in Perth in connexion
with the Highland and Agricultural Society's Show, on
July 29th and three following days. Here, like the
others, it did aid in keeping up the interest of the Show,
and was greatly admired for its neatness and beauty.
Its next place was the Dunoon Flower Show. Here it
also greatly delighted the visitors, and caused a great
amount of interest to be taken in it. It was next
brought back to the Glasgow and "West of Scotland
Horticultural Society's Flower Show, which was held in
the New St. Andrew's Halls, on Wednesday, the
•3rd September. Here many of the visitors had
to go away dissatisfied in waiting so long for
their turn to see the bees, as the crowds who sur-
rounded it during the entire day were something
enormous. The visitors seemed almost as lively as the
bees, in putting various questions regarding them, and
everyone seemed greatly delighted in watching them
busily working to and fro in their hive. There was a
large turn-out of visitors at this Show, numbering be-
tween 8000 and 9000, and I have no doubt that if the
weather had been more favourable there would have
been a good number more. Its next and last place was
the Gourock Flower Show, which was held in the
Gamble Institute on Friday, the 19th September. Here,
as at the other places, it created some interest, and was
greatly admired by the many visitors who came to the
show during the day.

I think that if every bee society would lend their aid
in having an Observatory Hive, and as many more api-
cultural things as could oe conveniently placed for exhi-
bitions in all the flower shows which take place every-
where, it would cause a great deal more interest to be
taken in them. And I am sure it would cause many
more to commence bee-keeping, and it would bring it
more before the public far better support than it has at
present. You will notice from the above descriptions
that Observatory Hives, &c. placed at shows and other
places where such large audiences gather, that it is
bound to bring the bee question under their notice, and
to bring the subject more before the public. Our Ob-
servatory Hive seems to have caused a great amount of
interest in every quarter that it has yet been placed, and
many resolved after seeing it that they would commence
bee-keeping at their earliest opportunity. — J. D. H.

DORCHESTER BEE AND HONEY SHOW.

The Annual Show of the Dorset Bee-keepers' Associ-
ation took place this year at Dorchester, on August 21,
in connexion with the Dorset County Horticultural Show.
There was very great interest taken by the visitors, and
considering the weather, which was damp under foot and
wet over head some part of the time, the Bee Tent was
very well patronised. The honey this year did not nearly
come up to the quantity generally shown, but, considering
the season, it was a very good show. Mr. Dunman
showed 107 lbs. from five stocks. The heaviest quantity
from one hive was 40 lbs. taken by Mr. Tilley of Dor-
chester, for which he was awarded the bronze medal
given by the British Bee-keepers' Association. The silver
medal given by the British Bee-keepers' Association was
won by Mr. Dunman, of Troytown Farm, Dorchester.
The honey was of not so good quality as usual, only heath
honey being shown.

Mr. James A. Abbott attended the show as the expert,
and very much surprised the people by his masterly way
of handling the bees. The judges were, Rev. H. Everett
of Dorchester, Mr. Abbott, Fairlawn, Southall, and Mr.
Vateher of Dorchester. Subjoined is the prize list.

Open to persons residing in the County of Dorset, or
within six miles of its confines. — Class 1. — For the best
hive for observatory pur-poses, all combs to be visible on
both sides ; to be exhibited stocked with bees and their
queen — 1, Mr. Brown, Maiden Newton; 2, Mr. Tilley,
Dorchester.

Class 2. — For the largest and best exhibition of super
honey from one apiary— -1, W. H. Dunman, Troytown
Farm ; 2, equal, Mr. Tilley, Mr. Antell, Puddletown ; 3,
Mr. Dunman, Troytown.

Class 3.— For the best exhibition of honey in sectional
supers, each section to be easily separable, and not to
weigh more than 3 lbs. — 1 and silver medal, W. H.
Dunnian ; 2. Mr. Tilley ; 3, Mr. Antell.

Class 4. — For the largest and best harvest of honey in
the comb from one stock of bees, under any system or
combination of systems — 1 and bronze medal, Mr. Tilley,
40 lbs.; 2, Mr. W. H. Dunman, 25^ lbs.; 3, equal, Mr.
W. H. Dunman, 24 lbs., Mr. Antell, 19J lbs.

Class 5. — For the best exhibition of run or extracted
honey in glasses— 1, Withheld; 2, Mr. Stickland, Puddle-
town ; 3, Mr. Dunman.

Cottagers Only. — Class 6. — For the largest and best
harvest of honey in comb from one stock of bees — 1,
James Woodland, Troytown, 20i lbs.; 2, Charles Sherren,
Puddletown.

Class 7. — For the heaviest and best single super — 1,
James Woodland ; 2, Charles Sherren.

Open to All. — Class 8. — For the best collection of
hives and apicultural appliances — 1, Mr. Abbott, Southall.

a 2

118

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[October 1, 1879.

ARBROATH BEE AND HONEY SHOW.

The Annual Exhibition of the Arbroath Horticultural
Society took place on the 29th and 30th of August last
in the Public Hall and Picture Gallery. The weather
was favourable on the whole, and large numbers of visitors
were attracted to the show.

The Picture Gallery was chiefly occupied with fruits,
cut flowers, and bee appliances. Of the latter there were
more than we have seen at any former show. There was,
however, but a poor display of this year's honey, owing
to the bad season. The quality was inferior compared
with that of last year, as shown by the specimens sent
for exhibition. The only exception was a very fine
sectional super belonging to Mr. Carnegie, MaryBrk,
which was well sealed and finished. This honey took
the first prize. The collection of bee appliances was of
the most complete kind. The exhibitor was Mr. W. W.
Young, Perth. A prize was awarded to Mr. Young for
a new invention in wax extractors. Two observatory
hives were exhibited by Mr. Stewart, Letharn Mill.
They formed a considerable attraction to visitors.

At the dinner, held at the White Hart Hotel, Mr.
Nicoll, Cemetery Lodge, said he was sorry the exhibits in
the bee department had been so few this year. They
had a very good display last year of bees, produce, and
appliances. This year the display was mostly confined to
appliances. He proposed the health of Mr. Kerr, the
judge in this department.

Mr. Kerr remarked that bee-keeping was very naturally
allied to horticulture, and it was right to exhibit the
produce of the flowers along with the flowers themselves.
Gardeners knew very well that bees were almost indis-
pensable when then- peaches were in bloom. A gentleman
whose peaches were inferior this year lately stated to
him that the reason was that the bees did not get out
when they were in blossom because of the cold
winds. Last year they were able to count their honey
by hundredweights. This year he was afraid it would
be counted by pounds. There was one very superior
super in the show that day, which would scarcely be
matched in Scotland. He had not seen this year any-
thing to equal it, and if it were taken to Dundee next
week it would go off A 1.

The prizes were, for bees, honey, hives, &c. — Best
sectional super, over 20 lbs. — C. Carnegie, Marykirk.
Best sectional super, under 20 lbs. — Wm. Keith, Colliston.
Best single super — 1, Geo. Greig, St. Mary Street; 2,
Jas. Glen, 3 Fisheracre; 3, John Stewart, Anniston.
Best 6 lbs. run honey — 1, C. Carnegie; 2, John Davie,
Waullimills; 3, John Stewart, Letham Mill. 2 lbs. wax
— 1, John Stewart, Letham Mill: 2, John Davie. Six
sheets artificial comb foundation — John Stewart, Letham
Mill. Best observatory hive — 1 and 2, John Stewart,
Letham Mill. Best collection of bee appliances — W. W.
Younff, Perth. Any new invention, calculated in the

CRAY VALLEY DISTRICT BRANCH OF THE
BRITISH BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION.

_ At a general meeting to be held by the above Asso-
ciation on Tuesday, the 7th October, it will be considered
if it is possible to form a Comity Association of the Bee-
keepers in Kent. The Secretary, J. Garratt, Esq., St.
Mary Cray, will be glad of the assistance of any one
interested in the subject.

HERTFORD LABOURERS' FRIEND SOCIETY.
The seventeenth annual show of fruit, flowers, and vege-
tables, in connexion with the Hertford Labourers' Friend
Society, was held in Messrs. Andrews' field, off Castle
Street, on Thursday. Considering the season, the show

was good. A nice collection of plants from Lord Towns-
hend's and Baron Dimsdale's was of good service in orna-
menting the centre of the tent. The tent of the Herts
Bee-keepers' Association was on the ground, and several
illustrations of the art of manipulating bees were given.
There was a fair attendance. The prizes were distributed
by Abel Smith, Esq., M.P.

BEE SHOW AT FALKIRK.

The Falkirk Horticultural Society this year provided
in their schedule of prizes for an exhibition of bees, hives,
and honey. There were not many competitors in the
honey classes, but this was not to be wondered at con-
sidering the awful season. Mr. Walker carried off first
prize in the super honey class, with a very fine box. Our
old friend Sword came to the front with a very fine
sample of ' run or extracted honey,' while Mr. Walker
came second. Mr. Sword also exhibited a very fine stock
of Ligurian bees in an Observatory Hive, and the queen
coidd be easily observed depositing eggs all day long.
This was a most interesting sight to those at the Show,
and many ladies and gentlemen openly declared they had
never before seen tame bees at work. Mr. Graham exerted
himself wonderfully in pointing out her majesty, and
answering the many curious questions asked. One lady
inquired how it was possible to tame bees ; Mr. Graham,
in his own quaint way, replied by kindness, she appeared
nonplussed. Messrs. Sword, Paterson, and Crosbie con-
ducted the manipulations, which were carried on during
a good portion of the day, to the wonder and amazement
of great numbers who witnessed them. These practical
demonstrations are undoubtedly the best aids to the form-
ation of Bee Societies ; and a nucleus having already been
formed, a meeting will shortly be held to enrol all those in-
terested in creating the Falkirk Branch of the Caledonian
Apiarian and Entomological Society. Messrs. Bennett
and Wilkie, who acted as judges, and were the guests of
Mr. Sword, lent their aid in maintaining the interest of
the meeting by showing how easy it is to transfer combs
from straw steps to bar-frame hives. The Committee
earnestly wish all other branch societies every success.

BEES AT THE SOMERTON HORTICULTURAL
SOCIETY'S SHOW.

The fifth annual exhibition of this Society was held on
the 20th August, and for the first time bees were, by
permission, introduced to the wonder and pleasure of the
visitors who flocked in great numbers to the show. The
manipulations were conducted by one of the Abbott
Brothers, of Southall. The chief labour of instigating
the bee show fell upon T. C. Head, Esq., to whom it was
evidently a labour of love.

A BEE FARM.
Near the village of Beetou, county of South
Simcoe, Ontario, Canada, there is a bee farm, which
is probably one of the most extensive and suc-
cessful things of the kind in the world. It consists
of four bee-yards situate at the angles of a square
which embraces several square miles of country.
The ciuTent year, so far, has proved favourable for
honey. Mr. D. A. Jones, the owner of the bee
fai-m, had at the end of July already secured
50,0001bs. of honey from 620 stocks of bees. The
Canada Farmer asserts that this statement is an
absolute fact. Each yard covers about an acre
of ground, carefully enclosed, and contains, besides
the hives and summer store-rooms, a house for
wintering the bees. The hives used are oblong,
pine-wood boxes, with a cubic capacity of 3240 in.,

October 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

119

the inside measure being 15 by 18 by 12. Mr.
Jones's four bee-yards contain 250, 150, 150, and
70 of such hives respectively, and he reckons
30,000 bees a good swarm for one of them. He
expects a total yield for the year of 70,0001bs. of
honey from his 19,000,000 little workers, in which
case he would net between 7000 and 10,000 dols.
for the year's product, without taking into account
the sale of swarms or of queen-bees. This suc-
cessful apiarist estimates the year's total outlay at
2100 dols., nearly half of which, however, is interest
on capital which has grown up with the business. —

AN ALARMING LABEL.

Mansion House. — Soon after the commencement of the
business of the Court, Mr. Superintendent Foster handed to
Alderman Sir Andrew Lusk, M.P., a portion of a package,
bearing a label of which the following is a copy : ' Handle
gently — dynamite — certain destruction.' These labels, he
said, were frequently attached to packages imported into
London. — The Alderman : I understand that several com-
plaints have been made of this practice at the Court, and
that some of the packages upon being examined were
found to contain honey in glass cases. It is scandalous
that this should be allowed, as it may lead to very serious
consequences. Persons handling what they consider to
be gunpowder day after day become less cautious than
they ought to be, and so when the real article comes, and
with the knocking about which the packages endure, an
explosion may result. It is like the cry of ' wolf ' when
there is no wolf, and then, when the wolf comes the
people are not on the alert. I think that if the mis-
direction to which my attention has been drawn does
not come within the pale of the law the matter is one
which the Customs should look into. — The Superintendent
said that he drew the attention of the Court to the labels,
because people, seeing these packages constantly being
carried about and brought into populous places, natu-
rally became very much alarmed and uncomfortable.
Upon the premises of one firm he found a large number
of these packages, which, as had been stated, contained
honey. — The Alderman : Is that according to law ? —
The Superintendent : I am scarcely prepared to answer
that. — The Alderman : Well, no ; I expect not. How-
ever, the practice is one which is well calculated to create
unnecessary alarm, aud the Customs authorities ought to
prevent it. — The Superintendent said, after the remarks
of the Alderman, the practice would probably be stopped.

On the following day, Mr. B. Wontner, on behalf of
Messrs. Thurber and Co., Cannon Street, said he desired
to mention the matter again. — Alderman Lusk : Yes ; it
was a very proper thing for me to notice, and also for
the newspapers. -Mr. Wontner: But, unfortunately, the
newspapers have not noticed it in the right way. The
matter was reported in the newspapers, and an article
has appeared about it. — The Alderman : No doubt, it is
very kind of you to try and teach the newspapers, but
perhaps they will not take your instruction. — Mr.
Wontner : But if the newspapers put in a statement
which is calculated to do a grievous wrong? — The
Alderman : Well, I cannot help that. — Mr. Wontner :
Not if the thing is reported and reported wrongly ? —
The Alderman : I am not a censor of the press. They
would not allow me to be so. — Mr. Wontner : I think rf
what occurred here was made pubbc and the publicity

damages persons The Alderman : I do not wish you

to come here to advertise people, because I took great
care not to mention names. — Mr. Wontner said he did
not wish to mention names, only to call the attention of
the Court to the fact that what was put in the news-
papers was put in wrongly. A complaint was made that
the word ' dynamite ' was on a placard, and also the

words 'certain destruction.' These were the only words
which found their way into the newspapers. Mr. Wontner
was proceeding to read a yellow label. —The Alderman
(interrupting) : It is all very well, but that is not the
label which was brought here, and which I read. — Mr.
Wontner: It is the only one used. — The Alderman:
' Handle gently — dynamite — certain destruction ' were
the only words on the label which was brought here. —
Mr. Wontner : This label has them on. — Mr. Gresham
(chief clerk) : No, it is not the label, I can assure you. —
The Alderman : You always speak to the purpose when
you come here — is your complaint against me or against
the newspapers? — Mr. Wontner: Well, as you, Sir
Andrew, were the cause of the newspaper notices, I wish
to draw your attention to the matter. Publicity was
no doubt given upon the complaint of Mr. Superintendent
Foster. — The Alderman : I did my duty as a magistrate
sitting here when I commented as I did upon having such
a placard, which it was stated was being extensively used,
brought under my notice. I do not wonder at the news-
papers taking up the matter. If you find fault with me
do so, but if you are finding fault with the newspapers,
I must refer you to them. — Mr. Wontner : Would you
allow me to say this, without mentioning the names of any

persons, that the placard is as follows : Mr. Gresham

(chief clerk) : No, you cannot do that. The Alderman
says it is not the placard which was produced here.
That one was on white paper, and there was no mention
of honey at all.— The Alderman : No, I will not allow
you to read. I do not want to know who the people
are ; they are very foolish people for using it. What I
read and what I said about the placard which was
brought under my notice was done in the course of my
duty as a magistrate ; and, if the newspapers have done
wrong, write to them. The columns of the press, you
know, are as open to you, or anyone else, just the same
as the London Tavern. — Mr. Wontner: But, if it is open
to some one to come here and make a statement, surely
it ought to be open to others to come and contradict it

The Alderman : I cannot allow you to go on. You

have done your duty; and, if I have not done mine, write
to the newspapers. — The parties then withdrew.

THE BEE-KEEPER'S GUIDE.
[by our own busy-bee master.]

Bees dwell together in a community or kingdom — iu
fact, they are a sort of waxy-nation quite overlooked by
Jenner — and their king is always a queen. Working
bees are now known to be ' imperfect females,' the only
perfect female being the queen herself. The plebeian bees
are very loyal to her majesty, who is always attended
by a numerous stveet. The queen-bee is the queen of the
nursery legend, who ' was in the parlour eating bee-bread
and honey.'

Bumble-bees are, as their name indicates, a species of
bee-die ; whose duty it is to march about and keep the
others in order.

The droues are the husbands of the workers, though
they do very little towards assisting them in husbandry.

Spelling-bees are a species now seldom met with, and,
indeed, are almost extinct in this country. Many people,
however, were terribly stung by them when they first
came over.

Musical bees are plentiful enough. Of this species,
B sharp and B flat are the most common. All bees are
attended by their own (yellow) bands.

Bees generally swarm when the weather's (s)warm
enough, and they should never be teased, on account of
their ' waxy ' nature.

The scent from the poison of their stings during a fight
excites others to immediate rage and action. They scent
the battle from afar, and hasten to dis-sting-uish them-
selves.

120

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[October 1, 1879.

The neck-taries of a tee are, of course, situated in its
throat.

Bees are much cultivated in Scotland, where — to put
it alphabetically — every Highlander has A B in nis
bonnet, and the 'drone of the bagpipes' (a species
peculiar to the country) is a favourite with everybody.

Bees are interesting bee-ings. When they are hard at
work making wax, it is an exhibition equal to the wax-
works of Madame Tussaud. They are also peculiar
for their cleanly habits — performing their ablutions and
washing out their hives with honey-soap. They are good
at buzziness, too, and always cell their honey and wax
as soon as possible after they make it.

In spite of their intelligence, bees have never yet
attempted to start a newspaper. When they do, it will
probably be a comb-ic journal, remarkable for its stinging
satire — a sort of (F)honey Folks, in fact.

The wonderful feats of the bee-featers at the Tower
should be seen by all strangers to these most extraordinary
sights of London.

To discover where bees ' hang out,' it is only necessary
to follow a bee-line. — Funny Folks.

BEE FLORA.

1. Andromeda fioribunda. — Bees are very fond of this
beautiful little shrub. It is in blossom in February,
March, and April.

2. Viburnum Tinus (Laurustinus). — Valuable shrub to
bee-keepers ; blossoms in the winter and throughout the
spring. Bees obtain honey and abundance of light-
coloured pollen from it.

3. Crocus (Common Dutch Crocus). — One of the very
earliest bee-flowers ; blooms in February, March, and
part of April. A useful mode of teaching bees to take
artificial pollen is to place some in these flowers.

4. Sahx Capnea (Willow Palm). — The willows give
an abundant supply of a bright yellow pollen during the
months of March and April, of which the bees eagerly
avail themselves.

5. Ribes Sanguineum. — This pretty shrub comes into
blossom early in April and continues throughout May,
during which time it is covered with bees collecting both
honey and pollen.

6. Limnanthes Douglasii. — This pretty annual is de-
lighted in by bees. They obtain honey and a yellowish
pollen from it. It blooms in April and will last till the
end of June.

7. Cineraria Senecio, — This flower is the bee-keeper's
enemy. The bees are extremely fond of it, and come
into greenhouses after it in the spring months, the green-
house too often proving a bee-trap.

8. Polyanthus Narcissus. — In blossom for about three
weeks in April ; not a f avourite flower with bees, though
they occasionally visit it and obtain pollen of a yellow
colour.

9. Buxus sempervirens (Common Box). — The box-
tree affords the bees a supply of yellow pollen during the
month of April.

, 10. Leontodon Taraxacum (Common Dandelion). — The
dandelion may be said to be always in flower ; but it is
chiefly in April and May that the bees may be seen
upon this flower collecting pollen of a brilliant orange
colour.

11. Anemone nemorosa (Wood Anemone). — Lasts in
flower during April and May. Bees may be found in
the thickest woods gathering a white pollen from these
flowers.

12. Ranunculus Ficaria (Lesser Celandine.) — Blooms
from the beginning of March to the end of May. The
bees obtain from it pollen of a blight yellow colour.

13. Berberis Aquifolium (Barberry). — A favourite with
bees. Blossoms towards the end of April, and last three
weeks. Produces honey and a bright yellow pollen.

14. Amygdalus Persica (Peach). — The peach (as does
also the nectarine) yields an early supply of honey for
rather more than a week in March or April.

15. Ribes Grossularia (Gooseberry). — In blossom for
three weeks in April, when bees eagerly visit them.
They yield a good supply of honey and pollen.

16. Ribes rubrum (Bed Currant). — For a fortnight
in April bees work on these bushes. They yield honey ;
the leaves, honey-dew.

17. Ribes nigrum (Black Currant). — An ever greater
favourite with bees than the red currant. It affords
honey and pollen for a fortnight in April.

18. Pyrus communis (Pear-tree). — For about ten
days in May the pear-trees are a great resource for the
bees.

19. Pyrus Mains (Apple). — For ten days in May this
tree is much visited by bees. They obtain honey from
it and immense quantities of a yellowish-coloured pollen.

20. Pyrus Malus (Crab Apple). — The apple blossoms
for a fortnight in May, gives the bees a liberal supply of
honey and pollen of a yellowish colour.

21. Cerams (Cherry). — Gives honey and blooms for
about ten days in May.

22. Fragvaria Vesca (Strawberry). — Strawberries
bloom in May and through the first fortnight in June.
Bees work much upon them, and get honey and quantities
of a yellow pollen.

23. Rubus Idocus (Raspberry). — Raspberry bushes are
most valuable to bees. They gather honey from them,
and also a whitish pollen from the end of May well into
July.

24. Belhs perennis (Daisy). — In bloom from March
to November. The bees obtain honey and a yellowish
pollen from daisies.

25. Quercus Robur (Common Oak). — Blooms in April or
May, according to the season ; lasts a fortnight. Bees
obtain a yellow pollen from the catkins of the oak, also
honey-dew from the leaves.

26. Acer Pseudo-plat anus (Sycamore or Great Maple).
— Blossoms in May, lasts nearly a month. Bees work
early and late in these trees, and obtain from them large
supplies of honey. The leaf-buds give propolis, the
leaves honey-dew.

27. Fraxinus excelsior (Common Ash). — Ash-trees
bloom in April or May, lasting about a fortnight. Bees
visit them in large numbers.

28. Cytisus Scoparius (Common Broom). — Blooms in
April and remains through June. Supplies honey and
pollen.

29. Brassica Cymosa (Broccoli). —In bloom for about
a fortnight in May. The bees get honey from it, also a
yellow pollen.

30. Cerasus Laurocerasus (Common Laurel). — This
shrub is a very great favourite with bees. It flowers for
a fortnight in May. The bees also work on the back of
the base of the leaves, where they obtain honey-dew.

31. Rhododendron. — Bees visit all rhododendrons more
or less, but more especially early crimson ones. They
obtain honey and pollen.

32. Salvia officinalis (Sage). — Blooms in June till nearly
the end of July. Bees obtain honey from the sage and
work much upon it.

33. Arabia dlpina (Wall-cress). — This excellent bee-
flower blooms chiefly in March, April, and May.

34. Coronilla glauca (Coronilla). — Blossoms in the
winter up to June. Bees are very fond of this shrub.
They obtain a whitish-coloured pollen from it.

35. Mathiola incana (Common Queen Stock). — Flowers
through June. The bees obtain honey and a yellow
pollen from stocks.

36. Cheiranthus Cheiri (Common Wall-flower). — A
first-class bee-flower. In blossom throughout March,
April, and May. The bees obtain honey from it, and
pollen of a yellowish drab colour.

{To be continued.)

October 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

121

Cnrrcsponbcntc.

*„* These columns are open to Subscribers, so that their
queries, replies, correspondence, and experiences, may be
fully and faithfully recorded; and for the discussion of all
theories and systcinn in Bee-culture, and of the relative merits
of all hives and appurtenances, that the truth regarding them
may be ascertained. The Editor, therefore, must not be ex-
pected to coincide with all the views expressed, by the various
writers. All Correspondence is addressed to the Editor.

A TIMELY APPEAL.

The Lincolnshire Bee-keepers' Association

Fourth Exhibition,

In conjunction with, the Long Sutton Agricultural Society's
Great Show.

Fellow Bee-keepers and Helpers in the Work,
— Will you kindly give prestige to the gathering at
Long Sutton, on the 8th and 9th of October, by
your presence, also your help in the shape of
exhibits'! — for allow me to intimate that in the
present trying season it behoves all who are really
interested in our great object to render every pos-
sible aid, and thus prevent the probability of a relax-
ation in the important work, which might tend to
check the rapid progress made in bee culture during
the past six years. Entries for the Exhibition will
be received up to Saturday, October 4th. — R. R.
Godfrey, Hon. Sec, Grantham, 1879.

WINTER LECTURES.

Allow me to suggest that the British Bee-keepers'
Association should arrange with some of our lead-
ing bee-keepers to carry on the campaign during
the winter months, by delivering lectures. So
much work has been done for the advancement of
apicultural science during the past few months —
thanks to the influence, tact, and energy of our
esteemed Honorary Secretary — that I believe it
would be possible to find many volunteers. I am
not preaching what I do not practise, for I have
already arranged for my share of the work, which
includes a general lecture for a literary institute,
and another of a special character for a Farmers'
Club, as well as an address to local bee-keepers
for two counties at a conversazione.

How would it be to open a ' Volunteer Column,'
to register the names of such gentlemen as will
deliver lectures, or go and chat to cottagers in
village school-rooms on the pleasures and profits of
bee-keeping 1

Allow me to suggest that the British Bee-
keepers' Association should assist in this matter.
In the summer they provide a bee-tent and ex-
pert. Could they not arrange with some gentle-
man to undertake a series of lectures for the winter
in different parts of the country, his tour being
regulated by the Honorary Secretary and district
secretaries 1

Another idea, and I have done for the present.
We cannot all afford to purchase diagrams, &c,
for the illustration of our lectures. Would it not
be well to provide a few sets like those exhibited by
Mr. Cheshire, or like those issued by the German

Educational Department, for the use of volunteers 1
The Italian plates, which we all admire, and so
many of us possess, are admirable for passing
round a room while one is chatting about bees ;
hut for a regular lecture large diagrams, that can
be seen by all at once, are required. I shall be
glad to subscribe my mite towards the cost.

A microscope or two, on a side-table, with some
well-mounted objects, and a few cases containing
specimens of the various kinds of bees and comb,
pollen, wax-scales, propolis, &c, add much to the
interest of an audience, and help wonderfully in the
diffusion of knowledge. — Llongborth.

ABBOTT'S PROPOSED FOUNDATION
MACHINE (PAGE 96).

I am in the hope of your plan doing well, and I
hope you have had a fair trial by this time with the
wringing-machine ; but I think you should try
shoe-tacks, such as this I send. I think it will be
the nearest thing you can get. I am sure it will be
better than nails. I send you one, and if you think
it will do, you can get them at any shoe-maker's
shop. I think all bee-keepers should be obliged to
you for it. Fine pine will do well for foundations,
such as is used for picture-backs. — George Coghill,
Monifieth, Dundee.

[We are obliged to our correspondent for the interest
he evinces, and beg to assure him that his idea is exactly
that which we had in our mind when we wrote as we
did on the subject. Our chief difficulty has been in
getting nails (or shoe-tacks) that are suitable ; not that
they are difficult to find, as regards size, but because they
are so badly made as to make it impossible to drive
them correctly. We have nails of the shape of the
bottom of a sugar-loaf, five of which, side by side,
measure an inch and a tenth ; but the spike of them is
not in the centre of one in a hundred, so our difficulty
in driving them correctly can be readily understood. We
have achieved small pieces of the foundation, and it is
simply all that can be desired as such ; but in larger
sizes, the wax gets forced under the edges of the irregular
nails, and cannot be drawn away. Nevertheless, having
put our hand to the plough, it will have to work, for the
idea is too good to be lightly tossed aside. Can any of
our readers help us in obtaining sound, well-made shoe
(or other) nails that will go six to the lineal inch, which
would permit of their being driven without touching,
and they would then bed fairly on the rollers, and leave
the cell-walls of better thickness. — Ed. B. B. J.~\

MR. TENNY BRADDY'S BEE-TRAP.— PRE-
VENTING ROBBING.

Mr. Braddy's method of emptying supers of the
bees is excellent. Taking off one of Lee's supers,
I made a flat tube of perforated zinc, about 4 inches
long, and of a size to fit the slit. Drawing out a
slide about an inch, the tube stands up like a
chimney, and the bees pop out like Jacks-in-a-box,
and none return, by the way they came. This
method of a tube does not, as far as I have tried it,
do at all well for the mouth of a hive, where the
foraging bees have to pass back again ; and you
cannot be always looking after them. A way I
have is, I fancy, very superior. At mouth of hive,

122

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[October 1, 1879.

I place two pieces of wood of triangular shape,
f inch thick, and some 3 or 4 inches long. Over
this I place some perforated zinc, some 8 or 10
inches long, bent into this shape : —

That I put over the triangular bits of wood, as in

woodcut. The zinc cover runs close against the

triangular wood, c ; but

leaves ^-inch opening at d.

The bees for a day or two

are a little bothered to find

entrance, but soon learn.

The robbers not only have

a bother also, but when once

in the cage, and pursued

by the guards inside, don't

know the way out in their

hurry, and so 'catch it hot'

a Hive front. rather. Understand, that all

^Ir/biX^S; these parts are loose, so that

and about an inch thick. you can take them away, or

(I is a passage left for the ^ ., **

bees, arrange them any way you

please.
The hive in which is one of those queens you
sent me is inserted, is the only hive that is really
bringing in any quantity of pollen. They began
the very day I uncaged the queen. Robbing has
been terrible all yesterday ; to-day they are quiet
enough. Very little sealed honey in my supers :
none worth taking. This part of the country is too
much farmed — too much arable land. — J. Lawson
Sisson, Sept. 4.

A NEW HIVE.

I have planned what I believe is a new species
of bar-frame hive. I think, for simplicity, con-
venience, and economy, that it ought to be brought
before the notice of bee-keepers. I propose that
the frames should be triangular, perhaps equilateral,
and that the inside measurement of the hive at the
top should be 18 in. by 18 in., to hold twelve frames.
The advantages of this hive seem to me to be
these : —

1. Economy of making; four pieces of board only
are necessary, and being strengthened by the leg's
at the corners, the hive will be firmer and stronger
than the usual four-walled hive. The frames, too,
will be easier to make than the usual four-sided
ones. I propose that the side bars should be dove-
tailed into the top bar, and riveted through with a
peg of wood or wire, which might project half-an-
inch on one side, so as to form the distance peg.
The bottoms of the side-bars being wrought together

will naturally form a perfectly-shaped triangle, so
that there would be no danger of lob-sided frames.

2. The need of a floor-board will be done away
with, for I propose that the actual open space at
the bottom should only be a long slit, one inch in
width at most. There should be a narrow floor-
board projecting one inch on one side, working on
hinges, and fastened with hooks. In summer this
might be opened slightly, so as to allow entrance
and ventilation, along the whole length of the hive.
The usual inconveniences of floor-boards would be
done away with, for when the hive is to be cleaned,
this alighting-board would be let down, and the
sides of the hive could be cleaned by a long knife
without exposing the whole bottom of the hive, as
is usual in four-sided hives. As the exposure to the
air and disturbance to the bees would be so slight,
the hive could be constantly cleaned in the winter
without risk to the bees ; and, as the operation
would be so simple, it would not be neglected as is
now the case. When the bees are to travel, a long
slit of perforated zinc would cover all the bottom
and secure good ventilation.

3. The sloping walls of the hive would keep off
rain from the hive, and so would conduce to dryness,
also the direct rays of the sun could not beat on
them. A double wall would, therefore, be needless
in such a hive. The arrangements at the top could
be as usual, with either a sheet-iron roof or wooden
roof, with room for supers. Do you think it would
be worth while to have a specimen made, and exhibit
it at some bee-show as a cheap and handy hive for
cottagers 1 — Edward Filleul.

[It is doubtful if there would be any economy of material
in the above hive. Being 18 inches square at the top, and
equilateral iu section, it would have a capacity of about
2o00 cubic inches ; and supposing it to be made of inch
material, the tvt o sides 20 by 18 each, and the ends
(together) 18 inches square, woidd require 1044 superficial
inches of wood. Now, a Cottager's Standard, 17 inches
long, lOi deep, and 15 inches wide, to hold ten frames,
would have a capacity of 2670 inches or thereabouts,
and its sides, 10 by lOA each ; its front and back, 15 by
10 each ; and its floor-board, 19 by 17 : giving a total of
1022 superficial inches of material only. Taking these
figures into account, and the fact that the 18-inch sides
of the new hive would require to be jointed or filleted,
for boards 18 inches wide are not found everywhere, the
idea of economy is lost. Beyond this, there is the fact
that such a hive must be furnished with a stand, for
though a V will remain upright in print, it would require
a double X to rest on if made of wood as suggested.
The merits of such a hive were fully discussed in the
first volume of the Bee Journal, page 159, Mr. S. Wyatt,
of Tenbury, having been the inventor. — Ed.]

QUEEN ENCASEMENT EXTRAORDINARY.
On visiting the apiary of a friend we were making
an examination of a cast that had come off ten days
prior to my visit, to see if the queen had com-
menced laying ; to our surprise there were no eggs,
but the queen was firmly encased on a comb. We
released her at the time, but on looking next day
found her in the same state, and not able to fly; we
removed her, and took the bees and queen from
another cast, and joined them together. This last
queen was well received, and commenced to lay at

October 1, 1870.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

123

once, and continued to do so for six weeks ; but on
looking to sec how they were getting on, found
they had also encased her. She had been laying
up to within two days, as we found brood in three
combs in all stages. We next took her out and ex-
amined her. To all appearance she was quite
healthy, she was put back into the hive, but we
found her lying in front of the hive dead two days
afterwards. The bees were taken from this hive
and joined to the one next to it, and a straw hive
transferred and put in among the brood combs,
which is doing well. The mystery does not end
here. On inspecting another hive in the same
apiary yesterday, we found the queen of that en-
cased. She has been in this hive, at least for
three years, and has plenty of hatching-brood,
but no eggs or grubs. We put her into a cage,
and will liberate her again to-morrow: I will send
you the result. — John White, Falkland, Fifeshire.

BEE-KEEPING IN ESSEX.
The honey harvest of 1879 has just terminated,
and it has determined what shall be recorded in the
annals of bee-keeping for its protracted season.
The results, I fear, will not prove very remunera-
tive, for when the trees and flowers were in the
gaiety of life the weather compelled the bees to
remain in their hives, thus rendering it impossible
for them to gather and store for their future use ;
and lack of income has (in many instances) caused
the bees to devour their brood. In transferring
the contents of six skeps to bar-frame hives the
combs were found to contain little or no honey.
Therefore, those who wish to make the ' best of it,'
and save the poor bees being consigned to the
sulphur-pit, will do well to feed them steadily with
syrup, made thus : — 2^ lbs. of sugar to 1 pint of
water, boiled five minutes, adding a small quantity
of vinegar and salt — and look forward to brighter
prospects, and hope the worst has passed. — David
Ling, Rochford, August 28th.

BEE-KEEPING IN FIFESHIRE.
I send you an account of bee-keeping in Fife-
shire for 1879 — the worst year in the memory of
any bee-keeper living. This has been the only year
since I commenced bee-keeping that my bees re-
fused to swarm naturally. I started in spring
with my hives, all in good order after the winter
we had. On making an examination of the first
hive that I opened, I found brood in two frames, all
sealed, which must have been raised during the
severest of the storm. I found brood in other two
hives, all about the same stage, which clearly proves
that bees can raise young brood without leaving the
hive for a long time. They had been confined for
two months, without having the chance of a cleansing
flight. I commenced feeding as eai-ly as the weather
would permit, in order that the hives might, be full
in time for the honey harvest that I expected would
come. But my fond hopes have all been blasted,
for not a drop of honey shall I get this year. I
might have got a few pounds had I used the

extractor. About the middle of June they were
beginning to store some of the fruit-blossom honey,
but it lasted so short a time that I considered they
might as well keep all they had as the season had
gone. I am glad that I let them keep it, as it has
been the only honey they have got this year. I
put supers on four hives, but only in one instance
did they put anything into them. I got one super
21 lbs. gross, but as I suspected they were storing
the syrup that I had given them, I declined sending
it to any of the shows. The heather has been a
failure so far as it has gone. Limes were spoilt with
rain ; plenty of white clover, but no honey in the
flowers. I have got most of my hives ready for
wintering, with the exception of a pound or two to
keep up breeding. We bee-ings must live in hopes
that 1880 will turn out a '78. — J. White, Falkland,
Fifeshire.

BEES AND THE SEASON.
To the Editor of the Times.

Sir, — Now that the honey season is drawing to
a close, save in heather districts, I pen you a few
running lines, as they may be of interest to your
apiarian readers. As regards honey the results are
absolutely nil ; and in apiaries where the bees have
to rely on the supply gathered during the summer
matters are in a critical state indeed. I may
remark, by way of illustration, that a case came
under my observation a few days since, where in a
large apiary the bees, not having been fed, were
already perishing by thousands of starvation ; and
as this instance may in great measure be regarded
as a fair criterion of the state of affairs at present
existing in the majority of apiaries where artificial
feeding has not been resorted to, it is obvious that
unless stocks are fed liberally without loss of time,
in order that the food may be sealed over air-tight
in the combs to insure its keeping properties before
the advent of cold weather, a vast number of stocks
must perish of starvation even before the close of
autumn. It is the same everywhere, save only
in very exceptional localities, so few and far
between that they may be counted on the tips
of the fingers. Since feeding is now an imperative
necessity, I would fain, with your courteous per-
mission, draw the attention of those of your readers
whose ' lines ' are cast in districts removed

' Far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife,'

and who are interested in the apiarian pursuits of
their poorer neighbours, cottagers, and others. To
veteran bee-masters, thoroughly conversant with
every branch of the science, I do not address
myself, as they know better than any words of
mine can tell them what to do in preparing their
stocks for winter quarters in an adverse season
like the present ; but rather I pen these lines in
the interest of the majority of rural bee-keepers
whose ideas have not yet soared above the old
single straw skep of their forefathers, and these
are still in the majority, notwithstanding enlight-
ened ideas on the subject sown broadcast through-
out the land by the many associations that have

124

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[October 1, 1879.

latterly sprung into existence for the improvement
of the art among the masses, and the introduction
of a more rational system of management ; yet there
is still much to do and a mountain of prejudice to
level before the labourer learns to discard his
beloved single straw skep in favour of the more
manageable bar-frame hive. Of course, there are
exceptions to this as to other things, and at bee
shows held on various occasions at London and
elsewhere, many of the first prizes awarded for
honeycomo have been carried off by intelligent
bee-keepers, whose avocations lie in the humbler
walks of life.

I believe, judging from all that I have gathered
from private correspondence and otherwise, that I
am well within the mark in asserting that not one
hive in fifty can possibly survive the winter if it is
to exist in the meantime on the honey collected
during the past sunless summer — a summer en-
tirely without parallel in apiarian annals.

Among the many methods of artificial feeding
now in vogue, there is none so simple and so easily
understood by the veriest novice, and withal so
readily obtainable, as the ' bottle apparatus.' With
more elaborate systems I do not deal. For the
information of those in remote districts, who do
not know what the ' bottle apparatus ' consists of,
it may be briefly described as a wooden block about
an inch in thickness by five inches in diameter,
with a hole in the centre about two and a half
inches in diameter, with a piece of perforated zinc,
small pattern, tacked on to the under side. This
is placed level on the hole on top of the skep
or hive, and a wide-mouth bottle (an empty pickle
bottle will do capitally for the purpose), previously
filled with feeding syrup, with two thicknesses of
cheeseware tied tightly over the mouth, is placed
in the block inverted. The supply is thus just
where it is most accessible to the bees, and when
emptied the bottle may easily be replenished and
returned. It should be covered over while in use ;
a spare hive placed over it, with a little packing at
the junction, will prevent the scent escaping, and
so alluring robber bees to the spot. Care should
be taken not to spill any about the hives, else
fighting would ensue, for, ' when bees do take to
bad courses, they do it very effectually.'

An eminent authority on the subject is strongly
in favour of ' slow feeding,' after the first bottle or
so is given, in order that the bees may not in their
eagerness fill up the central combs in the brood-
nest to the exclusion of brood, as young bees are
necessary to carry on the labours of the hive during
the winter months, and slow feeding induces ovi-
position. On the other hand, others of equal
weight, among whom may be mentioned a well-
known American writer, are in favour of rapid
autumn feeding. The latter I have invariably
adopted, and with the best results. Of course, if
slow feeding be desired, the number of holes in
the zinc may be reduced at will by sin. ply covering
them with a thin layer of beeswax, laid on with a
brush, through which the holes, whether few or
many, may be punctured with a pin. The zinc, it
may be mentioned, should be bent slightly up-

wards, convexedly, when first tacked on to the
block, in order to fit the covering of the bottle,
which is apt to become concave, when the vacuum
between would prevent the bees reaching it.

Some prefer sugar-loaf for feeding, but the best
refined moist will answer equally as well. Raw
sugar is more liable to fermentation, and therefore
objectionable. In preparing syrup it is merely
necessary to pour boiling water on it, stirring it
until it is thoroughly dissolved ; when cold it is fit
for use. A pinch of salt is usually added. The
consistency should be slightly thinner than that of
new honey ; if too much water be added in dis-
solving it, the bees are put to unnecessary labour
in evapoi-ating the superfluous moisture before it
can be sealed over for winter use. Where a stock
is completely destitute of honey, as is the case with
nearly all at present, 18 lbs. to 20 lbs. should be
given to insure it against all possibility of starva-
tion by the time the spring again returns.

I may observe, in conclusion, that I have at
various times used almost every description of
feeding appliances, and discarded them all in favour
of the above ; and having never lost a hive from
starvation, and with rarely a dysenteric stain on
the floor-board in winter, I can, therefore, con-
fidently recommend its adoption to others.

It is almost superfluous to add that the above
plan of feeding bees should not be resorted to in the
winter months, as bees are then for the most part
in a semi-dormant condition, and so unable from
their enforced inactivity to avail themselves of it if
they would. At that season, barley-sugar, adminis-
tered in small quantities, is much to be preferred. —
I am, Sir, your obedient servant, Alfred Rus-
bridge, The Apiary, Sidlesham, Chichester, Aug. 29.

BEE-KEEPING IN SWITZERLAND.
The question of bee-farming having again come
to the surface, we may be forgiven for commending
the Swiss example to English householders. Bee-
keeping is conducted with great energy and success
in some districts of Switzerland — honey, real or
adulterated, being regarded as a necessity at the
Swiss breakfast-table. Indeed, we conceive that
the Allemannic fathers nrast have broken their fast
with honey, for the use prevails in every district
peopled by them, and the honey-jar is as invariable
an accompaniment of the first morning meal in
Oft'enburg as in Zurich, in Baden as in Switzerland.
For the last few j'ears, the Association of Swiss
Friends of the Bee ('Bienen-Freunde') has instituted
an annual course of instruction in the science and
method of bee-keeping. The course consists of
eight lessons, and is delivered each year in a differ-
ent part of Switzerland, usually in a district where
bee-keeping has become, or is becoming, an im-
portant branch of trade. The lecturer for the
present year met his pupils at Rheinfelden, from
the 6th to the 13th of July last, and all persons
coming from a distant part were lodged and
boarded at a moderate tariff in one of the many
hotels of that charming old Rhenish town. Each
pupil received a copy of the excellent ' Lehrbuch '

October 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

125

of the association, a manual which has resulted
from the combined experience of a committee of
experts. Hitherto nearly all the scholars have
been women, as the care of the beehives must fall
under the jurisdiction of the wife or daughters of a
house. There can be no question that bee-keeping
in Switzerland owes much of its success to the
efforts of the ' Friends of the Bee.' — The Globe.

THE SEASON IN RENFREWSHIRE.
What a season it has been for our poor bees, as
well as other things ! I have removed no supers
yet. There is little in them, saving empty combs,
I fear. We had had a fairish fortnight on the
limes, the bees working on them, even through the
rains ; but nights so cold, they have preferred
storing in bodies to more outlying supers. My
strong colonies have had nothing all the summer,
and a stout country boy — my assistant— can't lift
them. • Swarms and young stocks have had to be
fed a little all through, but have made up in
population in consequence, and I expect them to
go into winter quarters a better lot even than last
year. — A Renfrewshire Bee-keeper.

BEE-KEEPING IN SHEFFIELD, AND IN
GENERAL.

We in this district, with the heather some ten
miles distant from us, have continued to hope that
the miserable experience of the summer might be
reversed by a finer autumn ; and many bee-
keepers, including myself, have had their bees on
the moors since the middle of August. It is satis-
factory to know, that to a certain extent our hopes
have been realised by the somewhat improved
state of the weather during the past few weeks.
To some extent only, however, is this true, the
strongest stocks not having collected a sufficient
supply of food to carry them through the winter.

It is to be hoped that your advice, given in last
month's Journal, to feed the bees liberally, may be
followed without delay. Bee-keepers need not
doubt but that their stocks will perish ere summer
returns, if they fail in this respect, the state of the
weather having made it impossible for the bees to
store honey, not excepting those situated in the
most favoured districts probably. The question is,
what is to be done by those who in these times of
pecuniary depression cannot afford to spend a few
shillings in buying sugar for their bees^ A con-
temporary has, I notice, an article suggesting that
those who have the means should provide the
sugar for their poorer neighbours, on the condition
of receiving the first swarm of next year as an
equivalent. That is, I think, a very good sugges-
tion ; but some people would be chary about carry-
ing it out, from the doubt which exists as to the
fulfilment of the second clause in the agreement. —
the bees might perish from other causes, or the
parties might ' flit ' with the bird (or bees) in hand,
leaving the mortgagee with no great prospect of
getting his (swarm) out of the bush. Still, where
there are objections of this kind, the principle

might be carried out by buying some of the hives
' out and out. ' It would certainly be better for a
cottager to sell some of his stocks, even at a
sacrifice in price, whereby he would obtain the
money to enable him to start next year with the
remaining ones in prime condition, than to risk
the whole unprovided for, and lose them. We
may take, for example, the case of a bee-keeper with
six hives of bees, and without the means of feeding
them. Let him dispose of two of these, although
at some loss, and reduce the remaining four to two,
by uniting them. About 16 lbs. of sugar (boiled
as you directed last month) will feed them well
(I am writing of skeps), at a cost of some 4.s. each.
Thus cared for, and with large populations, such
hives would be in capital condition. It is, no
doubt, far from agreeable to have to reduce one's
stocks in this manner ; but what experienced bee-
keeper would not rather own the two thus treated
than the six left to shift for themselves 1 Without
some such steps as these, the loss of bee-life during
the winter and spring will be enormous, and it will
fall in most cases upon people ill able to bear it.
The loan of the Journal, and a little timely advice
and assistance, might do much to ameliorate this
state of things. — J. J. Hounsfield, 20th September.

A CAUTION TO AMATEUR BEE-KEEPERS.
Permit me to relate an incident that occurred
about the end of August. One of our amateurs,
thinking that his bees were not coming up to
his expectations with regard to swarming, though
they made a false alarm one day, but it turned
out they were just out on the spree, as they all
went back, and appeared none the worse; but our
hero was sadly disappointed. Nothing daunted,
however, he swarmed them artificially ; and, so far,
all went well. He next got it into his head that
the parent hive was wrong ; but it being a straw
skep he could not find out what was the matter ;
so he determined to make a transfer from the straw
to a frame hive, as the weather had the appearance
of being fine. He started, and managed to get the
bees out of the old skep ; he next cut the combs
out of his hives to fix them into frames, and having
nearly finished his job he was surprised to see his
garden swarming with bees. The Italian brigands
were the first to scent the sweets, and were pouring
by the thousand ; next came their darker cousins,
not so keen in their sense of smell, but as sure
when once they got the scent. The streets on their
route from the different apiaries were swarming
with bees. They were trying every door : tailors
had to leave their shops ; grocers were obliged to
shut their doors for a time ; even the chubby-faced
urchin of three or four summers, sauntering about
the streets with his piece of scone and treacle, had
to fly for shelter. But I must here return to the
hive. By the time he got the last frame filled
the hive was choke-full of strange bees, which could
not be faced. So our friend next tried to get in
his own, but it was no use. They had to be con-
tent to lie on the grass until the plunderers were
satisfied that nothing more could be removed. In

126

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[October 1, 1879.

the interval lie removed the plate, with the paring
of the combs, into his house ; but in the bustle
forgetting to close the door, the place got filled.
Unfortunately the windows would not open, and
as bees and bee-ings could not live peaceably to-
gether, he reluctantly had to apply the brim-
stone and bellows. On speaking to him about the
way he had managed, he was sadly lamenting the
loss of his hive, but appeared to take no notice of
the other hives he had nearly ruined. I firmly
believe he will manage better the nest time he
transfers. — J. W., Falkland.

FEEDING.

Your hints in the August number of the Journal
as to feeding in good time, I attended to with a
result which seemed to me to involve no end of ex-
penditure. In my Neighbour's straw hive, which
has not swarmed, I placed half a quart bottle of the
syrup made according to your receipt, and the other
half to my bar-luve, which swarmed the end of July,
on Tuesday last. On inspection at night, every drop
of these contributions had disappeared. Yesterday
morning another quart bottle was supplied to these
hives ; the whole had been taken in by the bees in
each hive this morning. On reading an article in the
Times of yesterday, this morning, entitled ' Bees and
the Season,' recommending such syrup as you give
in the Leaflet. The following extract states : 'When
a stock is completely destitute of honey, as is the
case with nearly all at present, 18 lbs. to 20 lbs. should
be given to insure it against all possibility of starv-
ation by the time spring again returns.' Now, as
my bees have consumed 10 lbs. of the sugar syrup
in two nights and days, I conclude it must have
been stored by them and a small portion only con-
sumed. Shall I be safe in at once doubling the
allowance already given 1 — C. L., Cirencester, Sep-
tember 4, 1879.

[It will be quite safe to double the allowance provided
the condition of the hive is satisfactory as regards young
bees. If there are plenty of them rapid feeding may not
do much harm, but where they are comparatively scarce
slow feeding is more desirable, as it will tend to induce
breeding. If the bees were to be fed at the rate of 2J
lbs. of syrup per diem for mauy days, they would so fill
their cells with the food, that it would be impossible for
them (the bees) to occupy them as they ought to do, to
form a compact mass for ensuring warmth in winter, and
many of them would therefore be compelled to inhabit
the spaces between the full combs, and being thus sepa-
rated from the main body, thousands would soon die of
cold or dysentery. — Ed.]

APPLICATION OF ELECTRICITY.
'Electbicity Applied to Bee-eeaiung. — A corre-
spondent of the Deutsche Presse describes a method which
be has adopted with success of overcoming the obstacles
frequently presented to the rearer of bees by the self-will
of those interesting and profitable insects. This is no
other than giving them an electric shock. Every one
interested in bees knows the difficulties and dangers in-
volved in hiving a swarm. One is often seen on a hot
day in June in the top branches of a tree not to be
climbed, and another in some inaccessible place seems to
be preparing to set out on its wanderings. If the bee-
master venture to approach, all his dexterity and expe-

rience will often not prevent him from being seriously
stung. There are, indeed, several cases on record of
death supervening from the stings inflicted on such
occasions. Herr Friewirth, the correspondent referred
to, hit upon the idea of employing the electric force to
stupefy the bees. Trials on large and small clusters, and
even on single insects, answered perfectly; the bees
coming in contact with the conducting wires fell stunned
and motionless to the ground. They were then sorted
and marked, according to the strength of the current
applied. The time required for their recovery, varying
from ten minutes to eight hours, was proportionate to
the strength of the shock, but all came out of their trance
safe and sound. Encouraged by the result of this expe-
riment, Herr Friewirth resolved to try it on a larger
scale, namely, on bees in the hive. To this end he intro-
duced the ends of two conducting wires into a fully
occupied honeycomb, and turned on the current for a
moment ; the bees soon lay on the ground, and it was
half an hour before they resumed activity. Herr Frei-
wirth then constructed an apparatus in a small box, six
inches each way, which, similar to a cartridge pouch, he
wore with a strap round his body. The two wires of
the apparatus were, wdien required to be used, fastened
to rods of a suitable length, the wires, of course, always
projecting over the ends of the rods. These ends were
then applied to the swarm, a knob similar to that em-
ployed for a room-telegraph being attached to the appa-
ratus, that the current might be turned on at the proper
time. Every one is, of course, not skilful enough to con-
struct such an apparatus, though none are precluded from
doing so, as Herr Freiwirth has not patented it.'

I fancy the above is a step in the right direction.
I cut it from the Evening Standard, September 11,
1879. I was greatly pleased with your article (and
idea) on page 95 of B. B. J., September 1, 1879.
Some years ago, when I believed in bees, and spent
over 200Z. on them — which I did — among other ex-
periments I cut a frame through and covered it with
tissue-paper (or, rather, large sheets of foreign post),
placed it in between the two halves of the frame,
damped the paper, and after screwing it up tightly
and making it hot, brushed the paper, which was as
tight as a drum-head, over with boiling wax. This
frame I introduced into a full hive of bees, who
immediately ate it intolittle bits, similar to, onlymuch
smaller than, paper chewed up by mice. It never
occurred to me to substitute wood for paper, and I
gave it up as a bad job and thought no more of the
matter. This year I have done nothing with or to
my bees, and the result is almost all my stocks have
died. The only year they really flourished was when
I fed them through one hole continuously, but I
used up over half-a-ton of sugar (common lump at
28/. per ton), and as I never sold an ounce of
honey in my life, I cannot say that I have made a
large fortune by the transaction. I hope you have
been pretty successful this year, i.e. that your bees
have done as well as could be expected. — S. Wyatt.

SAVING BEE LIFE.
I have been asked again and again, ' How can I
get bees out of my greenhouse or window ' (as the
case may be) ' without being stung in the process 1 '
Nothing is more simple ; but as my modus operandi
has not yet appeared in print to the best of my
belief, I will describe it for the benefit of those
whose queries I have not had time to answer. Get
an empty match-box (one of the little three-a-penny

October 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

127

' Standstickers ' will do), push the drawer half-way
open with the thumb, and place its open part over
the bee on the glass ; then close it up with the bee
inside, and liberate it out of doors by simply push-
ing it open again. I save the lives of some thou-
sands of bees yearly in my greenhouse and else-
where by this method. Bees are very apt to enter
greenhouses in the early spring time, being attracted
by the genial warmth. — Alfred Rusbridge, Aug.
30, 1879.

WAX-MOTHS.
I have been looking at a straw hive in my bee-
shed (which will hold ten hives), in which when I
took the supers off I saw some moth-flies, and on
searching further found the hive full of cobwebs
and caterpillars, so that the passages between the
combs were stopped, and I do not think that there
were 100 bees left, but there were 1000 caterpillars
instead, which are no profit, as they eat the honey
and kill the bees. This was my strongest old stock,
and stood all last winter and spring without feeding,
and sent out a good swarm on June 11, which I
put in a bar-frame hive, and they are doing as well
as the season will let them ; a cast also on June 25
from the same hive. I put a wooden bar-frame
super on about the 20th of July, for they seemed
strong, and I have seen, now and then, a moth-
fly about the bee-shed, but did not think that they
would hurt the bees, but I see that they have done
so. I have sent a tin with some of the moths alive,
and some of the web that they made in the hive,
with a nest of their eggs ; and the caterpillars as I
call them — for I do not know what to call them —
for I never saw any like them before in a bee-hive.
G. H. Cook, Redbonrn, Herts, Sept. 25.

GLOVES FOR HANDLING BEES.
I may have mentioned before that I have tried a
good many kinds of gloves for bee-handling, in-
cluding a pair of india-rubber I got either from you
or Mr. Neighbour, I forget which. I found none
half so good as the following, which I have used for
more than twelve months. Take a pair of white
cotton servant's gloves, and sew on a continuation
of cloth, or an old leg of a stocking, to draw up to
elbow ; pull on over these a pair of light, easy-
fitting worsted gloves. Your hands keep cool ;
you can feel anything through them ; no sting will
penetrate, and no bees are done to death by their
stings remaining in. — A. W. M.

A DOG KILLED.— BEES DESERTING
THEIR HIVE.
First — An old dog (who has been, I may say,
the constant companion of my bees all his life) was
done to death in the following manner : — He was
chained up to a fence some yards from an old stock
hive in a straw skep. A great number of bees
settled upon him, and so stung him that he jumped
the fence and was strangled by hanging from the
chain. The only reason I can give for this bad
display upon the part of the bees was, that they

were irritated by robbing which has taken place
with some of the hives.

Second — The whole of the bees from a stock
skep last week entirely left it, going away. Upon
lifting I found it quite perfect, but not one drop of
honey in any of the cells. I have since commenced
to feed all bees. I fear that unless others do the
same very few will survive the winter. — G. S.

[There is little doubt but that the stinging of the dog
was caused in the same way that the death of a hen and
chickens was brought about. The bees were made
augry, and vented their spleen upon the only living
thing they could find.

The desertion of the hive by the bees is not at all an
uncommon occurrence in seasons like the present. We
have warned our readers, time after time, of the conse-
quences of neglecting to feed their bees, but it is like
pleaching to the deaf in many instances. — Ed.]

UNITING BEES.

May I ask for a reply some day in your Journal
to the following question? Reply to Query No. 325
in September No. touches my difficulty, but does
not remove it entirely. Do you mean that you
simply remove each frame, brushing or shaking off
each comb till nothing but bees are left, and that
you then shake one into the other 1

My plan hitherto has been to take each frame
and shake or brush contents of each into a separate
skep, and then unite. But my difficulty in so doing
is, that half or more of the bees rise into the air,
and you get a large part unaffected by your- syrup,
while of the removed hive a great many go away
altogether, as the hive being taken away, and the
bees not touched by syrup, they make for their old
place and so are destroyed.

Does your plan by brushing them each into their
own hive prevent their rising, as I have described 1
I fancy that you put your distance necessary for
uniting stocks rather too far. I united two this
year successfully not more than a quarter of a mile
apart. — G. A. R., Cambridge Lodge, Southsea.
[Please refer to article headed ' Uniting,' p. 110. — Ed.]

FUN AT THE PLYMOUTH BEE-SHOW.

Let me copy out a portion of a letter received this
morning, from a Devonshir efriend, who went to the
Plymouth Bee Show. You may use the passage if
you like in the October Journal :

' The tent was larger, and more space allotted to the
sanctum sanctorum where the manipulations were carried
on. There were no competitions; but Baldwin drove,
transferred, lectured, and chaffed admirably, the latter
especially. There was great fun between him and an
old Devonshire " varmer," as he would call himself, who
had kept (and smothered) bees " vor a matter o' vorty
year." He dropped various hints, to the effect that
Baldwin had anointed himself well with vinegar, in order
to escape being stung. These hints were not noticed till,
grown bold, he asked B. in a loud voice what particular
sort of vinegar he recommended. Baldwin's reply
brought down the house : " In your case, sir, I should
recommend a little yellow soap." '

Slinging Machines. — Of slinging-machines my
friend says : —

' I need not say, that not one person in a hundred had

128

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[October 1, 1879.

ever before seen anything- like them. One lady asked me
■what the machine was for. " For slinging out the
honey, madam." " How very interesting ! Do they put
the flowers in there ? " '
Edingthorpe Rectory, N. Walsliam. J. L. Sisson.

AN AGED STOCK.

Somewhere between twenty-two and twenty-five
years since, a farmer in one of the low-lying districts
of Forfarshire, being desirous of adding bees to
his other live stock, fitted up a place in the garret
of his farmhouse, below the cnpple-wings, im-
mediately behind the eave, providing a tunnel from
below the eave, through the thickness of the wall,
to the box inside. This box in which the bees were
intended to work would be about the capacity of
about three ordinary bar-frame hives. Having
made these arrangements, the farmer put a swarm
of bees inside the box, fastened it up, and from
that time to the 26th of July last the box has
never been opened or anything whatever done with
the bees, except that in the early part of this
season the tunnel entrance was cleared out, and a
great quantity of debris of dead bees, &c. cleared
out. The farmer, though entirely ignorant of the
practical management of bees, has always kept an
eye on their movements. He states, that from the
time the bees were put into the box they have
wrought regularly every season. He is not aware
that any swarms have left the hive, or that any
from a distance have joined it; though it is possible
both may have happened, seeing the hive is situated
at the top of a pretty high two-storied house.

During the early part of this summer, the
farmer, seeing his bees working strongly, took a
fancy to have the condition of his hive examined.
Not caring to make the examination himself he
got a friend more accustomed to the work to act
for him. On removing the covering from the back
part of the box, a densely-packed mass of comb
appeared, showing a face of about two feet square ;
not certainly in the regular arrangement of a bar-
frame hive, but twisted about in every direction,
some of the combs being four inches thick. The
whole mass of comb, from top to bottom, was in
most excellent order — patches of brood, blocks of
honey-comb sealed (last year's gathering) as well as
unsealed, evidently of recent deposit, pieces of empty
comb, from which the young brood had recently
gone ; but all as clean and trim as the most ad-
vanced bee-keeper could desire even in a hive a
few months old.

Large as was the capacity of the hive, it was
fully stocked with bees, frequent application of
smoke being required to keep them back till the
examination was made. The farmer having a kindly
regard to his old tenants, would allow no further
disturbance than to take away the accumulated
waste from the floor of the box, remove a small
block of honey-comb for a sample of their work,
and to place a few small sectional supers on the top
of the hive. Had such a hive been properly manipu-
lated last year, a wonderful weight of honey might
have been obtained. It is worthy of notice, that
though the bees had found means of egress from

their box into the open part of the garret, which,
by the way, is entirely unused, and scarcely ever
visited by any one, they have not taken any advantage
of it, but confined themselves to their box. — N.

FOUL BROOD (?)

Many thanks for your kind answer respecting
foul brood, and I am sorry the sample of comb
arrived in such a messy condition. I quite forgot
to make the box water-tight. I am troubling you
again on the subject, as I cannot help thinking that
you have not examined the comb closely enough. I
forwarded, at the same time as I did to you, a piece
of the same comb to the Journal of Horticulture,
and I have their answer in an August number that
it is an evident case of foul brood ; consequently I
am rather puzzled between the two different an-
swers. I enclose herewith a cell containing some
of the same matter, which I am under suspicion is
foul brood ; and I am certain the comb I sent you
contained some of the same matter. Will you
kindly examine into this again, and if not troubling
you too much, let me know, per post, your opinion ?
I have six hives, all bar-frame ; but one of them I
know to be queenless, with very few bees, which
hive I intend to break up before the winter. I am
rather afraid that three hives are affected ; but I
have two very healthy ones. Thanking you in ad-
vance for your kind attention to this matter. —
W. A. Kirchmer, Upper Tooting, Surrey.

[The ' cell' arrived smashed, as was the piece of comb-
honey taken from the super, which formedthe previous sub-
ject of inquiry. We are naturally sorry to find our opinion
at variance with that put forth in the Journal of Horti-
culture, because it shows that one or the other was given
without due consideration, or a proper understanding of
the case. To our mind the thing was in a nutshell.
Here was a stock of bees, in one of the worst seasons
ever known, so strong that it had filled a super, after
having bred in it ; and yet it has been condemned as con-
taining foul brood. The person who wrote the reply in
our contemporary ought to study the nature of foul-
brood, and its effect on hive-populations ere he puts forth
such statements. A hive afflicted with fold brood would
be scarcely likely to ' take to ' a super in such a season,
let alone the filling it with comb and honey ; and as for
the discoloured matter and the dark cells, they are simply
the effect of breeding and storing pollen, the latter having
been mashed up with honey. We felt so sure of the
ground we had taken, that we asked for a large piece of
comb from the brood-nest ; but as our correspondent has
not responded to our call, we can only suppose he is
satisfied with our explanation. — Ed.]

A VISIT TO ME. J. WALTON'S APIARY.

Though I have had small opportunity to write about
our little favourites the bees, yet I have continued to be a
regular subscriber and reader of the Bee Journal, and
rejoiced to see how well it maintains its character of being
foremost in giving publicity to all improvements, and the
best advice as to management in the very trying seasons
we have experienced of late. These bad seasons follow-
ing one upon another, would certainly have made me
bankrupt in the matter of bees last winter, if I had not
followed the directions there given ; instead of which I
pulled my three stocks safely through, and but for an
oversight of one in the spring, I should have been able to
take early swarms from each of them. My experience
of bee-keeping goes back to 1860 ; and I only remember

October 1, 1870.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

129

one such sunmier as the present, and that was the year
I commenced, which was, if anything, worse than the
one we are enjoying, though the spring was more fa-
vourable. This wretchedly bad season was, however,
followed by some exceptionally good ones; when, with
only the small knowledge I then possessed, which was
mainly to keep all my stocks strong, I managed to fill
all my wife's jars - with honey, and nearly a large
washing-pan besides. I say this so that young beginners
may not lose heart, for brighter skies will come again to
gladden both bees and their owners ; and with the know-
ledge now gained, and the superior appliances to be
obtained, golden opportunities will be opened to those
who persevere and apply them. Impressed with this idea,
I went a few weeks ago to see our worthy friend, and
your able contributor, Sir. John Walton, of Weston; and
well I was repaid for my visit, as I had an opportunity
of seeing what can be done with comb foundation in this
most trying and difficult season.

Mr. Walton's apiary is as well situated, in many
respects, as coidd be desired : from ten to twelve acres
of beans being in full flower, within easy reach of his
bees at the time of my visit, the air being redolent with
their sweetness, and only fine weather needed to give the
bees opportunity to gather in abundance, which, alas !
would not come. The space devoted to the bees seemed
small in proportion to the number of stocks, being, I
should think, not less than forty, and consisted of three
or four kinds, viz. the common black bee, Ligurians of
pure race, and hybrids from these, and what was to me
a new variety, which I think he described as Carnio-
lians. These last resembled the black bee more than
Ligurians, the only difference seemed to be that the
abdominal rings were more distinctly marked with grey
or ash colour. The principal recommendation given to
these is their gentleness, which, if equal or superior to
those Liguiians I had from you, is no small recommen-
dation, as those wanted no tobacco or other smoke to
make them manageable, the simple and speedy removal
of the quilt being all sufficient.

The most important lesson to me of my visit was the
evidence I saw of what can be done, even in a bad season,
by the use of comb foundation. In one swarm of this
year, which Mr. Walton opened to show me, I saw beau-
tiful fresh comb, built as regular as line and rule, and
the whole hive — Woodbury size — nearly full, with plenty
of sealed brood ; the whole built entirely from foundation
this season, and all, or nearly all, worker-cells. Of course
this could not be done in such a season as we have had
without liberal feeding. Raitt's foundation was the kind
used ; and nothing I think coidd be better or more usef id
than this invention to bee-keepers.

As the manner of fixing the comb-foundation, as prac-
tised by Mr. Walton, has not been described in the
Journal, so far as I am aware, it will, perhaps, be as well
to state it here. It is simply to place a piece of board
the same size as the inside of the frame, and a little less
than half its thickness, inside the frame itself, laving the
sheet of foundation on it, and by simply passing a flat
brush, dipped in melted wax, along the upper edge, and
turning round and repeating this process on the other
side, the thing is done at once, and securely fixed.

A few days before my visit to Mr. Walton, I found a
second swarm of my own had lost its queen, and having
mi ripe cells, I asked liim if he could help me out with
one, or a superfluous Ligurian or hybrid queen, and
he very generously gave me a young hybrid queen, which
he took from a nucleus-hive, of which he had several
with a few young bees to take care of her. This, when
I returned home, the queenless swarm gladly received,
with all her retainers, and some time after on opening
the hive, I foimd brood in nearly all stages. I have
since seen a few young bees issuing from this hive,
who do not seem to have, however, any Ligurian marks
upon them, but look more like the Carniolians. Possibly

the queen was fertilised by a drone of that kind. Should
such have been the case, it will be interesting to note
their behaviour, as if there be any value in cross-breeding,
they ought to be worth keeping.

And here let me say, that with the varieties possessed
by Mr. Walton, swarms obtained from him woidd have
every advantage which can accrue from cross fertilisation,
though, as I saw, he can raise queens of pure Ligurian
breed, these can be had, if desired. Mr. Walton also
showed me, with just pride, a beautiful glass of super-
honey in the comb obtained last season, and the medals
and certificates obtained at various shows. One of the
purposes of my visit was to see his extractor, advertised,
with illustrations, some time ago in the Jmiriiul. and with-
out disparaging what others have done in this line, I
must say this seemed admirably adapted for the purpose,
and calculated to wear well, being made strong and sub-
stantial in all respects. — C. Shufflebotham, Mount
Street, Coventry.

(&t\pt8 from the pities.

Biddisliam, August 18. — ' The bees in this neighbour-
hood are in the most wretched plight imaginable. I
shoidd think that few of the hives that are yet alive will
survive another month as we have no heather within
reach. The combs are empty of honey and even pollen.
Bees ought to fetch a high price next spring. I don't
suppose that any cottager in Somersetshire will have a
stock left next spring ; they are too stupid to take the
trouble to feed.'

Uffiwjton, Stamford, Aug. 2&h, 1879. — ' Bees finished
work more than a week ago, rain came and spoilt the
last few days they were at work on the limes. Many of
the stocks have gathered sufficient to see them through
the winter ; not many well-filled supers about here this
year, and am afraid it is a general complaint all over the
country. I hope shows will be arranged earlier next year,
I shoidd sav not later than the last week in August.'
— T. S.

South Oelcendon, 4th Sept. 1879. — 'I had a swarm out
on Tuesday, 2nd inst., the first in nearly thirty vears' bee-
keeping I have ever had out in September. They, how-
ever, joined themselves to a swarm hived in Jime, after
being repulsed with greatly diminished numbers by several
old stocks. My hives are all full of bees, but not much
honey, and I am acting upon your advice and feeding
liberally, as, with you, I think this is our only hope for
another year.' — S. 0.

Galphag, Ripon, Sept. 9th, 1879. — 'Bee matters are
very bad about here this year. I have twenty-one hives,
and, when uniting some the other day, I found they had
not a square inch of sealed honey amongst them. They
all had comb-foundation given them, and were fed libe-
rally until full of comb, but not a drop of honey have
they been able to store away. The only good I shall get
this year will be a collection of good clean comb for next
year. Ought there to be sealed brood now, as there seems
to be none in any of the hives ? By uniting I can keep
the stocks strong, and by feeding at once I hope they will
store plenty for the winter.' — A. J. H. W.

Ireland. — ' I am always feeding and as yet have very
little for it. I am undecided as to whether I ought to
unite still more or not. There are three or four frames
of brood, but very little honey in several of the hives.
But I think by feeding well for the next six weeks they
will be strong enough for the winter ; but I am sure you
woidd be shocked if you saw how empty the hives are.
At most, only six frames (the division board encloses
that number). I am so reduced, but I suppose we ought
to consider the year we have had, the like of which I
hope we shall not witness again.'

130

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[Oct. 1, 1879.

HelmsUy, York. — ' The best of my stocks have got no
more than 5 lbs. of honey at the moors, the heather being
very bad, it never being known so bad before. I have
placed my stocks in Combination hives, one stock at each
end, with dummy between and entrance at each end. I
have placed a feeder to each stock (Cook's, with glass
top), and find they take 3 lbs. each per day at present.
I am going to fill barley-chaff between inner and outer
case, it being the best to keep the frost out, and a layer
of the same on the top of quilt.' — J. W.

Kteru anb JLcjjIit.

Qfeby No 326. — Would you please say in next
Journal what is the best thing to be done to a hive
which has a drone-breeding queen ? — Orpington, Kent.

Reply to Query No. 326. — The obvious course on
discovering the calamity would be to remove the un-
fertile queen and replace her with a fertile one if there
were sufficient bees to warrant the expense and trouble
the operation woidd involve. And this might have been
done without consulting us and losing the time since the
22nd of September when the query was written. Now,
however, we cannot recommend tampering with the
stock which, at best, consists of a few combs and a few
thousands ( ?) of old bees that can scarcely be expected to
survive the winter. We would remove the queen and
add the bees to another stock of bees where they w-ould
help to store, evaporate, and seal over the food necessary
to winter them before they ' pegged out.' — Ed.

A Bee Puzzle. — A bee-keeper once boasted that he
had ten rows of bee-hives, three in each row, which was
true, but upon counting them it was found that there
were only nine hives. How were they placed ? — Ed.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS & INQUIRERS.

The Coloured Wrapper it should be remembered
indicates that the Subscription has run out. We do
not like to send it so repeatedly, as it is often noticed
by neighbours and servants, therefore we hope those
who wish the Journal to be continued will send their
P. O. Orders to Southall, Middlesex.

H. J. ( Wolverhampton). — We know of no way of inducing
bees to take and store artificial pollen for winter use,
and should certainly not recommend forcing it into the
cells. Our chief care woidd be devoted to the subject
in the spring of the year, when crocuses are about
blooming — there will be no difficulty then. Can you
not find pollen in other hives, and by exchange of combs
rectify the apparent evil. We seldom find hives entirely
devoid of pollen, and perhaps there maybe some in the
present instance, covered with a film of honey and
sealed over.

%\t Jhitisjj §ee Journal

AND BEE-KEEPER'S ADVISER.

The British Bee Journal is published monthly, and
contains the best practical information for the time being,
showing what to do, and when and how to do it.

Subscribers to the Journal are first, second, and third
class. First class are those who subscribe 10s. &d. per
annum, from anj' date, who are entitled to immediate re-
plies, per post, to their queries, when a stamped directed
envelope is sent. Second class are those who subscribe 6s.
per annum, and whose queries can only be replied to through
the columns of the Journal ; and Third are Clubs of Cot-
tagers, each consisting of not less than six, to whom the
charge will be 4s. 6d. each Member.
Subscriptions, Correspondence, and Inquiries to be addressed to

C. N. ABBOTT, Bee Master,
School of Apiculture, Fairlawn, Southall, London.

NEW AND ENLARGED SERIES.

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Jan. 12, 1878.

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LONDON: W. KENT & Co., 23 PATERNOSTER ROW, E.C.

THE

m Jommal,

[No. 79. Vol. VII.]

NOVEMBER, 1879.

[Published Monthly.]

(ftfoxtmml, flotias, fit.

NOVEMBER.

With the advent of this dreary month all
hope of natural irnjirovement in things relating
to bees may bo considered at an end for the
current year, and it now only remains for those
who have given their bees the necessary atten-
tion as regards food, cleanliness, and protection,
to pack them for the winter which is so near,
and of which a foretaste was given during the
past month. On the mornings of the lb'th and
26th ult. our neighbourhood was visited with
sharp frost, blighting all tender things which
were exposed, and cautioning every one to pre-
pare for the evil which must in the nature of
things be expected after such a terrible season,
we may say succession of seasons, of calamitous
disappointments. After the harvest time, in a
year of average success, there comes a pleasant
time of reckoning : crops are assessed for yield
and value, the rules of multiplication, thoroughly
appreciated and understood, are brought into
play, a little sum in arithmetic is worked out,
and the culturist, of whichever science he may
be the exponent or disciple, feels his face
gradually widen and his eyes dilate as the
figures enlarge to the left in the total, and he
finds himself with a balance in his favour that
will keep the wolf of winter from the door, and
enable him to go on his way rejoicing. But in
this dread year, after a season in which there
has been little or no 'multiplication,' indeed,
in far too many instances, wherein the earth
has not only yielded no increase, but has not
even returned the seed to the hand of the sower,
the forecast and outlook are bad, and the faces
and hearts that should be wreathed in smiles and
stimulated with gladness, are swathed in gloom,
and chill with the atmosphere of dread and
despair which has penetrated them and rendered
them sunless and dreary as November itself.

In matters pertaining to apiculture this
picture is by no means overdrawn, for, to our

knowledge, in many well-managed apiaries
there has been neither increase nor profit, while
in those where the let-alone principle has pre-
dominated whole apiaries have disappeared, and
many counties have been left comparatively
beeless. It is well, however, that notwith-
standing the adverse seasons there are so many
who have firm reliance in apiculture as a pro-
fitable pursuit, and who accept the failures of
the year as a visitation which no earthly power
could foresee or prevent, and, putting a good
face upon it, take it as a matter of course, and
by redoubled care endeavour to prevent actual
loss, and teach their less-experienced brethren
to profit by their example. In this respect, the
Committee of the British Bee-keepers' Associ-
ation may be honestly congratulated on the
wonderful success that has attended their
labours wherever they have been directed. By
their great exhibitions at Kilburn and Ken-
sington, by the convincing efforts that have been
made in their travelling tent where exhibitions
of manipulation with live bees have been given
and lectures delivered, bringing to light the
economy of the hive, and explaining away the
mysteries which enwrapped it with the super-
natural as with a garment it was sacrilege to
rend or remove. By these, and their meetings
and conversaziones, and by the awardingof prizes
to stimulate the bee-keepers of the whole king-
dom to the improvement of the science in all
its bearings, we say, and we feel confident, that
an approving response will echo throughout the
land, that they have faithfully performed the
duty they imposed upon themselves, and are
deserving the thanks of the community at
large, and its most cordial support in the future.
We are not unmindful of the efforts of those
who conduct county and local associations, of
which there is now a numerous list, gradually
increasing ; all praise is due to them, and they
deserve the highest commendation for the genial
spirit of philanthropy they have displayed in
carrying on the useful work. Missionary-like,
they have gone into the by-ways and corners
where ignorance lurked, pitched their tent, and
by word and deed conveyed instruction on

132

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[November 1, 1879.

matters relating to bees, that has awakened the
public generally to a sense of the importance of
their culture, and tended to revive the pursuit as
one of considerable consequence to the nation.

USEFUL HINTS.

Barley-Sugar Feeding. — Should any feeding
be now necessary, barley-sugar is the only food
that should be given. It is highly wasteful to
give that ordinarily sold by confectioners, as it
is usually too highly dried (to make it keep),
and a third of it will not deliquesce or become
liquid, so the bees, being unable to lick it up,
carry it out of the hive, and throw it away.
Barley-sugar may be given anyhow, so that the
bees have access to it without injury to them-
selves. It may be placed over the central hole
in a little pile, and a flower-pot inverted over
it, or it may be thrust between the combs
amongst the bees, placed under the quilt on the
top of the frames, or, in fact, anywhere where it
will be near the bees ; but it must be given in
small quantities, or it may liquefy too rapidly,
and run down among them, making them sticky
and wet at a (cold) time, when they will be
unable to free themselves from it, and thus
it may be a source of mischief. Barley-sugar
is recommended as winter food because it
contains so little moisture, and consequently
there is less to evaporate than if syrup be
given.

Winter Passages. — ' I do not like to dis-
turb my bees, to make these,' say several cor-
respondents. ' Will it not do to make a way
above the frames for the bees to pass from comb
to comb ? ' Well, we once lived in a house with
front and back staircases, and between them
were a parlour and kitchen communicating, and
in cold weather we found it much more comfort-
able and convenient to pass through the doorway
below (the winter passage) than to climb one
set of stairs, traverse the cold upper rooms,
and descend by the other stairway. We would
much prefer the inconvenience attending the
making of a doorway, even so late as at Christ-
mas, rather than force our family to run up and
down stairs so often, and we have little doubt
but that if the bees could convey information
otherwise than by results (which speak plainly
to those who can interpret), they would recom-
mend that a similar course be adopted for their
benefit.

Preventing Draught. — On another page (p.
139) will be found our new idea for preventing
draught through the bee nest. We are fully
aware that it is not practicable in all hives ;
but some modification may be attempted in
most, and we hope a great number of bee-
keepers will test the theory suggested. Any-

how every one possessing a bar-frame hive can
adopt the means we have so often referred to
for preventing the draught round frame ends,
by inserting wooden stoppers between their
frames, as indicated in the woodcut. In straw

skeps, where the bees build up to the crown
and half way down the sides, they winter well
as a rule, and consume very little food ; but
bee-keepers do not seem disposed to learn from
the bees, but prefer to wander by intricate ways
in search of truths that are staring them in
the face at home.

Narrowing Entrances. — We are almost
afraid, after Mr. Cheshire's demur (p. 139),
to suggest that if entrances be nearly closed,
less draught will be possible through hives
than if the entrance be left fully open ; but
anyhow we are convinced that they will be easier
to defend should a raid upon them be made by
robbers. Entrances should never be closed
entirely, even during the worst weather ; they
should be shaded to prevent too much light
tempting the bees forth to their destruction,
but room should always be left for two bees to
pass.

Transferring. — The open weather in Octo-
ber instead of being utilised for feeding, trans-
ferring, uniting, and getting ready for winter,
has tempted a great number of bee-keepers to
put off attending to them; and to many letters
of inquiry we can only say, it is too late for
transferring with any hope that the bees will
do well.

Uniting and Feeding must still be done
where they are necessary ; but the risk is great,
and if dysentery lays hold of a hive, it is diffi-
cult to shake off, and is very likely to c use its
destruction.

Preserving Empty Combs. — Whenever we
have tried to preserve combs in a box or other
receptacle, our object has generally been de-
feated, for the moth or its worms would surely
get in and damage them ; but we found that if
hung separately in a dry airy place they es-
caped, it appearing that a moist atmosphere is
necessary to the life of the pests. Full combs
are also liable to attack, and none should be left
completely out of sight, particularly those that
may have been raised on, or in, straw skeps,
which are convenient harbours for the destruc-
tive vermin.

November 1, 18/9.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

133

Keeping Foundation. — We have never had
comb-foundation attacked by moth ; but a cor-
respondent suggests the possibility of a lodg-
ment being effected, and therefore it will be
well to overhaul the stock occasionally.

Wooden Foundations. — We had the plea-
sure of showing at the Conversazione on the
15th ult. some specimens of the cells obtained
by our proposed shoe-nail foundation- rollers,
and considerable surprise was created by the
excellent character of the work performed. In
some instances the walls of the cells were more
than a sixteenth of an inch high, and contained
sufficient material to enable the bees to complete
them, if they will do so ; though it is just
possible that there may be too much for them
to handle conveniently. We have received
considerable assistance in our search for nails
of correct size (which we have not yet found),
but we hope some one may yet find such as will
answer the purpose, and prevent the necessity
for a special manufacture.

Flowers for Bees. — We have this season
planted 4000 additional crocuses about our
apiary, making in all about 9000, which have
been entrusted to Mother Earth, in the hope
of future reward in beauty and usefulness. We
have also sown a quantity of the annual Lim-
nanthis Douglasi, kindly forwarded to us from
Belvoir by Mr. Ingram, who so highly extols
it as a bee -flower. Wallflowers and Arabis
alpinus, great favourites of ours, are grown in
abundance, though last year the former was
terribly cut up by the frost. We have, also,
about a hundred palm-bearing willows, and
about a thousand gooseberry and currant-trees,
so are tolerably well prepared for a supply of
early natural pollen. We shall not, however,
forget the artificial when the first blossoms
appear, and bees are able to fly in search of it.
Boiling up Old Combs. — It is sheer folly
to allow old combs to lie about, to become the
receptacles and nurseries for wax-moth. Boil
them up by the plan recommended to us by
Mr. J. M. Hooker, of Sevenoaks, as follows : —
Throw all the comb into a copper, press it into
a small compass, get a ring of wood or metal
the diameter of the copper, cover the ring with
straining material, and press it inside the copper,
fastening it down by sticks thrust up against
the ceiling. The copper is then to be filled
with water, and hy boiling, the wax will be
thrown out of the comb and will rise to the
surface, where, when cold, it can be taken off
in a clean cake. Mr. Hooker much prefers this
plan to pressing the comb into a bag and boiling
it, as in the former case ebullition separates the
cocoons, and allows the wax to pass freely up-
wards, the cocoons themselves being boiled
quite free of wax, and becoming afterwards dry
as chaff.

ABBOTT'S PRIZE OBSERVATORY
HIVE.

The official report of the judges at the South
Kensington show says, in regard to this hive
(p. 97, Vol. VII., B. B. J.) :—

' The first prize was unanimously adjudged to Mr. O.
N. Abbott's Observatory hive. It commended itself at
once by its simplicity of construction; the fact that it
presents the entire hive of bees in its strictly normal con-
dition for general observation, and retains it so up to the
very moment when a partial separation of any of its
component parts is required to be made for any special
investigation ; and that it appears to open out a field for
very extensive development in the future, whereby many
of the vexed questions in bee science may be partially, if
not entirely, solved. The principle of this hive presents
a new starting-point for vast improvements.'

It is comforting to have one's inventions thus
kindly appreciated by such excellent judges as
subscribed their names to the Report, but we
feel that it is necessary also that the public at
large should share also the benefits which may be
derived from the acknowledged improvements
contained therein, and, therefore, at the risk of
being thought interested (for lucre) we take
leave to describe the hive, premising that there
is nothing 'patent' in its construction, and that
any one of ordinary capacity, with a little spare
cash, may make one for himself. It is neces-
sary that such a hive should be chiefly of
glass, or the bees could not readily be seen at
work ; and therefore the wooden part of the
work is very slight, there being for the hive
proper only a floor-board on legs, with grooved
corner-pieces running up to receive the glass,
which forms the walls of the hive, upon which
the crown of the hive rests, and by which it is
held in position. To keep the legs firm, pieces
of board, four inches wide, are screwed on aU
round the floor-board, and to protect the glass
from injury an outside cover is arranged, which
may either be hinged in pieces to the last-
named or slid on as a whole ; but this latter is
not here shown. An arrangement that over-
comes the difficulty hitherto exjDerienced of
keeping the bees in their natural condition, so
far as is possible within a hive, is effected by
aUowing the glass crown of the hive to rest on
the back and front waUs only, leaving crevices

134

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[November 1, 1879.

one-sixteenth of an inch wide between it and
the side walls ; and by providing the frame-
bars with flat metal ends, which, project through
the crevices above named, and afford means for
moving the frames of comb and bees backward
or forward at will. The hive should be made
of a capacity to hold about three times the
number of frames it is intended to place in it, so
that there may be plenty of room in which to
sejoarate them when either is to be brought
under observation. The judges are doubtless
right in suggesting that the 'principle ' of the
hive is a starting-point for great improvements ;
but in the meantime, we are pleased to think
we have produced a hive in which bees can in-
crease, and multiply, and work profitably, yet
in which, at a moment's notice, every part of
the hive, bees, and comb, can be viewed equally
as well as in any other hive made for the pur-
pose. Observatory hives have been in use for
many years, but hitherto they have been ex-
pensive luxuries, useful only for observation
purposes ; but in that under notice, which, by-
the-by, is nothing more or less than an 'Abbott's
Combination Hive ' with glass walls and crown,
the bees can do all that is possible in any
other, will increase as rapidly, will gather as
much honey, store it as readily, and winter as
healthily, if equal care be taken. This hive
can be placed either in a garden, summer-house,
or drawing-room. For safety to ' observers,' it
should be within a building, the means of exit
being outside ; but with those who do not fear
bees, and those who do not object to wear a veil,
it woidd be practically better outside a building,
but sufficiently near to give facilities for bringing
it on the inner side during winter. This Obser-
vatory is especially recommended for ladies' use,
it having been an object of intense interest to
them wherever it has been exhibited.

BKITISH BEE-KEEPEBS' ASSOCIATION.

The Third Quarterly Meeting of the Committee, held
for the purpose of conferring with county representa-
tives, took place at the Board-room "f the National
Chamber of Trade, 440 Strand, on Wednesday, October
15th. There were present, Messrs. T. W. Cowan (in the
chair), C. N. Abbott, E. Cheshire, J. Hunter, J. M.
Hooker, Bev. E. Bartrum, W. O'B. Glenuie (Treasurer),
and Bev. H. B. Beel (Hon. Sec.) : there were also present
Mr. Jesse Garratt (Kent), and F. II. Lemaire (Surrey).
The minutes of the previous meeting having been unani-
mously confirmed and signed, the Secretary read a letter
received from Mr. W. N" Griffin, Secretary of the Devon
and Exeter Association, regretting his inability to be
present at the meeting, and pointing out the need of suit-
able diagrams for lectures, &c. in schoolrooms. A letter
was also read from Mr. P. H. Phillips, of Offley Lodge,
Hitchin, to the same effect. The Secretary also reported
that he had had an interview with Major Donelly, at
the Science and Art Department, South Kensington,
upon the subject ; and read a list of suggestions which
had been given to him for the guidance of the Com-
mittee in the matter.

The cost, Sec. of such diagrams having been discussed

at some length, it was unanimously resolved that a sub-
committee consisting of Mr. Cheshire and Mr. Hooker,
with the hon. sec, be formed for the purpose of in-
quiring into the cost of such diagrams, with the view to
their publication. Mr. Abbott gave notice ' that at the
next meeting he should bring forward a resolution, with
the view of some steps being taken for the introduction
of honey exhibits at the dairy and other shows.'

The balance-sheet for the month ending September 30,
was read as follows : —

Income.

£. s. a.

Amount received Jan. 1st to Aug. 30 . 389 4 3

„ „ Sept. 1-30 . . 35 3 6

Total— 424 7 9

Expend itueje.

£. s. d.

Amount expended Jan. 1 to Aug. 30 . 337 16 3

„ „ Sept. 1-30 . . 26 19 5J

Balance in hand . . 59 12 0i

Total— 424 7 9

Mr. Garratt (Kent) informed the Committee that the
Cray Valley Bee-Keepers' Association had determined to
abolish that title, and to form an Association for the
County of Kent, under the title of the West Kent Bee-
Keepers' Association ; and that he had received instruc-
tions to make application for a commendatory letter from
the Central Society to the bee-keepers and other resi-
dents in the County of Kent. It was unanimously
resolved that the following letter be issued, viz. 'The
Committee of the British Bee-keepers' Association
has much pleasure in directing the attention of its
members and all those interested in the subject of bee-
culture, residing in the County of Kent, to the fact that
an association to be named the West Kent Bee-keepers'
Association is about to be formed in that county. The
Committee of the British Bee-keepers' Association,
recognising the claim for affiliation put forward by the
new Association, and being desirous of promoting its
success, willingly responds to the wish that has been ex-
pressed that a communication should be addressed to the
Bee-keepers of Kent by the parent Association, com-
mending it to their generous support. This wish it
therefore heartily endorses, and further indulges the hope
that complete success may be secured by the hearty co-
operation of all bee-keepers residing in the county.'

The Bev. E. Bartrum considered that some steps should
be taken with the view of inducing the Government to
appoint a Professor of Apiculture, in connection with
the Science and Art Department of South Kensington.

Mr. Bartrum having promised to endeavour to obtain
some information upon this subject, it was deferred until
a future meeting.

BBITISH BEE-KEEPEKS' ASSOCIATION.

QUARTERLY CONVERSAZIONE.

On Wednesday evening, October 15th, an influential
feathering took place in the Board-room of the National
Chamber of Trade, 446 Strand, when a most interesting
paper on ' Wintering Bees ' was read bv Thomas W.
Cowan, Esq., F.G.S., F.K.M.S., of Horsham, Sussex.
Amongst those present were the Bev. E. Bartrum, the Bev.
H. B. Peel (hon. secretarv), Major-General Saunders,
Messrs. B. B. Godfrev, W. O'B'. Glennie (Treasurer),
F. Cheshire, J. Hunter, J. M. Hooker, C. N. Abbott
(Editor of the British Bee Journal), F. B. Jackson, &c.

Mr. F. B. Jackson was voted to the chair, and in the
course of a few opening remarks bore testimony to the
great value of meetings of this character, which must

November 1, 1879.

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

135

have a very important influence upon bee-keeping- gene-
rally. Looking at the success of the past, which was
due in a great measure to the energy and enthusiasm
of the Hon. Secretary, he did hope that the expressed
wish of Lady Burdett Coutts woidd soon be realised
by the formation of a bee-keepers' association in every
county of England. He then introduced Mr. Cowan,
who read the following paper : —

Wintebing Bees.

The problem which has been for some time, and is
still, puzzling many of our bee-keepers, of how to safely
winter their bees is of such importance, that upon the
request of our honorary secretary I at once consented to
introduce the subject before you for discussion to-night,
more especially as this is the season of the }rear when
such a discussion would be productive of most good to
apiculture. Every autumn some allusion is made, and
directions are given, by the editor of the British Bee
Journal and by contributors to that and other periodicals,
and yet every spring we read most dismal accounts of the
state in which hives are found at that time. It is quite
distressing to read the accounts of the disasters, many of
which woidd have been avoided if only some of these
instructions had been carried out. Nor is this state of
things confined to our own bee-keepers, for we find that
in America, where the subject has been more thoroughly
discussed, and has received more attention than it has
here, in the spring of each year the journals are filled
with letters of complaint and questions as to the cause of
disastrous wintering-.

How long is such a state of things to exist ? and,
with our present knowledge of apiculture, is there any
difficulty in the way of successfully wintering bees? lo
the first question I can give you no answer ; and the
second I will endeavour to answer by stating the condi-
tions necessary for safe wintering, and how those condi-
tions can be easily secured.

In January, 1878, Mrs. E. S. Tupper, of America, in
detailing her experiences of wintering bees' in the winter
of Mffl sou IBT2, and cOTwring) Juki with chaff or a
piece of blanket, sums up by saying: '1 consider the
requisites to Successful wintering in the open air to be,
abundant stdfcrs with winter passages through the combs,
a large colony of bees, and upward ventilation, secured
without a draught of cold air passing through tl
To this, I would add the necessity of keeping the bees at
as even a temperature as possible throughout the winter.

It is an acknowledged fact, that bees consume a cer-
tain quantity of food during the whiter months for the
purpose of generating heat, and that they are more or
less active during this period. The more even the tem-
perature of the hive the less food will be consumed, the
bees will display less activity, and will excrete very little.
The greater the variation in the temperature the larger
the quantity of food consumed, the greater the activity
of the bees, and, consequently, the excretion, either in the
form of fasces or by evaporation, from the body is greater;
and as the bees are unable at such seasons to leave the
hive, the result is abdominal distention, of which I need
not now speak, as Mr. Cheshire last spring gave us a
most eloquent and interesting lecture on the subject. I
should, however, add that this abdominal distention causes
a large amount of faecal deposit in the hive, rendering
the atmosphere poisonous, and ultimately resulting in
dysenteiy.

When the hive is too cold the bees cannot retain the
faecal matter, but void it over the combs. They also
consume a large quantity of food, which causes the ex-
halation of a large quantity of moisture from their bodies,
which is condensed on the cold combs and sides of hive.
This often freezes, and prevents the bees getting at their
stores, and they starve with abundance of food near
them. As soon as the temperature rises, the ice is again
converted into moisture, which, if not got rid of, induces

fungoid growth, and causes mouldy combs. It will,
therefore, be seen that to keep the bees in health dining
the whiter months requires a uniform temperature in the
hive.

To preserve the uniformity in the temperature of a
hive requires, not only food, but that there should be also
a large number of bees in it. A large number of bees
will keep up a higher temperature with a proportionately
smaller amount of food than a small one. Bees cluster
compactly together in winter, and thus maintain their
proper temperature of about 65 degrees. Now, to keep up
this temperature requires, as we have seen, a consumption
of a certain quantity of food, and this consumption causes
a certain amount of activity. The work performed by
the bees in generating this heat is hi proportion to the
numbers contained hi the hive. If there are but a small
number, they will have to consume a large quantity of
food and exert themselves considerably to keep up the
heat. If, on the contrary, there are a very large number
of bees, the same amount of food will be consumed, but
in a smaller proportion by each individual bee, and with
a smaller amount of exertion the same degree of heat
will be maintained. The life of a bee is in proportion to
the amount of work it does. Although during the summer
months the worker-bee only lives a few weeks, bees bred
in the autumn are capable of passing through the winter,
but only then if they are not called upon to do too much
work. If they have to exert themselves much to keep
up the heat of the hive, the older ones die off, and only
the youngest remaiu. Hence it will be seen, that we
require, not only a large number of bees, but that they
shall be young, so as to be able to perform the trying-
work of keeping up the temperature. Therefore, to
maintain a uniform temperature requires, in addition to
food, a sufficient number of young bees.

The heat produced in a hive is in direct proportion to
the food consumed ; and, in this consumption, in addition
to the moisture, a proportionate quantity of carbonic acid
gas is given oil, which is equally as noxious to bees as
to the higher animate. This carbonic acid and moisture
must be got rid can expect the bees to pass

through the winter months in saretj . \\
before us the require wintering, viz. :

A uniform temporal ; a sufficient quantity of food:

a large nutata?" roving bees; and
moisture and noxious gases.

Let us now consider the qtuintir of fooa necessary
to be provided for the winter eonsumption of one stock
of bees. It is admitted that a strong colony of bees will
not consume more honey than a weak one; and in a large
moveable-comb hive I have found, that taking the winter
through, the average consumption of honey is about
lj ounces a-day, or for the five months, from the 1st
October to the 1st of March, during the time that
breeding- is almost entirely suspended, the consumption is
about 13 lbs. It is, however, not safe to rely on such a
small amount, for the simple reason that this small con-
sumption requires a most even temperature, which is
sometimes difficult to maintain, and does not provide for
the contingencies so frequent in our variable climate. I
do not consider it safe to winter a hive with less than
from 25 to 30 lbs. of food, for although 13 lbs. is just
sufficient if the temperature is uniform, yet I have found
when it fluctuates much, as it frequently does, the con-
sumption is mtich greater. I have also noticed that bees
with only a sufficient quantity of food in their hive are
much more restless, and are induced to fly out more fre-
quently than those yvell provisioned ; and as our object
is to keep the bees as quiet as possible, for the reasons
before stated, it is safer to allow them an abundance of
stores.

It has been stated that bees often starve with an
abundance of stores near them. This often happens
when they cannot pass from one comb to the other in
cold weather, They are reluctant to leave the warm

13G

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[NoTember 1, 1879.

cluster and pass round the cold ends of the comh ; there-
fore, to insure the stores being accessible, it is necessary
to cut passages through the combs, so that they can pass
through from one comb to another without having to go
round it.

The next object we must aim at is to have a large
population of young bees. Breeding, in a hive left to
itself, will often cease about the middle of August, and
if there is much honey collected during September, as
has been the case in my neighbourhood this }'ear, every
cell in the brood-chamber is filled with it, and, by the
beginning of October, there is no brood, and no place to
put any. Now, a hive in this state is in the worst
possible condition for wintering. The bees in such hives
must die a natural death, most of them before winter,
and the hive become depopulated . It is natural for bees
to gather all the honey they can, and they store it in such
combs as they have, and will fill the brood-comb as fast
as the bees are hatched out, and continue to do so until
the end of September, when the frost generally cuts off
all sources of supply. Now, supposing the youngest bees
in such a hive on the 1st October are six weeks old, then
about the end of November, when cold weather sets in,
the hive is full of old bees and honey. Presuming that
at the beginning of February (as it frequently happens)
the queen begins to lay again, can these bees five long
enough to hatch the brood ? I think not. There may
be some left to cover the brood, but by the time the
brood should hatch they are too weak to keep up the
necessary degree of heat, and the colony, if it survives
the winter, is sure to perish in the spring. Our object,
therefore, must be to induce breeding to be continued as
late as possible, at any rate until October, so that the
hive may contain as many young bees as possible to take
up the work of the hive in the spring. We have seen
that when bees consume food to maintain the tempera-
ture of a hive, a certain amount of heated air, in addition
to carbonic .acid ga>\ is exhaled, and this heated air
ubs and side.'

means of
other. mtilatioD, taking care

to do so rithoul creating a draught. I remembei tfe
(June w ben el se^fittii \ i ra oar< ',. wiili n

hole iii rhi eeni re and b freqi ■ , bad to pui ip

of the moist i
on them. So was I of the necessity

of ' ilation, that I used to raise the hive an eighth of
an inch all round, and also raise the back of the crown-
board an eighth of an inch, and, by contracting the en-
trance, the desired end was secured. A great improve-
ment was made by Mr. Cheshire* when he introduced his
divisional crown-board, as by moving the divisions apart,
any amount of ventilation could be secured. The quilts
introduced in America afford us another way of easily
ventilating a hive, provided they are properly applied.

The usual way of placing a quilt, just sufficiently large
enough to cover the top of the hive, does not secure to
us the greatest advantage we can derive from it, and it
often happens that it becomes wet, owing to the too slow
evaporation of the moisture from it ; but if the quilt is
allowed to extend half-way down the outside of the
hive it remains dry, because the capillary force is greatly
increased, and draws the moisture out, as through a
syphon.f The experiment is easily demonstrated by

* We crave pardon for correcting Mr. Cowan in respect of
the divisional crown-board : it was an invention of our own,
in use by us in 1871 ; it was described in the English
Mechanic, February 9, 1872, and illustrated in that valu-
able periodical on September 20 of the same year. We
gave Mr. Cheshire credit for an improvement in it by
which on reversing its outside pieces it could also be used
as a honey-board (See B. B. Journal, Vol. I. pp. 99, 100,
November, 1873).— Ed.

t We are very glad to say that our way of applying the
uilt never necessitates any precaution of the kind here

placing a roll of cotton-wick in a glass of water, extending
only a short distance above the surface, the liquid will
ascend the wick and be slowly evaporated ; but if the
wick is drawn over the side of the glass, extending half-
way down, this capillary force is considerably increased,
and will soon empty the glass.

Having now stated the requirements for successfully
wintering bees, I will conclude by giving you a descrip-
tion of some of my methods of proceeding. Nearly all
my bees are in moveable-frame hives, and they are ex-
amined frequently during the autumn months, and if
breeding is found to be suspended, owing to an influx of
honey, it is extracted, and the hive provided with empty
combs sufficient for breeding purposes. If, on the other
hand, breeding- is relaxed owing to a want of honey, the
bees are stimulated by gentle feeding, and thus the queen
is induced to continue laying. If the colony is weak and
deficient in numbers, it is united to another one, and one
of the queens selected. It is very important to have
vigorous and prolific queens, and if any are found not so
they are at once replaced by younger ones. At the
beginning of October all hives are fed up, so as to con-
tain from 25 to 30 lbs. of stores sealed up. All honey,
or syrup, unsealed is extracted ; the two outer combs
are removed, and the space contracted by a dummy. .
Winter passages are cut in the combs, so that the bees
may pass from one comb to the other, and avoid being
chilled by having to pass round the frames. For venti-
lation, I have used the divisional crown-board, a quilt,
an empty super the same size as the hive, all with equal
success. Last season I tried the following plans : — The
combs were placed apart so that they were 2 inches from
centre to centre, a piece of drugget was put on the top
of the frames, hanging over the outer frames and reaching
the floor-board. On the top of this another piece of
drugget was placed, covering the top of the hive. Be-
tween the drugget and the top of frame I placed a piece
of wood five-eighths of an inch .square to allow the beea
to. pass over the frames, and ou the top of the hive was
placed an emntf has with a l <;-

ni Eire was treated in a similar way, except
thai the upper box was filled-with chaff. Both wintered

-'fully and turned out strong in the spring. Having,
been in the habit of driving a number of straw skepa
everv autumn for the cottagers in the neighbourhood,
I have been able, by joining several lots together and
feeding them up, to make quite respectable stocks before
the cold weather sets in. Observing that as the combs
do not reach the bottom, the bees generally cluster at the
lower ends of them, I was induced to try an eke on one
of my stocks, with equally good results. I may here
remark, that driven bees fed up in the autumn invariably
make the strongest stocks the following season, for the
simple reason, that as they are obliged to make new
comb, breeding is kept up later, and the population is a
young one.

Being convinced that it is injurious for bees to live in
a foul atmosphere, and that ventilation was necessary,
the idea occurred to me that if we could change the
atmosphere in a hive continuously, without reducing the
temperature or creating a cold draught, we should be
making a forward step in successfully wintering bees. I,
therefore, constructed a frame containing a tin box, with
a tube at the bottom, which passes to the outside of the
hive, and a tube at the top, branching off to the front and
back inside. This frame is placed in the centre of the
hive, which is contracted in such a way that the bees are
forced to cluster around the tin box. On the top a close-
fitting crown-board is placed, and the hive is raised one-
eighth of an inch off the floor-board, and the entrance con-
suggested. We take care to keep our quilt well within the
hive roof or casing, since we find that the material is more
likely to get wet from outside causes than from anything
within. — Ed.

November 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

137

tracted to about half an inch. Now, the heat of the cluster
warms the sides of the box, which at once causes the fresh
air from the outside of hive to enter at the lower end of the
tube, and in its passage through the box the temperature
is raised, and it Hows out of the top tubes, and is diffused
through the hive. The warm air thus entering at the top
of the hive drives down the cold air and all the noxious

gases. A small tube, at the side of the box, having a
funnel reaching to within an inch of the floor-board, and
having an outlet outside the hive at the top, also assists
in getting rid of the gases without creating a draught.
In this way the hive is constantly supplied with pure air
of an even temperature, and the hive in which I tried this
frame last winter was the most flourishing one I had in
the spring. So convinced am I that this is a risht way
of supplying ventilation, that I am about to try it again
this winter on a larger scale. Some of ray hives are
double cased, and require no outer protection ; but my
single-walled hives are covered with brown paper and
straw, or if they are in houses, they are surrounded with
chaff. As it is best for bees to be as quiet as possible
during the winter months, they are not disturbed after
the beginning of November until about the end of
February or the beginning of March, when they are
overhauled and transferred to clean hives if the weather
is favourable. If it is too cold, the earliest opportunity
is taken to do the transferring. Means are at once taken to
induce the queen to commence laying, and in this way the
colonies pass through the winter and spring months safely,
and are strong by the time honey-gathering commences
AK my hives are scalded aftSf t&ey have been
used, and the bees are fed on syrup containing a certain
amount of salicylic acid, as it prevents candying and is
an antidote for foul brood.

I always keep a stock solution of salicylic acid, with
which I wash over all my hives and frames, and before 1
replace any of the combs into the hive they are sprayed
with it. The food in the autumn must be thicker than
in the spring, as it takes a longer time to evaporate before
the bees can seal it up ; but in the spring, as the bees
require a larger amount of water, I have found it ad-
vantageous to give them the syrup more diluted.

I have tried other methods of wintering besides those
mentioned, and of course many other ways will suggest
themselves to the scientific apiarian, and I should be glad
to hear the experiences of those present ; but I think we
may safely lay it down as a rule, that to winter bees
successfully it is necessary to have, — 1st, an abundance
of stores ; 2nd, winter passages through the combs ; 3rd,
a large number of young bees and prolific queens ; 4th,
provisions for sufficient and proper ventilation without
cold draughts.

Mr. Hunter said it was mentioned in the paper that
sixty -five degrees of heat was necessary in the hives ; was
that intended for breeding purposes, or merely to keep
the bees alive ?

Mr. Manning desired to be informed how late Mr.
Cowan considered it safe to drive bees ?

Mr. Cowan : For what purpose, sir F

Mr. Manning: For the purpose of taking cottagers'
skeps and keeping the bees through the winter.

Mr. Abbott : I shoidd like to take Mr. Cowan's opinion
as to the necessity for pollen in the hives during winter.

Mr. Garratt : There was a remark as to new combs :

does that refer to combs made in autumn? If so the
bees must be driven earlier.

Mr. Cheshire said they were very much indebted to
Mr. Cowan for the excellent paper he had laid before
them With the permission of the chairman he should
like to make a few observations on one of the questions
that had been asked, fur it seemed to him that the point
so raised had a very considerable bearing on the question
before them, as to the best method of wintering bees. The
question to which he alluded was that as to the necessity
of pollen in hives during winter. Having for some time
been making experiments in this matter, he had reached
certain results which, to some extent, were remarkable;
and he thought he had succeeded in finding a way of
feeding bees which would in a great measure revolutionise
past systems. They all knew that bees require two kinds
of food — as indeed all animals do : they require honey for
heat and force, and pollen to keep up their own tissue, and
to produce tissue in the young grubs which are being fed
in the hive. For some years he had been endeavouring to
find out how best to give pollen to bees at all times. Up
to a few years ago when they spoke of feeding stocks,
they meant giving them sugar ; but that was only half
accomplishing all that was necessary, for the addition of
nitrogenous food was required. He believed he was the
first to suggest pea-flour, and he found his bees took it
readily. Many wrote on the subject, saying that bees
refused to take pea-flour ; but the answer to that no
doubt was that the bees to whom the flour was offered
were not being fed with syrup. If they had been the
pollen would have been a necessity, and not being able
to get it from the flowers, they would have taken it in
the form of pea-flour. Of course when they gave bees
syrup the air was generally so chilly that they could not
fly abroad to collect the pollen, and to offer them pea-
flour then was useless. Generally pea-flour was offered
in trays in the garden, but unless the temperature be
high enough to induce the bees to fly abroad none could
be appropriated ; but he thought he had surmounted
the difficulty. In H74 or 187o he made a sort of pud-
ding of nitrogen ed witl I water,
which he placed over the tops of the frames. He ould
not ,sa\ wiethi r the bees took any of it, but rf they did
- "mil that it wtu practically value-
This autumn he had been feeding his bees with
artificial pollen, and the stock thai took the afffficiaJ
pollen well in'spi m also took if bi I thi atumn; but
the new bees wi

use it, and with one or two exceptions the; had gi
refused it, even though it was more necessary to them
than to the others. He started condemned bees on the
previous Tuesday, and had no doubt but that he would be
able to start condemned bees at Christmas as well as at
any other time by the means he had discovered. Com-
mencing on October 8th he fed the bees on sugar, for in
his district there was not a particle of pollen or honey to
be obtained; and he noticed the bees flew from the hive
as if in search of water, the syrup probably being too
thick. The difficulty was how to give them pollen,
without which they could not raise the essential brood.
The idea had occurred to him that when bees stored
pollen, it was placed at the bottom of the cell, then
covered over with honey and sealed, the two mingling,
and at the point of contact forming a pasty liquid. Rea-
soning upon that, he thought there could be no harm
in giving them a mixture of honey and pollen ; and so he
simply removed the comb, mixed the pea-flour and syrup
(in which there was a small quantity of salicylic acid)
into a paste, and with a flat knife pressed it into the
comb, and then placed it in the hive [Mr. Cheshire here
exhibited a piece of comb taken from one of his hives,
in which the pea-flour was most beautifully and regu-
larly packed]. In an hour or so afterwards be found the
bees had removed the excess of syrup and had rutnmed
down the pollen as though it had been gathered in the

138

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[November 1, 1879.

natural waj', thus doing with little labour and without
exposing one bee outside the hive all that it would have
taken hundreds of bees many hours to accomplish in the
old way of giving pea-flour. They all knew that in the
stomachs of wax-workers particles of pollen were found,
showing that they not only needed honey but also pollen
to make up for the waste caused by the labour of comb-
building. These bees were getting no pollen, and so he
gave them this artificial food pressed into the comb. In
a few hours he found it reduced in quantity, and on
the Monday following the Saturday in which he put
artificial food in the hive, he was astonished to find that
all had been eaten. He calculated that he had put in
the comb, in the way described, four ounces of pollen and
syrup. This pollen had been consumed before the bees
had any hatched brood in the hive. So that he took it,
by giving- them artificial pollen without the bees having
to leave the hive, they coidd at all seasons of "the year,
when possible to open the hive, give them all the con-
ditions necessary for comb-building. The syrup could be
given in a bottle and the pollen in the comb.

Mr. Manning : Will Mr. Cheshire tell us exactly how
he made the pollen — the ingredients, I mean ?

Mr. Cheshire said the pea-flour immediately soaked
up the syrup, and the paste was made instantly ; it
should be just stiff enough to admit of being held
upon a knife.

Mr. Baldwin : I understand Mr, Cheshire to say that
bees that took artificial pollen hi the spring took it more
readily in the autumn. Did he mean to suggest that the
bees of spring lived on till autumn ?

Mr. Cheshire : I have simply stated a fact, but do not
pretend to account for it. There are many facts in bee-
keeping that cannot be accounted for: for instance, I
have known when a stock has swarmed in a garden,
future swarms from the same stock year after year have
gone to the same place ; and I can only say it is so.

Mr. Lyon : May I ask if bees require pollen while
building comb as well as syrup ?

Mr. Cheshire : Undoubtedly.

Mr. Lyi o . That is rather contrary to my experience.

ear I drove thirty stocks for cottagers, uniting

Mi threes. They took close upon a hundredweight

of sugar, and formed good sticks; I have some at the

■lit. Last Bpring I mentioned twin hives,

and I said I had ae of them: fchi

were both from condemned bees. I took' a hive
«i\vith me to bring them back, and bundled a lot on one side
and nailed dowi thi ; and I also did the same with

tier side. The} remained so throughout the whiter,
and that was the hive I spoke of at the spring meeting
as containing brood on both sides of the division-board.
These bees were brought home on the 28th September,
1878; I gave them nothing but syrup, and I am sure they
did not gather much pollen ; they not only built their
combs, but at the end of January," when the frost closed,
I found both stocks contained brood. I am perfectly cer-
tain the amount of pollen they had was infimtesimally
small, and therefore I think you are rather hi error in.
supposing bees cannot build comb, and also that they can-
not produce brood without pollen.

Mr. Abbott : Has Mr. Cowan had any experience with
regard to artificially sealing honey or syrup ?

Mr. Cowan : I have not.

Mr. Manning : How late could you depend upon the
bees sealing it themselves ?

Mr. Abbott : I should like to know whether Mr. Cowan
thinks it necessary to stop the circulation of air round
the ends of frames.

Mr. Cowan rose to reply. The first question was as to
the temperature : sixty-five degrees was the temperature
which would enable the bees simply to live through the
whiter. That was the temperature he found by means
of a thermometer was the average heat of a cluster
throughout the winter. As to breeding he generally

tried to get his bees to breed in February, if the hive
could be opened and the air was favourable : and he kept
them breeding as long in October as possible. Having
referred to his mode of using the quilt, he spoke of driving
bees, which he had done in the middle of October ; and
this year he should not hesitate to drive, unite, and start
them afresh now. There was plenty of pollen in his
neighbourhood from the ivy. As to the necessity of
pollen, he thought Mr. Cheshire had answered that. He
did not trouble very much about it in the autumn, because
he generally found that bees had sufficient to last them
through the winter ; and it was a very small quantity of
pollen thejr required through the winter months. The
consumption of pollen represented the wear and tear of
tissue. Their object should be to keep the bees as quiet
as possible, so that they should not consume pollen.*
The next point was how late could the honey be sealed.
During October, if the weather was favourable, the bees
woidd seal a great portion of the hone}'. Of course there
was always a quantity of honey not sealed over, and that
at the end of October should be removed. He had not
tried artificial sealing, but he believed it had been success-
fully attempted in Germany.

Mr. Abbott : We have tried it successfully. You
simply want syrup of a honey consistency, and having
got it into the comb, paint it over with melted -wax.

Mr. Cowan : Relative to stopping the ends of frames,
he did not think there would be any objection if the heat
was allowed to circulate from one comb to another ; but
otherwise it would be detrimental.t

* We should be very cautious in giving artificial pollen for
winter use, or causing bees to breed at unseemly times.
Mr. A. I. Eoot, one of the most experienced bee-masters of
America, in his really valuable work, the A B C of Bee
Culture, says on this subject : ' We are interested aho
pollen because bees cannot rear brood without either it
some substitute for it ; bees kept in confinement and fed
on pure sugar, will thrive and void little or no excrement ;
but as soon as pollen, or food containing the farinaceous
element is given ihem, iheir bodies will become distanAM|H
and instead of a transparent fluid they will void a fluid oi
a darkish tint, which will soil their'hives and emit an un-
pleasant smell. I once kept about 300 bees in a r j with
a queen, and gave them only pure sugar and wak They
built comb and seemed quite contented, the cage emitting
no smell at all. In order to start brood-rearing I gave them
some sugar-candy containing flour, and they got uneasy
very soon, and tried in vain to get out. At this time the
cage gave off quite an unpleasant smell, and so they were
allowed to fly ; had the pollen element not been given them,
I presume they would have stood the confinement for a
month or more. I once wintered a fan colony of bees on
stores of pure sugar syrup, and when they flew in the spring
there was no perceptible spot on the white snow about their
hives. They had no pollen, and, of course, no brood-rearing
could go on without it.' We shall be quite content to leave
our bees without artificial pollen, until it is time to set them
breeding for good and all — perhaps by the middle of
February. — Ed.

t This is a point on which we are sorry to disagree with
Mr. Cowan. We consider the circulation of air (and heat)
round the frame-ends to be, next to the close-fitting crown-
board, the chief cause of winter disaster with bees, and a
great factor in numerous summer evils. We hoped that
question had been long since settled in England, and are
glad to say it is now prominent in America, as may be
gathered froni the following quotation from the (American)
Bee-keeper's Magazine for October : ' It is our belief that
bees need different treatment to winter in frame-hives from
what they do in the old box-hive [or skep. — Ed.] . With
combs nearly straight from front to rear, with unfilled space
at each end of the frames, the hives are necessarily much
colder ; and not only that, but bees cannot cluster so com-
pactly with combs in such shape, and when spread out
between four or five straight sheets of comb, the changes in
temperature of our winters affect them much more if a
suitable method of giving protection is adopted.' — Ed.

November 1, 1879.1

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

139

Mr. Lyon : In the case of steps, there is no circulation
there.

Mr. Cowan : The skeps generally are dome-shaped,
whereas the hives are flat, so that there would be a much
larger amount of heated air at a lower level in the straw
skep than in a flat-topped hive.

Mr. Lyon : There is no circulation, the combs being
attached to the sides.

Mr. Hunter said he could not quite agree with
Mr. Cheshire as to the necessity of pollen for comb-
building.

Mr. Cheshire : I did not say so.

Mr. Lyon : That is the impression left on my mind
from what vou said.

Mr. Cheshire : I said it was desirable, not necessary.
Mr. Hunter said, as to its being a necessity for brood-
raising, he did not think there coidd be a question. His
own stocks had suffered very considerably in the spring
from the very want of pollen. Last autumn he made
several stocks from driven bees, and they were very
strong ; but being unable to get out in the winter to take
the artificial pollen he placed in the garden, the breeding
stopped entirely, and stock after stock suffered from
sheer dwindling. On examination, he did not find pollen
in a single cell, and his impression was, they had eaten
all the pollen there was in the hives, and then stopped
breeding from the want of it. There coidd not be a
question that, for breeding purposes, pollen was every-
thing to be desired. If he had tried Mr. Cheshire's plan
he believed he coidd have saved his stocks.

Mr. Cowan said the Rev. E. Bartrum, who had been
obliged to leave, desired him to say that fern-leaves were
an excellent means of packing hives in winter, and for
preventing the collection of insects in the hives.

Mr. Cheshire said one stock of Ligurians fed on arti-
ficial pollen in the spring took to it immediately when it
was placed in the garden this autumn, and he could
now make two big stocks out of that one Ligurian stock.
' And from what he had seen of the rapid brVeding where
he had given pollen as described, he should be much dis-
appointed if» all his hives were not ready for swarming
at the beginning of next April. Of course", chemistry at
once answered the question — Can brood be raised without
pollen ? Brood contained nitrogen, sugar contained none ;
and nnimal tissue coidd not be formed on sugar alone.

Mr. Abbott said he only hoped this mode of feeding
bees with pollen would not be hastily adopted, other-
wise some people would be stuffing their hives with pollen
under the idea of increasing breeding ; but he thought
bees were better stimulated by introducing pollen in
small quantities.

Mr. Cheshire said he believed it was possible for a
large quantity of pollen to be in hives without the bees
knowing it.

Mr. Hunter said he remembered a writer in the
Journal of Horticulture saying that, contrary to bees
wanting pollen, the greatest curse was they had too
much.

The Chairman : Will any gentleman state his experi-
ence of keeping bees in any other modes ?

Mr. Hunter said the Germans and Americans had tried
feeding bees on flour mixed with sugar, and barley-sugar
made into a cake ; and they say it answers admirably.

Mr. Lyon said some time ago a case was mentioned in
the Journal in which condensed milk was tried for feed-
ing purposes. Had that been followed up ?

Mr. Abbott said he had seen bees besiege a cage in
which there was a parrot fed on bread and milk and
sugar.

Mr. Baldwin said it was not uncommon to find hives
with too much pollen in them. He had found pollen so
hard that the bees coidd not remove it.

Mr. Lyon : I have seen pollen thrown out in spring in
hard pellets.

Mr. Cheshire : That is the unfit pollen.

Mr. Hunter : Milk and egg diet is carried on to some
extent in Germany.

Mr. Manning asked what was the experience of mem-
bers with regard to woven hair-cloth, and also whai v, as
considered the best material for a quilt ; and likewise,
what was the most practical method yet adopted for
promoting upward ventilation ?

Mr. Abbott said he had never found any material so
good as woven hair-cloth for the first layer of a quilt.
Next to that was the hair-cloth, such as was commonly
used for covering chairs, with the smooth surface down.
This was almost as good as the other. Hair-cloth was
positively indestructible by bees, and it retained its
character almost for ever. For placing next to that, he
considered the best material was house flannel. It was
imperative to use materials as light as possible, so as not
to crush the bees. Another advantage of hair-cloth was,
that the bees could be fed through it. He knew of no-
thing so good as a quilt for upward ventilation, and the
thickness of it coidd be regulated according to circum-
stances.

Mr. Manning further asked whether any simple plan
was devised to prevent the bees going abroad too soon.

Mr. Abbott said, one means of preventing bees from
flying out on every gleam of sunshme would be to shade
the entrance to the hive.

Mr. Glennie explained a very simple and effectual mode
of shading the entrance of the hives.

Mr. C. J. Stevens spoke on the point of ventilation,
remarking that last winter he had two stocks, one in a
moveable frame and the other in a skep, and when they
were removed from winter quarters the skep stock was
the stronger of the two. He further adverted to the
question of propolising.

Mr. Abbott said it simply amounted to this, if there
was a crevice through which the bees could not pass thev
would propolise ; but if the crevice were larger than they
required to pass through, they woidd build comb.

The honorary secretary said a gentleman wished to
know in what proportion salicylic acid was used te
prevent fermentation, arid also to prevent foul brood.

Mr. Cowan: The recipe in full in the

Journal of Horticulture of the 2nd October.

Mr. Abbott explained a plan for preventing a draught of
air through the hive from the front. The frames lie
would place crosswise at the back of the ln\ I
being a tunnel from the entrance t.i thi I
made of perforated zinc or some other similar
to allow the -wind to pass through the entrance
materially affecting the whole of tli

Mr. Cheshire said he should demur to the way in
which this plan would act*

* Our proposal for lessening the draught through a hive
during a time of wind and storm may be better understood
by reference to the woodcut below, the outline of which

140

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[November 1, 1879.

Mr. Lyon said the object was, that in the ease of
unusual wind the air should not go to the bees, but into
the outer hive through the perforations in the funnel.
He recommended an enclosed flight-chamber, in which
the bees could exercise themselves without being exposed
to the cold air.

Mr. Cowan : That is one of the principles of Mr.
Abbott's new hive.

Mr. Abbott said he considered a flight-chamber a great
advantage. His idea was to have a perfectly dark cavity (a
box would do) immediately outside the hive entrance, so
that bees coming to the front would find it, as it were
night, and would not desire to stir abroad; he thought
that, properly ventilated, bees in that case would be as
well off as if in a cellar, and would not be so uneasy as
if confined to their hives.

The discussion then closed ; and on the motion of Mr.
Glennie and Mr. Hunter, a cordial vote of thanks was
given to Mr. Cowan, who was ever ready with time,
labour, or expense, to promote bee-keeping and the in-
terests of this Association. A similar compliment to
the Chairman on the motion of the honorary secretary,
and to Mr. Cheshire, brought to a termination a pleasant
and instructive conversazione.

NOTTINGHAM AND NOTTS BEE-KEEPERS'

ASSOCIATION.

(Communicated.)

The first show of the above Association was held in the
beautiful grounds of the Nottingham Arboretum on
Friday and Saturday, Sept. 5th aud 6th. The bee-keepers
of the ' Lace Metropolis ' deserve great credit for their
boldness in their endeavours to advance the knowledge of
bee-culture, for we do not find many associations which in
the first year of their existence have the courage to
organize a two days' exhibition without any backing up
from kindred associations. It was at first intended to liold

represents a hive capable of holding a large number of
frames that run cross-wise to the entrance, and Wfc
be used as a twin hive if required. It is, in fact, a hive
on our 'Combination uieh permits of many

facilities not otherwise attainable, and the plan suggested we
intend to cany out in all our hives in which ittis practicable,
eeling convinced tliat it will save bee life by preventing the
wear and tear caused by cold, and that consequently bee
food will be economised to the utmost. In the hive it will
be observed that the frames of comb forming the brood-nest
(a) are set back some distance from the entrance, but are
connected therewith by a passage (c) made of perforated
zinc leading from it (the entrance) to an opening cut into
(or out of) the close-fitting inner front (b), there being a
similar dummy (intact) at the back of the brood-nest to pre-
vent draught in that direction. Now we will suppose that
the bee-nest (<i) is well furnished with stores, the quilt
properly arranged, and the roof adjusted, and that a cold
wind is blowing directly against the hive front ; and then
our argument is that the cold ah- which rushes through the
hive entrance proper, will, in great measure, be dispersed
and escape over the bee-nest and out of the ventilator on
back of the roof, without necessarily passing through the
nest itself; but to this conclusion Mr. Cheshire demurred.
To our mind it appears commonsensible and feasible, and
many to whom we have shown it agree with us ; but Mr.
Cheshire declared it to be against the law of pneumatics,
and held, on our suggesting as a parallel case, that a person
carrying an umbrella, with a little hole in it, would feel as
much cold wind through the little hole, as if he had no
umbrella at all. "We have one other suggestion to add to the
plan proposed, viz. that in lieu of a wooden alighting-board,
which will form an angle with the entrance front, and force
the wind into a hive entrance, a piece of perforated zinc
should be substituted which will let the pressing air pass
through, and always present a clean, dry alighting-place,
which will harbour neither vermin nor dibris of any kind
from the hive.— Ed. B. B. J,

the show in conjunction with one of the horticultural meet-
ings of which Nottingham is by no means deficient, but
the dates fixed for the horticultural displays were all
judged to be too early in the season for a bee show ; and
so our Nottingham friends chose a bolder fine of conduct
and resolved to have an independent exhibition of their
own; a resolve which was well supported by the kind
manner in which Mr. Rogers, the lessee of the Arbore-
tum Refreshment Room and Pavilion, offered the use of
the latter for the purpose.

The pretty refreshment rooms of the Arboretum are
fashioned in very humble imitation of the Crystal Palace,
with a stone centre building having glass corridors
stretching from it on either side some 200 feet or more ;
and it was in the eastern one of these corridors that
the hives, honey, aud apiarian appliances, were exhibited,
while the driving competition, and the manipulations
generally, were conducted in a paddock adjoining, which
on gala days is devoted to 'monster balloon ascents.'

The Duke of St. Albans and Capt. Rolleston kindly
assisted in the good work by furnishing the committee
with splendid ferns and flowering plants for decorative
purposes, and their horticultural beauties were freely and
appropriately interspersed amongst the products of the
lm-y In'.'.

In the classes for hives and bee furniture Messrs.
Neighbour and Sons were in strong force, taking the first
piize in Class 3 with their Philadelphia hives, and also
first prize for the most complete collection of hives and
bee furniture (Class 8.)

Mr. R. Steele obtained second prize in Class 3 (for the
best and most complete hive on the moveable comb,1 i
principle) with his larger 'Eclectic Hive.'

In Class 4, for the best complete hive on the moveable
comb principle for cottagers' use, to include cover and floor-
board facilities for storing surplus honey (price not to esL
cecd 10*. ), the first prize was awarded to Mr. H. Fugglef or a
hive, which, if wo mistake not, was marked at O.s. (id. com-
plete. The second piize in the same class fell to Mr.
ii Dundee. Straw hives on the moveable comb
sented oSly by Messre
bour, who exhibited s round hive with moveable slots,
furnished with a super to match (somewhat after the
Stewarton form), which, with floor-board complete, was
marked at 4». («!. Mr. R Steele and Mr. II. Puggle both
1 heir extractors, the latter talcing the first prize; for
' Extractors for Cottagers' use.'

The first and second prizes for the best super were
awarded to Mr. Sells of Uffington ; and the third to
Mr. W. Sells, who showed some pretty and novel round
china sections.

Many other articles not for exhibition were shown,
including sectional supers, slow and rapid feeders, feed-
ing-stages, &c ; of slow feeders the best was one of
Neighbours, consisting of a tin can perforated at the
bottom with five holes, which rested on a vulcanite
stage in which a slot is cut to correspond with the row
of holes in the can bottom. The can is fixed upon the
stage so that it can only move backwards and forwards
in the line of holes, and it is furnished with a pointer
which moves over an indicator when the can is shifted,
and shows on the indicator how many holes are over the
slot in the stage ; by a touch of the finger on the pointer
the bee may be fed from one, two, three, four, or five
holes at will. In rapid feeders quite a large exhibit was
shown by a local bee-keeper, Mr. W. Talbot, of Nottingham,
one of this gentleman's exhibits (a bottom feeder) was
made to fit in the floor-board, which it nearly covered, while
a tube from the feeder was carried to the back of the hive
and ended in a small covered funnel where the supplies
could be poured in. Another noticeable article was a top
feeder for the old-fashioned dome-topped skep : a hole was
cut at the top of the dome, and a perforated zinc cylinder,
about an inch deep, with perforated zinc bottom, is in-
serted, the cylinder being supported by a flange of zinc

November 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

141

resting on the top of the dome, in this feeder a quart pickle
bottle rested quite snugly and securely without any stage
or other support whatever. When not in use for feeding
the zinc cylinder could either be plugged or tilled with
a ventilating but warm material.

In the classes devoted to honey exhibits, the show was
very creditable, but the amount of this year's honey
shown may be put down as nil, as the committee, finding
that there were no entries made, very wisely withdrew
the usual restriction in the interests of the show. The
lion's share of the prizes was carried off by the Messrs.
Sells of Uffington, and Mr. Musters of Annesley Hall
was awarded a special prize for a fine super weighing
16 lbs. Amongst the honey exhibits, there was one of
about a dozen 1-lb. jars of extracted honey shown by
our friend, Mr. R. K. Godfrey of Grantham (who is
always to the fore), but v\hich -«as marked, 'Not for
competition or sale.' This exhibit was stiged by Mr.
Godfrey in order to show what an attractive form our
honey could he made to assume with a little care. The
jars were of an inexpensive but clean and pretty character,
with nice glass lids, each jar being tastefully finished off
with a neat label. The exhibit was a capital lecture in
itself, and one which it is to be hoped the Nottingham
bee-keepers will profit by. The writer repeatedly heard
the question asked if these jars of honey were for
sale ; and they could no doubt have been sold over and
. over again, simply from their attractive appearance.
\ Samples of American honey, both in sections and in jars,
Jk were also shown by Mr. Godfrey, who kindly allowed
Wf\ V the visitors to taste the difference in flavour between the
imported article and that obtained from English clover
or heather. Mr. Godfrey's diagrams, showing the anatomy
, and physiological characteristics of the honey-bee and
jjdjidred insects, occupied a conspicuous place at one end
Kb the large corridor, and claimed a large share of the
attention of visitors.

Proceeding to the paddock where the driving, &e. took
plhce, we found ourselves in a small Bquare field of about
a quarter of an acre, round two sides of which were
d about thirty hives of all kind . from Vbbott's
Standard down to the antediluvian skeps. Neighbours
Philadelphia and their well-known No. 5, lVttigrew's
big skeps, and home-made hives of various kinds, were
here shown full of bees, some for competition, some for
driving purposes. There was one novelty here noticeable
in the shape of a German moveable comb hive containing
bees, brought from the Austrian Tyrol, and which the
owner, Mr. F. Spencer, of Beeston, called ' Khraner bees.'
The hive itself was an object of interest to the bee-
keepers present, and caused some free comparisons to be
made between it and our own bar-framers. The hive,
which stood upon a four-legged stand, had very much
the appearance of a gas meter, or rather the box with
which our household meter is covered. When the door
of the hive was unlocked and opened (in a manner which
bore out the meter resemblance very much), the whole
of the interior was seen to be like a small cupboard
with one shelf dividing the lower and longer portion,
which is used as the brood nest or pavilion, from the
smaller upper portion, which is the supering apartment.
Both these divisions are fitted with frames, which slide
in from the front, and rest on rabbets, top and bottom.
Thus the top of the hive is never removed, and the
frames cannot be lifted out as in the English bar-frame hive,
but are always fished out from the front with a pair of
pliers. The first prize for foreign bees was awarded to
Mr. Spencer for the bees in this hive. For English bees
in observatory hive, Mr. W. C. Cheshire, the hon. sec.
of the Association, took first and second prizes.

The driving competition began about 2 p.m. (by which
time a considerable, number of visitors were present),
and was continued all the afternoon; the successful
competitors being Mr. Tlio^. Roberts, of Retford, who
drove and captured the queen in eight minutes, the

second prize was awarded to Mr. W. C. Cheshire, of
Gedling.

Most of the bees which were driven during the day
were transferred to bar-frame hives by Mr. J. Phipps,
of Arnold, and other members of the Association, who,
with their shirt-sleeves rolled up, astonished the visitors
by the facility with which they cut up the hive and
transferred the combs and living bees. On the second
day, Saturday, a number of hives were driven and trans-
ferred for persons who had purchased bar-frame hives at
the exhibition, and had brought their bees to be put into
them.

The driving operations were, as nsual, the most popular
part of the exhibition, though it required some courage
on the part of the strangers to approach the operators, for
the only protection provided was a gauze fence about
eight feet high over which the bees of course came and
scoured about the fields by thousands. If the perfect
security of the British Bee-keepers' Association's bee tent
had been afforded, the enjoyment of this, the most in-
structive part of every bee show, woidd have been complete.
Notwithstanding this slight drawback the general arrange-
ments of the exhibition were very good, and reflect great
credit upon the committee of the Association and its
secretary, Mr. Cheshire, to whose indefatigable exertions
the success of the exhibition was mainly due. The
members of the committee, including Messrs. Phipps,
Ward, Baldwin, Talbot, Sissling, and others, were most
courteous in their attention to visitors, and were busily
engaged both days in explaining the nature of the
exhibits to numerous inquirers. The sales effected were
very satisfactory, the exhibits of Messrs. Fuggle and
Steele being all cleared off, and several of Messrs. Neigh-
bour followed suit. The whole of the honey staged for sale
was disposed of, and the cry of visitors was still for more.

Although it is to be feared that the committee will be
losers financially by their praiseworthy effort to advance
the cause of humane bee-culture in this district^ still the
good seed has been sown, and the rea ■ he B. B.

Journal may safely consider Nottinghamshire as another
district in which the humane culture of the honey bee has
' ome an > -. tbfel\ed fact.

The judges were M ■ -v of r+.^nthata-emj-

Mr. T. Roberts of Belvoir, acting for Mr. W. Ingram,
who found himself unable to attend.

LINCOLNSHIRE BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION
AT THE LONG SUTTON AGRICULTURAL
SOCIETY'S SHOW.

The Lincolnshire Bee-keepers' Association held its
fourth annual exhibition of honey, bees, hives, &c, and
practical apiarian manipulations, in conjunction with
the Long Sutton Agricultural Society's Show at Long
Sutton, on Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 8th and 9th,
1879. And we are pleased to report that notwithstanding
all the discouragements arising from the unpropitious
season it has proved a great success. At one time, indeed,
there were fears lest it should be held at all ; but through
the indomitable energy of the hon. sec, R. R. Godfrey,
Esq., of Grantham, aided by the willing efforts of an in-
fluential committee, all obstacles were overcome, and the
Lincolnshire Bee-keepers' Association has well maintained
its prominent position amongst provincial Societies.

Early on Tuesday morning, the honorary secretary,
R. R. Godfrey, Esq., and the committee, comprising
Messrs. H. Yates, Brett, Bolton, Plowright, and Alsop,
sallied forth from Grantham, bound for Long Sutton, to
make arrangements, and prepare for the opening day.
On reaching Long Sutton they were shown to their
quarters, which fortunately had been previously secured
for them, and soon set to work in real earnest to unpack
and stage the large number of exhibits, which was no
slight task to do in a tent. It was somewhat more than
pleasing to see such gentlemen as Mr. Yates, Mr. Brett

142

THE BEITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[November 1, 1879.

Mr. Bolton, and Mr. Plowright, with their coats off and
working most energetically, to have the show up to the
standard of the Lincolnshire. It was only hy the thorough-
going pluck of Mr. Yates that the heavy work was got
through. All honour to such men who make it their plea-
sure to leave important husiness for the good of our cause.

The show was far larger than was ever expected, which
proves that the Lincolnshire Associationis, and we hope will
continue to he, looked upon as one of the most important
gatherings. The Long Sutton Agricultural Society had not
only offered such liberal inducements, but showed so
strong a desire to help the Association, that it would have
been most unwise to have refused their invitation to take
part in their annual show. The Association have good
reason to be well pleased with their visit to Long Sutton.

We extract the following remarks from the Lincoln-
shire Free Press; — 'On looking round at the several
objects of interest, our attention was directed to the
" comb foundation." This is specially prepared for fixing
in the new hive to induce regularity in the formation
of comb. It is now one of the principal points in
exhibits of this kind that a perfect regularity of shape
should be given to the comb, and to obtain "this a be-
ginning upon ' ' comb foundation " is devised ; this, again,
is further provided for by the ingenious use of what are
called " separators," or plates of metal or strips of wood,
so placed that the bees must work their combs evenly.
Numbers of beautiful specimens of " sectional supers "
were exhibited, in which these several features were
admirably shown. In size the " sectional supers " would
be about five inches or more square ; each held a perfect
comb, well filled with the purest white honey, just ready,
as it was temptingly observed, for the breakfast-table.
Passing on, further objects of interest met the curious
eye. The splendid bar hives were especially worthy of
notice ; indeed, one could not forbear the expression of a
very high commendation upon these exhibits, if only as
works of art. They do infinite credit to the exhibitors,
Messrs. Hooker, Abbott, Neighbour, and others. These
gentlemen must bavedevol ire and attention

i or] ins oul of these elaborate designs. 0 ittagers'
bar hives were also shown by these i rmraers:

" tobed

would conned ith this Society ; the trifling

annual cost should be .no bar to the sources of information
and profit which it affords. The superiority bf i!
of dealing with bees by the use of the bai

strongly impressed upon our cottagers. Very fine
and superb specimens of observatory hives of Ligurian,
Carniolan, and also English black bees, were exhibited by
Messrs. Abbott, of Southall; Neighbour and Sons, of
London ; Messrs. Brett, Plowright, and Yates, and the
Hon. Secretary, Mr. R. R. Godfrey, all of Grantham,—
and proved most attractive, as they usually do. To par-
ticularise all the exhibits would tire our readers. We no-
ticed, however, an elaborate collection of instruments used
in bee-manipulation, such as smokers, quieters, feeders, &c.'

A lecture on the 'Early History of Bees and Honey'
was delivered on the previous evening by William Carr,
Esq., of Newton Heath, near Manchester, in the Corn
Exchange. After giving an historical account of bee-
culture from the earliest times to the present, he gave a
brief account of the development of modern British and
foreign bee culture, remarking that great credit was due
to America, who had decidedly taken the lead in this
matter. Mr. Carr spoke strongly against the barbarous
practice of bee murder, and urged his audience to at once
commence bee-culture upon the modern bar-frame system.

The following is the fist of awards : —

Bees. — For the best stock, or specimen of Ligurian
bees, to be exhibited with the queen in an Observatory
hive — 1, Abbott Bros. ; 2, G. Neighbour and Sons. For
the best stock, or specimen of English bees, to be exhi-
bited with the queen in an Observatory hive — 1, S. J.
Baldwin ; 2, G. Neighbour and Sons ; 3, J. Plowright.

For the best stock, or specimen of any distinct species of
honey bees, other than Ligurians or the British black
bees, to be exhibited with the queen in an Observatory
hive — 1, Neighbour and Sons.

Homy. — For the largest and best supers, the produce
of one hive — 1, Wm. Sells. For the best glass super,
under 20 lbs. nett weight — 1, W. Sells. For the best
glass super under 10 lbs. nett weight — 1, Samuel Thorne ;
2, Wm. Sells ; 3, ditto. For the best wood, or wood in
combination with either glass or straw, super of honey —

1, Wm. Sells; 2, ditto; 3, Thos. Sells. For the best
exhibition of honey in supers, or sections of supers,
separable, in the most attractive form, and each not
more than 3 lbs. in weight, the total weight of each
entrv to be not less than 12 lbs. — 1 and 3, Samuel Thorne;

2, Wm. Sells; 4, ditto; 5, Thos. Sells. For the best
glass of extracted or rim honey, of not less than 5 lbs.
nett weight, quality to he the chief point of excellence —
1, Wm. Sells; 2, Rev. G. Deeds; 3, Rev. W. A. Frith;

4, H. Tuck. For the best and largest exhibition of
extracted or run honey, in glass or other jars, quality
as well as weight to be taken into consideration —
1 and 2, Wm. Sells ; 3, F. Cheshire ; 4, W. Sells ; 5,
Rev. W. A. Frith ; 6, Thomas Sells. For the best and
largest exhibition in all or any of the honey classes, or
honey taken without destroying the bees — Silver cup of
the Association, Win. Sells, Ufnngton. For the finest
sample of pure bees-wax, in cakes of not less than 2 lbs.
— 1, H. Tuck ; 2, Wm. Sells. For the best liqueur, wine,
or mead made from honey, with the recipe attached — 1,
H. Tuck; 2, R. R. Godfrey; 3, Wm. Sells.

Hives. — For the best hive for observation purposes —

1, Abbott Bros. ; 2, C. N. Abbott. For the best com-
plete hive, on the moveable-comb principle, with facilities
for storing surplus honey — 1, J. M. Hooker ; 2, Abbott
Bros. ; 3, Neighbour and Sons. For the best and cheapest
complete hive, on the moveable comb principle, suitable
for cottagers, price not to exceed 10s. — 1, H. Fuggle ; 2,

5. .T. Baldwin: •'!. Neighbour and Sons: 4, Abbott Bros.
For the best and cheapest straw skep, of any deserip-

2 and ... VV. W loung. ¥oi toe
best and cheapest sectional supers for producing honey
in the comb in a saleable form — 1, S. J. Baldwin; 2, J.
T. Kinnear; '■',, Abbott Bros. For the best honey
extractor, portability and cheapness to be considered — 1,
YV. W. Young: 2. J. Walton; 3, C.N. Abbott. For
the best and most 'complete collection of hives, bee
furniture, and apiculturist s necessaries — 1, Abbott Bros. ;

2, W. W. Young; 3, Neighbour and Sons. For the best
and most interesting collection of natural objects, models,
or diagrams, connected with apiculture, and illustrating
the natural history and economy of the honey-bee — 1, D.
J . Godfrey. For the best and largest display of honey-
producing plants, in dried state or otherwise, such plants
to have a card attached, stating time of flowering,
duration of bloom, and any other particulars calculated
to be of interest to bee-keepers — 1st prize, R. R. God-
frey; 2, W.Ingram; commended, Miss E. Rooke. Extra
exhibits — Special prize, A.J. King, bee-feeder ; special
prize, F. Cheshire, Acton, improved frame ; commended,
J. Plowright, for bee-feeders; commended, A. J. King,
fi ir improved direct draught bee-smoker.

BEE FLORA.

37. Crataegus Oxyacaniha (Hawthorn, or May). — Comes
into bloom about the middle of May. Lasts about a

uonth ; very much frequented by bees. A buff-coloured
pollen is obtained from the May.

38. Crataegus O.vyaccmtha punicea (Red May or
Thorn).— A greater favourite with the bees even than
the white thorn. Comes into blossom towards the end
of May, and remains barely three weeks in bloom. The
bees obtain a profusion of buff-coloured pollen from it.

39. Myosotis paluslris (Forget-me-not). — A very

November 1, 1879.]

THE BEITISH BEE JOUKNAL.

143

favourite flower with bees. Gives honey and pollen.
Blooms from very early in the year up to the middle of
June.

40. Lamium album (White Dead Nettle). — In flower
the greater part of the year ; hut chiefly in May and June ;
yields much honey.

41. Syringa vulgaris (Lilac). — Visited hy bees, but
very little. In blossom for ten days in May.

42. Cytisus Laburnum (Laburnum). — Laburnums
usually bloom in May, and may be seen in blossom for
about three weeks. Rather a favourite with bees ;
affords an orange-coloured pollen.

43. jEsc-ulus Hippocastum (Horse Chestnut). — These
trees usually begin blossoming in May, and are to be
seen in beauty for about four weeks. They are much
visited by bees and afford honey.

44. Aisculus rubicunda (Red Horse Chestnut). — Flowers
rather later than the white chestnut, and remains rather
longer in bloom. An equal favourite with the bees.

45. Fraxinus Ornus (Flowering Ash).— In May or
June this beautiful tree is a sheet of blossom, lasting a
fortnight. It affords a yellow pollen. The roar of bees
in this tree resembles that made by a swarm.

46. Weigela rosea. — Comes in towards the end of
May, lasting one month. Not a favourite with bees,
though they visit it and obtain a small supply of honey.

47. Berberis dulcis (Barberry). — Blossoms in April,
lasts a fortnight, and gives honey.

48. Laurus nobilis (Bay-tree). — The bay-trees are in
blossom through May, and afford a moderate supply of
honey.

1 49. Ilex Aquifolium (Common Holly). — The hollies
bloom in May, and last for three weeks. Bees visit
tljem in swarms, and obtain large supplies of honey from
In ....

60. Berberis Darwinii (Barberry). — Blooms in May for
about a fortnight, and again in autumn. Yields honey.

61. Trifolium pratense (Common Purple Trefoil). —
Blooms in May, and throughout June, and part of July.
\t affords honey.

62. Tulipa (Tulip). — When these flowers lire in blos-
l som early in spring, bees visit them and obtain pollen ;

but later on they are disregarded.

53. Anemone coronaria (Common Anemone). —
Flowers from very early in the spring until the middle
of June. Bees get a black pollen from it, but it is not a
favourite.

54. Thymus vulgaris (Common Garden Thyme). — In
bloom through June, and July in the first week. Bees
obtain honey and a yellow pollen from the thyme. It
is a favourite flower with them.

55. Cerasus Padus (Bird Cherry). — In blossom for one
week in June. Bees visit it much, and obtain a yellow
pollen.

56. Crambe maritima (Seakale). — Bees get a yellow
pollen from the seakale. It comes into bloom in June,
and lasts through the greater part of July.

57. Faba major (Broad Bean). — Bees work on the
back of these flowers through holes pierced by other
insects. In bloom through the summer. Yields honey.
Not a favourite.

58. Dianthus plumarius (Common Pink). — Duration of
bloom, about two months. Pinks yield honey, and bees
may often be seen on the back as well as the face of the
flowers.

59. Polygonum fagopyrum (Buckwheat). — Blossoms
through June or July, according to the time sown, and
yields honey.

00. Trifolium repens (White or Dutch Clover). — In
bloom in June, July, and August. This is the best of
hee-iiow ers, and affords abundance of honey of the
lightest colour, and beautifully clear.

01. Reseda odorata (Mignonette). — One of the best of
bee-flowers. In bloom from June to the end of autumn.
Yields beautiful honey and abundance of pollen.

62. Borago officinalis (Borage). — Comes in June, and
lasts through the summer. First-rate bee-flower, yielding
large supplies of honey.

63. Asparagus officinalis (Asparagus). — Asparagus is
in bloom in July for about three weeks, and is visited
by the bees.

64. Phacelia tanacetifolia ( Phacelia ). — A great
favourite with bees, yielding abundance of honey. In
bloom from June to October.

65. Wistaria sinensis (Wistaria). — In bloom about a
week in June. The bees obtain honey from the Wistaria
through little holes pierced at the back of the flower by
other insects.

66. Cerasus lusitanica (Portugal Laurel). — Blooms in
July for about a fortnight. Affords the bees honey and
pollen.

67. Castanea vesca (Spanish Chestnut). — Flowers for
about a fortnight in July, and is very much visited by
bees for the pollen that it affords.

68. Campanula medium (Canterbury Bell). — Blossoms
towards the end of June and throughout July. Is a
very great favourite with bees.

69. Buddlea globosa (Buddlea). — Blossoms about the
last week in June for rather more than a fortnight ; is
rich in honey, and always covered with bees.

70. Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary). — Remains in
blossom many weeks, and is a favourite with bees.

71. Lotus corniculatus (Bird's-foot Trefoil). — Blos-
soms in June till nearly the end of July. This trefoil
yields honey.

72. Tilia europcea (Lime). — Blooms in July, lasting
about a fortnight. Immensely attractive to bees, pro-
ducing large quantities of honey, which is rather dark
in colour.

73. Erica Tetralix (Cross-leaved Heath). — In bloom
through July and August. Honey is afforded by this
heath.

74. Rubus fruticosus (Bramble or Blackberry). — In
flower throughout July and August, and of the greatest
value to bees.

75. TJlex europceus (Furze or Gorse). — Furze is chiefly
in bloom during the spring nionthi. Bees frequent it,
and obtain from it a yellowish brown pollen.

76. Erica cinerea (Fine-leaved Heath). — Invaluable as
late .pasture for bee?, producing quantities of thick, dark
honey. In bloom from July to September.

77. Hedera Helix (Common Ivy). — The ivy flowers in
October, and remains till destroyed by frost. It produces
quantities of honey, and is immensely visited by bees.

78. Thymus serpyllum (Wild Thyme). — Yields abun-
dance of aromatic honey. A great favourite with bees.
In bloom throughout July and August.

79. Melilotus leucantha (Melilot Clover). — Valuable
bee-plant ; blossoms late in the year, continuing until
destroyed by frost. Produces abundance of honey.

[The foregoing, continued from page 120, is the list
and description of the Bee Flora arranged and exhibited
by Miss Rooke, of Lymington, Hampshire, at the British
Bee-keepers' Show at South Kensington, in July last,
and to which the judges awarded their silver medal, and
a gold one in the form of one pound sterling. The col-
lection is a very excellent one, and shows great taste and
skill in its drying and arrangement. Up to the date
mentioned it had not been equalled at any show ; but its
appearance gave such a stimulus to the art that it has
not since been awarded a first place. Miss Rooke
deserves the thanks of bee-keepers for this valuable con-
tribution, which gives both the technical and common
names of the flora described. We are aware that Miss
Rooke has not by any means exhausted the British Bee
Flora ; and we woidd gladly give insertion to further
contributions on the same subject from other corre-
spondents, only suggesting that the clear plan and
compact mode of description adopted by Miss Rooke
should be observed.— Ed/]

144

THE BEITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[November 1, 1879.

(fcrcspnnfotm.

%* Tliese columns are open to Subscribers, so that their
queries, replies, correspondence, and experiences, may be
fully and faithfully recorded ; and for the discussion of all
theories and systems in Bee-culture, and of the relative merits
of all hives and appurtenances, that the truth regarding them
may be ascertained. The Editor, therefore, must not be ex-
pected to coincide with all the views expressed by the various
writers. All Correspondence is addressed to the Editor.

WINGLESS QUEEN.
On examining my hives a few days ago, previous
to wintering, I discovered a queen without wings,
one evidently born thus, there being no sign or
rudiments of wings. She was at the head of a first
swarm of the present year, which I recollect alight-
ing on, and afterwards clustering beneath, a small
pyramidal pear-tree. On then examining the queen,
I could discover no defect in her wings or else-
where, and, placing her on a branch, the bees soon
surrounded her, and the swarm was safely hived,
and continued to do well.

This queen was in her third year, and has evi-
dently deceased, leaving the wingless one to take
her place. The latter I destroyed at once, without
introducing another, from want of time and oppor-
tunity— there being about a dozen drone brood in
one of the combs, upon which I found this morning,
after an interval of seven or eight days, five perfect
queen-cells, with drone-brood in each. These, of
course, I have destroyed, and introduced another
queen.

Here we have a clear case of parthenogenesis, as
tthie wingless queen could never have mated. I
have not met with, or heard of, a similar cb
it not singular! — George Raymjr, Uazeleigh Kectory,
Oct. 24.

. [We have read in the American 'Bee Journal of queens
that have been unable to fly becoming fertile and pro-
lific, the opinion on the ease being that as she came forth
intent on wedding, and fell from the alighting-board, the
fact was accomplished, and that she must have crawled
back into the hive. — Ed.]

UPWARD VENTILATION.

In recommending upward ventilation for winter-
ing, what height do you find quite safe to lift the
hive from floor-board 1 My usual practice is five-
eighths of an inch. Mice, and snails, and large
slugs are thus excluded, and the carbonic acid gas
and other obnoxious impedimenta have means of
exit. Kindly give me a word of advice as an
authority, and I will adhere to the same. — J. D.,
Croydon.

[Before we introduced the quilt into general use in
England we used to raise our hives from their floor-
boards a very trifle to let the water formed by condensed
vapours escape ; and the crown-boards also were raised or
slid forward to permit the escape of noxious gases ; but
since finding out the value of the quilt as a means of
gentle upward ventilation we have abandoned all other
plans, and rely solely on it and a free current of air above
it. Five-eighths of an inch is surely too much to raise a
hive except during a grand honey harvest, and will most
likely lead to robbing. — Ed.]

BEES' VAGARIES.

Can you explain the following 1 If so, I shall feel
obliged, as it has puzzled me not a little.

I had in June last seven stocks of bees : one a
Ligurian and six blacks. I gave all the brood and
bees, except the queen, and two frames to a strong
stock, in order for them to fill a super, which, of
course, weakened the Ligurian stock very much.
Some time in July, before they (the Ligurians) became
any way strong, I found one queen-cell in progress ;
I then took the frame containing same and one
other, bees and all, with four others from another
hive, to make an artificial swarm, the Ligurians
being again weakened thereby. I left them for
some time until August 13, when I took one frame
of bees with queen to show at a flower-show at
Bradford, in observatory-hive ; on returning the
queen and frame next morning to hive I found five
royal cells commenced. On the 20th, being one
week after, I took the queen, &c. to Trowbridge
Flower Show ; when returned next morning, found
two more royal cells commenced, the other five
being sealed. On the following Sunday, August 24,
I found one queen hatched out (which I took away)
of the five cells, the other four cells destroyed, the
last raised two remaining intact, the old queen being
in the hive all the time (except, as above stated,
when taken to show) until the following Monday,
Sept. 1, I opened the hive again, when I found
another fine young queen hatched and the other cell
destroyed; but another cell I discovered about
four days old, and the old queen gone, which I'found
dead next day outside the hive.

Why did they raise queen-cells when weak, and,
of- COurSe, no idea of swarming; and why did they
not destroy the queen-cells after having the old
queen restored 1 And lastly, did the queen die a
natural death, or did the bees or young queen
destroy her l or -is it possible that they knew she
would soon die, and thus prepared for the event,
she being three years old and very prolific to the
end 1 — A. Adams, Union Street, Melksham.

[We think you have hit upon the solution of your
problem : there is really no accounting for the freaks of
bees sometimes ; hut in this instance there appears to be
a good reason for what they did. It is at the same time
probable that the repeated weakening of the Ligurian
stock tended to cause the catastrophe by making it appear
that the queen was worse than she really was. — Ed.

The foregoing was our reply to the tangled question ;
but uur correspondent wishes the matter to be further
ventilated. Can any one offer a solution ? — Ed.]

THE SEASON.
I find that all my bees have required liberal
feeding to prepare them for winter. The case is
the same wherever I have been, in Monmouthshire,
Pembroke, Devon, and Somerset, and where bees
have not been fed they must die out. I have a
number of plants of blue campanulas now in full
flower, and I find them every fine hour in the day
covered with bees. They seem to revel in the bell-
shaped blossoms. This flower was not mentioned
among others in the list of useful bee-plants printed
in last Journal. Wasps are scarce this season, but

November 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

ill

the few one sees about are particularly large. How
careful one has to be this season not to leave a
drop of syrup or honey about. I never remember
seeing bees so intent on robbery as they are this
autumn. Whether the owners will or not, all weak
stocks must go to the wall. — P. H. Phillips, Offley
Lodge, II it chin.

THE SEASON.
Since I wrote to you before, I hear of hives
being dead in all directions. I am now using my
sixth stone of moist sugar boiled into syrup, and
shall go on feeding as long as they will take it.
This consumption is confined to sixteen hives ; but
then a little syrup is wasted when I reverse the
bottles. I am afraid I shall have to contend with
another serious difficulty — that is, that, owing to
the ungenial weather the bees in a great measure
stopped breeding, consequently the hives are not
as full of bees as usual at this time of year. — J.
Chaloneb, Newton Kyme, near Tadcaster.

THE SEASON.

\I am very sorry to be obliged to endorse the
general opinion of the honey - harvest. The
jbees in this neighbourhood must die if not fed
immediately. I have five hives ; three original
stocks, one a first swarm, one a cast, which was
given to me by a lady who did not want any more
bwi she had — two stocks and one swarm. I had
the caai it came out. It was not a large

one. I commenced feeding it directly, slowly, and
it i» at present in a -»e*y satisfactory condition. My
other hives are all right, but only through feeding,
which I shall continue to do until they ha I
15 to 20 food each. During the ' summer '

I have been endeavouring to make some converts
to the bar-frame principle. 1 have invited several
to see mine, and have shown them the hives and
how they can be manipulated ; but with very pom-
results. I believe I have made one convert. About
three weeks since, this one asked me to come and
see what condition his bees were in. I accor-
dingly went. He had ten straw skeps. I found
two dead, one evidently starved to death, the other
had been attacked by mice ; but none had more
than about 5 lbs. of honey, whilst three of tliem did
not appear to have any, so I made an exchange, but
I found out afterwards they had about H lbs. each.
1 gave him a bar-frame hive for these three just men-
tioned, and supplied him with feeding-stages, and he
set to work boiling sugar (your receipt) with a will.
I afterwards transferred the contents of two of his
straw skeps into the bar-frame, and they are now
going on well. The three I had, I transferred two
into a bar-frame, and one that had a very large
quantity of bees into another bar-frame, and have
of course fed them. The lady who gave me the
cast asked me to amalgamate two of her hives, not
that she wanted the honey, but to have only one
hive to keep instead of two. These were bar-frame
hives, so there was not any difficulty. To my great
surprise, one of these that had not swarmed had
quite 14 lbs. of honey; the other, by the side of it,

which had thrown off one swarm and the cast men-
tioned, had only about 5 or 6 lbs. These are
instances which I have seen. I have heard of
several where the bees have died or were starving ;
but the owners seem in a very apathetic state about
them. — Joseph Torry, Maidstone.

THE SEASON.— BEE POISON AND ITS

ANTIDOTES.
I have only a few bees here. I have about 140
hives in Gloucestershire : we lost about thirty last
spring, not beginning to feed early enough. I never
took a pound of honey the whole summer and had
few swarms. I planted several acres of turnips for
the bees ; they had one day fine and a grand feast,
the next day they were caught in a storm and I
lost thousands ; they would never go near the field
again. I have been obliged to feed all during the
summer, and tons of sugar will be consumed to
keep them well over the winter. Bees will be
dearer next spring than ever known before ; and
there will be less in the country by one half than
the year before. It is very odd nothing can be
found out to counteract the sting of a bee. Dr.
Pine's stuff is of no use ; neither have I found harts-
horn, blue-bag, or tobacco of the least use. My
skin is very thin, and after a few hours great
swelling comes on. The only thing I have found
of any use is at once to press the sting very severely
with a key and try to get the poison out, and then
use vinegar ; this would seem as if the poison was
an alkali. — Beale Browne, Limerick, October 25.

SEE-GLOVES.— BEES ON WINDOWS. .
Having read the letters on • i ..
'Catching Bees on Windows' in last month's B. B. J.,
allow me to suggest a cheap substitute fur gloves,
which I find perfectly successful. 1 turn up my
shirt-sleeves, and rub hands and arms with syrup or
sugar and beer, not thick enough to be sticky — all
gloves are more or less in the way — and I find the
above gives perfect security. Even my little girls,
thus protected, fearlessly put their hands into hives
to take out broken comb, &c. A tumbler and old
post-card beats the lueifer-box hollow for catching
bees on windows. The card shutting out light
from the window, the bees go to the bottom of the
glass. So you can often catch a dozen without
letting one escape. — Country Parson.

DRY SUGAR FOR BEES.

A labourer in this village is feeding his bees with
dry sugar, which, he says, they devour greedily.
The Journal for this mouth says : ' The idea that
dry sugar can be stored by the bees is erroneous.' Is
this a waste of sugar, or can the bees store it by
obtaining water from the leaves of trees or else-
where, and so form a syrup 1 The bees are being
fed at the top of the hive. — L. T. R., Tachbrooke,
near Leamington.

[Bees cannot ' devour ' dry sugar, but will starve with
plenty of it within their reach. As usually offered to
bees, it is put into the extinguisher-shaped paper as sold

146

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[November 1, 1879.

by grocers ; and the pointed end having- been pinched off,
the packet is stuck into the feed-hole for the bees to take.
The odour is, of course, sufficient to tempt the bees into
the package, and their endeavours to extract moisture
from it renders it dry as dust, and it will thus quickly
fall into the hive, and some may possible find its way
into empty cells, to be afterwards thrown out by the
bees. It cannot be denied that the bees get a little
saccharine matter from sugar, but the major part of it is
simply wasted. — Ed.]

BEE-KEEPING IN AMERICA— WHICH IS
THE BEST LOCATION1!

I am going out to America again next spi'ing : I
expected to have gone sooner, but could not get
away. I think I shall settle in South California ;
and if I do I shall keep a few hundred colonies of
bees — or if I find them pay, a few thousands. At any
rate I shall invest about 500/. in bees as an experi-
ment, and if I find them pay may then give up my
other business, and go into them entirely. May I
ask if any of your readers will give their experience
of the honey-producing power of the States, as some
help to me in my selection of a locality in which to
pitch my tent for the purpose 1 — T. G., Nantwich.

BEE-KEEPING IN IRELAND.
It may be interesting to you to know that this
year has been to bee-keepers in the country sur-
rounding as a year of famine ; those who formerly
kept from six to twelve hives (common straw skeps)
are uot now in possession of a single one — in fact,
I do not see a hive of bees with any one, and 1
don't think there ;nv ;t dozen in the whole county
of Wexford. , Such is the deplorable condition of
Jhe bee community in this parttfi &« world. I am
happy tn sup kbal ed somewhat better,

for I have two strong hives, weighing aboul
each, going into winter quarters. Neither o# these
was opened this year, and had to be fed up to this
weight. So much for the improved make of hives.
— S. F. J., New Ross, Oct. 23, 1879.

BEES IN TROPICAL QUEENSLAND.

An extract from a letter I received this year
from a station in Northern Queensland, four degrees
within the tropics, will answer a question relating
to the possibility of domesticating the native
Australian bee, which appeared in yoiu- issue of
this month (August), signed ' Missionary : ' —

' My bees at V. H. were still further from a success
than yours seem to be. I spent about 10/. over them
first and last, and never had a spoonful of honey. They
" fooled around " outside the hive, and made a great
piece of work fanning ; then presently an odd one or
two, with some pollen on their legs, woidd drop in, and
go into the hive, but they never got as far as bringing in
any honev. I fed them with syrup, which they seemed to
like. As 1 did not seem to be successful, I turned theni over
to the " married couple " who professed great experience
with bees ; but they did no better than I had done, and
the upshot was, that all the bees gradually died out.
They never wanted to swarm, nor, indeed, seemed to
take any interest in anything. I may mention, that
several settlers down the river tried them, but none
succeeded. Mrs. A., at Brisbane, had no luck either.
I don't fancy that it is such an easy job to manage them

well, as it seems to be in the books, which I followed
servilely. A swarm of the native bees, not as large as
house-flies, have possession of my Gales hive, and have
been there for about five years, so I hope they are doing
well. They don't build combs like English bees, but make
a mass of cells, which they fill with peculiarly-flavoured
honey from the eucilyptus blossoms. But you must
have eaten " sugar-bags," surely. I wish bees did succeed
here, honey in the comb is so very excellent. Carroll,
the "bee-master" at Brisbane, seems to do what he likes
with his bees, and they certainly increase with him, and
make lots of honey. I wonder what kind of bee makes
the honey that comes from the west coast of Africa.
They ought to do well in this climate.'

I may add, that when I was last on this same
station, in 1871, we had then a swarm of native
bees domesticated in a small cylinder made out of
a hollow log, and standing on a bench near the
house. Their combs, as I recollect them, consist
of an amorphous, spongy mass of brownish wax
and bee-bread, with a very small proportion of thin
honey. But possibly a closer and more scientific
inspection might reveal a less imperfect system of
architecture and economy than is at once apparent.
The ordinary bee has been a mark for misfortune
with us ever since I brought the first hive into that
district in 1865. After a voyage of 600 miles, it
was placed under our verandah, and the bees did
well enough until an unlucky hurricane took place
during my absence, and carried off the bees, hive
and all, into a swamp distant above a hundred yards.
Of the next swarm, the queen was smothered by
the combs melting and falling on her during a thirty
miles' ride on horseback ; and the third '
dwindle away in the mam How

many have shared its fate si'.ve ; do " oi '" ■«•.

A-fepfi igo Air. Carroll made an

attempt to import six or eight Ligurian queens
fr m Ital but iled u each

instance ing found on

the top of the other 'lead bees. — C. J. S.

BEE-KEEPING IN AUSTEALIA.
I have deferred writing again until now, because 1
wanted to give you my first year's experience of apiculture,
which, alas! is not very promising. I have had four
stocks, and now have but one. Two of the stocks I
bought, and brought them away from their old, moth-
eaten comb. They were, doubtless, a lot of old bees, too
weak to be built up into a strong colony with my small
stock of knowledge. The moth got into the comb in
spite of every precaution, and quickly destroyed them.
The third stock was very strong all through the early
summer. From that and the fourth I took 80 lb;,
weight of honey in a very few weeks ; then it became
queenless. I tried, by giving frame after frame from the
other hive, to induce them to raise another queen ; but to
no purpose, so at last boxed them with number one,
which appears in a very healthy condition. The peach-
trees are just coming into blossom, so I hope they will
soon begin to make comb for a month or two, now the
moth appears inactive. I am obliged to remove the
frames where the moth has perforated the comb very
much, and allow them to fill the frames with fresh comb,
or their breeding space would be very limited. We rode
out into the bush a few weeks since to see a large stock
of bees we had heard of. There were twenty or thirty
hives, with glass backs, not any of the boxes more than
half full of comb ; the honey had been taken at the end
of the season in that way. In some of the hives we

November 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

147

could see moths flying about, and round the sheltered
places dozens of cocoons attached. The owner seemed
under the impression that they were all right. I should
he sorry to see my solitary stock in such a plight. My
only hope now is, that I may get a strung- swarm or two.
I have fed them up very carefully through the wet season.
Last year I tried to keep them from swarming, and
used them to build up the two old lots I bought. The
Journal you kindly sent me never came to hand. We
wrote to the P. 0. here, and made every inquiry to no

furpose. I do so hope we may succeed with the bees,
get all the information I can from Carroll, the bee-
master here; but he is not a second Abbott. What
he says is so unreliable ; so much that he tells me I
cannot credit as possible. For instance, ' As strong a
swarm as ever he had came in April,' which is the middle
of the wet season. This year and last there was cer-
tainly no honey at all coming in then. The peach-trees
here are like the cherry-trees at home, every garden has
them ; a seed sown this season will bear fruit next. If
left to themselves, the fruit is often worthless ; but by
severe pruning and culture, they are very good. The
colonists like to gather them before they are ripe and eat
them as apples, so little of the fruit here has any acidity.
My dear husband has made a slinger, which answers
admirably ; it is everything I could wish for my small
requirements. — J. Weedon, Merton Road, South Bris-
bane, June 9th, 1879.

AN ORIENTAL STORY.

In his Journey to the Source of the Oxus, Captain
Wood, in describing a simple race called the Kazaks,
gives the following anecdote : —

' Another story is that of a chief, who, with his
people, wishing to become children of circumcision,
sent a messenger to Kohan to purchase prayers for
the horde. Unfortunately for the interests of Moha-
medanism, the person to whom this grave commission
was intrusted fell into the hands of a droll, merry
fellow ; one who well knew the people with whom
he had to do. A jar carefully covered, containing a
swarm of bees, was delivered to the dull Kazak,
with instructions to his chief not to open it till all
the headmen of the horde were assembled. He was
further told to select the largest tent for this pur-
pose, to close it up from the gaze of the vulgar, and
when all present were undressed to place the jar
upon a fire and remove its covering. The chief on
formed most exactly to the directions, and all the
party accordingly suffered as the wag intended.
The chief himself, literally stung to madness, swore
that never again should a Mussulman's prayer issue
from a Kazak Kirgah.'

YANKEE HONEY.

The ingenious descendants of the manufacturers
of wooden nutmegs are forcing, by all the means
they can command, the sale of their honey (?) in
this land of ours, and as an advertisement they
have published a woodcut showing the back of a
bald head, beneath which are the words ' Utilised
at last ! Wanted twenty bald-headed men willing
to have their heads painted, and march through
the streets as perambulating signs.' On the bald
part of the head the words (painted) are (in dread-
ful zigzag), ' Thurber's New Styles of Honey ! ' and
on the collar, ' Ask your wife to buy it ' (sic).

' But,' said a trustful lady friend, ' why could

not the forehead lie made the advertising medium,
and the poor men be allowed to wear their hats ? '

' Why,' said one who had had experience, ' they
who vaunt the rubbish are afraid to look one in the
face, or let it be known until after they have passed
that they have aught to do with it.'

'But,' said speaker No. 1, 'how do they manage
as regards followers 'I '

'That is easy,' says No. 2 ; '■they let them folloiu.'
The secret being, that those ' utilised ' are chosen
for their celerity in avoiding followers. — Expb-
eientia docet, Lower Norwood.

TO DESTROY WASP-NESTS.

Dissolve two ounces of cyanide of potassium in
two and a half gills of water, soak a small piece of
woollen rag in the solution, then place it in the
entrance to the nest ; in about an hour you can
take the nest out and destroy it. You may take
hornets' nests as easy with it as wasps' : after you
have had the rag in a few minutes you may remove
the nest and take it to any place in your hand. —
J. Hind.

[The above is a highly poisonous mixture, its effluvium
being deadly. — Ed.]

MAKESHIFT-HIVES.

The top for the Makeshift which you sent is not
high enough to allow of feeding when the top or
cover is on. Will you allow me to suggest that it
would be a vast improvement to make it high
enough to place a feeder under it % I know you are
ready to take suggestions. — T. W. H.

[The addition suggested is so easy for anyone to make>.
that it was thought better not to increase the cost of the
hive, the expense of carriage, and the extra liability to
breakage in transit by making it an essential part of the
hive. All that is necessary are four narrow pieces of
board of the length of the hive walls nailed together, to
interpose between the hive and the roof, and an amateur
can easily procure them and complete the work. Our
object in supplying such hives is to put into the hands of
the inexpert a ready means by which they may complete a
hive, having correct internal dimensions. Many would-
be hive-makers are unaware of the importance of correct-
ness in the latter particular ; as an instance we noticed
at the late show at Long' Sutton a hive in the Cot-
tagers' Class containing nine frames, occupying the whole
of the hive, which was 15A inches wide. In that hive
there was half an inch more of width than should be
occupied by ten frame3 ; and the bees put into it — if such
should be the fate of a swarm — woidd be certain to dis-
regard the guides, and build irregularly, giving good
cause to a confiding purchaser to cry out against bar-
frame hives generally, and cheap hives in particular. A
simple box and frames alone do not constitute a hive :
they must each be of correct relative dimensions, or they
will be quicldy voted a nuisance. — Ed.]

AN AMATEUR'S EXPERIENCE.
I have been a possessor of bees for several years : but
formerly knew so little about them, that I almost entirely
neglected them. However, a change took place two years
ago, when you paid a visit to Carlisle, and gave an exhi-
1 >it i< hi of bee-manipulation. I had the pleasure of being
present at that exhibition, and received considerable en-
lightenment as to the proper management of bees. The
result since then has been, that instead of neglecting them,
I ha\ e perhaps paid them too much attention ; at least, I

148

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[November 1, 1879.

fancy they would regard it as such ! I have, of course, alto-
gether discarded the old straw skeps in favour of wooden
frame hives ; and I have found the latter very service-
able. During the summer before last, I reaped a very
fair honey harvest ; and although this year the returns
have been almost nil, yet, with the experience which I
have gained, and with better weather, one hopes for far
greater success in the future.

My bees passed through both winters splendidly.
There was hardly a sign of damp about their quilts _ or
hives in the spring; but I adopted the plan of covering
each hive over with a large piece of felt, stuffing straw
in between the felt and the hives. This forms a double
protection, and unites, I think, the advantages of straw
and wood. Each hive stands upon a box a little
broader than the hive, and on each side of the box
are perpendicularly projecting slips of wood, which
hold in the ends of the felt covers, and thus the straw
is kept tightly in its place. To examine the hive, it is
only necessary to lift up the felt -cover on one side,
throwing it back upon some temporary support, to keep it
from falling quite to the ground ; and you thus only dis-
turb the straw on one side, and when you turn the felt
back again, it readily slips into its proper place. Simi-
larly, I put a piece of felt, with straw, at each end of the
hives. I have found bee-management, under the im-
proved system, to be an extremely fascinating pursuit,
opening up new wonders in the animal creation, and
enlarging one's ideas of the wisdom of Him who has
imparted such extraordinary intelligence to such tiny
creatures. One incident, last year, especially surprised
me. I took one evening an artificial swarm, and intended
leaving the old, queenless hive to rear a queen for itself ;
but on the next day, being kindly supplied by a friend
with a fertile queen, I resolved to place her in it. On
uncovering the hive, there were plainly to be seen some
queen-cells in course of formation ; in fact, two of them
were about half completed, showing that the bees were
fully aware of their loss, and had already taken the
proper course to supply it. I placed the new queen
amongst them, shut up in a little box, well perforated
with holes, and left her there for twenty-four hours. But
at the end of that time, on uncovering the hive again to
set her at liberty, what was my astonishment to discover
that all traces" of the newly-formed queen-cells had
vanished — they were completely destroyed ! The bees,
it seems, finding that they had amongst them a new and
mature queen, knew that it was unnecessary to raise
another one, and so altered their first determination, and
relinquished their attempts to raise one. Surely this showed
wonderful intelligence. — An Amateur, Cumberland.

A Bee-Farm in Prospect. — "We beg to call attention
to an advertisement in this Journal, by which the adver-
tiser seeks to obtain a cottage homestead and an acre or
two of land, in a good bee-keeping neighbourhood, where
he could venture to start a bee-farm. He will be thankful
for information per post-card or otherwise of eligible
places, and trusts brethren of the craft will assist him in
his search. — Ed.

Solution to the Puzzle on Page 130.- — The hives

were placed thus : — And the lines ran : —

a ■ b ■ c a b c a e i a d h

b d g b e h b f i

d ' e ' f c e g c f h d e f

g • h • i and g h i

Answered by Dr. Pine, Annie Clive, H. Beakbane.

Puzzle No. 2. — How can a bee-keeper have nine rows
of hives, five in each row, and yet not be possessed of
twenty hives P — Dr. Pine,

(Btlpcs from % Hibxs,

Argyllshire, October 2. — ' We have had wretched
weather here during the spring and summer ; and during
the last two months we have not had two consecutive dry
days. I was in hopes the bees would have got out to the
heather during last month in this locality ; but the scanty
bloom on the heath is now gone, and nothing is left but
the prospect of a long, dreary winter. Those who have
a large number of hives will find them a heavy expense
to keep alive.' — D. S.

Birmingham. — Pollen — Worker Eggs in Drone-
cells. — ' I am strong in bees, &c. through feeding for
weeks past, and all my queens are safe ; but I can induce
no breeding. I should like to know if others experience
this. I can only account for the same by the large quan-
tities of bees hatched out during the past season. A
question I should like answered in your next : supposing
now you replaced ten combs of worker-cells with those of
of drone-combs, what would the eggs hatch out ? or
rather, what would worker-eggs, laid in drone-cells, turn
out ? Perhaps I am ignorant, but still I should like an
answer.' — J. B.

[The general experience, as we find from numerous
communications, is that breeding has ceased, doubtless
through lack of pollen, without which it cannot go on,
except in a very slight degree. The difficulty, however,
has been to get bees to take artificial pollen in autumn :
they ought best to know their own needs, but probably
the' idea of breeding has not suggested itself to them. It
is now almost too late to try to set them increasing, or the
experiment might be tried of stimulating them with
eyrup and pea-flour simultaneously, as if spring had
arrived. Perhaps their long cessation from breeding may
make them anxious to begin. It will, under any circum-
stances, be highly necessary to give plenty of artificial
pollen when breeding-time comes, for certainly they will
have none in their hives ; and it is equally certain that
brood cannot be produced in quantity without it. If
drone-comb were substituted for worker, and the queen
could he induced to deposit eggs in the cells, the bees
would probably eat them rather than take any trouble
to produce undesirable drones — for such they would
most certainly be if permitted to come to life. Queens do
not lay worker (i.e. fertilised) eggs in drone-cells. — Ed.]

(Queries anb Jicplks.

QueryNo. 327 —Floatfeeders — Transferring. — 1. Two
days ago (Oct. 1) I put a zinc feeder with wooden float
on a common skep by cutting a hole through the top corre-
sponding with that of the feeder. To-day the supply of
syrup has all disappeared, and the feeder is quite full of
bees. I suppose the queen found her way up — the)' make
a loud humming noise. Is there any harm in leaving them
to their own devices ? I cannot feed them any further,
as the weight of the bees keeps the float down. 2. Is
transferring practicable at this present time or a little
later from a skep to a bar-frame hive ? 3. Is not syrup
made from brown sugar as good for bees at this time of
the vear as that made of loaf sugar; and why not? 4.
Is paint (any kind) on the outside of wooden hives in-
jurious to bees, and is the colour of any consequence ? —
S. J.

Beply to Query No. 327. — 1. Slide a piece of tin or
glass under the feeder and remove it. Take food and
bees to a fire and warm them up, then go back to near
the hive and release them, letting them fly home. Float
feeders are, to our minds, detestable; they tempt the
bees from their cluster into a colder place in which often
they get chilled and cannot return ; and if used indis-
criminately are very apt to convey the virus of foul

November 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

149

brood from hive to hive. It is scarcely likely that the
queen is in such a receptable. There is probably a little
food left under the float, and the bees are struggling and
wrestling amongst themselves for possession of it, and
wearing themseives out in so doing. 2. Transferring
should have been all over by the end of September ; but
where it is necessary to unite several stocks to form one,
it may be done to advantage ; but take care to fill the
frames with comb, leaving as little work for the bees as
possible. 3. Syrup from brown sugar is not so good for
bees nor so cheap as that made from white loaf. It con-
tains the elements of fermentation, and will not make
nearly so much syrup. 4. Paint is not injurious outside
a hive if the quilt arrangement be perfect. — Ed.

Query No. 328. — QueenjTyimg. — Is it usual for queens
to leave their hives at this time of the year (first week in
October) and fly for four or rive minutes ? if so, what do
you consider the reason of the flight P — T. W. Atkinson.

Reply to Query No. 328. — It is very unusual, and
the inference is that the mother queen of the hive died,
and that the truant is a young one raised since the
parent's death. If such is the case her flight woidd be
perfectly natural, its object being marriage. — Ed.

Query No. 329. — 1. I have a stock of pure Ligurians,
but I find that they are all rather smaller than my black
bees. Is this usually the case ? If not, what would you
suggest to be the cause in this instance P 2. In feeding
bees what objection would there be in placing a little
stage outside the hive, immediately opposite the ends of
the centre frames ? — J. C. T., Dyffryn, Neath, 23rd Oct.

Reply to Query No. 329. — 1, We take it there are as
many grades in size as there are in colour and disposition of
bees, both Liguriau and black bees, and that very little can
be said in explanation except that it is ' natural ' where no
attempts are made to cultivate and improve the race in
any special direction. One breeder is satisfied with gen-
tleness ; another insists on beauty ; a third demands great
size; a fourth wants good, vigorous, prolific bees, and
size, colour, and gentleness may happen as they will ;
while a fifth requires all the qualities combined. Colour
is, we fear, too often made the test of purity of Ligurian
breed, and good colour surely ought to exist in all worker-
bees purporting to be Ligurians; but we think, at any
rate, they ougnt not to be smaller than their black
sisters. 2. There would be no objection to making a
stage outside a hive in connexion and on a level with
the top-bar of the frame inside if it did not add to the
expense, and if it were not calculated to tempt the bees
too far from their cluster on cold days or nights. Bees do
not cluster at the ends of frames, it is too draughty and
cold, and in many hives — highly vaunted, too — there are
metal runners or racks, and cold open spaces beyond
them that the bees would have to traverse ere they
could get to the feeding-bottle. We fail to see any
advantage in placing the means of feeding immediately
outside the super-cover, when it can be so easily placed, at
the same level, too, just inside, on the top of the frames,
and directly over the clustering bees. — Ed.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS & INQUIRERS.

T. B., Granby. — Uombs may be used continuously by
bees for four or rive years or more, without material
injury ; but in these days of foundation, combs are so
easily and cheaply produced, that we woidd not let
them exist for longer than the tirst-named period.

R. S., Dublin. — The auction sale advertised will probably
not come off until some time after Christmas, when
bee-keepers will be thinking of, and hoping once again,
that next year will be better than its predecessor. A
catalogue shall be published in the British Bee Journal
beforehand, and your wishes shall be complied with.

J. G., Stamford. — Ventilation of Sleeps. — Your skeps,
having five li inch holes in their wooden crown-

boards, require something to prevent draught through
them rather than increased ventdation. A piece of
woven wire over each hole, and the crown-board covered
with a wad of hay, will answer admirably, and be inex-
pensive. Take care that the roof or cover shall stand
clear above the hay, or the vapours may condense in
the latter, and turn it mouldy and rotten.
Zinc on Hives v. Hair-Cloth. {Alsayar.) — Per-
forated zinc between quilt and frames is objectionable,
because it may cause condensation of vapours instead
of permitting their escape. It is also undesirable
because its oxide is poisonous. Hair-cloth could be
used instead if the object is to be enabled to change
the quilt readily in case of dampness, though, if our
directions as to quilt arrangement are adhered to, the
idea of dampness may be safely considered mythical.
J. F. A., Warnham, near Horsham. New (?) Dummy
and Fumiyator. — Neither of these is new, but we are
obliged by your sending them, as evidently you sup-
posed them to be so. A frame of wood with fish-basket
on one side, carpet on the other, and warm stuffing
between, hardly needs a wood-cut to explain it. The
fumigator (of the pepper-box type) is in the same
category, there being little between it and that in
common use, except that the one under notice is of
wire instead of perforated tin.
Cheltenham and Rothesay. — Humble Bees. — We
have no means of supplying queens of the 'Humble Bees.'
They are not domesticated, and their nests are not easy
to find. If you make your want known in your own
locality, ' the boys ' nuiy discover a nest, and a ' careful
hand ' get it out intact ; but we cannot guarantee that
he will be able to point out the queen. 2. Shuckard's
' British Bees ' professes authority ; but if his infor-
mation on the ' humbles ' is as faidty as his description
of the domestic bee, it is not worth reading.
Queen-encasement. —There is little doubt but that
doubling hives without the usual precaution having
been taken of caging the more valued queen often leads
to queen-encasement, but it seldom happens that
• both queens are destroyed. The frenzy you describe
gradually wears off; and whether the encasement is
friendly, as you suggest, for the protection of the ' hope
of the hive,' or whether each party imprisons the
queen of the other, we are not able now to state,
though it woidd be easy to determine if a black and a
Ligurian stock were joined.
Crown-Board and Quilt. (Bo?-obridge.) — Remove
the crown-board by all means, and substitute the quilt.
Blow a little smoke into entrance, remove the screws
from crown, and prise up the board a very little, in-
deed only sufficient to enable you to discharge some
smoke into the upper part of the hive, to drive
the bees down. Now seize the crown-board by its
opposite corners (diagonally) and twist it, to break all
connexion with the frames, &c, and lift it off. If an
attempt he made to lift it clean away without the
' twist,' the frames will most probably be raised with
it, and a general disorganization may take place, which
would be mischievous. We woidd then, smoker
in hand, to keep the bees at bay, clear the debris from
tops of the frames, and put on the quilt : first a
thickness of hair-cloth (preferable) or ticking, then,
one by one, house-flannel in squares to fit, the object
in so doing being to prevent crushing of bees should
any be on the bars. For feeding purposes, a hole
is cut through flannel and ticking, and a stage
placed over it. If hair-cloth be used, the bottle may
stand directly upon it. The quilts shoidd be close
down upon the frame to stop circulation over them.
You will find, on removing the floor-board, that the
bees have tided the space so kindly left for their ' con-
venience,' with comb, proving that they did not want
such space, and woidd not have it if they can prevent it,

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BEITISH BEE JOURNAL. [Nov. 1, 1879.

PRICE SIXPENCE.

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A MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE AND FLORICULTURE.

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NOTES FROM THE PAPERS.
NOTES ON DECORATIVE GREENHOUSE PLANTS :—

THE CALCEOLARIA.
THE GARDENER'S PRIMER.— No. VI.
GARDENS ENCLOSED WITH GLASS.
THE CARNATION.
A FEW WEEKS' GRACE FOR EARLY-FORCED TREES

NOTES ON COLEUS.

MYOSOTIS DISSITLFLORA FOR WINTER
FLOWERING.

LOBELIA CARDINALIS.

DELL'S HYBRID MELON.

NOTES ON THE STRAWBERRY CROP OF 1879.

HEATING BY HOT WATER.

SCOTTISH HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATION.

THE TELEPHONE IN HORTICULTURE.

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CALENDAR — KITCHEN GARDEN — FORCING DE-
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THE

[No. 80. Vol. VII.]

DECEMBER, 1879.

[Published Monthly.]

(ftfoxtmml, glotuxs, #r.

DECEMBER.

During this and the month of January, as
bee-books tell us, bees should be disturbed as
little as possible, and except that entrances
should be kept clear there ought to be no
occasion for interference with them. The past
month of November gave ample opportunities
for doing all that was necessary, even by the
procrastinators, who mil put off their duties
from day to day ; and such as have not taken
the precautions indicated from time to time in
our pages, may blame themselves more than
the season if their apiaries have caused them
positive loss. We are fully aware that few
can claim that their bees have been a source of
much profit in this most disastrous year, but it
has been possible to hold one's own; and though
there be many who have lost some of their
stocks, and not a few who will have only bee-less
hives ere the spring, there will yet be a goodly
number who, having recognised the value of
bees, and the necessity for care in their culture,
will come triumphantly out of the ordeal im-
posed on all alike, and will find their stocks
greatly increased in worth, through the general
scarcity at the end of the now rampant winter.
In the hope, then, that the bees are comfortable in
their winter quarters, and that the weather will
not be worse than was exjierienced last year, we
propose to pass at once to the consideration of
matters that will be helpful in a general sense,
premising that careful attention will be given
to the hive entrance, contracting it during
excessive cold, shading it when glaring snow
and sunlight would tempt bees forth untimely,
and preventing their being suffocated by ac-
cumulation, that may prevent the necessary
ventilation, and its freedom for egress and in-
gress at all times. The usual precautions should
of course be taken to prevent loss by birds, and

the covers of hives should be kept in their places
to protect them from outside moisture, and in
firm faith that all will be well, we will wait the
advent of the crocuses, the welcome harbingers
of Spring, and the best indicators of the time
for renewing active operations.

Almost all bee-books, with any pretensions
to completeness, contain quotations from that
ancient writer Columella, who lived at the com-
mencement of the Christian era, and he has
been frequently quoted in various journals, with
regard to Apiculture, Horticulture, and Agri-
culture, three branches of science which he
comprised under the term Husbandry, of which
' art ' his treatise is written, but hitherto the
complete text of his work has not appeared
since its translation, published a.d. 1745, and
in the hope that it may be interesting we
propose to republish his book ' of Bees,' in
chapters; which will gradually appear, and, we
think, add to the pleasure of our readers, and
the intrinsic worth of our Journal.

Culling as is our duty from eA'ery available
source, we have this month extracted largely
from the American Bee Journal, the 'cream' of
the honey to be found therein; and we have
every confidence that our readers will thoroughly
enjoy the rneaty dish which Professor Cook,
the celebrated author of ' Cook's Manual of the
Apiary,' has so laboriously and patiently pre-
pared, and so daintily served up in that
distinguished official organ of apiculture.
Mr. President Newman's official Report on his
visit to Europe will also be welcomed, though
its tone is somewhat disappointing; we looked
for new views and well- digested opinions on
the many forms of bee-keeping which must
have come under the observation of the Presi-
dent ; but he evidently had no eyes for such
matters, and has treated his committee to a
report in which American glory is more than
usualty conspicuous, and the supposed objects of
his visit practically ignored.

152

THE BEITISH BEE JOUKNAL.

[December 1, 1879.

CONTROLLING FERTILIZATION.

At length there is a prospect of this prohlem
being solved in a very simple way, and without
any patented appliances. After many experi-
ments, conducted with great patience and per-
severance, Professor Hasbrouck, of New Jersey,
U. S., has hit upon the idea that a tub, having
a window in its top end, would conduce to the
upward flight of marriageable queens, and pre-
sent the best chance of securing fertilization
in confinement. He says (Vide American Bee
Journal), 'I took an empty sugar-barrel, clean
and tight, and into the cover cut a hole about
four inches across in the centre, and fastened a
piece of glass against it on the under side. I
now waited until I had the queen in the trap,
which happened about two o'clock. I put three
drones with her into the barrel, standing in the
bright sunb'ght; they all immediately flew
to the glass, and before I had got ready to look
at them fairly, the qiieen had mated with one
of the drones.'

Two other similar experiments succeeded
equally well. Mr. Hasbrouck says, 'I can
hardly expect that every queen will mate as
soon as these did ; but the arrangement, simple
as it is, accomplishes everything that seems to
be necessary, viz. it induces bees to fly without
the loss of any time in close proximity to each
other, and turning about so that thej- are com-
pelled to notice each other.'

He thinks the young queen and drones should
not be touched with the fingers, or squeezed
with anything that would daub them in the
least, and believes that the loss the method will
prevent will fully compensate for the trouble
involved.

PREVENTING PROPOLISING.

In the report of the Conversazione in our
last, allusion was made to some remarks made
by Mr. C. J. Stevens, of Wimbledon, on the
above subject. Mr. Stevens uses india-rubber
tubing to stop the spaces between the frame
ends, and the sides of hives. "We were under
the impression that the introduction of the
india-rubber was the principle in the invention,
but that gentleman disclaims the idea, and
urges that it is a means only by which a prin-
ciple is best carried out. The best ideas are
often stumbled upon, and we shoidd not be
greatly surprised if it be found that the india-
rubber is so objectionable to bees that they
decline to meddle with it. Mr. Stevens thinks
the bees leave it alone because it perfectly
closes the spaces ; but there must be other
reasons, for as a rule they will propolise the
finest joint or angle, though perfectly air and
water tight, and presenting no means of passage
to an insect. The idea has more in it than
appears at a first glance.

FRAMES ACROSS THE HIVES.

Since we last year threw off the yoke with
which early tuition had bound us, and avowed
a belief that a great deal might be said in favour
of placing frames across the hive, as opposed
to the general opinion that bees naturally built
their combs in the other direction, we have
kept the idea in mind, and have made careful
observation of the direction in which combs
have been built by bees in skeps and box-hives,
and are thoroughly convinced that it is more
the result of accident than design.

The bees are, as a rule, governed by the
position in which they find the hive, subject to
conditions which their owner may thrust upon
them, and hence we have found their combs
built in all directions — straight or crooked, as
the exigencies of the case demanded. In a
well-arranged frame-hive, fitted as all such
essentially are, with comb-foundation as a guide,
the bees accept it, and build their combs in the
direction in which it is placed; but if it be
badly arranged, and the bees find it impossible
to build 'plumb,' so that their combs may be
perpendicular when completed, they depart
more or less from the guides, and disappoint
their owner by building crookedly. Ages ago
the necessity for keeping hives dry was fully
recognised, and directions were given for
sloping the stand or floor-board so that the en-
trance should be at the lowest point ; and the
general fulfilment of those directions has caused
the belief that bees naturally build their combs
in the direction of the entrance, from front to
rear, or vice rersd ; but in sheds and buildings
where the slope has not been a necessity to
dryness, and in other cases where it has not
been given, the bees have built in various
directions, but more often across the hive than
otherwise ; and wherever the hive has had an
inclination to the right or left, the combs have
been built diagonally to the entrance, varying,
as did the slope of the hive, but as a rule
always in the direction from the highest point
of the hive to the lowest.

This rule has not, however, been followed
with hives having large crown holes for feed-
ing or supering, which have been covered with
board or carpet, instead of being filled with a
bung ; for although the bees may have begun
in accordance with the principle indicated,
the holes come in their way, and they cannot
bridge them until combs have been built
which they can use as abutments ; and con-
sequently their first combs skirt the holes,
causing divergence from a straight line, and
they are afterwards occupied with crooked short
lengths, the whole presenting a hieroglyphic
appearance, reminding one of Arabic or Chinese
writing.

December 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

153

Sticks thrust through hives across each other
are frequently causes of crooked or twisted
combs, but they do not prevent the bees com-
mencing correctly ; and a sudden inflow of
honey soon after the combs have been com-
menced, may cause elongation of certain cells,
and consequent irregularity in the construction
of others; but these influences do not affect the
fact that bees as a rule make straight combs,
and build from the highest to the lowest parts
of their hives.

But which direction is the best ? Many
will say let Nature answer ; but whose inter-
pretation of the language of Nature shall we
accept ? It may be taken for granted, for it
is a fact, that in forests and buildings where
bees find homes for themselves, they adapt
their combs to their respective shape, and build
them straight, if they can, but in lines that
direct to any point of the compass that exi-
gency may necessitates, and without apparent
regard to the position of the entrance - hole,
whether it be at top or bottom, or anywhere
between ; so that in looking to Nature for
guidance one gets puzzled by the many aspects
she presents.

An observer in summer, when swarms are
building their new combs, would discover the
wonderful sagacity of bees that were building
in lines direct from the entrance, in providing
so ready a means of ventilating them ; but
another seeing a swarm building directly across
the entrance-way might be charmed with their
sagacious forethought in j)roviding against the
ingress of whiter draughts, and instinct would
be eulogised as the teacher. Each would have
ample grounds for believing he had discovered
the ' reason ' for the respective modes of build-
ing ; and both would be right from their own
standpoint. But the all-important question is,
which is the best way for the combs to run,
taking all points into consideration ? This in-
vites argument on the time of year when the
position of the combs, in the sense implied,
will have the greatest influence for good or evil
on the inmates of the hive, having regard to
profit, with the minimum of labour on the part
of the bee-keeper, and we invite discussion on
the subject. Is it better to arrange the frames
in a hive with their ends towards the entrance,
as aids to summer labour, and to prevent the
necessity for fanning at the doorway, or to place
them across the hive to ensure more comfort-
able winter quarters ?

Perhaps it may occur to some of our readers,
that, seeing both methods have advantages,
hives should be constructed so that the position
of frames may be changed with the seasons, or,
as hinted in the letter of Colonel Pearson on
another page, would a corner entrance answer
both purposes ?

MEAD.

"We have been requested to give a recipe for
mead, and should be glad to do so if we could
understand what kind of mixture is wanted.
We have tasted many samples which have been
put into competition at shows, but the majority
have owed their strength, and flavour such as
they had, to materials totally disconnected with
the produce of the bees, and might equally
well have passed for ginger wine, cordial cloves,
raisin wine, herb broth, poor cider, or small
griping beer, so completely was the idea of
honey dispelled by the mixture of herbs, spices,
and fruits which had been ' added ' to it. At
the late show at Long Sutton a gentle protest
was entered by the judges against the flavour-
ings that had been added to the brewings, and
we trust that in the future they will withhold
prizes from all such, and disqualify them.
Mead should, in the opinion of the judges at
the show named, owe its flavour and strength
to honey only ; and from our own experience
we can testify that mead (or whatever it may
be technically termed) made with honey alone,
diluted with water, fermented and bottled for
a few years, is a most delicious cordial, exquisite
in flavour, and of generous strength, and those
who have tasted such, cease to wonder at the
bees being so highly esteemed in ancient times,
or that their produce was considered fit for the
gods. Our single effort in its manufacture did
not answer expectation at the time, but even-
tually, some years after bottling, it turned out
' superb,' and was awarded the silver medal at
the South Kensington Show this year. We
used equal quantities of honey and warm water,
of heat sufficient to make the bulk milk-warm,
no ' boiling to throw off the scum,' as fermen-
tation will do that, and not drive off the aroma
and flavour that distinguish honey from other
sweets. At the same time we floated a piece
of bread upon it, and on the bread laid a
tablespoonful of brewers' yeast. To say it did
not ferment would not be correct, but it did
not act as we expected, so it was allowed to
stand hi a corner for a long time until it gave
forth a vinous odour, and was bottled to see
what it would come to (as it was believed to be
spoiled except for vinegar), and it was stowed
away and forgotten ; now it is highly prized,
and many who have tasted think it would be
easy to get fond of it. When we get another
opportunity, i.e., when English honey is not
so scarce as at present, we shall proceed exactly
as before, except that care will be taken to
keep the wort warm enough to promote more
fermentation, and we have little doubt but that
mead, with an excellent ' bouquet,' will be the
result.

A good ' drink ' may doubtless be made with

154

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[December 1, 1879.

the ■washings of combs, adding honey until an
egg will float and ferment in the same way,
but boiling we believe to be mischievous, except
when things are added, as hops, to malt liquor,
from which it is necessary to extract the flavour
and strength by that process.

METHEGLIN.

Metheglin is generally made from the waste
comb, after all the available honey has been run
out, and I extract an excellent recipe furnished by
Mr. J. Oliver, to the Journal of Horticulture.
I may state that I have tasted the liqueur made
according to this recipe, and can vouch for its being
super-excellent : ' When the comb has been drained
of its honey, put it in a large vessel, then pour in
sufficient lukewarm water to swim it nicely. Let
it stand two days, stir occasionally, then strain it.
Skim the scum from the liquor carefully, filter the
sediment through a flannel bag, then boil one hour.
To three gallons : Two pounds raisins, one ounce of
ground ginger, and seven or eight laurel leaves ;
then cool. Add a little brewer's yeast, let it stand
part of a day, then barrel it, leaving the barrel
open for two or three days ; bung it up, and let it
remain untouched for six months, then bottle it.'
I daresay some who try their hands at making this
honey drink will be anxious to taste before the
expiration of the six months, but the longer it is
kept the better it will be. If an egg will float on
the liquor it will be about the right strength.

Metheglin may, of course, be made from run
honey ; but by soaking the combs in water we
utilise the honey which would otherwise be lost.
A little lump sugar put in each bottle will make it
as fine as brandy. — Journal of Horticulture.

TO MAKE BARLEY SUGAR,
This being a food likely to be much required,
and frequent inquiries having been made as to
the means by which it can be manufactured,
we give a recipe which those who have the
means may make for themselves. To six pounds
of loaf sugar add one pint of water, put it in
a wide saucepan, a preserving-pan is to be pre-
ferred, and set on the kitchener or hot plate,
stirring until it is thoroughly dissolved. Let
it boil until the scum rises, which it will soon
do, stirring all the time, to prevent the syrup
boiling over, or burning at the bottom of the
pan, and skimming until clear. Now add half
a gill of vinegar, keep on stirring, and let it
boil until the water is all evaporated, and the
bubbles thrown up sparkle and crackle, when
it shoidd be set aside, and trial made, whether
a little drop of it dropped from the spoon will
set hard on a cold tin or stone slab. If it
remain sticky or soft, boil again from time to
time, keeping up the stirring, until it will set
hard and is brittle, when the whole may be
removed from the hot plate. Prepare some

clean tin dishes, or a sheet of lead, and slightly
grease them with a buttered rag or paper to
prevent the sugar sticking, and pour it on them
to the thickness desired, leaving it undisturbed
until cold and hard. Now turn over the tins,
or lead, and by a smart blow on their under-
sides cause the barley sugar to break out in
splinters, which should be put into bottles or
tins, and well covered down to preserve it for
use. Barley sugar thus made will keep for any
length of time if protected from atmospheric
influences ; but it is always ready to absorb
moisture, and if the air can get to it, it will
become sticky and run together, so that it
cannot readily be got out of the vessels in
which it has been placed. A convenient mode
of feeding may be adopted by pouring the
syrup when it first shows signs of hardening,
into small bottles, to be given, one as a dose, to
the bees. It will only be necessary to uncork
it, and set it over the feed-hole, when in a short
time it will soften, and gradually creep down
amongst the bees, in the condition of softened
pitch, and the bees will take it readily ; but it
must not be given in very cold weather, or it
may liquefy too rapidly for them to take while
in a semi-dormant state, and may do harm.
For spring feeding, when bees are active,
nothing can be better than the latter mode, as
it silently reaches the bees in their hive, and
cannot create disorder. The small tins used
for potted meats, bloater paste, and anchovies,
measuring about two inches in height, and one
and a quarter in diameter, filled, and tied over
with vegetable parchment, will answer the
purpose as vehicles for feeding, and being
costless, may be thrown away when used. The
barley sugar should be given frequently, in
small quantities only, when necessary.

THE LANGSTROTH FUND.
The following subscriptions have been re-
ceived : —

Rev. H. R. Peel

. £1

1

0

T. W. Cowan, Esq.

. 1

1

0

Mr. C. N. Abbott

. 1

1

0

A Renfrewshire Bee-keeper

. 1

1

0

R. J. Bennett, Esq.

. 1

1

0

Miss Preston

. 1

1

0

The following have been promised : —

Dr. C. Orme 0 10 6

Walter Hewson, Esq 110

We shall be glad to receive further donations
to the above fund. The object is a worthy one,
and it is the duty of all who profit by Mr.
Langstroth's labours to remember him in his
necessity. We hope to be enabled to send him
a useful ' Christmas-box.' — Ed.

December 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

155

BRITISH BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION.
The usual Monthly Meeting of the Committee was
held at 105 Jennyn Street on Wednesday, Nov. 12th.
Present : Messrs. T."W. Cowan (in the chair), J. Hunter,
J. 1'. Jackson, .T. M.Hooker, Rev. E. Bartrum, Rev. G.
Raynor, and W. O'B. Glennie, Treasurer. The prin-
cipal business before the meeting was to receive the
report of the SuD-Committee appointed at the previous
meeting to inquire into the cost of publishing the
diagrams exhibited by Mr. Cheshire at the late South
Kensington Show. The minutes of the last Committee
meeting having been unanimously confirmed and signed,
Mr. .1. M. Hooker reported that the Sub-Committee had
made the necessary inquiries, and now submitted the
following recommendations for the consideration of the
Committee, viz.: —

1. ' That the Committee should purchase the dia-
grams and copyright from Mr. Cheshire at a cost not
exceeding the price named in the catalogue of the South
Kensington Show, and have the same reduced and
published on two sheets of double-elephant sized paper,
40 by 27 inches, in four colours.'

2. • That a circular should be issued to members and
others stating that diagrams illustrative of bee-life and
management will shortly be published for the use of
schools and lectures, and that the Association will lend
on hire the original diagrams for the use of lecturers at
a fixed fee, the diagrams to be packed in a proper
packing-case, and the hirer to pay all carriage and damage
that may occur during transit, and during the time they
are in the hirer's possession.'

The report of the Sub-Committee having been dis-
cussed at some length, it was moved by the Rev. E.
Bartrum, and seconded by the Rev. G. Raynor, and
carried unanimously, ' That the recommendations of
the Sub-Committee be adopted, and that one thousand
copies of the diagrams in four colours, as recommended
by the Sub-Committee, be executed, and the same be
sold to members at 5s. per set, and to non-members of
the Association at 7s. 6d. per set.'

It was also resolved ,' That the Secretary be requested
to draw up a circular, and issue to members and others
stating that such diagrams will shortly be published at
the above prices, and to state therein that a small Manual
on Bee-keeping for the use of cottagers will be published
by the Association early in the coming year, at a cost not
exceeding sixpence.'

The Balance Sheet for the month ending October 31st,
was read by the Treasui er as follows : —

income. £ s. d.

Amount received Jan. 1 to Sept. 30 . . 424 7 8

Oct, 1 to Oct. 31 .. 14 12 11

Total

. . £430 0 7

EXPENDITUBE. £ S. (/.

Amount expended Jan. 1 to Sept. 30 . . 364 15 85

Oct. 1 to Oct. 31 .. 5 2 11"

Balance in hand 69 1 Hi

Total

£430 0

ERITH AND BELVEDERE NATURAL HISTORY
AND SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY.
The monthly meeting of this Society held on the 21st
ulto. was devoted to the interests of apiculture ; the
principles and requirements of modern bee-keeping being
explained by various members. An observatory hive
exhibited by Mr. Blathwayt, and stocked with bees and
their queen, attracted a large share of attention. Taking
into account the bad season there has been, the show of
run and comb honey was a good one. Upon the platform
were hives of various kinds and other apiarian necessaries.

The Hon. Secretary, after mentioning the different
kinds of bees and their relations to (lowers, and with a
passing allusion to skeps, proceeded to explain in detail
the bar-frame and Stewarton hives.

Mr. T. De L. Hardy followed with a description of
supers and supering, and showed how honey was ob-
tained by means of the extractor. After a detailed
account of the natural history of the honey-bee by Mr. II.
K. Barker, Mr. II. Smith concluded with a brief notice
of wasps and hornets. A vote of thanks to llie.se gentle-
men terminated the proceedings.

AMERICA AND EUROPE— MR. NEWMAN'S
REPORT.

At the afternoon session of the October Conven-
tion of the North American Bee-keepers' Associa-
tion, Mr. Newman, the President, delivered his
Report, which was referred to a Committee of three
of their members for consideration : —

Report.

At the last meeting of this Society your President was
appointed to represent the bee-keepers of America at the
Bee and Honey Shows and Conventions of the sister
Societies of Europe, during the summer of this year. In
accordance with this desire your President has, at his
own expense, and in the interest of American bee-culture,
visited three bee and honey shows in England, one in
Scotland, one in Switzerland, and one in Austria. He
has also visited some of the most prominent bee-masters
in England, Scotland, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Ger-
many, and France, and has been uniformly received with
great enthusiasm .

As Americans generally approve the more readily the
practical side of all questions, you are perhaps even now
quite ready to ask, ' Of what practical use is the know-
ledge obtained ? ' and ' How can it be rendered beneficial
to us F ' Anticipating such questions, let me briefly
answer them. For years have we been anxiously look-
ing for some new avenue for the consumption of our
large production of honey. We have looked in vain to
the North, the South, and the West, to furnish such a
boon. The East is the only portion of earth's surface
that furnishes us with any ' ray of hope.' And already
we have astonished both the producers as well as the
consumers of honey in England, by sending them 180 tons
of honey in the comb, as well as hundreds of tons of ex-
tracted honey. We have also sent large shipments to
the Continental countries of Europe, and many of the
honey producers there begin to feel that we were en-
croaching upon their territory and trampling upon their
rights. In England the British Bee Journal -ays they
were like smoked bees fully 'alarmed,' and began to look
around ' to save themselves and their belongings.' They
really began to feel jealous of us, and to say unkind things
abuut American honey. The ' injury,' we are happy to
say, was imaginary — not real. We made a thorough in-
vestigation, and then made it our chief business to discuss
the matter with them, endeavouring to demonstrate that
not one in a thousand are now eating honey that should
or would do so, were the prices demanded for it more
reasonable. American honey has been transported to
Europe and then sold at a profit for about one-half the
price demanded for it in several countries in Europe.
Heretofore it has been considered a 'luxury,' to be enjoyed
by the rich only ; but we must use every effort to
popularise the consumption of honey. It must be taken
by the masses as one of the necessaries in every-day life,
for it is not only one of the purest and most delicious
of sweets, but also one of the cheapest that Nature
produces.

We laboured persistently to show the apiarists of Europe
this ' more excellent way,' and though the battle was

156

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[December 1, 1879.

hotly contested, we are rewarded by knowing that
' Victory perched upon our banners,' and the position we
took is now fully endorsed by hundreds of the best and
most enterprising of their apiarists. The B. B. Journal
some time since said : ' We owe it to American enterprise
that the honey market question has been so thoroughly
investigated,' and then that Journal generously added :
' We think it is right to acknowledge that the American
honey merchants have helped us out of what was a sore
difficulty, viz., the means of disposing of our honey.
They have proved that if in saleable packages, it will
find its way into our grocers' shops, and thence into
family cupboards for every-day use.'

Not only did the prominent British bee-keepers endorse
this position, but the British Bee-keepers' Association
presented us with its silver medal in token of its apprecia-
tion of our services as well as a souvenir of our visit.
The Caledonian Apiarian Society also presented us with
its silver medal, not only in honour of our visit to its
annual Session, but also, as it said, in recognition of the
services we had 'rendered to the science of bee-culture; '
they also treated us with unbounded enthusiasm. The
Swiss ' Soci(5te d' Apiculture ' heartily approved of our
position, and enthusiastically ratified it with a hearty
' three times three,' cheering lustily for American enter-
prise and practical apiarian methods. Hundreds of in-
dividual bee-keepers, all over Europe, also fully endorsed
our position and received us with the greatest cordiality.
Though it has cost us many hundreds of dollars to
make the trip, we are constrained to believe that the
interests of honey producers throughout the world have
been greatly enhanced thereby. We feel quite con-
fident that the effects will be manifest in years that are
to come.

It is true in Europe as in America that we must have
broad business-like views, unattended with prejudice, on
all points pertaining to the consumption of honey, for
consumption is the end and purpose of all production.
Two cardinal points present themselves, and these are
economical production and t/eneral consumption. It is
quite essential that these should be ' talked up,' for
thoughts beget words, and words produce actions with
persons who are in earnest. ' A long pull, a strong pull,
and a pull all together,' will produce wonders in this
direction, and it is certainly worth while for bee-culturists
of the whole world to see what wonders may be produced
by united action. I have put this question to thousands
in Europe, and now ask the intelligent and progressive
apiarians of America — ' Shall we try it ? '

It appears to me that it needs no argument to prove
that no good can possibly accrue to the honey interests of
the world, by the bee-keepers of one locality or country
talking against the honey produced in another locality or
country. All honey is not. alike, either in colour or
flavour ; but all is good for some purpose or other, either
the table or the manufactory. Our aim should be to
elevate the science, not to underrate our fellow-labourers —
to excel in bee-management, not to undersell our neigh-
bours. We should agree upon a price that should pay
for production, and at the same time not retard con-
sumption, and then all should be guided by this, and thus
aid in establishing a regular market price for honey, the
same as is obtained for wheat, corn, and oats.

America stands first in the world for honey production
as well as for scientific management and improved im-
plements for the apiary. In Great Britain this year all
crops are a failure. On the Continent, generally, the
crops are very light. To America, therefore, belongs the
humane work of very largely feeding the world, not only
with wheat and all kinds of field produce, but also to
sweeten it with her excellent hone}'.

So far as circumstances have permitted, I have en-
deavoured everywhere to cultivate broad views concern-
ing the production and consumption of honey, and to
establish a fraternal bond of union among the bee-
culturists of the world. How far I have been successful

in this task I shall leave others to say and time to prove.
The unbounded enthusiasm with which I have been
greeted everywhere will be remembered as long as reason
holds her sway. Of course I am well aware that this
was intended in a large measure for the great body of
apiarists in America whom I had the honour to represent ;
and I know you will all accept the fraternal and cordial
welcome of your representative as a gratifying evidence
of the friendly feeling which exists m Europe towards
the hosts of progressive bee-culturists of America, and a
positive proof that in the great work before us Europe
will stand side by side with America, and take its part
in the onward, sweeping tide of destiny.

In submitting this report your Representative trusts that
it will meet with your entire approbation. — American
Bee Journal.

ON THE AMOUNT OF HONEY NECESSARY
FOR THE BEES IN WINTER.

(From the Abbe Collin.)

It is a point of the greatest importance to ascertain
the exact amount of honey which it is necessary to
leave to the bees for their winter provision. How
many hives fall victims every year to the cupidity of
their owners, and perhaps still more often to their ig-
norance ! In February, the poor bees die of hunger
for want of the honey of which they were robbed in
the previous July. It cannot be too often repeated
that by far the greater number of our bee-keepers,
who fail in their attempt to form an apiary, owe their
disappointment either to their desire to over-multiply
swarms, or else to their hunger for a hone}' harvest
larger than is their due.

Hives will generally lose about 41bs. weight between
the middle of July and the beginning of October. This
loss of weight is not solely due to a diminution in the
weight of honey in the hive; for in the interim the
drones have been killed, the population will have dimin-
ished about one-third, and there will be no longer any
considerable amount of young brood in the hive. A
hive which weighs in October as much as it did in July,
is lucky, for it proves that the bees have made up in
weight of honey during the autumn what the}' have lost
under the three heads above enumerated. If then you
take your honey in July, you must bear in mind that
41bs. weight should be allowed in addition to what you
calculate as necessary for the winter's consumption.

We will now consider the amount of honey necessary
for a hive's consumption between 1st October and the
1st May. This the writer has made repeated experi-
ments to ascertain, the details of which are given below,
and which were carried out with great care and exacti-
tude. These experiments go to show that the whiter con-
sumption of a hive amounts to from 7 to 8 kilos of honey
(or from 16 to 181bs. English), differing slightly according
to the severity or otherwise of the season, as well as to the
amount of bees in each hive. Generally speaking, strong
colonies require slightly more honey than the weaker
ones, though this extra consumption takes place in the
months of March and April, after the breeding com-
mences. But it often happens that weaker colonies con-
sume more than much stronger ones, as the former eat
to keep up the necessary heat, which the latter possess in
themselves. Thus a weak colony lodged in a small hive
will consume less than if it were in a large one, and we
ought to proportion the size of our hives to the number
of bees they contain. To conclude, then, if you count
from July you shoidd leave each hive 10 kilos (22 lbs. of
honey), or if you are generous you may leave it 12 kilos
(or 26 lbs.). If you weigh and close your hives in
October, you may count 4 lbs. less.

The following table gives the weight of eleven hives
belonging to the writer, which were weighed by him on
the 1st July and again on the 19th October in the year

December 1, 187ft.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

157

1858. Tin' weights are in French kilos, each kilo equal-
ing' 2"205, nearly 2 J lbs. English : —

July 1st Oct. l!)th. Difference.

No. Kilos. Kilos. Kilos.

1 ... 16-910 ... 14-580 ... 2-330

2 ... 23-730 ... 22-000 ... 1-730

3 ... 18-490 ... 14-200 ... 4-290

4 ... 22-540 ... 18-860 ... 3-080

5 ... 21-810 ... 17-170 ... 4-640

6 ... 17-240 ... 13-570 ... 3-670

7 ... 21-170 ... 18-100 ... 3-070

8 ... 18-670 ... 16-070 ... 2-600

9 ... 17-880 ... 14-680 ... 3-200

10 ... 16-750 ... 13-630 ... 3-120

11 ... 15-720 ... 12-970 ... 2-750

In this case the autumn was exceptionally unfavour-
able for the bees, and no doubt the loss of weight, which
amounted to an average of 3-189 kilos (or 6-842 lbs.
English) was exceptionally high, as in the year following
the author's hives had lost no weight whatever up to the
1st September. But the example of an unfavourable
year is safer to calculate upon than a favourable one.

We will now proceed to examine the consumption of
twenty-one hives in the same, year, between the 19th
October and 6th April following: —

Oct. 19th,

April 6th,

Difference.

Stre

1856.

1859.

of B

No.

Kilos.

Kilos.

Kilos.

1

.. 14-580 .

. 9-290

.. 5-290

.. 2

2

.. 22-000 .

. 16-170

. 5230

.. 1

3

.. 14-200 .

. 8-690

.. 5-510

.. 1

4

.. 18-860 .

. 12-670

.. 6-190

.. 1

5

.. 17-170 .

. 10-960

.. 6-210

.. 1

6

.. 13-570 .

. 8-530

.. 5-040

.. 2

7

.. 18-180 .

. 12-270

.. 5-580

.. 1

8

.. 16-070 .

. 10-650

.. 5-420

.. 2

9

.. 14-680 .

9-180

.. 5-500

.. 1

10

.. 13-630 .

8-180

.. 4-750

.. 2

11

.. 12-970 .

. 8-850

.. 4-820

.. 3

12

.. 13-920 .

. 8770

.. 5-150

.. 3

13

.. 14-320 .

7-650

.. 6-670

.. 3

14

.. 13-060 .

. 8-480

.. 4-580

.. 2

15

.. 13-830 .

. 7-950

.. 5-880

.. 1

16

.. 13-890 .

. 8-090

.. 5-800

.. 3

17

.. 11-100 .

. 6720

.. 4-380

.. 3

18

.. 15-350 .

7-730

.. 7-620

.. 1

19

. 11940 .

. 6-690

.. 4-950

.. 1

20

.. 16-710 .

. 9-620

.. 7-090

.. 1

21

.. 11-310 .

. 6-660

.. 4-650

.. 1

The fifth column shows the relative strength of each
hive. This was estimated by the author under very
favourable circumstances on the 25th April following,
which was a remarkably fine day. Number 1 are strong
colonies ; number 2, moderately strong, and number 3
w-ere weak hives, as they appeared at the end of the
winter.

The total consumption of the above twenty-one hives,
from the 19th October to 6th April, was 116-160 kilos
(or 256j lbs.) English, equalling a mean consumption of
5-531 kilos (or 12£lbs. English). To this must be added
the honey consumed between the 1st and 19th of October,
and that necessary for consumption from the 6th of April
till the 1st of May. These together cannot be estimated at
less than 2 kilos, or 4i lbs., as the consumption of honey
during the spring breeding is necessarily very heavy. In
this way we arrive at a total winter consumption of
7 A kilos of honey, equal to nearly 17 lbs. in English
weight, between 12th October and 1st May.

It will be remarked that Nos. 17, 19, and 21, consumed
very little honey in comparison to the others. They were
swarms of the previous year lodged in small straw hives,
of about two-thirds the usual size. The first eleven
hives were protected by a shed, the ten last numbers
were placed in the open garden, and exposed to all the
weather. It will be observed that the mean consumption
of the latter was not superior to that of the fir.^t, only
because the three swarms are included ; if these be de-

ducted the hives under shelter consumed slightly less
honey than those exposed to the weather, as wdl always
be found to be the case. Bees lodged in hives in an
apiary, which do not get the sun in an afternoon, rarely
come out of their hives in winter, as do those who
are exposed to all weather ; they consequently consume
more honey than those which are more favourably
situated. It may be added that the winter of 1858-59
was mild, and that the bees began to collect pollen freely
on the 17th March, 1859.

In the succeeding year of 1859-60, the following table
shows the result of nine hives between the 24th October
and 11th April: —

Oct. 24th, April 11th,

1859. 1860. Difference.

No. Kilos. Kilos. Kilos.

1 ... 25-480 ... 19-480 ... 6-000

2 ... 23-360 ... 17-070 ... 6-290

3 ... 2-1830 ... 16-230 ... 5600

4 ... 18-980 ... 13-080 ... 5-900

5 ... 25-590 ... 18-370 ... 7-220

6 ..„ 15-160 ... 10-080 ... 5-080

7 ... 14-660 ... 10-290 ... 4-370

8 ... 19-200 ... 13-320 ... 5-880

9 ... 21-290 ... 15-250 ... 6040

The first five hives, which were very strong in number,
had nothing in the way of food except their own gathered
honey. The remaining four hives were two late swarms
of 1859, and their stock hives. Their food consisted of
one-third honey and two-thirds glucose. The two
swarms (Nos. 6 and 7) were of about the same strength
of population as the two stocks (Nos. 8 and 9) ; but the
swarms were lodged in hives only about two-thirds of
the size of those which held the parent stocks. As in
the former case, it w-ill be observed that the swarms
lodged in small hives show a much smaller winter
consumption of honey than the old stocks lodged in
larger hives. As compared with the winter of 1858-59,
that of 1859-60 was a very severe one, from first to
last, with the exception of the month of January, which
was mild.

It will be seen that the nine hives consumed between
the 24th October and the 11th April 52-380 kilos of
honey, or a mean of 5-820 kilos per hive, equal to a total
of 116 lbs. English, or nearly 13 English pounds per
hive. If to this be added, as before, for the consumption
from 1st to 24th October, and from 12th to 30th April,
two ldlos, the mean winter consumption of the above nine
hives will be found to be 7-820 kilos, or about 17| English
pounds each. It will be thus seen that the nine hives of
1859-60 had a slight average excess of consumption over
those of the previous year. This was probably due to
the increased severity of the winter. It should be men-
tioned that in the last experiment the hives were weighed
with their floor-boards, in the former experiments with-
out them.

In estimating the amount of honey in a hive there
are many things which must be taken into account. The
weight of the hive should, of course, be known exactly ;
but the age of the comb will have a considerable influence
on the weight, as will also the season of the year. At
the end of July, when the drones have for the most part
disappeared, after deducting the weight of the hive, you
may allow for the comb, if moderately old, 3 lbs. ; for
the bees, 4 lbs., and 2 lbs. for the young brood and pollen,
or a total of nine pounds in a hive of average size. If
the comb is that of a swarm of the same season, the wax
will not weigh more than half. If the hive is weighed
in October the weight allowed for the bees must be re-
duced, and nothing allowed for pollen. Generally speak-
ing, 4 lbs. will cover the weight of the bees and brood in
an ordinary hive in the autumn. The author once ether-
ised the bees in a very strong hive in September, and
then weighed them very carefully. Their weight was
1-600 kilos, or, as nearly as possible, three and a half
English pounds. By the above means it is possible to

158

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[December 1, 1879.

arrive very closely at the weight of the honey in a hive,
which is the balance after deducting weight of the
hive, the bees and young brood, and the wax, due
allowance being made, as shown above, for the two
last items.*

BEE-CULTURE AMONG THE ANTIENTS.
COLUMELLA.

Of this celebrated author, his translator (1745)
says, ' It is very remarkable that in no part of his
work he has given us the least intimation under
whose administration public affairs then were, nor
under whose consulship he lived when he wrote any
part of it;' but in the first chapter of the work he
writes of Cornelius Celsus and Julius Atticus, as
authors of his own time, and in a foot-note it is
stated that the former 'flourished in the time of
the Emperor Tiberius,' in the eighteenth year of
whose reign our Saviour Christ was crucified. We
may, therefore, conclude that Columella lived and
wrote his work about the commencement of the
Christian era, a date quite near enough for our
purpose, and fully entitling him to respect as an
' antient ' character.

We offer no apology for presenting our readers
with an occasional chapter of the bee-lore of old, for
that is what we propose to do ; it will be precious to
many who cannot possibly acquire the book, will
doubtless be of general interest, and may teach
humility to not a few inventors of modern times.
Bees are treated of in his ninth book of his work of
Husbandry,! the first chapter of which is devoted to
the work 'of making parks, and shutting up wild
cattle in them,' but the remainder, involving fifteen
chapters, is devoted to bees alone. — Ed. B. B. J.

L. Junius Moderatus Columella op Husbandry.

The Preface. — I come now to the tutelage of wild
cattle, and the education of bees; which very things,
Publius Silvinus, I may also very justly call Manor-
house pasturings; forasmuch as antient custom placed
parks for young hares, and wild goats, and such-like wild
beasts, hard by the manor-house; for the most part
situated below the owner's apartments, that so the seeing
of them hunted within the enclosure might both delight
the eyes of him who had them in his possession ; and
that they might be brought forth as it were out of a
storehouse, when he had occasion to make entertain-
ments. And even in our own memory, bees had seats
assigned to them, either in the walls of the nianor-

* The above experiments were made with straw hives,
and go far to prove the utility of bar-frame hives which
enables the home of the bees to be contracted during the
winter months, and to be enlarged in the spring when
breeding again commences. — The Translator.

t L. Junius Moderatus Columella of Husbandry, in
twelve books, and his Book concerning Trees. Translated
into English, with several illustrations from Pliny, Cato,
Varro, Palladius, and other antient and modern Authors.

Eeclesiastes, chap. 5, ver. 9 : The Profit of the Earth is for
all ; The King loimself is served by the Field. Ecclesiasticus,
chap. 7, ver. 15 : Hate not Husbandi-y, which the Most
High hath ordained.

Virg. Georg., Lib. 1.

' Pater ipse colendi
Haud facilem esse viam voluit ; priniusoue per artem
Movit agros, curis acuens mortalia corda.'
London : Printed for A. Millar, opposite to Catharine
Street in the Strand, mdccxlv.

house cut into niches, or in porticoes, sheltered from
the weather, and in orchards. Wherefore, seeing there
is a reason given of the title, which we have prefixed to
this discourse, let us prosecute particularly each of the
things we have now proposed.

Chapter ii. — Of Bees. — I come now to the manage-
ment of bee-hives, concerning which no precepts can be
given with greater diligence, than have been alreadj' de-
livered by Hyginus: nor more gracefully and handsomely
than by Virgil; nor more elegantly, than by Celsus.
llyt/inus has industriously collected the sentiments of
antient authors, that were dispersed in their writings,
which were unknown to the world. Virgil has illuminated
them with flowers of poetry; Celsus has adapted and
made use of the manner of both these mentioned authors ;
wherefore we woidd not have so much as attempted to
discourse of this subject, but that the consummation of
the profession we have undertaken required the handling
of this part of it also, lest the body of the work, which
we have begun, should appear maimed and imperfect, as
if some member were cut off from it. And I would
rather allow to poetical license, that to our belief, those
things which have been fabulously related concerning the
origination of bees, which Hyginus has not past over.
Nor, indeed, is it worthy of an husbandman to inquire
whether there ever was such a woman as Melissa, of a
most exquisite beauty, which Jupiter transformed into a
bee; or whether (as JEuhemerus the poet says,) bees were
bred of hornets and the sun, which the Phryxonian
nymphs educated ; and that soon afterwards they
became nurses to Jupiter in the Dictcean cave ; and by
the free gift of the god, they obtained the same food for
their own sustenance, wherewith they had brought up
their little foster child ; for though these things are not
unbecoming a poet, nevertheless Virgil touched upon them
slightly, and very briefly, only in one small verse: In
Side's cave they fed the king of heaven.

But neither does that indeed belong to Husbandmen ;
when, and in what country, they were first produced,
whether in Thessaly under Aristceus; or in the island of
Cea, as Euhemerus writes; or in the times of Erich-
thonius ; in mount Hymettus, as Euthronius ; or in the
times of Saturn, of Crete, as Nicander says ; no more
than whether the swarms procreate their offspring by
coupling together, as we see other animals do : or choose
the heir of their family from among the flowers, which
our Maro affirms; and whether they vomit the liquid
honey out of their mouth, or yield it from any other
part of their body ; for it rather belongs to the searchers
into the secret and hidden things of nature, than to
Husbandmen to inquire after these and suchlike things.
Also these things are more agreeable to men of study
and learning, who have leisure to read, than to Husband-
men, who are full of business ; because they neither assist
them in their work, nor contribute anything to increase
their estate.*

THE TONGUE OF THE HONEY-BEE.
By Prop. A. J. Cook.

It gives me great pleasure to meet so many of the
intelligent, hard-working, and successful bee-keepers of
our country. I am always proud to be associated with
those whose earnest thought and hard labour have added
to the productions, and to the wealth and happiness, of
our people.

The Apostle James says of the human tongue, ' That
it is a little member, and boasteth great things.' The
tongue of the honey-bee is much smaller, but never

* There is a great deal of shrewd sense in the last para-
graph of this chapter, and it would be well if future writers
of bee-books would think well over it before boreing the pur-
chasers of their works with minute scientific descriptions
which have no practical value. — Ed.

December 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

159

boasteth, except in the good way of grand accomplish-
ment.

The bee is, and lias long been, of great importance to
the commercial world, and this, together with the
fascination inseparable from its study, have led many of
the ablest scientists to carefully investigate its structure
and habits. Yet I know not if there exists to-day an
accurate description of the bee's tongue, and the method
by which the insect procures its food. The literature of
the subject abounds in confusion and inaccuracy. The
most learned scientists — those usually the most careful
and accurate, like Reaumur, Newport, and Carpenter —
give voice to palpable errors. Even the last edition of
the Encyclopcsdia Britannica gives further life to these
erroneous views. Let us give brief attention to some of
these descriptions.

Hogg says the bee's tongue is cylindrical; Kirby,
Spence. and' Neighbour, state that it" is flat ; Reaumur
and Chambers, that it is between the two. Reaumur,
Newport, Kirby, Spence, Carpenter, Shuckard, Bevan, and
Hunter, all state that the tongue is solid, and that the
honey is sopped up, or takeu through a tube formed by
the close approximation of the maxillae, labium, and labial
palpi. Newport, speaks of a hairy sheath along the under
side of the basal two-thirds of the organ. Neighbour says
there is a gutter throughout the entire length of the tongue ;
while Swammerdam, Lamarck, Burmeister, Wildman, and
Munn, claim that the organ is tubular. Newport and
Carpenter assert that the bee's tongue is muscular, which
is denied by Cuvier, Reaumur, and Chambers.

That bees lap the nectar is affirmed by Reaumur,
Newport, Kirby and Spence, Saviguy, Carpenter, Bevan,
and Hunter; while Swammerdam, Wildman, Lamarck,
Burmeister, Munn, and Neighbour, claim that the bees
take liquid by suction.

Amid these conflicting views let us see if we may find
the truth. To do this we must examine closely the
structure of the organ, and also watch the insect as it is
taking its fill of honey or some other liquid.

In the April number of the Journal of the Cincinnati
Society of Matured History for 1878 Mr. V. T. Chambers,
an able entomologist of Covington, Kentucky, published
a very admirable paper upon this subject. In the American
Quarterly Microscopical Journal for 1879, p. 287, the
subject was again presented in a beautifully illustrated
article by Mr. J. D. Hyatt, President of the New York
Microscopical Society. I learn that Wolff has pub-
lished a fully illustrated memoir on the anatomy of the
honey-bee, which I regret to say I have not seen. From
Messrs. Chambers' and Hyatt's papers, and my own
researches and observations, I am able to present the
following facts : —

The mouth-parts of the honey-bee brought into requi-
sition when the insect takes a liquid into its pharynx are
the maxilla? and the labium.

The maxilla?, or second jaws (see m x in fig. a) are
situated each side of the labium. They are hinged to the
head by the strong cardos (see c, c, in fig. a) which are
chitinous rods. Extending forward from the cardo is
the more flattened stipes (see s t, s t, in fig. a), which is also
mainly chitinous. From the stipes projects the triangular
but deeply grooved lacinia (see I, I, in fig. a). This is
more membranous, but it is strengthened by a ridge of
chitine, which extends to the apex. At the base the very
rudimentary maxillary palpi (see m p, mp, in fig. a) are
visible, while scattering hairs project from the inner
margins. When the maxilla? are brought close together
a tube is formed, which is continued by aid of a colourless
membrane to the opening into the pharynx. This open-
ing is beneath the labium, and between the mandibles.
The colourless membrane is continuous with the epi-
pharynx . The muscles which move the maxilla? are attached
mainly to the cardo and stipes. The labium, or lower
lip, of the worker honey-bee is twenty-three to twenty-
seven hundredths of an inch loug. It consists of a central

portion and two pairs of appendages, the paraglossia (see
p,p, in fig. a), and the labial palpi (see k, k, in fig. a). The
central portion is divided into a basal two-sevenths, or
mentum (see m in fig. a), and the terminal five-sevenths,
or ligula (see t,m fig. a and is). The mentum is about seven-
hundredths of an inch long. It is hinged to the submentum
(see o, in fig. a), which is in turn hinged to the maxilla? by
two chitinous rods (see b, b, in fig. a). These rods permit free
motion, and to them are attached muscles, which in part
affect the movements of the labium. The mentum is a
flattened cylinder, the floor and sides of which are thick
and opaque, because of the abundance of chitine con-
tained in their structure. While lining this chitinous
gutter and completing the tube is a thin colourless mem-
brane, which is but the anterior prolongation of the
pharynx. There are also abundant muscles within the
mentum, which extend even foi a short distance along

the sides of the base of the tongue. These not only affect
the whole labium, but also protrude and retract the
ligula, or tongue.

The ligula, or tongue (fig. a and B t) extends from
the anterior extremity of the mentum. It consists of a
sheath (fig. a, /, s), which appears annulated from the many
rows of yellowish hairs. When not distended, the
sheath, as seen in cross section (fig. c), is kidney-shaped.
It has a slit (fig. c /<) along the under surface from the
base to very near the end. In some specimens the slit
seems to reach quite to the end. Within the sheath is a
small coloured triangular rod (fig. c r), darker than the
sheath, which, except for a slit (fig. c h.) on its under sur-
face, would form a tube (fig. c r) ; in fact, the sides of the
rod along the slit can be brought in such close contact as
virtually to form a tube. Fine hairs project from the
walls either side the slit (fig. c h) into the tube, which
doubtless aid in making the tube more perfect. Along
the back of the rod is a conspicuous layer, which Mr.
Hyatt asserts is muscular. If this be so we can readily
see how its actiou would spread the wall and open the
slit. The rod projects beyond the sheath, as an imper-

160

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[December 1, 1879.

feet funnel ; the ' button ' of Reaumur (fig. a and B, /).
The wanting section of the funnel harmonises •with the
slit in the rod. Near the end the rod seems firmly
attached to the sheath. Any attempt to draw the rod
from this position is quite certain to rupture the sheath.
The rod, when extended, projects from sixteen to eighteen
hundredths of an inch beyond the mentum. At the base
the rod is colourless, and its tube connects above with the
membranous sack next to be described, and through this
with the tube of the mentum, and with the pharynx.

Attached to the edges of the sheath, next to the slit,
and possibly, as Mr. Chambers thinks, entirely lining the
latter, and also to the corresponding edges of the tubular
rod, is a thin membrane (fig. c, s). Mr. Chambers thinks
this passes over the slit in the rod, making the tube of
the latter complete. I have reasons to think he is mis-
taken, as will appear in the sequel. When not distended,
this membrane lies in folds (fig. c, s), but when distended,
it, with the rod, pushes out the sheath, so as to form with
the latter a large tubular sack (fig. B s s) with the tubular
rod (fig. c e) along the surface, opposite the sheath. At
the base this sack has a chitiuous support (fig. a, q, q), and
connects through the tube of the mentum with the pharynx,
and receives the tube of the rod. It extends nearly, if not
quite, to the end of the sheath, certainly as far the slit in
the latter extends, and is, anteriorly, imperforate.

The labial palpi (fig. a, k, 7c), like the maxilla?, are
deeply grooved, and, when brought close together, form
a tube which also has a membranous connexion with the
mouth opening into the pharynx.

The paraglossa? are short, leaf-like organs (fig. a p p),
with a hollow membranous base, which also connects
with the tube of the mentum and the sack of the ligula.

When not in use the ligula, with the labial palpi and
niaxilke, all double, back under the head, and the tongue
is so retracted that it extends no farther than the labial
palpi. This shortening of the ligula seems to be effected
by drawing the more membranous and less hairy base
into the mentum.

Hmo do bees take liquids into their stomachs? — This
question, as we have seen, has received various answers.
Some have thought that the nectar was drawn through
a tube formed by the approximation of the ligula, the
palpi, and the maxillae. Others that suction was the
force, and the tongue the tube. Still others have be-
lieved that the nectar was lapped up by the bees. I hope
to be able to show you that all are right.

Look at the bee through a good lens (I have used Toll's
one-half inch) while sipping honey containing grains of
solid matter, and the fine particles will often be seen to
ascend through the tube formed by bringing the maxilla?
close together. We have already seen how this liquid
passes to the mouth and through this into the pharynx.
Or we can colour some rather thin honey or syrup by
aniline (I have found deep red to be the best), and while
the bee is sipping this coloured liquid, which it does as
eagerly as though the poisonous aniline were not present,
cut off its head, which, with a pair of dissecting scissors,
is done in an instant. Examination plainly shows the
red track along the channelled maxilla? and palpi, even
to the mouth, which clearly reveals the path of the
liquid. These conduits are much the larger approach to
the phaiynx ; thus we see why bees take honey so fast
when they can get freely at a large quantity, and why a
few days of good bass-wood harvest are so fruitful.

Bees as surely take honey through the triangular rod,
which is closed within the sheath. I have proved this in
several ways as follow : —

I have placed honey in fine glass tubes and behind fine
wire <*auze, so that the bees coidd just reach it with the
funnel at the end of the rod. So long as they could
reach it with the funnel so long woidd it disappear. I
have held the bee in my hand, by grasping the wings,
while observing it with a good lens. I would graduallv
withdraw it from the drop of honey, which it would sip

so long as the drop was within reach of the funnel. I
have in such cases seen the red axis when the bee was
sipping coloured syrup. Subsequent examination by dis-
section revealed the red liquid still in the tube of the rod,
clearly showing its course in passing to the pharynx.
If we place the tongue with a drop of water on a
glass slide, and cover with a thin glass, and then look
at it through the compound microscope with a mag-
nifying power of eighty diameters, we can readily see
the liquid pass back and go forth in the tube as we
press with a pencil on the thin glass cover. As Mr.
Chambers states, this tube at the base of the funnel
is only one five-hundredth of an inch in diameter.
We now understand why the bees are so long in loading
their stomachs, when gathering from small tubular
flowers, as then this minute tube is the only avenue by
which the bee secures the nectar. We can also well
understand why they gather so much faster from some
flowers than from others. In the one case they secure
the liquid sweet through both the channels above de-
scribed ; in the other, when the honey is scarce or deep
down in small tubular flowers, they can only use this
microscopic tube.

We also note the admirable construction of the tongue,
which permits it to probe these tiny flowers, and also
see the advantage of even a little additional length in
this important and wonderful organ.

I also believe that bees lap up the honey. If we
spread a thin layer of honey on a glass, and permit the
bees to visit it, we shall see the bees wipe it up with
their ligula?. Fine drops disappear even though the
funnel does not touch them. From this observation, as
well as the structure of the organ — if I am right in
believing that the slit in the rod opens on the surface —
we can but conclude that the slit in the rod, no less than
the funnel, may be the door whereby liquids pass to
the tube. If Mr. Hyatt is right in thinking that the
dorsal brand of the rod is muscular, we can readily see
from its position and the form of the rod, how the slit
might be opened. If the liquid is very thick the bees
are seen frequently to retract the ligula and then extend
it, as if to clear the organ by scraping it between the
maxilla? and palpi.

While sipping honey the bee performs a kind of respi-
ratory movement with the abdomen. This shows that
the force of suction comes partly, if not wholly, from the
stomach, which organ is situated in the abdominal cavity.
The tongue is also retracted and extend rhythmically while
the bee is sipping. The tip passes alternately back and
forth from its greatest distance from the mentum to the
end of the palpi. This movement may be something
analogous to swallowing.

I am not certain as to the function of the membranous
sack. I have found that if I lolled a bee, by compress-
ing its thorax very soon after it commenced to sip the
coloured liquid, that the latter was always in the stomach,
but not in the sack. If I waited longer I found the
sack also partially filled. This leads me to conclude that
it acts as a store-house, enabling the bee to carry a load
beyond the capacity of its stomach. It also appears
glandular when distended, so possibly it secretes an
animal juice or ferment, which aids in changing cane-
sugar into glucose or grape sugar ; for we find upon analysis,
that pure cane-sugar, after passing through the stomach of
the bee, has partially undergone this transformation.

After the bees have sipped the coloured liquid, I find
invariably that the tip of the tongue — the small portion
where the slit in the sheath seems obscure, and where
the rod seems more firmly attached to the sheath — is
highly coloured, as though full of liquid. Possibly the
sack does not extend into this portion, and the tube may
be larger in this part. By a little pressure the liquid is
made to pass out of this portion of the tube, either
through the funnel or slit — perhaps both.
{To be continued.)

December 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

1C1

(tarcsponbcncc.

%* These columns are open to Subscribers, so that tjieir
queries, replies, correspondence, and experiences, may be
fully and faithfully recorded; and for the discussion of all
theories and systems in Bee-culture, and of the relative merits
of all hires and appurtenances, that the truth regarding them
may be ascertained. The Editor, therefore, must not be ex-
pected to coincide with all the views expressed by the various
■writers. All Correspondence is addressed to the Editor.

ARTIFICIAL POLLEN AND FEEDING.

It is now many years since I published in the
Journal of Horticulture ' A New Discovery ' of
introducing food directly into the combs without
the intervention of the bee. Spare combed frames
were employed, and the cells were carefully filled
with sugar syrup from a fine piped tin can, such as
is used for oiling machinery. Our then chief (the
late Mr. Woodbury) took exception to the principle.
It is curious to observe how history repeats itself.
The present ' captain on the paddle-box ' of that
periodical (Mr. Pettigrew)has, I understand, recently
described how he had fed his horse-box, over-
heated skeps, removed from Manchester to Car-
luke, by inverting and deluging the inmates and
their works with '2\ cwt. of sugar converted into
syrup, tied down to their damp, soaked boards, and
covered with roofing felt. What must be their
condition the coming spring 1

In the same Journal the slap-dash Captain's
chief mate (Mr. F. Cheshire) describes how he
placed artificial pollen directly into the combs, in
certainly a less hap-hazard style, and takes credit
for being first to enqJoy pea-flour as a substitute
for pollen, and administer it by feeding within the
hive. Employing pea-flour as a substitute for pollen
is not a thing of yesterday in Scotland. In justice
to 'ALanarkshire Bee-keeper,' as Vol. IV. testifies,he
accidentally discovered, a quarter of a century ago,
through a lst-of-April joke (1854) how readily his
little favourites befooled the fooler by supping up
his syrup peas-brose (Anglice, pea-flour paste) ;
and more than twenty years ago the Germans intro-
duced within theirhivesin comb both artificial pollen
and water as early as January to stimulate breed-
ing.

It is twenty years the coming spring since I
carried out a series of experiments with artificial
pollen, feeding within as well as without the hive.
My bees at first stoutly refused to accept the prof-
fered boon, although I allured them to the soup-
plates containing the pollen with a central heap of
honey. They stood on the cut straws placed upon
it, and carried off the honey, but shook off the
pollen from their coats, although I rolled a few of
them in it. I at last hit upon the expedient of
damping it slightly, when they at once proceeded
to knead it into pellets in their thigh-baskets, and
they bore away with avidity the flour or meal of the
following grains : Peas, beans, barley, rye, wheat,
oats, Indian corn (yellow and white), linseed, and
rice. Placing the various sorts side by side, they
seemed to give a preference to the first four named ;
but they wTere not over-particular as to their

farinaceous food — foreign arrowroot, potato starch,
and even ground oilcake, disappeared. It was
musl interesting, on getting out of a morning, to
find a lot of my little favourites fluttering on poised
wing at the trysting-place, awaiting their morning
meal.

I feel sorry to be obliged to damp the expecta-
tions of so philosophic and genial a writer as Mr.
Cheshire with results. One fine young stock carried
largely in excess of all the others, and from it I
looked forward to an overflowing population with
no end of supers ; but alas ! I found I had jumped
to conclusions far too hastily. This stock, instead
of proving the premier of the apiary, turned out
about the worst. Every time I drew a slide a
sortie of mites burst upon the scene, doubtless
bred in the overplus hoard. An eminent apiarian
correspondent has recently written me he is
inclined to think foul brood has often its origin in
mildewed pollen.

With a superabundance of natural pollen from
the yew and the crocus close at hand, I came to the
conclusion that the artificial was unnecessary and
uncalled for, remembering the opinion expressed
by that sensible old writer (Gelieu), that excessive
pollen-gathering was the weak point in their cha-
racters. He observes : ' Bees lay up useless hoards
of it (pollen), which they go on augmenting every
year, and this is the only point on which they can
be accused of a want of that prudence and foresight
so admirable in every other respect.'

The strongest argument in favour of artificial
pollen is that it can be supplied before the natural
appears, and after it disappears, and thus very early
and very late breeding may be induced : but is this
encroachment on the natural rest period of the year
to both queen and workers in the end any real
gain? I think not. One of the most prejudicial
things in both animal and vegetable life is a check,
the effects of which are long felt. In a very mild
and early spring the fruit-blossoms expand prema-
turely, and, should frost set in, the crop is lost.
The same frost spell must of necessity tell severely
on the queen and brood of the untimely stimulated
hive in spring as well as in autumn.

Of late years I have found it of the greatest
advantage, so soon as the honey season terminates,
towards the end of August, instead of waiting till
the end of September or October, to begin to feed
up gradually and continuously all that require it. By
this means the queen breeds on steadily, and the
feeding is properly sealed out before the cold weather
sets in.

Despite the wretchedly bad season we have re-
cently passed through, my strong, non-swarming
Stewarton colonies, without a teaspoonful of sugar
syrup, or an ounce of artificial pollen, are amply found,
both in population and store, till next supering time.
True — it is contrary to their wont — they have
yielded no honey harvest, saving a few unsealed,
and but one sealed, super ; still, when I compare
them with the continuous feeding, and the trouble
attendant on my swarms and artificially built up
y oung stocks, it is not hard to decide which is the
least troublesome and most profitable system of
bee-keeping. — A Renfrewshire Bee-keeper.

162

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[December 1, 1879.

'THOSE SINGING MASONS
BUILDING ROOFS OF GOLD.'

— Shakespeare.

Will you kindly allow rue to make known to you
that I have discovered that ' Beeswax ' is rich in
gold, — to the extent of 2000Z. in a ton weight of the
same. I have had it assayed and pronounced as
' fine gold V Perhaps it may interest bee-keepers if
you will kindly publish this in your Journal. —
James Bkdce, late 33rd Regiment, Nov. 15, 1879.

[Note. — The above (without the heading) came to us
in an envelope bearing the Greenwich postmark. It
would interest bee-keepers very much to find their bees-
wax adulterated with fine gold, and doubtless they
would soon take it all out. We are, however, sadly
afraid that the gold in wax is like the flavour in pebble-
soup — has to be put there before it can be found. — Ed.]

HIVE VENTILATION— POLLEN-
JOURNAL.

-NEW

It is a good long time since I have written to
you, but now I am more at leisure. I have trans-
lated a portion of dear old Collin's book, which
contains some experiments of his on the amount
of honey consumed by bees during the winter.
These he conducted, I know, with great care, and
may serve to interest your readers during the slacker
months, and be useful and interesting as a pendant
to Mr. Cowan's excellent paper on ' Wintering Bees.'
This latter I have read with much interest. There
is no doubt that the principles he lays down
as to plenty of food, plenty of bees, winter
passages, and good upward ventilation, are correct ;
but it is not so easy to arrange the details by
which these may be arrived at, as to talk about
them. I have only kept bees for four years,
but I too have paid great attention to the matter,
and made it a subject of careful observation
each winter ; and I am inclined to think that
good ventilation and plenty of good food are
more important than a large population. I have
seen a very small population, which had good up-
ward ventilation, and barely enough food, pass a
very hard winter, and set to work vigorottsly in
the spring in a way which astonished me, increasing
and multiplying till the hive was speedily full.

I confess I do not understand your theory about
currents of air passing round the ends of the frames,
and the necessity of stopping up the ends. I do
not see myself how air can circulate at all in a
closed chamber, which in fact a hive is, unless,
indeed, you have a huge door-way into which the
cold wind blows direct. It seems to me that the
temperature in a hive must be the same in every
part of it,* even a thick cluster of bees will dis-

* We concede to our gallant and courteous correspondent
that in an enclosed chamber there would be no circulation
of air, if there were no disturbing causes, but we submit
that in a hive containing living bees, the heat they generate
causes the ail- to be continually moving, which movement
we have perhaps incorrectly called ' circulation.' Earlier in
his communication, ' plenty of good air and good upward
ventilation ' are rightly considered essential to a healthy
condition of a hive of bees ; and these, we conceive, support
our theory, for it is manifest that foul vapours coidd not

seminate the heat all around. It seems to me that
to have circulation of air in a hive, you must have
differences of temperature, which I conceive do not

leave the hive, or new ' good air ' enter it without certain
displacement, and considerable motion of the air-globules
therein. Apart from the movement of ah within a hive,
from internal causes, it is a matter of fact, and a valu-
able feature in bee-keeping, that every movement of the
outside atmosphere, and every change in its density, affect
the internal condition of the hive, and often save the
bees much labour that would otherwise be necessary in
fanning at the entrance. Changes in atmospheric pressure
affect the barometer be it where it may (though such
changes may not be humanly perceptible) , showing that the air
may become rarified or condensed without our knowledge,
and the same conditions act and react in a hive and produce
changes in the components of its gaseous contents. Again,
' the wind bloweth where it listeth,' but not even its lightest
breath can pass a hive that is not hermetically sealed, with-
out causing either increased density, or rarefaction of the air
within it, and each of these will cause movement or circu-
lation in a greater or less degree in accordance with the size
of the entrance-hole, and the means of upward ventilation.
These facts are, however, generally accepted, and in the
directions so often given in bee books and journals to pro-
vide ' ventilation without draught,' their existence is
acknowledged, and the evils they might produce provided
against. Our theory on the loss of heat through the circu-
lation of ah (and heat) round the ends of the frames in bar-
frame hives, is based upon the fact that the heat in a hive
necessary to the fife of its inmates must, in the ordinary
winter season, be generated by themselves ; and we think
it will be conceded that in the centre of their cluster (or
thereabouts) the temperature will be the greatest. At the
same time it must be remembered that during intense frosts
the breath or exhalations from the bees, caused by the
combustion in their bodies of heat-producing food, will often
condense against the hive walls and freeze there, in the
same way that the breath of humans will condense and
form the beautiful handiwork of Jack Frost on the window-
panes of the living-room or bed-room. That ice will form
in one part of a hive while the bees are able to maintain
life-preserving heat in another part disposes of the belief
that ' the temperature in a hive is the same in every part of
it.' Doubtless a cluster of bees will ' disseminate (i. e. dis-
perse) the (their) heat all round it,' and to supply the loss
thus sustained there must be increased production of the
life-sustaining element ; and it is upon these facts that our
theory is based. The problem, then, is to discover the best
means of preventing the necessity for the wear and tear of
bee-fibre and tissue in the digestion (or combustion) of inor-
dinate quantities of food for heat-producing purposes, such
consumption being a loss to the bee-keeper, and dangerous
to the health of the community. Now in the fixed comb
hive, whether skep or wooden box, the combs are built
directly against its top or crown, and as far down its walls
as the bees store them with honey. As honeycombs are sel-
dom more than a quarter of an inch apart, though the
combs each occupy at the least an inch and a half of space,
it follows that in such a hive as we are supposing, there
will only be a quarter of an inch of the wall, or side of the
hive, between each pah of combs, with which the heated air
from the cluster of bees can come into contact, all the
other parts on the upper portion (the nest) of the hive being
covered by the combs built against them. Whereas in a move-
able comb hive, as generally constructed, the whole of the
hive's sides, and three sides of the frame ends, are exposed,
though within the frames the combs are built partly to the
sides (or ends), and thus there are six times as much wall
surface, and about an equal area of frame-end surface, all in
the coldest parts of the hive, to act as condensers of the
heat and moisture given forth by the bees. It has been
often demonstrated that bee-combs, lined as each cell is
with the finest silk, and each, even when empty, forming a
dead-air vessel in which there is the least possible convection
of heat, is the very best material for retaining that generated
by the bees ; and we hold that by preventing its escape round
the frame ends it is retained around the bees in then' nest,
and that the desiderata sought are thus accomplished. — Ed.

December 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

163

exist. As regards hive entrances, I had already
thought in all long hives (which I entirely concur
with you in believing to be the right form of hive)
of placing the brood-nest for winter between two
dummies, and filling up the ends with chaff, and of
having tin tubes or tunnels to connect the summer
entrance with the brood-nest, to admit ventilation
and allow exit to the bees. I thought these might
have an angle in them which would entirely pre-
vent a direct draught, if a cold wind were blowing
on the hive's entrance.* Perhaps something might
strike you more easily made and convenient.

I think for winter purposes I should prefer frames
which are not quite so shallow, and narrower than
those you use now, either in the Standard or the
Woodbury. To encourage bees to go into supers
one can understand the object of broad, shallow
frames. But with the Combination principle, with
frames across, there is no object in this. As I con-
ceive the proper principle is to put the honey-boxes
into the centre of the hive itself, where the tem-
perature being always the same, the bees cannot
object to go, moreover, where from their hatred
to a vacuum, I believe they will rush from both
sides to fill it. It would probably be incon-
venient to you to change now ; but as far as I can
observe, in winter the bees keejj round the bottom
of the honey in each comb, and work upwards ; and
therefore I should like to have the honey compactly
placed above them, and not spread out more than
can be helped. I quite concur as to winter passages,
which I make in all my combs.

As to autumn feeding for breeding, I have heard
it discussed, and it seems to me with some justice,
that the queen requires absolutely a certain season
of repose ; and if you make her lay late she will not
commence early, and will not lay in January,
which is all important. f I have, certainly, myself
had much success with two hives this year, which
were exceedingly poor in bees last autumn, but
which I encouraged to breed (against good advice
too) early this spring. They were the best hives I
had this year, one giving 25 lbs., the other 17 or
18 lbs. of honey. I have since transferred them
both, and both have bred since, and when I shut
them up for winter they were doing exceedingly

* An angle in the passage or tunnel would scarcely effect
the object desired, as it would not prevent the pressure exer-
cised by the wind from forcing itself through the interior
apartment or bee-nest. Our suggestion on page 139, we con-
tend, will do so to a very great extent, and we patiently
await the refutation of our theory, implied in the demurrer
made against it. — Ed.

t Naturally queens will continue their autumnal ovipositing
as long as there is an incoming of honey ; and in many parts
of the kingdom, in a fairly good season, this may continue
to the end of October, or later, whereas in a bad one, as in
the present year, both income and breeding may cease in
August. Nevertheless, it is important that there should be
young bees at the later date, or the chance of the stocks
wintering will be a poor one ; and there can really be no
harm in supplementing nature by providing the necessary
continuous supply of autumn food. Stimulation may pos-
sibly wear out queens earlier than if they were let alone in
poor seasons ; but if bees can be thus obtained at the time
they are necessary, the chief object may be claimed to have
been effected. There can be no profit in keeping dawdling
queens ; better wear them out than let them grow rusty.
—Ed.

well. I only speak of this with the greatest caution
as a matter deserving thought and observation.
What is absolutely necessary is plenty of bees for
the first week in May. I think weaker colonies will
get through the winter generally well enough if
they have enough food and a properly constructed
hive, at the same time, either from the heat
generated by the bees, or from some other reason,
I think you will find that in strong colonies you
very seldom find much moisture inside the hive.*

As regards pollen-feeding in autumn, I occa-
sionally put a little pea-flour on sunny days on the
floor-board outside the hive door. Two or three
of my hives have cleared it off regularly, but the
others did not look at it. I suppose it was in
colonies which lacked pollen, but were breeding.
At the same time the bees wTere getting natural
pollen pretty freely up to the end of the fine days
last month. I should not like to put any ferment-
able paste into the hives in autumn, but I see no
objection to trying Herr Gravenhorst's recipe
(page 228, Journal for April, 1878) in the spring,
and shall do so. I think we may thank Mr.
Cheshire for his idea of putting the paste on the
combs, and leaving it to the bees to pack it.f

I am glad to notice that you are going on with
the wooden foundations. I will honestly tell you
that I was a little disappointed that in first bring-
ing to notice the foundations, you did not say where
you got the idea, for it was myself who specially
urged M. Dennler to bring to England the piece of
Herr Frederice's foundation, which he exhibited at
South Kensington. I doubt not you have greatly
improved on it, for the original was very clumsy,
and, indeed, hardly useable. But I think every one
ought to get his fair share of credit whenever any
useful idea is started. J

* Strength of colonies is relative : what would be a strong
colony in a 14-inch skep, would probably die of cold, mois-
ture, or dysentery, in a 12-framed Langstroth hive as at
present constructed. — Ed.

t Our limited experience on this point has been disap-
pointing. We tried Mr. Cheshire's method, but could not
force the paste into the cells, simply because we could not
get the air out of them ; nevertheless we did our best, and
made a part of a comb appear to be full, and placed it in the
centre of a strong colony which was pollenless. Two days
after we found most of the paste sucked dry, and a few cells
apparently well packed with it ; but one of them had a
small hole in its surface, and curiosity being provoked,
careful examination proved that what seemed like cells
packed with the paste were a delusion, for behind thin walls
of that material the cells were empty, and it appeared that
the bees had not ' packed ' it at all, but simply sucked the
honey out of it and left it. We shall be sorry if this is their
general practice, as we hoped the idea was a grand dis-
covery. Certainly it has not induced breeding, though syrup
has been constantly given. — Ed.

J We are very sorry if we have seemed to ignore Herr
Frederice's claim to originality, but this is the first time we
have heard his name in connexion with the matter. We
were certainly aware of the existence of a piece of founda-
tion of the kind described, but understood from Mr. Dennler
that it was formed by cementing sheets of ordinary comb foun-
dation on both sides of a board which had been dipped in
molten wax. Anyhow, we considered it in the light in which
our censor describes it, and the judges at Kensington Show
evidently thought no better of it, for they did not mention it
either in their awards or their report. What induced us to
try wood, winch we simply coated with plain wax, was the
American idea of flat-bottomed foundation, some specimens

u

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[December 1, 1879.

You must use this long letter as you like, omit-
ting such parts, and printing such parts as you
see fit. But wintering bees is to me a subject of
special interest, and I have been drawn on to write
much more than I first intended. I see a rival
journal (of which a specimen copy has been sent to
me) has offered a prize for the subject. I am sure
they had better reprint Mr. Cowan's paper, and
humbly acknowledge where they got it from, for
they will not be likely to get anything better. I
distinctly refused, when consulted, to support the
proposed new paper, for I feel sure you would
always have considered the necessity of opening
your Journal to rivals either in idea or in hives, had
the matter been fairly brought before you;* and I
feel sure if our small body of bee-keepers is to be
split up into two rival sections, which with a rival
journal is sure to be the case, it cannot be for the
real progress of practical bee-keeping in England.
I see no reason to think that there is yet room for
two bee journals in England, nor do I see the neces-
sity for another. — G. F. Peakson.

P.S. I am trying to think of a way of cutting the
entrance to the hive in a reversable floor-board, and
not in the hive itself, and think it might be done
by putting the entrance at one side, not in the centre,
though, of course, where the floor-board was re-
versed, it would come on the other side of the
hive.— G. F. P.

of which were exhibited at Kilbum, and after much difficulty
we forced the bees to adopt it, and they built their cells
upon it, though not in a satisfactory way. We explained
this to Mr. Newman at the Edgbaston Show, and inquired
the cost of a flat-bottomed foundation-machine ; but his
reply convinced ns that it would be hopeless to expect one
from America, so we set our wits to the production of flat-
bottomed cells on a wooden base, and have fully explained
to our readers from time to time the nature of our experi-
ments, and the cause )of our ill suceess in the shoe-nail
direction, being unable to get them of the proper size. We
are, however, continuing our efforts, and hope to produce a
really useful and useable article. In the meantime we shall
be glad to give full publicity to Hen' Frederice's ideas on the
subject, and his report of any success he may have achieved
that will help to rescue his invention from the condemnation
implied in the slight praise with which it has been acknow-
ledged.— Ed.

* We consider it one of the features of the British Bee
Journal that it is open to all who choose to avail them-
selves of its columns for the discussion of bee-keeping mat-
ters, to seek advice or help, or to criticise any and every-
thing connected therewith, ourselves included. We endeavour
to prevent the appearance of crude productions by correct-
ing any errors that may inadvertently be committed, but
we never alter the sense of communications with which
we may be favoured ; and we never willingly allow anything
to appear that may possibly lead inexperienced readers into
error, withoiit a cautionary foot-note of our own appearing
with it. Not a few avail themselves of the open character
of our paper to advertise themselves or friends — a meanness
not ours — and oftentimes the desire on our part to oblige ah
our contributors necessitates increased outlay in the publica-
tion of supplementary pages to enable their productions to
appeal' at an early date. Of the necessity for an additional
bee paper the public will judge for themselves ; we have no
right to offer an opinion on the subject. — Ed.

t The floor-board suggested may be readily made after
the manner of those in use with many of our hives in which
the entrance is at the centre. A frame is made, indicated
by the dotted lines, of material about half an inch thick,
three sides of it being about an inch wide only, while the
front must have a little more width than there is to be length
of the passage-way, for obvious reasons. A fifth strip may

CYPRIAN QUEENS.
My attention has been called to an article in your
Journal of afew weeks since on the subject of the stock
of Cyprian bees which I have presented to the British
Bee-keepers' Association for the use of the mem-
bers. I had not seen the article in the Journal
of Horticulture from which you quote till you re-
ferred to it. I did not know of its appearance, still
the statement is quite true that these are the only
pure Cyprians in this country. I have the less
hesitation in making this assertion as it cannot
prejudice others' interests, seeing that if all goes
well, ere long I hope, any members of our Associ-
ation, who may be so inclined, will have an oppor-
tunity of discovering experimentally whether the
high praises which German bee-keepers bestow on
this race of bees have any foundation in fact. My
friend, Mr. Cori, the original discoverer of this
variety, and the only person, I believe, under
whose auspices bees have ever been imported from
Cyprus, has, with me, taken a great interest in
the introduction of Cyprians into this country, and
has sent over this colony, the queen the finest he
has ever raised from an imported mother, for this
purpose. As Mr. Cori has never parted with an
imported queen, and keeps a careful register of the
descendants of those he receives, it is an easy
matter to determine who has the right to consider
himself the possessor of pure Cyprians. Whilst
on this subject, I cannot refrain from mentioning
that it was entirely due to the disinterested efforts
of ' our ' Editor that my Cyprian stock obtained
the bronze medal at the last South Kensington
Show, as they arrived but a few hours before the
opening of the Exhibition. — J. W. Jackson, Nov.
17, 1879.

[If the above he true, and we have not a shadow
of a doubt but that the writer believes every word to be
so, we tender an humble apology to the author of the
paragraph in the Journal of Horticulture to which re-
ference has been made. At the same time we confess to
a feeling of unbounded astonishment and disgust at the
nefarious practices of breeders of (so called) ' Cyprian '
queens in the past, and the credulousness of the ' Judges'
who have awarded prizes to such as have been exhibited
at the shows that have taken place since 1874. Messrs.
Neighbour & Sons have been the chief exhibitors and

run down the midddle, if thought necessary, for nailing pur-
poses. The frame is then covered with thin boards, en-
trances being cut in them, as indicated, on opposite sides
and at opposite corners, so that they will come to the same
part of the hive whichever way they may be turned up.

Having the entrance at the corner has an obvious advantage
for protection against direct draught, the angle splitting the
wind and relieving the pressure. The alighting-board might
be fixed the whole length of the hive front, or may be
smaller and moveable. — Ed.

December 1, 1879. J

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

1G5

prize-takers for ' Cyprians ;' and we have yet to learn if
they will be content to rest under the stigma the above
assertion implies. Foreign breeders and exhibitors are
all (save Mr. Cori) also brought under the ban ; and those
who have purchased their ' Cyprian ' bees and queens
have simply been swindled by them if Mr. Jackson's
statement is correct. If we remember rightly, at the first
exhibition of Cyprians at the Crystal Palace Show, the
Judges made their award subject to the opinion of Mr.
F. Smith, the chief authority at the British Museum,
and he was satisfied that they were of the true breed, or
the prize would have been withheld; yet this judgment
is also impugned — where shall we look then for truth?
The slight service we were able to render to Mr.
Jackson at South Kensington, where his Cyprians took
second prize, Messrs. Neighbour being first, is scarcely
worth mentioning, except in so far as it may show our
willingness to get his bees exhibited and judged, though
the absence of the Observatory hive (in which they were
shown) from our, ' collection ' might have prevented our
obtaining the premier award in that behalf. There is,
however, a weak point in the statement that the queen
in question was ' raised ' from an imported mother ; who
can prove how she was mated ? — Fd.]

BEE FLORA.

I would beg leave to correct several errors in
Miss Rooke's list of bee-plants, as given in last
Journal. She says that the common anemone is
not a favourite with bees. Possibly it may not,
but I know the wood anemone (A. nemorosa) is a
prime favourite in this locality. Along with the
pilewort (Ranunculus ficaria), it is our mainstay
here for a few weeks in spring. I have seen the
bees as thick on the wood anemones as ever I saw
them on clover even.

As to Erica tetralix, it affords honey so plentifully
in nice weather, that I have often gathered it my-
self. If you press the heather-bell between your
finger and thumb a clear blob of nectar exudes,
which one can sweetly take up a la bee. I don't
think hive bees get much of this, however, as their
tongues are too short to reach it ; but the humble
bees work busily on this heath.

She describes Erica cinerea as ' invaluable as a
late pasture for bees, producing quantities of thick,
dark honey.' I would make the same observations
on this as on E. tetralix.

That thick, dark honey of honies — Scotch heather
honey — is not gathered from this plant at all, but
from the common ling (Calluna vulgaris), which,
by the way, is not a heath proper. If the ling or
heath be any way late in flowering, the frost at
night effectually gathers the honey. I think it is a
somewhat risky thing to be so decidedly dogmatic
on the qualities of so many bee-plants. — G. A.
Rollo, Forfarshire.

ANTIDOTE TO BEE-POISON.
In answer to your correspondent, Mr. Browne, who
desires an antidote for bee-poison, let me suggest
what I believe to be an infallible and certain remedy,
and one not generally known among apiarians.
Ipecacuanha-powder, dissolved in water to the con-
sistency of a thick paste, and well rubbed in, has
proved in my own case, and in the case of those
to whom I have recommended it, a wonderful pre
ventive to subsequent swelling and inflammation.

I had heard of it being used as an antidote to snake-
poison in India, and experience has proved that it
is equally efficacious with regard to bee-poison. I,
like ymir correspondent, used to suffer acutely, in
spite of all the old-fashioned remedies ; but the use
of ipecacuhana-powder has now made me compara-
tively callous to bee-stings. — Rev. H. Stubges,
Wargrave, Henley-on Thames, Nov. 14.

BEE POISON AND ITS ANTIDOTES.
If Mr. Beale Browne (B. B. ./., vii. 145) will put
a little strong spirit of ammonia (Liquor ammonias)
upon the next bee-sting he is unfortunate enough to
get, he will, I think, find it effectual in relieving
the pain, and, to a great extent, in preventing
swelling. It should be applied as soon as possible.
I have tried it on persons who suffer much when
stung, and always with success. Formerly I used
it myself, but have now become so hardened by
constant stinging that the pain, though severe for
a moment, goes off directly ; and unless stung in a
very tender place, such as inside the nose, I use no
antidote. — H. Jenner Fust, Junior, /////, Faljielil,
Gloucestershire. — Nov. 18, 1879.

KEEPING FOUNDATION.

In Algeria I had a stock of foundation by me,
before I got my own machine, and I can testify
from bitter experience that the moth will attack
foundation, but with this important difference : the
grub does not seem to be nourished by the manu-
factured article as on the natural comb, and con-
sequently does not seem to have the requisite
strength of jaw to make great havoc. The grub
never attained a large size on foundation, and but
rarely pierced a sheet, but only crept about the sur-
face, leaving its disgusting trail to mark its path.

I went over my stock with a light brush from
time to time, which saved it. I bought wax in the
cake extensively from the dealers also, and found
the same rule hold good : the grubs never seemed to
mature, and always were small, whereas in a hive
they would be simply disgusting in size and ap-
pearance.— Arthur Todd.

BEE ENEMIES— ROBBING BEES— BEES IN
WINDOWS.
On examining one of my hives about the middle
of September, I found a large cockroach helping
himself on the combs, and on my giving an alarm
to the bees, they, in running over the combs, dis-
covered the intruder, and soon made ' short work '
by ejecting the black thief. How important to con-
tract entrances to hives to keep out such vermin !
But robbery with insects, birds, and all undomes-
ticated animals, seems their natural mode of living.
Take for instance an untenable (non-defensible. —
Ed.) hive of bees, which is a great inducement to
attack by others, and once attacked the robbers are
difficult to control — I had almost said intractable.
The very movement of the bees at such times seems
to say, 'Clear the line ; plunder is the order of the
day, and sting.' They will, with fury : I can find

166

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[December 1, 1879.

no better method than to remove the hive attacked
to some remote place, and reducing its mouth with
one of the enclosed, which I find very useful for
darkening and contracting the entrances to hives.
Robbery with bees to the uninitiated is often con-
strued into strength. I remember a case which
came under my notice in proof: one gentleman
asked me if I would kindly drive some bees from
skeps, and he added, they were very strong, and
were flying in front of the hive in great numbers
the day previous ; but when I gave them a puff of
smoke and turned the hive up, I found it almost
tenantless, and the ' should-be ' bees and honey
gone ; the activity turned out to be robbery. Cot-
tagers have often exclaimed to me of the wasps
destroying their stocks, when the actual aggressors
were bees, and the wasps joined in the fray ; and
late and early they carry on then- burglarious
work, until the whole fabric is demolished.

I found a good deal of my small take of honey of
the past season candied, which the slinger would
not extract. A good plan to remove such is to
place the combs in a tin can, adding a small quan-
tity of water, to form steam, and gently simmer
inside another vessel (glue-pot fashion). Speaking
of honey, perhaps some of those gentlemen who are
thinking of contending for prize essays will kindly
scientifically develope ' to the curious ' how bees
deliver the honey from their bodies.

The crown of a net bonnet-shape makes a good
thing to catch bees in windows, by making one side
flat, and placing it next the glass, the bees readily
run up in the trap and are easily taken. — David
Ling, Rochford, Nov. 11, 1879.

BEES IN IRELAND— DRIVING IN WINTER
WEATHER.

I have lately been making an excursion through
a considerable part of the north of Ireland, and on
my way I endeavoured to pick up a few stray
swarms of bees in order that by uniting some of
them I might try to preserve them through the
winter, my own having been considerably thinned
in spite of all I could do to save them. I find,
however, that two-thirds of the regular bee stock
of the country have already died, a very few of those
remaining seem to have a chance of surviving the
winter. Some half-dozen of these latter, which
seemed too weak to live, I endeavoured by the usual
means to drive out of their own hives, with a view
to carrying them home and there uniting them.
To my astonishment, however, although I used all
the ordinary means, not one of them could be in-
duced to quit their respective hives. I first smoked
them, applying in some cases more, in some less. I
then inverted the hive and placed another, exactly
fitting, over the top, and tapped on all sides for a con-
siderable time. This seemed the more strange to me,
seeing that I have performed the same operation often
before in a precisely similar manner. If you can
explain this seeming anomaly to me, you will very
much oblige. — S. W. P., Ballymena.

[The cause of failure in the attempts to drive the bees
were as follow : cold, ahsence of a sufficiency of unsealed

honey, and sparseness of bees. The cold would deter a
a small population from leaving their nest to ascend into
a chilly, vacant hive ; ahsence of unsealed honey-cells
with which to fill their honey-sacs would render their
departure highly improbable, as they are loth to leave
their combs until gorged with sweets, and fewness of
bees woidd enable tliem to find refuge from the tottering
combs against the sides of the hives, making ascent to
the upper hive unnecessary. When driving is necessary
in cold seasons, the hive containing, as well as that in-
tended to receive the bees, should he thoroughly warmed ;
and after they have been frightened with a little smoke,
some warm, thin syrup should be sprinkled on the bees
and combs, and the heated empty hive placed above it ;
and then if the bees be not too few, as before suggested,
they will go up as merrily a? at midsummer. — Ed.]

BEE-KEEPING IN IRELAND.
I venture to send an account with regard to bees
in this part of Ireland. Nearly every bee-keeper
has lost his stocks. ' One of my neighbours had
four splendid stocks, three of them are dead, and I
can't say if the other is alive.' Another had six
that lived through the winter and spring, but died
in the summer. I have purchased a few, and I
was in treaty for another, with a man who had a
hole dug ready to smother them in order to get
the honey ; it was a splendid hive of bees with
yellow combs down to the board. I offered him a
reasonable price which he refused, and down went
the bees into the fire and brimstone; he expected
to get Is. per lb. for hive and all (as Earl Fitz-
william wanted some to bring to England), but
found that hives this year contained no honey at all.
I intended to feed up with syrup, and he was too
late. Another bee-keeper herewould keepone all day
listening to his theory and practice of bee-keeping.
His wife used to manage their four stocks, and when
she took her death she said, ' Now, John, go and
get four new stands and place the foiu- hives upon
them, and take all into your own name, or else
you'll have no luck with them.' He did as Mary
desired, and in the following autumn I purchased
one of them weighing 4 st. 3 lbs. at 5d. per lb.
1/. is. Id. This cost him nothing more than the
purchase of a new hive Is. 6d. ; and don't you see,
he remarked, ' I had the best of luck ever since.'
Well! this year, 1879, he smothered his hive, ex-
pecting honey, but failed in getting any. At the
time I write, November 18th, 1879, there are
plenty of fields of wheat here cut and cutting (so
you may imagine the lateness of the season) after
our favourites have been put into winter quarters.
I hived one swarm in May this year, for a neighbour,
with impunity, I had neither veil nor gloves, he
was only looking on from a distance and got stung.
Well ! about the wooden foundation, I have tried it
in a skep that had only combs about the size of
one's hat. I got boards, dipped them in molten
wax, tacked them on to a cross stick with wire, and
fixed them firmly in it, they will help to keep
them warm, but as I don't like turning up hive now
I am unable to report progress. I send you sample
of nails* for foundation machine. I have Bees and

* The nails are rough, wrought-iron hob-nails ; three
of them side by side cover an inch, so that a square inch

December 1, 1870.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

167

Bee-keeping, by R. M. Greig, a neat book of sixty-
seven pages, a useful work; but I would advise the
author to have it illustrated with woodcuts, and
sell at Is. per volume; it is really a good work. —
J. Traynor, Tinahely.

PRESERVING EMPTY COMBS.
On page 132, November No., jrou allude to this
subject, and it induces me to mention the mode
adopted in Italy, which is to store in empty petro-
leum casks, or, failing the casks, in a box, in which
is placed a towel that has been steeped in petro-
leum. The French plan is to hang the combs in an
airy loft, no one comb allowed to touch its neigh-
bour.— Arthur Todd.

BEE-HOUSES.

I should like very much to see in your Journal
experience as to the utility of bee-houses. I know
you are very averse to them. Mine is so con-
venient in every way for manipulating that I am
very loth to give it up. It holds six stocks — four
facing the south, one to the east, and another to
the west. Each hive has its own alighting-board,
no two being alike in colour. All the entrances can
be closed from inside the house which rests on six
legs, standing 2-1- feet from the ground. The only
disadvantage I can see is the chance of the queen
returning to the wrong hive from her fertilising
trip. Is it found that more stocks become queen-
less in hives kept in houses than in those kept on
their separate stands'? Since I have used your
hives I have never lost but one stock, and that was
the result of my own ignorance in not knowing how
to deal with a fertile worker. I am very interested
in bee culture. I feel it may be made a great
source of income to the poor when understood. —
H. J. S.

[We do not recommend bee-houses so called, because
they are expensive to build or purchase. Too many bees
are generally crowded into them, the manipulation of one
stock usually disturbs all the others, the queens are liable
to mistake their entrances and be lost. They harbour
vermin, conduce to robbing and fighting, and when no
longer required are unsaleable, because of their bulk and
the cost of carriage from one district to another. A
noted firm offers bee - houses to hold two hives at
4'. 4s., to hold three hives, 51. 5s., and up to twelve hives
for from 15/. to 10/. 10s., the dimensions of which are 9
feet wide, o feet high, and 2 feet from front to rear,
the hives being arranged in two rows of six each, one
above the other. The hives will be thus too close
together for safety, and the bees likely to make ac-
quaintance with each other and become the reverse of a
happy family. The worst feature in bee-houses is the
fact that their cost does not include hives, which in
many places are excessively dear, and woidd make the
cost of an apiary of a dozen hives and supers without the
bees nearly 50/. There are not the same objections to a

would contain nine, whereas there should be twenty-five.
They were semi-cubes, but have their top corners forced
down by hard blows, rendering them shapeless, and
rough in the extreme. We have been asking for nails
of sugar-loaf shape with flat tops, of a size that when
placed side by side, five of them would come well within
the inch ; those sent are utterly useless for the purpose. —
Ed.

simple shed built upon the ground, the front being open
and the hives standing on the linn earth, so that snaking
them, except by actual contact, is out of the question,
but even in that case the tendency is to overcrowding,
and that is the cause of many evils. We shall be glad
if others will give their experience with bee-houses. — Ed.]

ARTIFICIAL HEAT FOR BREEDING.

A thought occurred to me on reading some of
your many replies to correspondents as to stimu-
lative feeding producing brood ; but, knowing you
recommend it to be sealed before cold weather sets
in, I beg to ask your opinion on artificial heat, if
you think it possible to produce brood by its aid.
I have tried it, and give you my experience so far.
I have a stock of bees in a loft, they go through a
hole in the wall to the open air : of course the place
is so arranged that I have the hive in darkness. I
have a gas-light so arranged as to burn right under
the hive against a square piece of sheet-iron. The
sheet-iron does not touch the bottom board within
four inches, neither does the gas-light touch the
sheet-iron within four inches ; the result is the hive
stands in a temperature of 60 degrees, not varying
either night or day more than four degrees. I
placed two empty combs in the centre of hive (the
other combs were partly filled with syrup which was
being sealed) and commenced to feed on Oct. 20th,
according to leaflet. After the first half-pint of
syrup, I let them take one-fourth of a pint per
twenty-four hours, and put down artificial pollen on
a comb which stood on the alighting-board. Oct.
30th, they ceased to take any more syrup ; on
opening the hive, I found the syrup stored on what
were the empty combs, and the bees clustering
there, but no eggs or brood, though I am sure the
queen is there. In conclusion, I may say there
was no unpleasant smell from the gas, that the
bees appeared to be as in summer time, now and
again three or four fanning and coming out to
clear themselves — of course, owing to darkness,
the bees never attempted to fly. In answer, please
say if it be likely the queen will commence to
lay with these artificial means, and what is about
the natural time for queens to commence laying-
after stimulative feeding. You will see I only
wish to know if it be possible to produce brood
in this artificial way safely. — J as. Page, Jericho,
Lancashire, October 31, 1879.

[As the experiment is being tried we prefer to pro-
phesy after the event. Opinions on untried theories
will not favour result. — Ed.]

QUEEN INTRODUCING.— VOLUNTEER
LECTURER.

The Italian queen arrived quite safely, and a very
fine one she is ; and I have a few words to say con-
cerning this particular queen and her few attend-
ants, which may explain why some queens are not
accepted by the bees it is wished to re-queen.
Well, for the modus operandi. I opened the hive,
sprinkled with syrup and peppermint, and took the
trouble to brush the bees from the combs, as I ex-
amined them for queen-cells (no more were found),
then finally scented the cluster of bees and the few

168

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[December 1, 1879.

Italians, and united them and caged the queen, put
her to the bees, and covered all up safe. A few
hours after I found the black bees raging furiously
about, and dragging the poor Italians about unmer-
cifully. Well, I tilted up the hive, and adminis-
tered a good puff of paper-smoke, which thoroughly
alarmed them ; but as soon as their fear wore off,
they were at the Italian again ; another puff and a
good dose of peppermint on the floor-board, and I
left them for the night, hoping they would fraternise.
Morning came and not a single Italian alive except
the queen in cage. It was bad to account for, but
now for the sequel : in a jocular way I sent a piece
of the comb which had come with the Italians into
the house, and told my friends they could taste
Italian honey ; one and all turned up their noses
at it, and I found it tasted most strongly of aniseed.
Now this peculiar strong scent must have clung to
the poor Italian bees, so that the blacks were able
to distinguish it from the peppermint, and thus
found out the strangers and destroyed them. How-
ever, I kept the queen confined until to-day, and
then liberated her, and she seemed to be well re-
ceived, and is stalking majestically about, young
and old making way for her, so that I presume all
is well.

That is a good idea of one of your correspondents,
to get up a band of volunteer lecturers on bee-
culture ; and as I am often invited to give a course
on phrenology, I will try one or two on bee-keeping
this season. I have no objection to be one of your
volunteers, but will have my laurels to win in that
direction. — W. Crisp, Chester-le-Street.

A Lecture on ' Bees and Bee-keeping ' was delivered
in the Congregational School-room, Sonierton, Somerset,
on Monday evening, Nov. 10th, by Mr. C. Tite, of
Yeovil, in connexion with the Mutual Instruction Society.
The discourse was illustrated by about 40 large diagrams,
coloured to life (many of which had been lent by Mr.
Godfrey, of Grantham), including almost every portion
of the honey-bee, from the antennae to the point of the
sting. A model hive, several cases filled with comb in
its various stages of construction ; English and Italian
queens, workers, and drones ; queen-cells, and a number
of other things of considerable interest to bee-keepers,
were also exhibited. At the close of the lecture, Mr.
Tite announced that he would be glad to answer questions
relating to bees or bee-keeping, and several gentlemen
made inquiries as to the best method of feediug, the
most easily-managed hives, &c.

A similar lecture was also delivered by the same
gentleman on the 18th at the Shaftesbury Literary
Institute, Dorsetshire.

Puzzle No. 2. This is capable of several solutions,
but that sent by the propounder is perhaps as neat and
simple as any ; all, however, use nineteen hives. We
find that puzzles of the kind are by no means new,
though dressed in a new garb. Can our ingenious friends
invent a new problem to keep the mind engaged on our
avourite subject? — Ed.

Draw an equilateral triangle, and the following lines
within it, viz : one parallel to each side, and one perpen-
dicular on the centre of each side, set a hive at the
points where the lines meet and intersect, and the puzzle
is solved. Answered by W. T. Joyce, Annie Clive, who
sent the solution, S. J. Jeffries. Apis — Your improved
solution of No. 1 is the same as published, on its side.

(EtJKrcs from % |gito.

Darlington, Oct. 25. —Bees at the Moohs. — ' I carried
to the moors nine beehives about the middle of August, well
stored with syrup, and in six weeks brought them home
and found they had existed on the supply given at home,
there being no moor honey in them. A bee-keeper near '
me sent twenty-nine hives to the moors, and only got nine
hives back alive. Many hereabouts have not one left,
and those that have will have to keep them alive bv
feeding, if that will do. I am giving my bees 141bs. of
sugar each hive before I shut them up for the winter,
and if that fails I am done : but I see some of them
carrying in pollen, so perhaps the queen is going to breed
before winter.' — J. B.

Corsham, Nov. 9th, 1879. — ' I must tell you I have
covered down my six stocks in bar-frames and in straw
skep ; I followed the directions given in the Bee Journal.
They are out to-day, and carrying- in pollen, especially
the Ligurians.' — T. Owen.

Henley-on-Thames. — 'I have examined a great many
hives in this neighbourhood lately, and have found one
and all destitute of honey and brood.'

Nottingham. — ' There are no echoes from our hives
here ; all are in prof oimd repose, being robed in a white
mantle of snow — so far, however, all is well. I have not
heard of any losses yet, although where hives have not
been fed the present outlook is very poor indeed.' — W. S.

The Season. — ' Since my last, which you noticed in
last Journal, p. 109, my opinion as to weakness of bees
has only been too clearly proved. Hundreds have gone
down : in fact, I greatly fear that none will winter (with
very few exceptions). I have some very good stocks —
fed as stated since July last — one from an Italian queen
sent by you at end of July, and liberated 2nd of August, is
as grand a stock as I woidd wish to have : and two days
ago — a very mild day — they were carrying any quantity
of pollen — where from I cannot guess. I have been using
a Cook's feeder, or an improvement on it.' — F. P.

(Queries anb JUpltes.

Query No. 330. — What is the explanation of the
following? — 1. An Italian queen was introduced suc-
cessfully about the end of September into one of my
strongest black stocks. Everything appeared to go on
very well until the 1st Nov. when the queen was found
on the alighting-board, and a few of her Italian-worker
offspring dying. With some care she partly revived,
but was too feeble to be put into the hive, and she died
shortly after. About the time of her ejection the blacks
began to massacre all the young Italians, and did not
leave one alive. Finding that they did not raise any
voung queens, I introduced another Itahan queen after a
delay of about ten days, and gave some sealed comb
as their supplies were rather bruited. 2. What coidd
have been done to stay the slaughter of the young
Italians by the old blacks ? 3. Is the hive likely to
survive the winter deprived of its young bees, even
though it is fairly filled with blacks, a great many of
which were bred late in the autumn? -4. Should it
survive until March or April next, will it be well to give
it some sealed brood from other stocks ? — J. J. H.
Limerick.

Reply to Query No. 330. — 2. We cannot suggest
a remedy for a complaint we cannot understand, and
have never heard the like of before. 3. The hive may
survive, because the inference is that the black queen
had continued breeding until she was removed for the
introduction of the Ligurian, so that there is probably a
goodly number of young bees. 4. The queen will be a

December 1, 187!).]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

1(59

valuable one when spring arrives, and the stock would
be quite worth assisting with brood from other hives, if
it be needed. — Ed.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS & INQUIRERS.

M. B. R. H. S. G-.— Tabbing Hives.— Tar is not in-
jurious to bees when carefully painted on to their outer
coverings or cases ; it should be applied hot, so as to
dry quickly, and not present a cateh-'ein-alive-O bee-
trap to such as may take wing and alight upon it. It
should be used during dry weather when the bees are
not flying. Moveable roofs that require retarring in
summer should be removed until dry, others being
temporarily substituted.

Destroying Moths is not so easy as their prevention.
Strong stocks do not suffer from the pests ; a great
argument in favour of keeping such only. The worms
which become moths should be sought out and de-
stroyed, their fibrous trail being removed from the
combs. Hives should be lifted from their floor-hoards
frequently during summer and autumn that the young
larva? may be cleared away, and all crannies thoroughly
probed to destroy all worms that have appropriated
them as snuggeries in which they may pass the chrysalis
state, to become parasites of future generations. Large
wax-worms sometimes bury themselves in the wood of
which the hives and bee-sheds are formed, gnawing
out their own cradles. "When the worms have taken
absolute possession of combs, there is no better cure
than fire, or the boiling caldron.

Why Bees Work in the Dare. — We are always
greatly obliged to anyone who takes the trouble to
send us anything that appears interesting about bees,
but the ' clipping ' with the above heading is so pal-
pably absurd that we should be accused ot wasting space
and misleading bee-keepers if we republished it. The
idea that bees work in the dark because light would
cause their honey to crystallize, 'passed muster' when
bee-keepers worked ' in the dark ' also, but now-a-days
it is well known that newly-gathered honey will some-
times crystallize in the combs in the hive without it
having been possible for a ray of light to have pene-
trated to it.

Artificial Pollen, J. Verrier (Salperton). — Oatmeal,
rye-meal, and pea-meal or flour, are each suitable for
bees, and they will take them readily when they re-
quire them. To many bee-keepers they are a stumbling-
block, because they cannot get their bees to take them.
Well, One cannot make a horse drink if he is not thirsty,
but if you give him a sharp spin and put him into a heat,
he will take it gladly. Bees often take the initiative
and visit mills (hence the discovery that they will take
meal, we had almost said meals, but that might be
thought funny) when pollen is wanted and cannot
be found; but generally the desire for aitificial pollen
has to be created by stimulative feeding with liquid
sweets. We include barley-sugar with the la iter, be-
cause bees take it only when it has become liquefied ;
and it is excellent as a stimulant to action in bees, he-
cause they cannot take it in large quantities, and
judiciously given it is a source of continuous supply.
We have had no experience with boiled meal and

sugar as bee-f I: and beyond an experiment of Mr.

Cheshire five or six years ago, when he fed a stock on
meal and syrup, and it fermented in the hive bursting
the cells aud making a mess on the combs, cannot give
any results. Whether the addition of salicylic arid to
such food will make it safe to use and recommend re-
in tins to be seen ; we hope it will.
Salicylic Acid. — Many chemists do not keep it, or if
they do they charge enormously for it. We will send
you the acid for Is. ('„/. per oz. posl free; an ounce will
be sufficient to make 2 quarts of painting fluid, and
many gallons of food may be rendered medicinal with
a like amount, see Mr. Cowan's recipe.

New Subscriber. — We most certainly agree that white
loaf sugar is the best wherewith to make syrup for
bees, and it is the cheapest also, as cost for cost, it will
make more of better consistency and quality than the
' coarse brown.'

Foul-brood. Inquirer. — Mr. Cowan's recipe for mix-
ing salicylic acid is, 1 oz. of acid, 1 oz. of borax, and 4
pints of water, to be used fox painting hives, frames, &c,
for spraying combs, as a preventive and disinfectant.
For feeding in autumn and winter, — Use 10 lbs. of
lump sugar, 5 pints of water, 1 oz. vinegar, 1 oz. of the
above solution, and i oz. of salt. For spring and
summer, use 2 pints more water, boil and skim.

The Cause and Cure op Foul-brood. — The cause was
well explained in an article from the pen of Dr.Schon-
feld, of Germany, and translated for the British Bee
Journal by J. S. Wood, Esq., of Denmark, and no
new features have been since discovered to alter the
conclusions he arrived at, pp. 130, 131, 132, Vol. II.,
B. B. J. The same able translator gave on pp. 155,
156, Vol. HI., the means of cure, and disinfecting hive
and combs, also recipes for food under various conditions,
and rules to be observed to prevent the spread of the
disorder. Those who have the volumes can refer to
them, and for those who have not, a resume will be
published in our next. Vol. III. also contains an Essay
on the subject by the 'Lanarkshire Bee-keeper,' whose
long experience entitles him to serious attention.

Bee-Farm. — Mr. Hooker, Epsom, Surrey, informs us
that he has not had one reply to his advertisement for
a suitable place to establish a bee-farm. Surely amongst
our numerous readers this ought not to be possible ; the
gentleman is anxious to try in the best locality, and
asks information on the subject. Does no one know of
an eligible place ? or is the rent offered insufficient ?

SECOND-HAND HIVES.

THE HIVES, BEES, and BEE FURNITURE,
which are FOE SALE by AUCTION, have now been
assorted. There are Forty-one Hives, of various kinds ;
Seven with Bees ; Twenty -three Sets of Sections, first and
second-hand ; Forty Feeding Bottles. Numerous half and
third sized Standard and Woodbury Nucleus Hives. A
great quantity of Frames. Several Observatory Hives.
A Lot of Chaff Cushions (Wooden Frames). Zinc Dividers.
Floor-boards. An American Honey Extractor, good as new.
Quantity of Crown-boards, Super Crates, Circular Zinc
Covers, Double Frames for Slingers, Stewarton Boxes.
Neighbour's 35s. Hive. Lanarkshire Hive (new). A hand-
some Berkshire Bee-shed, by Sadler of Sonning, and Two
Berkshire Bee Hives, complete. The whole, with many
other things too numerous to mention, are on View, and the
majority may be had for about the cost of materials used in
then- manufacture. A fidl Descriptive Catalogue will be
published in January.

ABBOTT BROS., FAIRLAWN, SOUTHALL.

CIjc Jirttislj §cc lournal

AND BEE-KEEPER'S ADVISER.

The British Bee Journal is published monthly, and
contains the best practical information for the time being,
showing what to do, and when and how to do it.

Subscribers to the Journal are first, second, and third
class. First class are those who subscribe 10s. Qd. per
annum, from any date, who are entitled to immediate re-
plies, per post, to their queries, when a stamped directed
envelope is sent. Second class are those who subscribe 6s.
per annum, and whose queries can only be replied to through
the columns of the Journal ; and Third are Clubs of Cot-
tagers, each consisting of not less than six, to whom the
charge will be 4s. 6d. each Member.
Subscriptions, Correspondence, and Inquiries to be addressed to

C. N. ABBOTT, Bee Master,
School of Apiculture, Fairlawn, Southall, London.

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BEITISH BEE JOURNAL. [Dec. 1, 1879.
PRICE SIXPENCE.

THE GARDENER.

A MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE AND FLORICULTURE.
EDITED BY DAVID THOMSON,

Author of ' Handy Book of the Flower-Garden,' ' Fruit Culture under Glass,' &c.
ASSISTED BY A STAFF OF PRACTICAL GARDENERS.

The Number for

A FEW WORDS ABOUT ORCHIDS.

RESTING AND WATERING PLANTS.

A SELECTION OF CHOICE DRAC^JNAS FOR

TABLE DECORATION.
HARDY PERMANENT EDGINGS.
NOTES ON DECORATIVE GREENHOUSE PLANTS
NOTES FROM THE PAPERS.
FLOWER-GARDENING NOTES.
GARDENER'S PRIMER.— No. VII.
THE HALE FARM NURSERIES, TOTTENHAM.
THE AMATEUR'S GARDEN.
HARDY FRUITS— DECEMBER.

December contains: —
ON HELLEBORES.
CLERODENDRON FRAGRANS.
LESSONS FROM THE LONDON PARKS.
CIRCULATION OF WATER IN PIPES.
THE BRAYTON VINE SPORT.
FRUIT-CULTURE.

ORCHARD-HOUSE FRUIT-CULTURE.
SCOTTISH HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATION.
CALENDAR: KITCHEN GARDEN — FORCING DE-
PARTMENT.
NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.
INDEX.

Yearly Subscription, free by Post, 7s. Payable in advance.

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WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS, EDINBURGH AND LONDON.

NEW AND ENLARGED SERIES.

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ESTABLISHED AS 'THE FLORIST' IN 1848.

The FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST has been enlarged to Imperial 8vo. size. Each Number will consist of Two
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The Florist and Pomologist is issued in a form suitable for admission to the Drawing-room, and from its practical
character is equally adapted for the Garden House and the Bothy. The information it gives is such as to keep its readers
informed as to all Novelties of importance, and to supply instruction on the best forms of Garden Practice ; to furnish
a digest of Current Information on all Gardening Matters of interest, and to give Seasonable Hints on Gardeh
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Advertisers will find the FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST one of the best monthly mediums for circulating their
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* The cheapest shillingsworth ever offered in the form of a monthly
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Jan. 12, 1878.

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Jan. 13, 1877.

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: invariably well executed.' — Hereford

LONDON: W. KENT & Co., 23 PATERNOSTER ROW, E.C.

THE

n Jmutttal,

[No. 81. Vol. VII.]

JANUARY, 1880.

[Published Monthly.]

&%tmm\t Uotms, $r.

JANUARY.

' A Happy New Year ' to all our friends, and
may it be a year of renewed prosperity. The
old year died out in gloom, shrouded in fog and
mist, as if to hide from the festivities that, as
it were, mocked its efforts to crush out the mirth
of Merry Christmas. That the past has been a
year in which many ills have befallen our land,
few will attempt to gainsay, but the evil cloud
has had its silver lining, for though the weather
during the summer was most deplorable in re-
gard to vegetation, preventing the growth of
all the crops whose gathering is usually a feast
of enjoyment, it was, nevertheless, so favourable
to health that it blunted the sickle of the grim
reaper, and reduced his harvest of death. The
evil is, therefore, not unmitigated, and there is
much room for thankfulness.

Leaving out the weather, which is always
wrong and bad for somebody, we doubt if
thinking men will not recognise in many other
evils the effect of previous unwisdom on the
part of man ; evils that have grown from seed
sown long ago, to bear fruit in 1879. Let us
hope its experiences will not have been wasted,
and that the new year will show results which
will be more generally welcomed. The frost has
been severe and continuous for many weeks
with very slight exception, and hereabouts (west
of London) there has been comparatively Little
snow ; rain there has been, we may say, none
for the past three months, the pluvial god having
apparently spent his force during the past
summer. Bee - keepers are supposed to find
little to do just now, but that little ought to be
attended to to prevent loss. In large airy hives,
bees on the outside of the cluster are liable to
drop away, chilled, and if left alone wiU die,
but if raked out with a bent wire, formed like
a capital L with a long ' handle,' and warmed

in a bottle, many will survive, and may be re-
turned to their nest by inverting the bottle
containing them over the feed-hole. A hot
water bottle, placed over or under the cluster
during a protracted frost, will help the bees
greatly, as it will warm up the interior of the
hive, and enable them to rearrange themselves,
a matter of importance occasionally, but the
apparatus should not be allowed to remain when
cold, or the moist vapours of the hive will con-
dense upon it and may do mischief. During the
present month bee-keepers should make arrange-
ments for the coming spring and summer, that
they may be ready, aye, ready ! for the good
time which is hoped for. Christmas is past, and
its tide of festivities will soon begin to ebb, and
preparations should then be made in earnest.
Associations may find active employment in
promoting lectures and entertainments in which
bee science may be taught ; and it would further
the ends they are calculated to serve if Hon.
Sees, and Committees would make definite ar-
rangements for coming shows, to prevent their
clashing or being overcrowded into a short space
of time. To assist so useful an arrangement we
will gladly give publicity to the fixtures of
dates and places, without charge for advertise-
ment, and will keep the announcement standing
in our columns until the dates have passed.
Early arrangements should thus ensure isolation
of shows and prevent the scrambling amongst
intending exhibitors, which happens when there
is barely time for them to take themselves or
their exhibits from one place to another, often
to the detriment of the shows, and the dis-
arrangement of the programme and proceedings.
It would also be weU to consider the impolicy
of holding shows in tents, subject as they are
to the adverse influences of the weather at all
times. Be it ever so fine and sunny, there is
danger of the incursion of bees that may frighten
the timid, though, as is well known in such
cases, they are too intent on the search for
honey to be inclined to attack the visitors.

172

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[January 1, 1880.

Accidents, however, will sometimes occur, and
if a tee gets entangled in one's dress, it will
sting, and the effect will be the same whether
inflicted in anger or in self-defence. In wet
and windy weather tent exhibitions are scenes
of wretchedness that few woidd care to wit-
ness a second time, and during the past year
there have been so many experiences . of
them that it behoves the managers of pro-
posed exhibitions to adopt a better principle,
and engage — as at the Crystal Palace, Royal
Horticultural Society's Gardens, Alexandra
Palace, and the like — scenes for their shows
that shall at least prevent the discomfort
attending wet clothing and a promenade in
mud and slushy puddles.

The British Bee-keepers' Association will
open their year's work with a Conversazione at
the Rooms of the National Chamber of Trade,
446 Strand, opposite the Charing Cross Railway
Station, on the 14th hist., when the Rev. Geo.
Raynor, of Hazeleigh Rectory, Maldon, Essex,
will open a discussion on ' The Ligurian Queen-
bee,' a most interesting subject, and one which
will doubtless be practically dealt with. The
election of members of the Committee of the
Association will shortly be a subject before its
members, and it may be well to remind the
latter that only those whose subscriptions have
been paid will be entitled to vote on the ques-
tion. Further, we would remind subscribers
that the highest number of votes will constitute
the candidate thus favoured Chairman for the
year ensuing. The names of those qualified
and willing to act have not yet been ascertained ;
and it would ill become us, if the list were ex-
tant, to discuss the merits or demerits of any of
them ; nevertheless, seeing that the chair has
been so ably filled by T. W. Cowan, Esq., of
Horsham, we venture to hope that there will be
no alteration in this respect. We are glad to
be able so early to announce that the British
Bee-keepers' Association is the first to name
the date of its Show for 1880, and that it will
take place on the 27th, 28th, and 29th July, at
at the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens,
South Kensington. This early fixture should
be stimulative to others.

We trust the ' Bee-keeping of the Antients '
as handed down by Columella will be found
interesting. There is much food for thought
in his writings, and much speculation will
doubtless be provoked ; his charge against the
lime, or linden (chap. 4), may have good
foundation, though now, they are not thought
' hurtful ' to bees.

We have begun an article on Foul Brood,
which we hope will fix in the minds of our
readers an idea of its nature, and the way it
spreads, and shall be glad if we are able to
render assistance in a quiet way to those more

puzzled than ourselves. We have had a full
share of experience with the abominable disease,
and are convinced that dysentery is at the root
of it — but more anon.

The question of ' Cyprian purity ' has been
reopened simultaneously by Mr. J. P. Jackson
and Herr Gravenhorst ; the latter appears to
know a good deal about the Cyprians, and how
they came from the island, and his opinion con-
siderably strengthens ours as expressed in the
October number of the B. B. J.

The assertion by Mr. Cheshire that pollen is
necessary in breeding (p. 139, Vol. VII., B.B.J.)
has received contradiction through the Bee-
keeper, by Mr. Desborough, who, as the result
of his experience and observation, has asserted
that ' honey, and honey alone,' is the food of
the bee in the grub state. We have all along
believed that pollen, meal, or other nitrogenous
matter is necessary in breeding, and also to
keep in repair the tissue and fibre of adult
bees ; that they may have built small pieces of
comb, or raised a few hundred young bees,
when none could be perceived in the hive, is
not, to our mind, satisfactory proof to the con-
trary. The milk yielded by animals for the
support of their young is not composed of the
liquids only which they may have taken, and if
they do not take sufficient solid matter for its
concoction, their own bodies yield it as long as
they are able to so — and with bees, we believe,
the same rule will hold good. Experiment
with the aid of the microscope wall, however,
dispel any existing doubt on the subject, though
it may not be possible to produce absolute proof.

FOUL BROOD.

Although much has been written of late on
the subject of foul brood, no new features have
been brought to light either in regard to its
cause, prevention, or cure. Its cause was re-
ported in the British Bee Journal, Vol. II., 1874,
wherein it was shown to be the presence and
growth of micrococci in the larva? of the bee.
Some golden rules for its prevention were given
in Vol. III. of same Journal, 1875, wherein also
salicylic acid was recommended as the best known
means of cure. These articles were translated
from the German for this Journalhy the distin-
guished Danish bee-master, Mr. J. S. Wood,
of Nyborg — an English gentleman, by the way.

Foul brood has been demonstated to be a
zymotic, or germ disease, i.e., a disease that is
catching, like scarlatina, small-pox, measles, and
the like ; which are not self-generating, as are
many of the ailments that afflict animal exist-
ence, but ' break out ' and spread where the
germs or seeds find suitable soil and congenial
surroundings. The germs of disease, like the
seeds of plants, may lie dormant for many years,

January 1, 1880.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

173

but, unless they be actually destroyed, they will
start into growth at a favourable opportunity,
though their existence was not even suspected.
Thistle-down, the seed of thistles, will float in
the air, and may be carried to regions where
such weeds have never been heard of. It may
be ploughed into the ground, or remain on its
surface for a long time, ere it is subject to the
quickening influences that will set it growing ;
but unless the germ of life within it be killed
outright, thistles will be sure to come up to be
a nuisance to the farmer, which will spread
if not checked. And though he may carefully
clear his land from them as far as he is able to
do so, there may still be thistle-germs dormant
in the soil, and he will always be liable to a
visitation by them so long as there are other
land-holders who will not take the trouble to
destroy them. The germs of foul brood, as, in
fact, of all germ diseases, are not visible to the
human eye, and only make their presence
known by their effects ; nevertheless they may
come in the wind (as do locusts, and other
enemies of vegetation), seeking whom they may
devour, and woe betide the unfortunates with
whom they effect a lodgment ! The germs of foul
brood are also termed sjjores, but having likened
them to thistle-seeds, we propose to deal with
them as seeds, that the unscientific may not be
confused, as they sometimes are when techi-
calities are used on common subjects. The
seed which causes foid brood does not affect
mature bees ; their bodies do not offer the con-
genial conditions required for its growth, but
when it enters the tissues of the larvae either
with the food administered by the bee-nurses,
or by absorption into the body direct, it imme-
diately begins to grow and to multiply amaz-
ingly ; and the larvae will quickly die from its
inroads upon them. Foul brood may then be
said to have broken out, and the question
naturally suggests itself, where will it end ?
Now when cases of fever and the like break out
in thickly inhabited places, physicians agree in
recommending the removal of the patient, and
perfect isolation ; there must be no visiting and
no communication except with great precaution,
and the patient, if he gets well, is not permitted
to rejoin his fellows until the danger of infec-
tion has passed away. If he die, his body is
quickly buried, and his clothing and bedding
burnt or disinfected.* In either case his house
is thoroughly cleansed, and everything that
science can suggest is done (or ought to be) to
do what ? to destroy the seeds of the disease which
hare been propagated by some of them having
entered the patient, and found in him congenial
soil in which they could grow* If all the

* Burning is thought by many to be the best means of
destroying the virus of disease, and if combustion of the
articles of clothing, &c, were instantaneously effected, it

seeds of the disease be destroyed by the reme-
dies thus adopted, and that they can be
destroyed by the action of heat and so-called
disinfectants there can be no shadow of doubt,
no other case will occur until other seed is
imported into the neighbourhood, or is brought
there in the air, as the thistle-down is into
newly-cleared farm lands. But if any of the
seed of the disease remain undestroyed, the
chances are that the disease will break out again
and again until it has killed all, who, like bee
larvae, offer the conditions on which its seed
thrives, and who are constitutionally unable to
withstand the effects of its growth. We have,
however, our hive with larvae in it, which have
been killed by the growth and increase of the
seed and its parasite offspring ; and it is an as-
certained fact that if there were no seeds of the
disease in the hive other than those in the cells
with the dead and diseased larva?, the disease
could be eradicated from the hive by the removal
of the foul cells, if it were done before the matter
in them became dry.f When removed, such cells
should be burned at once, or buried deeply in
the ground, to prevent the flying off of the
poisonous particles, and the possibility of their
entering other hives, and infecting the honey
or larvae in them. In all hives, however, that
are affected with foul brood there is a grave
probability that the seeds of the disease exist
in the honey, as well as in the brood cells ;
indeed, the probability is that they first existed
there, and reached the brood through food that
contained them having been administered by
the nurses, and in that case cutting out the

probably would be the safest, but as ordinarily managed
they are set on fire in a field, where the warmth that
precedes the actual burning, dries, and sends the seed,
germs, spores, or virus whichever term may be most
approved, into the atmosphere in quantities that render
the process of doubtful utility. This conclusion is
practically endorsed at hospitals and infirmaries where
such things as contain the seeds of disease, are subjected to
dry heat in an enclosed chest, a thermometer attached
telling the attendant when the ' cooking ' has been suffi-
cient. Disinfectants act variously as agents in destroying
the seeds of disease, and it is important that a distinction
should be recognised between them and simple deodo-
rants, which may render the air more agreeable to the
nostrils without destroying the insidious virus it con-
tains. It may, however, be taken for granted that the
destruction of disease, germs or seeds, can only be effected
by their coming into actual contact with destructive
agents.

t It has been demonstrated that while wet, the germs
of the disease are not given off from the matter contain-
ing them. In humans it is commonly understood that
fever or small-pox ,is much more ' catching ' when the
recovering patient is undergoing the process called
' peeling,' i.e., when the outer skin, which has been
destroyed by the disease, comes away, and its particles
are scattered to the winds. Myriads of the seed-germs
are thus given off, and if they are breathed into the
nostrils, or otherwise reach the mucous membrane, of a
susceptible being, they are absorbed into the system, and
the disease thereupon begins afresh.

174

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[January 1, 1880.

cells containing the dead remains, though
beneficial in a sense, would not prevent other
brood becoming affected if fed with the honey
already containing the seeds of the disease. The
obvious remedy in such case would be the re-
moval of the infected honey, giving other in its
place, or stopping the disease by removing the
queen, and preventing the further production
of brood altogether. Either of these operations,
aided by repeated application of the most effi-
cient disinfectants, would appear to offer a
reasonable solution of the difficulty, but to
have the effect desired the diseased hive should
be isolated at a distance beyond the flying range
of the adult bees, or they might return, and
finding their own hive gone, might import
infected honey into other hives in the apiary.
Foul brood has been too often described to need
description here. It is a terrible malady, and
it is well there are some who know its nature,
and have the good sense to do all that is pos-
sible to prevent its spreading, and becoming a
plague indeed; would that all were equally
enlightened !

As some evidence of its virulent nature, we
quote from the Times newspaper of December
5th, a paragraph headed 'Microbi,' as follows: —

' For some time a malady has shown itself among the
hees in the province of Biella, Piedmont, hut this year it
has spread considerahly, and produced serious harm.
Many apiculturists, owners of from 50, 60, to 100 hives,
are now reduced to a few hives, and fear to lose even
them. The cause of the malady seems the corruption of
the eggs, or the plague transmittahle from the infected
to the healthy "beehives. " I have not as yet been able,"
says Professor Perroncito, " to form an exact idea of
this malady, but it is a fact that it is still raging. From
observations made in July and September I have
gathered the following facts : — The infected combs are
recognised by the particular and characteristic odour of
putrefaction. The infected cells have either holes in them
or are closed. On opening them a peculiar grey-brown
fibrous substance is found, produced by the larva which
has died of the disease having become putrid. Examined
by the microscope in pure spring water numerous ovoidal
micro-organisms are discovered with oscillating or jump-
ing motion, very distinctly, dark-edged, nearly like the
microbi of the moth of the silkworm, and of the same
form, having, i.e., a longitudinal diameter of 0'002 metre
and a transversal diameter of O'OOl or 0'0015. Of these
microbi, some were placed in rows so as to form a species
of small wreaths, others in heaps, others indicating a
process by which they were multiplied. These microbi
found on the putrid eggs resist the action of potassa
caustica (5 per cent), of crystallized acetic acid, of
sulphuric ether, of chloroform, and of desiccation. Pure
sulphuric acid makes them lose colour, diminishes the
size ; they become motionless, and later lose their form,
and are destroyed. In nitric acid (diluted in the pro-
portion of 20 per cent water) they lose colour and
motion. In pure nitric acid they also lose their ovoidal
shape ; after many hours the greater part are destroyed,
and those that still remain have lost all motion.
Attempts to inoculate the healthy hives and also rabbits
have been made, but the results have hitherto been
inconclusive. The disease is still unknown in its essence,
and the means proposed to guard against or to cure it
have been but too often inefficacious. Proof of this is to

be found in the great mortality of the bees, even with the
most experienced apiculturist." '

There can be little doubt but that the bee
malady raging in the neighbourhood of Pied-
mont is what we call foul brood, or that the
' micro-organisms ' which are so nearly like
the ' microbi of the moth of the silkworm,' are
identical with the 'micrococci,' ' spores,' 'germs,'
or ' seed,' whose virulent action we are dis-
cussing. The Piedmontese professor, Perron-
cito, as other eminent scientists have been, is
puzzled by the nature of the malady, but has
evidently found the key to the solution of his
difficulty in the micro-organisms ; and if he
would follow the experiments of Herr Schon-
field, hereinbefore referred to, he would be
satisfied of the reasons for the pestilential
character it has assumed.

The existence of the disease and its virulent
nature being so far admitted and understood,
the question arises, what can be done to miti-
gate its evil effects? When a parallel case
arises that threatens to decimate a human po-
pulation, ' orders in council ' are promulgated,
hospitals are extemporised, and everything that
wise forethought 'can suggest is brought to bear
against it to ' stamp it out ;' and the efforts put
forward are at least successful in mitigating the
disease, though they may not absolutely destroy
it, and though on its abatement the stringency
of such ' orders ' is somewhat relaxed, the
recommendations contained in them for pre-
venting the recurrence of the pestilence are
kept constantly before the public mind, and
the authorities are ever vigilant in the same
direction.

The cattle plague, and foot-and-mouth disease,
which have played such havoc with our cattle,
were also the subjects of stringent 'orders.'
No buying or selling were permitted, nor were
cattle allowed to pass along the roads, except by
magisterial order, or the certificate of qualified
surgeons. All cattle imported were slain at
the point of debarkation ; all animals infected
were killed forthwith, and buried in quicklime
several feet deep ; and there were many other
regulations existing to prevent the spread of
infection. The prospect of the potato beetle
appearing in our land created a ' scare ' such as
all the powers of Europe in arms would scarcely
produce, so terrible was the name of the
invader (?) that did not come ; but we fear it
will be long ere our legislature will see fit to
take bees under their protection and legislate
in their behalf, so little is the art of bee-
keeping appreciated in high quarters as a
branch of scientific agriculture.

Seeing that there is no enactment to prevent
the spread of the disease by the importation,
sale, or removal of infected stocks, and it being
impossible for bee-keepers to establish a law

January 1, 1880.J

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

175

that shall be binding upon those unwilling,
through ignorance or prejudice, to yield obe-
dience to it,* it is left to individual bee-keepers
to protect themselves in the best way they can by
adopting all possible precautions. To aid those
intending to keep bees, and those at present free
from the visitation, we offer a few suggestions
that, if carried out, will be helpful in prevent-
ing the importation of the foul brood into their
apiaries.

Prevention No. 1. Never buy stocks of bees
on any consideration, but purchase swarms only
of responsible persons. That this will meet
with disapproval from many who are not
' responsible persons ' we have little doubt, and
some whose character is unassailable may also
object, but writing after considerable expe-
rience, we strongly urge the wisdom of the
advice, not only in respect of foul brood, but
as a general principle. Stocks of bees contain
honey, combs, and pollen, and the seeds of the
disease may be latent in either of them. Bee-
keepers seldom care to sell their stocks until
they get tired of them, and that does not often
occur while they are profitable. We have
visited many unprofitable apiaries with a view
to purchase, but nose and eyes have caused us
to decline. Very strong stocks, that one would
think could not be wrong are often the first to
come to grief hi spring through having robbed
a neighbouring hive in the previous autumn.
Bee-keepers who want to get rid of surplus
stocks do not want to part with their best, and
purchasers would do well to fight shy of indif-
ferent ones for keeping. We refrain from
supposing that any one would wilfully sell a
diseased stock. Of course the seller would not
know anything about it (?), but the purchaser
woidd soon discover it to his cost. Again we
urge, do not buy stocks ; buy bees only in new
hives ; it will be better for buyer and seller

* Although it is impossible for any number of bee-
keepers to make a law that shall be binding on all alike,
it has occurred to us that a great good might be ef-
fected if the Bee-keepers' Association were to make the
suppression of foul brood an object of their special care.
There are few bee-keepers of note in the kingdom who
are not members of one or other of the associations
that are doing such good service in the cause of apicul-
ture, and there would be fewer still if the suggestion
we now offer were carried into effect, while foul brood
would become a subject of close attention and repression,
and purchasers of bees would be more largely protected
than is possible under present ch-cuinstauces. We propose
that associations should nominate experts who, under well-
considered regulations, should be empowered to visit the
apiaries of those who deal in bees, and to give certifi-
cates of immunity to such as are entitled to them.
Such visits could, of course, only be made with the
sanction or by the invitation of the intending vendor
of bees, but the desire to possess a certificate of immu-
nity from foul brood, as a tempting security to intending
purchasers, would have a beneficial effect that needs
little explanation. — Ed.

too, as no after complaints can have reference

to the latter, and the former will know that lie
has done his best to keep the enemy out of his
apiary.

2. Never use old hives, floor-boards, quilts,
frames, or supers, unless they have been boiled
or baked, cleaned, and disinfected. There is
not a more fruitful means of spreading foul
brood than the use of old hives, oce., that
have not been thoroughly cleansed. Once affected
by the disease, its germs or seeds will remain
dormant for years, until a combination of cir-
cumstances starts them into life again, when the
disease will begin afresh. If boiled or baked,
and thoroughly cleansed, there is a hope that
they may be freed from the taint, but we would
advise a fumigation with sulphur-fumes as an
easy, cheap, and reliable mode of making sure of
the death of the enemy.

3. Never feed bees on honey, from whatever
source obtained, unless it has been previously
boiled. Honey is the principal vehicle in which
the seeds of foul brood are conveyed to the brood
cells. It is a sweet that is continually changing
in its character ; and, apart from foul brood,
may disagree with the bees, causing dysentery
and death. It may be urged that honey is the
natural food of bees, and ought to be harmless,
to which we reply that honey gathered in the
natural way by the bees, and sealed by them
at the proper time, is harmless and good, but
to give bees that which may contain the seeds
of their destruction is simply ridiculous when
sugar foods are so much cheaper, and perfectly
wholesome.

4. Never interchange combs without careful
inspection of the brood of both. This is a
common practice, but is better avoided altogether
than pursued as freely as some writers recom-
mend. A hive may be tainted with foul brood,
yet give no sign of its presence, so that there
is always a risk in the interchange, but when
effected without careful scrutiny there is great
danger.

5. Never use old combs for building up
colonies. By old combs we mean such as are
taken from hives that have become tenantless
from any cause. Combs from which all brood has
hatched out, and which have been removed from
healthy hives to prevent them becoming mouldy,
and to enable the bee-keeper to reduce the
capacity of the bce-nest, are not included in
the above description. Thousands of stocks die
of foul brood during winter, but its presence is
not even suspected by the inexpert, because
they cannot detect any symptoms of it in the
spring when they find their hives untenanted.
Hives badly infected in autumn will, as a matter
of course, be short of bees for wintering, but
after breeding has ceased, and the foul brood
becomes dry, they will clear out all the decayed

176

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[January 1, 1880.

matter that it is possible for them to remove,
and the inexperienced will not detect the dry
scale of poisonous matter lying lengthwise on
the bottom of the cells, and which, in drying,
has been giving off the seeds of the disease to
poison the honey, combs, and hive, and float by
millions in the atmosphere, to the pollution of
the whole neighbourhood. When combs were
scarce, and their manufacture expensive, in loss
of time and cost of bee-life, the temptation to
use old combs was greater than now, when
foundation is cheap, and new combs can be so
readily commanded ; but old comb should now
go to the melting-pot, and the sooner it is boiled
up the better it will be for the neighbourhood.

6. Never introduce stranger bees with a pur-
chased queen. The danger herein is in the
possibility that the bees may have in their
honey sacs honey that is unwholesome, and in
their bodies ftecal matter that, if discharged,
may infect the hive. A queen alone is attended
with the minimum of danger, as she cannot
deposit honey, and is very seldom the subject
of dyrsenteric or dropsical ailments.

7. Never open a suspected hive in the open
air. There may be bee-keepers who would
scout the idea of taking a hive within doors for
examination, but it will be wiser to do so than
to risk the chance of one drop of its honey
being stolen and conveyed to another hive.
And it is not a very formidable undertaking,
after all. Cany the hive bodily into a shed,
stable, or unused wash-house, for want of a
better enclosure. Set a decoy hive in its place,
close all means of egress from the room or shed,
and open and close the hive in the usual way,
letting the bees in the meantime fly to the
window. When satisfied with the examination,
carry the hive back to its stand, pitch the decoy
hive into a disinfecting tub, cover up (darken)
the window of the room or shed from the out-
side, and set the door wide open. The bees will
then leave the window, fly out through the
doorway, and return home, and there will have
b3en no danger of spreading infection, should
it exist in the suspected hive.

{To be continued.)

DYSENTERY AND FOUL BROOD.
There is such an extraordinary tendency in
stocks that suffer from dysentery to become
afflicted with foul brood that we have come to
regard it as the almost certain forerunner of
that disease. Foul brood being a germ disease,
and its spores of fungoid growth, we are com-
pelled to the conclusion that the air is so
charged with fungoid spores that the interior
of a dysenteric hive offers the requisite con-
ditions for their development into foul-brood
germs, or micrococci, which then become con-

tagious and infectious, as we have elsewhere
shown.

It has been convincingly proved that the
air does contain innumerable spores which
produce the fungoid and fermentive growth
whose appearance on meat, vegetables, &c, is
recognised as mould, must, &c, and the effect
known by the term ' going (or gone) bad,' and
that all substances liable to decay are variously
affected by them if exposed to the atmosphere.
Knowing, also, that hybridisation produces
most wonderful changes in plants, it has
occurred to us that similar effects may be
produced by the mingling of fungoid or fer-
mentive spores, the outcome being a growth
that sets up disease wherever in turn it will
grow. If this be anywhere near the truth, it
will solve many difficulties as to the production
of new diseases, and will certainly make it plain
how foid brood originates in so many places
that have never known it before. Dysentery
is a disease of a fermentive character ; it is not
catching until the bees eat the fermenting
honey in the hive, and it is comparatively
harmless in weather when the bees can fly.
But is it not likely that a mingling of fungus
spores in the diseased hive may produce hybrid
spores that will work destruction to animal
or insect life under particular conditions ?
Perhaps the idea is an old one and has been
disproved, but, on the face of it, it appears
feasible, and we hope to hear the opinions of
others on the subject.

WINTER FEEDING.
We are repeatedly inquired of as to the best
way of feeding bees that from various causes
have been neglected at an earlier date, and are
approaching starvation at a time when, ordi-
narily, they cannot take the food offered to
them. There is a difficulty in supplying bees
so situated, but it may be met and overcome by
a little trouble on the part of their owners ; and
considering their probable scarcity and the high
price they will average in the spring, they are
really worth all the trouble careful attention
will necessitate. Had we any stocks in the
condition mentioned, they would be carried into
a dark cellar or room with a temperature above
freezing, and there, as in a long night, they
would be fed with say a pint of thick syrup,
warmed so that they could take it readily, and
afterwards would have barley sugar until they
had sensibly increased in weight. On fine mild
days they would be set out on their own stands
for the convenience of flight should they need
it, but their chief time would be spent in the
dark, out of reach of frost and the liability to
robbing. While so confined to a cellar there
would be no obstruction to their hive entrance ;

January 1, 1880.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

177

if there were they would worry to get out and
would exhaust themselves by their efforts. If
they do not increase in numbers, by breeding-,
under such treatment, they should be united at
as early a date as is consistent with safety.

BEE-KEEPING AND FARMING.

In these days of foreign competition, bad
harvests, high rents, wages, rates, and taxes,
and with farms to let by the score, it is not
difficult to believe that agriculturists in general
are suffering great hardships ; and, indeed, are
passing through a fire of tribulation from which
none can come forth unscathed, and in which
many, with their belongings, will be altogether
consumed off the face of the land. At such a
time it behoves every one to look about for
means to stem the tide of evil with which
farmers are, as it would seem, on all sides beset ;
and while some are propounding schemes in
which the cultivation of crops other than corn
as a staple, and their conversion into milk,
meat, butter, cheese, &c, is suggested as a
means of mitigating its depressing influences,
we venture to suggest that bee-keeping should
be adopted as one of the aids of which they stand
so much in need. There are few farms on which
seed -crops are not grown for profit, and in
many, large areas are devoted to them, and
there is not one of them but yields bee-food in
greater or less degree. There are several of
these crops that, in good seasons, would yield
in honey more than would pay the cost of rent
and tillage, while individually they would be
greatly increased by the more certain fertili-
sation of its blossoms, which the presence of
the bees would insure. In green crops there
are many that yield honey enormously, those of
the clover tribe being the most productive ; yet
the greater portion is allowed to waste itself, or
serve only as food for insects other than bees.
If a keen farmer saw the liquid strength of his
manure-pit running to waste in his ditches and
brooks, he would think his bailiff was crazy for
permitting such a shameful waste; but the pro-
duct which insensibly steals away the strength of
his land, he quietly allows to evaporate, without
making an effort to save it. On our way to the
late Lincolnshire show at Long Sutton, we
casually made conversational acquaintance with
a north- country squire, our bee -belongings
originating the colloquy. We passed many
acres where mustard was yet in full bloom,
the sight of which elicited a regret that our
bees had not access to similar gold fields, and
replying to his questions, gave expression to
our conviction that notwithstanding the feel-
ing that bees were beneath the notice of the
British farmer, the time was coming when, in

self-defence, he would be compelled to cultivate
them as a cheap source of revenue. In such
times as have fallen upon agriculture, no
farmer can afford to waste his honey crop, in
many instances amounting to several hundred-
weights yearly, and which, with a little atten-
tion to the rotation of crops, might be made
into much larger quantities. Every farmer
knows the date when his orchards, chestnut,
lime, sycamore, and other trees will blossom,
and also the time when his flowering crops will
come into bloom ; and if they do not keep up a
succession for the bees to work upon, how easy
would it be to sow an acre or two of mustard or
rape to fill in the intervals that would occur,
and thus secure a constant source of supply for
them, and a surplus for his own profit. Our
whilome friend quickly saw the feasibleness of
the suggestion, and ' durned if he wouldn't try
it,' at the same time expressing his surprise
that the subject was not mooted in agricultural
newspapers. We were treated to the usual
description of how the cottagers in his ' part '
destroyed their bees, &c, and for the first time
he was made aware that in America there are
large farms devoted to bee-culture, where the
vegetable produce is of secondary considera-
tion, and bees hold the first place, and yield
the chief part of the income. If our farmers
would think seriously of the value of bees as
' cattle ' that cost little, require little attention,
and are very prolific, they would surely see in
them a ready means of adding to their incomes,
and producing in tons the nectar so much in
demand. Rape and mustard-seed pay well for
growing. Cabbage-seed is also worthy of note,
and requires no attention after the green crop
has been cut, until the seed is ready to garner,
yet while in flower they all yield honey in
abundance, and with bees to collect it, will
yield a large profit to their owner.

In our journeyings to and from bee-shows
in various parts of the land, we have seen whole
tracts of land, golden with wild charlock, each an
Eldorado for bees, that would furnish honey of
fine quality and in any quantity ; and wherever
white clover and other of the trifolia are
grown, they form a mine of wealth that needs
only to be gathered in. Bean -fields yield
honey enormously, which is mostly wasted for
lack of bees ; and there is scarcely a hedgerow,
dyke, or brake, that has not, or could have, a
costless source of honey supply. Farmers
should look well into the matter ; and market
gardeners, and all others who cultivate for
fruit or seeds, should acquaint themselves with
the principles of the art. Bee-culture will not,
perhaps, prevent the necessity for practising
other economies, but of itself it is a most
valuable one, as we hope hereafter to prove.
(To be continued.)

178

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[January 1, 1880.

HIYE CONSTRUCTION.
Our great and revered master, the Reverend
L. L. Langstroth, in his delightful work, ' The
Hive and Honey Bee,' in referring to hives and
their requisites, says : ' For man to stamp the
label of perfection upon any work of his own,
is to show both his folly and his presumption.
Perfection belongs only to the works of Him,
to whose omniscient eye were present all causes
and effects, with all their relations, when He
spake, and from nothing formed the universe.'
With this idea in mind, we approach the sub-
ject with humility, and though willingly
offering our best thoughts, and the deductions
which experience has forced upon us, we are
yet convinced that though conqjarative excel-
lence in hive-building has been achieved, there
is much that is desirable still unattained. In
thinking of hives and bees, and of the natural
condition of the latter, we are too apt to forget,
or ignore — which is much the same thing — that
the bees have no object in view beyond the
increase of their numbers, and their sustenance,
the good they otherwise do being incidental
thereto. Alike with all other things that have
life, they have the power of increase in propor-
tion to the suitability of their surroundings,
and they vary their course of life to meet the
difficulties and emergencies to which they are
occasionally subjected. In a locality where
bees can live and fairly prosper, there is little
to fear for their welfare, through an occasional
bad season, or a succession of indifferent ones,
because in the average of years they are able to
gather and store more food than they require,
and its accumulation is a safeguard against
destitution in bad times. It would, therefore,
appear that except through loss of queens,
and robbing, accidents which appear to be a
natural provision against excessive • increase,
there is little to interfere with their well-being.
It, however, became so well known that bees,
as a rule, stored honey in excess of their general
requirements that man who has the firmest
belief in the doctrine that all things created are
for his special benefit, has from time imme-
morial helped himself from their store-houses,
often ransacking their home, and destroying
the inhabitants in his greed to obtain their
luscious treasure. This brutal work has been
also defended on the ground that it is right and
wise to prevent too great increase in bees ; but
it surely is not in accord with the Mosaic law : *
' If a bird's nest chance to be before thee in the
way in any tree or on the groimd, whether they
be young ones or eggs, and the dam sitting
upon the young or upon the eggs, thou shalt
not take the dam with the young : but thou
shalt in any wise let the dam go, and take the

* Deut. xxii. 6 and 7.

young to thee, that it may be well with thee ;
and that thou mayest prolong thy days.'

Whether it arose from a desire to act in
accordance with this law, or is the outcome of
the worldly wisdom that teaches the folly of
killing the goose to get the egg, is not on
record ; but as may be seen in the writings of
Columella, now being republished in these
columns, methods were devised, which he,
1900 years ago, described as ' antient,' for re-
moving surplus honey for the use of man, and
leaving the bees with sufficient for their winter
use to preserve them alive. That the method
employed was crude, is not to the point ; it
existed, and was taught ; and has been practised
more or less during many centuries ; but it was
reserved to modern days to facilitate the process
by altering the fashion of the hive.

This brings us to the point at issue amongst
bee-keepers, viz., 'Which is the best hive?' and
in discussing the question, we trust we shall
not forget, having due regard to the comfort
of the bees, that improved hives are for the
benefit of the bee-keeper, to enable him to re-
move surplus honey in the readiest way, and
perform such operations with the bees as may
be requisite for their cidtivation.

In all hives the comfort of the bees is essen-
tially the chief consideration ; they should be
perfectly dry, and capable of continuing so, and
they should protect the bees from the heat of
the summer sun, and during cold weather should
retain the heat generated by them, three desi-
derata that the bees would ask for, if they
could make their wants known in words,
and they might supplement them by begging
their owner to stand aside, and let them work
without molestation.

Now, in studying the comfort of the bees, it
is difficult to conceive a better principle than
that which their instinct teaches them to
adopt for themselves. We are not alluding to
the unfinished efforts of late or weak swarms,
but to the completed bee-nest, the work of a
good swarm, in a good year, in a simple box,
tree trunk, or skep hive, where the bees have
done their best during summer, and made their
own preparation for winter. In such a hive
we find that in the part devoted to breeding
the combs are about an inch thiok, and the
spaces between them about half-an-inch wide,
permitting the bees that travel on the respective
combs to pass each other without their backs
touching each other inconveniently. Outside
the brood-nest, the store of honey and pollen
will be found ; that which was gathered suffi-
ciently early being toward the outside of the
hive, and sealed over, while that which had
but lately been obtained, will be found in, and
immediately about, the brood-nest itself. In all
the combs on which the honey has been sealed,

January 1, 1880.]

THE BKITISH BEE JOUKNAL.

179

the cells will have heen elongated, so that the
passage between the combs will be narrowed to
not more than a quarter of an inch in width ;
and all the sealed honey-comb will be built
against the sides or walls of the hive, so that
amongst the honey stores very little indeed of
the hive itself will be exposed, a fact well
worthy of note when hive construction is being
considered. The shape of the hollows in which
bees make their nests causes them to assume
great variety of forms ; but in all cases where
the cavity is not too large the sealed honey-
combs are attached to the walls of the hollow,
separating the spaces between them as with
solid girders. The shape of the cavity would,
of course, govern the shape of the nest, but the
principle of storing would be the same ; if
higher than wide, the tendency would be to
store at the top ; if longer than high, the bees
would store at the back and sides, their rule
being, it woidd seem, to store their wealth away
from the entrance, apparently for protection
against cold and enemies.* From these obser-
vations it seems that in a natural hive the bees
attach their combs to its roof and walls, forming
a series of inverted chambers or galleries, each
entirely separated from the others in the upper
part, except by occasional holes caused by the
bees having begun to build their combs in
divers places ; f and that is undoubtedly the
condition of hive in which bees are most
comfortable in cold weather, and the more
nearly such condition is provided for in im-
proved hives, the better they will be as vehicles
in which to winter bees.

* An idea prevails amongst many bee-keepers that bees
store their honey in the coolest parts of their hives, but
this we believe is the result of, may we say, inverted
reasoning. Bees will not store it at all unless sufficiently
numerous to gather more than is required from day to
day, and then, per force of circumstances, they must put
it outside the parts of their combs not occupied with
brood. In hot weather, when the incoming of their
sweets is usually greatest, they are able to build new
combs in which to place it, and ere sealing it they so
elongate the cells, and thus narrow the passage between
the combs, that presently in cooler weather, with their
numbers diminishing, they find it impossible to occupy
them, and thus they are found in a cool, if not the coolest
part, though when the combs were built, and the sealing
effected, there must have been as much heat there as is
always requisite for the secretion of wax and comb-
building. — Ed.

t It may be commonly observed in hives, that bees
begin to build certain of their combs in several places in
the same line, forming pear-shaped pieces, which they
eventually join together, and form into one sheet; but
whenever this occurs, they leave small holes near the
top, which they do not fill up. These are often attri-
buted to the foresight of the bees in providing winter
passages through their large combs, but are accidental as
to their position, though the mode of building that
insures their production evidences minuteness of design
in the great Author of Instinct, who left nothing to be
desired when He looked upon His work and saw that it
was good. — Ed,

As we have before stated, close hives, such as
boxes, tree trunks, and straw skeps, in which
the combs are not moveable, have been found
inconvenient to the cultivator, both in regard
to the removal of surplus honey, and the exa-
mination of the bee -nest; and the most ad-
vanced men of the age have applied themselves
to the production of a hive which would give the
bee-keeper full command in both directions.

We do not here propose to follow the experi-
ments of the great masters who spent years of
their life, and much of their fortune, in con-
triving the moveable comb hive ; * but for
present purposes will take the frame hive as we
found it, for comparison with that we have been

describing. (To be continued.)

AMERICAN AND BRITISH BEE
JOURNALS.

We regret exceedingly that through postal
irregularities so many journals are lost on both
sides the Atlantic. We do not know how to
correct these irregularities, but are endeavouring
to prevent them by the interchange of journals
in bulk. We have concluded satisfactorily with
the celebrated Editor of Gleanings, author of
the invaluable A B C of Bee Culture, and are
hourly expecting a favourable rejDly to our letter
to Mr. Newman, our late visitor to England,
on the subject, of which due notice will be
given. — Ed.

BKITISH BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION.

The Monthly Meeting of the Committee for December
was held at 105 Jermyn Street, on Wednesday, the 11th
Dec. Present, Messrs. T. W. Cowan (in the chair), J.
M. Hooker, Rev. E. Bartrum, W. O'B. Glennie (Trea-
surer). The minutes of the previous meeting having
been unanimously confirmed and signed, the Secretary
reported that a letter had been received from Mr.
Cheshire, stating that the diagrams would be completed,
and ready to hand over to the Association for publication
not later than the first week in January.

A letter was also read from the Secretary of the Royal
Horticultural Society, announcing the dates upon which
the principal Flower Shows at the Royal Horticultural
Society's Gardens would be held during 1830, and
suggesting that if the Committee of the British Bee-
keepers' Association were desirous of holding their

* When inventors and discoverers have brought things
long desired and anxiously sought, into common use, it
is pitiful to think how quickly they are forgotten, or
their existence ignored. It appears easy for the world
to forget the men who found both Lever and Fulcrun
wherewith to move it, and advauce its interests. The
daily newspapers teem with instances of unacknowledged
and unrequited worth, in men who have, at their own
costs, successfully battled for their fellows, and found
for themselves only unlonoured graves. There is an
instance in our midst, the originator of the moveable
comb hive, to whom bee-keepers of all nations owe a
deep debt of gratitude, yet for whom we have not been
able to collect a ten pounds to cheer him in Ids hour of
need. — Ed,

180

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[January 1, 1880.

annual show at the Gardens of the Koyal Horticultural
Society, the date of such show should he fixed, and
published ; and it was resolved unanimously, ' That the
Chairman (in the absence of the Secretary) should call
upon the Secretary of the Royal Horticultural Society,
and fix the date of the annual show, in accordance with
the recommendations contained in the above letter.'*

The Rev. E. Bartrura reported that he had been in
communication with Mr. Buckmaster, of the Science and
Art Department at South Kensington, respecting the
Professorship of Apiculture, and that he was prepared
to submit a resolution upon the subject at the General
Meeting in February next.

It was resolved that the nest quarterly Conversazione
should be held on January 14th at the Board-room of
the National Chamber of Trade, 446 Strand (opposite
Charing Cross Station), and the Chairman announced
that the Rev. G. Raynor, of Hazeleigh Rectory, Maldon,
Essex, had promised to read a paper upon the following
subject : — ' The Ligurian Queen-bee : her introduction to
to alien stocks, and the best means of pure propagation.'

Mr. W. A. Kirshner was appointed Auditor of the
past year's accounts ; and it was arranged that the
Balance-sheet should be prepared and submitted to the
next meeting of the Committee previous to publication.

The Treasurer read the balance-sheet for the month
ending November 30th, as follows : —

Income.

Amount received Jan. 1 to Oct. 31
Nov. 1-30

£. s. d.

439 0 7

12 19 0

Total— 451 19 7

Expenditure.

£. s. d.

Amount expended Jan. 1 to Oct. 31 . 369 18 7£

„ „ Nov. 1-30 . . 30 16 4$

Balance in hand . 51 4 7

Total— 451 19 7

Letter from the Hon. Secretary.

Dear Sir, — Will you allow me to remind such of
your readers as are members of the British Bee-keepers'
Association that before your February number makes its
appearance they will be called upon to give their votes
in the election of the Committee for the year 1880 ?
The voting papers will be issued immediately after the
Quarterly Meeting, which is fixed for January 14th.
Full directions as to the mode of voting will accompany
the papers, but it may be well so far to anticipate these,
as to say that every voter should give the number of
votes to which he is entitled by his subscription, to each
of the nine candidates whom he may select. A voter
cannot give nine times the number of votes belonging to
him to any one individual candidate. Each voter must
affix his signature to the voting paper in the place indi-
cated. Ladies are entitled to vote according to the
amount of their subscriptions.

At the commencement of the year 1879 the number of
members on the register was 158 ; of these only 74
voted, leaving 84 who did not exercise their franchise.
It is to be hoped that this year all the members of our
Association will register their votes, and thereby show
that they take an interest in the affairs of the society to
which they belong. No one need be afraid of giving
offence by not voting for any particular candidate, as the
candidates are not allowed to know the names of those

* In accordance with the above resolution, Mr. Cowan
waited upon the authorities of the Boyal Horticultural
Society, and fixed Tuesday, July 27th, and the two follow,
ing days, for the holding of the annual show.

who vote or do not vote for them. — I remain, Sir, yours
faithfully, Herbert R. Peel, Honorary Secretary.

P.S. — Voting papers will only be sent to such mem-
bers as have paid their subscriptions for the year com-
mencing May 1st, 1879, and terminating April 30th,
1880.

REV. WILLIAM CHARLES COTTON.

This veteran bee master was born in 1814, and died on
June 22nd, 1879. Mr. Cotton was the eldest son of the
late Mr. W, Cotton, some time Governor of the Bank of
England, and inventor of the automaton sovereign
weighing machine. He was formerly student of Christ
Church, Oxford, and Newcastle scholar. He was through
life an ardent bee-keeper, and by his writings and per-
sonal example did much to popularise the science of
apiculture. When quite a boy his father read to him a
translation of Virgil's fourth Georgic on bees, and the
next morning he tried to carry out Virgil's instructions
how to get a swarm of bees ; so he tried to bribe his father's
farming man, by promising him a small taste of his first
honey if he would kill a two-year-old bull calf, so that
from the maggots when it decomposed, he could get a
swarm of bees. His father, hearing of his son's wish
to kill the stirk, procured for him his first swarm of
bees.

In 1833 the Oxford Apiarian Society was formed,
through the exertions of Mr. Cotton, who undertook the
duties of secretary. In 1838 he wrote Two Short and
Simple. Letters to Cottagers, from a Bee Preserver.
Twenty-four thousand copies of these letters were pub-
lished. In 1842 he produced the well-known work,
entitled My Bee Book, which not only treated of the
best modes of management of bees at that time in all
parts of the world, but which also included several rare
treatises of former English apiarists on the economy and
practical management of bees.

In 1841 Mr. Cotton became domestic chaplain to the
late Bishop of New Zealand, Dr. Selwyn, with whom he
embarked on board the Tomatin at Plymouth, on the
26th of December of that year. On the voyage out,
and subsequently, Mr. Cotton rendered the Bishop
much assistance in translating the Bible into the native
tongue.

Mr. Cotton took with him four stocks of bees ; and
many marvellous stories are told of his mastery over his
favourites on ship board. He was very successful in the
introduction of the cultivation of bee-keeping in his
adopted country ; and in 1848 he produced his Manual
for New Zealand Bee Keepers, published at Wellington,
New Zealand. Before the introduction of the honey-
bee into New Zealand, they had to send over to England
every year for the white clover seed (Trifolium repens),
as it did not seed freely there ; but by the agency of the
bees they are now able to export it. New Zealand is
such a good country for bees, that Mr. Cotton told me,
one stock had increased to twenty-six in one year. The
natives call the bee the white man's fly.

After his return to England, Mr. Cotton was presented
in 1857 to the vicarage of Frodsham, Cheshire. I made
his acquaintance in August 29th, 1868, and we kept up
the correspondence to the last year of his life. He was
a very kind, generous man, and capital company. On
the 3rd day of June, 1869, he was watching my bees in
the Unicomb Hive, when I happened to say to him,
' You see the queen always turns her body so that her
head is below the horizontal line when laying an egg !'
He exclaimed, ' Does she ?' I said, ' There she is again
turning her body so that her head is below the horizontal
line.' After watching the queen lay a number of eggs,
he said, ' I have represented the queen laying with her
head upwards in My Bee Book, but in the next edition
I will turn the plate the bottom side upwards, when it
will be all right.' The Rev. L. L. Langstroth and others

January 1, 1880.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

181

have copied this plate out of Mr. Cotton's Bee Booh, and
have all made the same mistake.*

In 1872 Mr. Cotton published a most arnusing work,
entitled Buzz-a-Buzz; or the Bees Done Freely into
English, by the author of My Bee Book, from the
German of Wilhelm Busch. It is written in rhyme,
profusely illustrated ; and as the author says in his
preface, ' The verses were written up to the pictures
rather than translated from the German text.' It is a
most amusing production, and there is much truth lying-
hid under the comical stories, and still more in the
illustrations, and the notes which are appended may be
found useful even by scientific bee-masters ; and anyone
who saw the honest, burly (weighing upwards of twenty
stone) English form of the author, in his quaint blouse,
at the first show of the British Bee-Keepers' Association,
will read Buzz-a-Buzz with redoubled delight.

Mr. Cotton to the end of his life retained his love for
the fascinating study of his youth. He took a great
interest in the establishment of the British Bee-Keepers'
Association, became one of its first vice-presidents, and
was one of the judges at its first show at the Crystal
Palace in 1874. Though in issuing his Letters to Cotta-
gers, he designated himself a ' Conservative Bee-Keeper/
he was ready when convinced of the superiority of the
' more excellent way,' to cast on one side the mode of
management of his early days, and to advance — foot by
foot, and shoulder to shoulder — with the most expert of
bee-masters.

The late Mr. Cotton was the elder brother of Lord
Justice Cotton, and he died a bachelor. — William Cai:r,
Newton Heath Apiary, near Manchester.

HERB GBAVENHOBST.
I have the honour to send you my photo, also an
article for your Journal, if you will make use of it. You
are in the right : Mr. Newman's report is somewhat dis-
appointing. My report will be published in the first
number of the Bienenzeitung, 1880, and will be some-
what longer. I shall write five articles under the head,
'My Trip to England.' 1. My Journey to England.
2. The Kensington Show. 3. The Bee-keepers' Banquet
at Horsham. 4. My Visits to some English Bee-keepers.
6. The Principles of Bee-keeping in England in opposi-
tion to German Bee-keeping. Could I write English as
well as German I would give you a translation of all or
one of the five articles, but perhaps you will find another
translator if you want to read and publish my report.
My opinion in regard to the Cyprian bees you will find
in the November Number of the American Bee Journal,
p. 508. The translation is very correct. "Wishing you
good luck in the new year. — C. F. H. Giiavenhohst,
New Brunswick, Dec. 16, 1879.

THE TONGUE OF THE HONEY-BEE.

By Prof. A. J. Cook.

(Concluded from page 160.)

Length of Tongue in different races. — I have measured

hundreds of tongues under the microscope, with the

camera lucida, and have been much interested to observe

the wondrous uniformity in length where the bees were

from the same colony or from the same apiary, especially

if close breeding had been practised. Tongue after

tongue would show a variation of less than 0'25 of an

inch. I have found the length of the American black

bee's tongue to average about 0-24 of an inch in length,

from the base of the mentum to the tip of the ligula.

American-bred Italian bees I have found, when measured

* In Langstroth's book the queen is simply represented
as surrounded by her workers, and not in the act of laying.
—E».

by the same scale, to have tongues '02 of an inch longer.
Some bees, said to be Cyprians, but closely resembling
our black bees, except that the down on the thorax was
a little more yellow, I have found to possess tongues a
little shorter than those of our American Italians, though
the average is but very little less. I have examined
bees' tongues from workers reared from two different
imported queens, and found that in both cases they ex-
ceeded in length those of our American-br-ed bees, though
the difference is very slight.

In 1878 I measured the tongues of some bees sent me
for Cyprians. The bees were veryyellow and beautiful. I
found them to possess the longest tongues I have ever met;
but there was very great variation. 1 had but few bees,
and sent for more, which never came. I had arranged the
present season for bees of the various European races,
and had been promised specimens; but, greatly to my
regret and disappointment, the bees have failed to come,
so I have to make this but a partial report.

That the added length is of practical importance I have
proved as follows : — Honey in a vessel covered with fine
gauze was placed before Italians till they ceased to eat,
because the honey was beyond reach ; the vessel was
then placed before black bees, which failed to reach the
fluid. The vessel was then filled and given first to the
black bees, which worked till the liquid was inaccessible,
when it was placed before Italians. These would invari-
ably commence to sip the honey. Again, a box, one half
inch deep, without top or bottom, was covered with fine
gauze, having fifteen meshes to the inch. A glass was
then placed in the box, so inclined, that while one end
rested against the gauze, the other was one half-inch
from it. The glass was thinly spread with honey on the
side next the gauze. This was placed in a hive of Italians,
when the glass was cleaned of honey, for a distance of
twenty-four meshes from the edge where the glass rested
on the gauze. The black bees could only reach, and only
cleaned, for nineteen meshes : many trials gave the same
result. This then shows why Italians can gather, and
often do collect from flowers which fail utterly to attract
the black bee. The nectar is beyond their reach.

Conclusions. — It would seem from the above that
American-bred Italian bees have shorter tongues than
those direct from Italy. It seems very probable that
' Natural Selection,' the very law which raised the
Italians to their position of superiority, also gave to them
their longer tongues. Shut up in their mountain home, a
mere isolated basin, where competition must have been
very excessive, nature took advantage of every favourable
variation, and developed those striking excellences peculiar
to the Italian. During these ages there was no kindly bee-
master possessed of the intelligence sufficient to nurse the
weaklings, nor any ' Dollar-queen business ' to stimulate
indiscriminate breeding, and the weak died victims to
starvation. And so we are indebted to the stern, in-
exorable law of nature for the incomparable breeding
which wrought out such admirable results in far-famed
Liguria.

Unquestionably the crowded apiaries of Austria and
Germany have heightened the ' struggle for life,' and this
had a similar tendency to develope superior excellence in
the European black tees. It is more than probable that
the German bees of crowded Europe have longer tongues,
and are generally superior to the same in America, ivhere
they have long been favoured with broad floral areas, and
comparative absence of competition. I should expect
that this very law might have developed varieties of the
black race, which are superior to those of the same race.
It is more than possible that 'survival of the fittest'
explains the origin of the superior varieties which are
said to exist in various provinces of Europe. For the
same reason we should surely expect superior excellence
in the Cyprian bees. Crowded as they have been for
long years or ages, in their small island home, the prin-
ciple of ' survival of the fittest ' must have been working

182

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[January 1, 1880.

powerfully to weed out the inferior, and to preserve and
make stronger the superior. And so the great poet has
well said, ' Sweet are the uses of adversity.'

Practical Conclusions. — From the above considerations
it seems obvious, that would we perpetuate the excel-
lences given us by the skilful breeding of nature, though
we may not destroy all the feeble, as nature has done, we
must assuredly study, and observe so closely, that we shall
know of a surety which are our very superior queens, and
be even more sareful to breed from no other. Whether
care or carelessness will be most promoted by our present
system I leave for you to say. But I do wish that we
might have at least a few breeders with time, means,
caution, skill, and patience, who would work with earnest
zeal, to not only keep all the excellence we now have, but
to augment this excellence as I am sure it may be
augmented. But if our cheap queen system is to con-
tinue, then, surely, we may well stimulate frequent
importations from Italy and Cyprus, and thus hope to
compensate in part for what will be lost by hasty, care-
less, and indiscriminate breeding.

Professor Cook was awarded a special vote of thanks
for his important and valuable experiments.

€axx£8$avfomtL

%* These columns are open to Subscribers, so that their
queries, replies, correspondence, and experiences, may be
fully and faithfully recorded; and for tlie discussion of all
theories and systems in Bee-culture, and of the relative merits
of all hives and appurtenances, that the truth regarding them
may be ascertained. The Editor, therefore, must not be ex-
pected to coincide with all the views expressed by the various
writers. All Correspondence is addressed to tlie Editor.

CYPRIAN BEES.
I hand you herewith copy of a letter just received
from Cyprus : —

'Larnaca, Dec. 3, 1879.
' I am at last arrived here after a long journey by
way of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. The six hives I
have purchased are in good order, and the bees do not
seem very different to Italians. They are apparently a
trifle smaller, and have a yellow abdomen, whereas with
pure Italian bees that part is black. Still I know these
are pure Cyprians, and I have specially come here to
fetch them. To-morrow I shall drive the bees, and have
a look at the queens. All information you shall have on
my return.'

The bees referred to in the above are destined
for Italy, where if they arrive safely they will be
used to improve the native breed. The Cyprian
queen now in the possession of the British Bee-
keepers' Association is equal in purity and superior
in some other respects to any that can be obtained
from Cyprus direct, and I have not therefore taken
advantage of an offer of one of the above. — J. P.
Jackson.

CYPRIAN BEES.
Allow me to make some remarks in regard of
Mr. J. P. Jackson's article in your Journal for
December, 1879, p. 164. Of course Mr. Jackson
is very mistaken if he says our friend Cory at
Bruex, Austria, is the original discoverer and im-
porter of the Cyprian bees. That honour is due
only and alone to the Count Kolowrat Krokorvsky
at Hroby, near Teplitz, Bohemia, This noble count
has invested much money to get this species of bees.

The first colony was totally ruined on the journey,
and only the second and third arrived in good con-
dition at Hroby. As the Count did not like to sell
any of the queens he reared, he gave his friend
Cory his surplus queens, but never one of the two
imported queens. Cory alone sold Cyprian queens,
and never did the Count do so, but Count Kolowrat
would furnish Cory with pure Cyprian queens if
the latter was not able to sell one from his own
stock. Cory never said he did import Cyprian
bees. Tested Cyprian queens has friend Cory sold,
and the noble count has given them away as pre-
sents to many a bee-keeper all over Germany. I
myself have received from the latter some very
beautiful Cyprian queens; and why should not I
and other German bee-keepers rear pure Cyprian
queens, and sell them even to English bee-keepers ?
I cannot see any reason why not.

But I do not doubt that Cory is a worthy
man, and has sent Mr. Jackson a pure Cyprian
queen, and the best one he had too ; though I am
obliged to confess, that I have seen in our country,
if not finer, at least just as beautiful Cyprian bees
as Mr. Jackson's at the Kensington Show. Should
that not be a proof that other bee-keepers may
have as well pure and fine Cyprian bees as friend
Cory and the Count Kolowrat, and that one may as
well import such queens from other sources as from
both the latter 1 — C. F. H. Gravenhobst, Brunswick,
Germany.

BEE-HOUSES.
I was pleased to see the matter of ' bee-houses '
brought forward in your last issue, as I think very
much may be said in their favour. I would first
make a few remarks on the objections to them con-
tained in your ' note ' — first, you say ' They are ex-
pensive to build or purchase,' this, of course, has
nothing to do with the merits of the case, and is no
objection to the thing itself if people like to incur
the expense. Your next objection, ' That too many
bees are apt to be crowded into them, so that the
manipulation of one would disturb the others : ' I
do not think it worth much, as you would hardly
require a hammer in the process ; and if the bees are
so placed as not to see what is going on, little notice
would be taken by them. As to 'queens mistaking
their hives,' this, I think, requires proof. Your
next objection, ' They harbour vermin,' would apply
equally (if not more) to the covers of separate hives ;
and as to ' robbing and fighting,' my experience is
that it matters not whether they are near together
or far apart, if bees are too weak to defend their
home they are sure to be robbed. Next you say,
'Bee-houses are unsaleable;' but this objection would
fall to the ground if their use were encouraged.
Now a few words as to their value. The appearance
of a bee-house (which may be made ornamental) is
certainly far better than having hives all over the
garden, so is the convenience. I know many gar-
deners who cannot go near bees ; and if they are
all over the garden it gets neglected ; besides,
having the line of flight in one direction greatly
diminishes the risk of stings, and the pleasure of
watching them is considerably enhanced by having

January 1, 1880.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

183

thorn together, and so as not to suffer molestation.
Once more, they can be placed in the shade, which I
consider most important. I have used bee-honses for
about forty years with very much pleasure, no incon-
venience, and no little profit, and have often felt hurt
at your absolute and unsparing denunciation of them.
I would have sent an ornamental bee-shed to
some of the bee-shows, but looked in vain for a
' class ' in which I could enter it. — J. Sadler,
Sonning, Reading, Dec. \Qth.

BEE HOUSES.

I have a bee-house, and mine is not a very happy
experience. All I can say in their favour (in my
case) is that I am enabled to keep six hives,
whereas without it I could only keep two, but at
the expense of crowding and other inconveniences,
which I find out when I have to examine or mani-
pulate any of the hives.

When I began bee-keeping, some six years since,
I obtained one of Messrs. Neighbour's catalogues,
in which they have illustrated some forms of bee-
houses. My garden being only 18 feet wide, I con-
cluded that a bee-house would be just the thing.
So I built one something like one of the illustra-
tions, divided, to hold six instead of twelve, as shown,
but with this difference in construction, — that its
front and back are moveable ; consequently, in
summer it is quite open. This answered very well
during the time I had straw hives, Neighbour's
Improved Cottage ; and there appeared to be plenty
of room ; but I was deceived in a very unpleasant
manner, thus : A swarm went off from one of the
hives on the bottom row. The queen must have
fallen by the way ; the swarm returned ; but went
into the wrong hive. You may imagine the result,
for a few days after bees could be swept up by
handfuls. I lost the swarm, and likewise a swarm
that was expected from the hive that the returning
bees invaded. Since I have done away with Neigh-
bour's hives, and adopted the bar-frame (Wood-
bury), I find very great inconvenience in executing
any operation with hives in the bee-house. Even
had I only four (two top, two below) instead of six
in the house, there would still be the same trouble,
and I certainly would not have another bee-house.

I find the more simple stands are the better.
One stand on which I keep three hives I made very
cheaply. I obtainedfromthegrocerthree empty raisin-
boxes all same size, nailed them together securely,
filled them with earth, and nailed on lids; placed
them in a row (12 feet from out to out). I then
obtained two 12 feet boards (9 by f), nailed
battens across at ends and centre to keep them
together, and laid them on the boxes of earth ;
about two nails through them into the boxes to
keep them from being moved. This stand has
been in use for about four years, and will certainly
last four more. I prefer it to single stands, for it
is more convenient to place anything about that
you may require in any operation. — Lower Font
Road, Maidstone, Dec. 10, 1879.

P.S. — If I had not built my own bee-house, I
should have bought one of those mentioned at from
\hl. to 19/.

BEE-HOUSES.
I enclose my subscription to your valuable
Journal for another year, and also my experience
with bee-houses. I have kept bees in houses for
nearly a quarter of a century, and they have always
done very well. They are never too warm in sum-
mer. I have them well ventilated at the top. The
hives keep so nice and dry in winter, and they are
so convenient for manipulation. I get more honey
(supers) from them than I get from any other hive
in my garden. My hives are all made of yellow
pine. I use bar-frame hives — length, 21 inches ;
width, 12 inches ; and 9-| inches deep. Dimensions
of my houses are 7 feet long, 4£ feet wide, and 1\
feet high in the centre, with sloping roofs towards
the sides. The front of the houses is painted green.
Each hive has its own alighting-board. Above each
hive-entrance a different colour is painted. They
have three windows in front, panes of glass which
slide up and down, they are useful for letting bees
out when they chance to get inside. — William
Russell, Pettinain Village, Lanarkshire.

BEE-STINGS : A CURE FOR GOUT AND
RHEUMATISM.

The Courier de VAllier reports the following, for
which we leave them responsible : —

' Of late numerous therapeutic remedies for
rheumatism have been cried up as being very effica-
cious, but just now has been discovered, by chance,
another remedy, — curious enough certainly ; but
which gives, we are assured, marvellous results. It
is to combat rheumatism by means of bee-stings ;
and, lest we should be charged with flying into the
regions of fancy, we reproduce the following account
from the Gazette d'Augsbourg : —

' A child, nine years of age, Madeleine Kulm, has
just been cured in the same manner of an almost
complete paralysis. Aftertryingevery treatment, her
physician recommended her to have recourse to that;
an amelioration manifested itself immediately after
the first stings ; and the cure was so promptly
effected by the use of this remedy, that the poor
child can now run and play with other children of
her age.

' A speculative bee-keeper might assuredly amass
a large fortune, very promptly, by establishing a
hospital for the cure of gout and rheumatism by
means of bee-stings.' — Memorial d' Amiens.

GOLD IN BEESWAX.

I have to thank you for the ' heading ' to my
short note in your Journal for last month, as adding
zest to the subject. I can only assure you and your
readers that the precious metal abounds in wax,
for I made it my business to pjurchase the same in
many different quarters, and always met with the
same good result. I may add that I have found
gold in the ashes of many flowers, and that, in
some instances, the tiny grains may be discerned on
the leaves with the naked eye.

To procure gold from wax. — Heat a pipkin very

184

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[January 1, 1880.

hot to inflame a piece of it, then remove from the
fire, and keep adding small pieces only at a time,
until you have burnt a pound. Scrape the pipkin
well when cold, and burn the ash in a small
melting-pot, with carbonate potassa five parts, car-
bonate soda four parts, as a flux.

2. The metal may be parted by electricity.

3. Melt, add brimstone, and calcine.

4. Envelope the wax in tinfoil, bury it in salt in
a crucible, and heat strongly. — Jajies Bkuce, \5th
December.

HUMBLE BEES.
In response to an inquirer concerning the humble
bee in a recent issue of your Bee Journal, I beg
leave to tender the little information I possess of
this race of bees. I have twice secured a swarm,
and a very strong one I got last year from under-
neath a boarded floor. I placed the nest on a
square board and a skep over it ; it increased to a
strong stock : but the great difficulty of making any
practical observation was in the peculiar formation
of the cells, which are built one above the other, and
not downward as in the case of the honey-bee.
The shape of the piece of comb was half round on a
flat base, and covered over with very fine fibres of
grass, very similar to the nest of the field-mouse.
In this were various passages, and often, upon lifting
the skep, the inmates would come out with a tre-
mendous buzz, much to the alarm of my visitors,
who generally bolted at once upon hearing the
formidable hum, in fact, the noise was most alarm-
ing, but it generally ended in noise only. One
peculiarity was the nest, it was. always swarming
with a small louse-like insect of a light-brown
colour, and they evidently performed the work of
scavengers to the hive, for whenever it was filthy
dirty from some internal cause, and if the bees were
confined by strees of weather the nest became very
wet, then were those small parasites most busy,
and upon it becoming dry and wholesome very few
were to be seen. I was never fortunate enough to
see the queen, although twice I pulled the comb in
two for the purpose ; but there were some magnifi-
cent drones, and well they looked, with their black
and gold bands, and bodies about an inch long,
those were the gentlemen who made all the noise
(not like those little terriers of Italians who sting
first and bark afterwards). It was most interesting
to see them remodel their nest after being dis-
turbed. Now there was never much honey, but
what there was had a most peculiar flavour of white
nettles, yet I expect this would be the result of the
particular flowers it was gathered from, rather than a
peculiarity of the bee. The most strange part of the
behaviour of those bees occm-red in the autumn, when
both hives were deserted just before the cold
weather set in, the small parasites were also gone, a
little honey, but no grubs left. With those meagre
remarks I must close my stock of knowledge. Per-
haps our worthy editor will favour us with his
views, if convenient, in some early number, of the
habits and qualities of the ' Dizzey ' bees (Cyprian).
A short account of the Carniolians would be also
interesting- at this season. — W. Crisp.

ABTIFICIAL HEAT— TOP ENTRANCES.

In the spring of this year I sent you a descrip-
tion of two hives I had been making, with entrance
on the top, which appeared correctly in the May
number of the Journal, with the exception of the
word ' dust ' on floor-board, which should have been
dirt. I also mentioned how the bees had wintered
in them. It was part of my original design in
making these boxes to provide for the introduction
of artificial heat, with a view to promote earlier
breeding.

I have not the May number by me now, but I
believe I described the hives something in this way :
' The floor-board draws out between the legs, and a
drawer is made to take its place ; and the drawers
to each intended to put frames in if necessary in
summer, or hot water in early spring '; and as
this has been carried out, I give you the result, for
I see the question of introducing artificial heat is
being entertained.

In the first week in March the floor-board was
withdrawn from a hive marked No. 1, which at the
time was the weaker of the two. The drawer was
introduced in its place, working in the same rabbets ;
and to prevent the bees going into the drawer, per-
forated zinc was fixed on the top of it. One end of
the drawer was moveable, and a stone bottle
holding a quart was filled with hot water, and put
into it though the moveable end. Every night and
morning the bottles were put into a bag to confine
the heat a little, and a very short space of time
was needed to change them. I supplied the bees
with about 1-| pints of syrup in ten clays, and it
was amusing to see the excitement caused the first
few days when the hot bottle was introduced.
They evidently thought summer was come all at
once ; but afterwards they took little notice of
it, but began the well-known hum so gratifying to
hear.

The 3rd of April was a remarkably fine day when
I witnessed the first flight of, I should suppose,
hundreds of young bees. The 14th was much
cooler; and though all the hives were working,
quite five times as many bees entered this hive as
any of the others, and it was evident they were
taking alongerflight to some osiers growing a quarter
of a mile away, from the quantity of pollen they
were carrying in. I continued the water bottle till
the middle of May, when I found they had stopped
up the perforated zinc, so I then discontinued it,
the hive being quite full of bees, and ready to
swarm. I put two sections at the back, opened
communication, and the bees soon went into them.
There was a little bit of comb in each section, but
the weather wretched. 1st of June drones appeared,
and bees began to work in sections ; 4th, some
honey was deposited ; 20th, they swarmed. When
they had swarmed, I found the queen had been in
sections, some brood was in then, and also a little
sealed honey. From what I have written, I think you
may safely say that artificial heat, properly applied
in early spring, will have a good effect in promoting
early breeding ; but food should be supplied
at same time in small quantities. The other box,
marked No. 2, to which artificial heat was not

January 1, 1880.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

re-

applied, did not swarm till 3rd of July ; and though
the sections were filled with bees, they did not work
in them.

There has been enough said about the last
season, and I would say 1860 might be com-
pared with it. I don't think my bees had then
honey to commence the winter with, and that
was something like this, severe, with a good deal
of snow.

But, for some encouragement, I would tell be-
ginners that the four or five following years were
everything that could be wished for. In 1861 I
purchased my first bar-frame hive, when I set to
work and made some more ; and I want to say to
all beginners, 'Everyman his own hive-maker.' It is
not much trouble to alter them if they don't please
you. — P., Warwick.

HIVE VENTILATION.— WINTERING.

I do not know how far you may care to continue
our discussion, but though I agree with and admit
all you say in your note, I cannot see that it dis-
proves what I have advanced regarding the escape
of heat round the ends of frames.

The reason why our breath condenses on the
windows is that the moisture contained in the
warmer atmosphere of a room is condensed as soon
as it touches the glass which is kept cold by the
colder air outside the house, not because it is colder
near the window than in the centre of the room.
Put a pane of glass a foot off the window inside the
room, and nothing will congeal on it. For the same
reason clouds are seen to roll up hill-sides. The
moisture contained in the air is condensed as soon as
it touches the cold hill-sides, and forms what we call
clouds or mist ; and for the same reason the moisture
generated in a hive will congeal on the walls, unless
it is got rid of by upward ventilation, or otherwise ;
if is not sufficiently cold, it will remain in the hive
in a state of moisture. It is quite true that in the
centre of a group of bees the temperature will be
higher than in the remotest part of the hive, but it
seems to me that the only practical way of retain-
ing this wannth round the bees, is to contract the
space they occupy by a partition to as small a space
as will hold them comfortably with sufficient food.
In a skep hive without frames, the ends of the
combs are not entirely closed, and we all make holes
through our combs for the bees to pass. To follow
out your idea would be to make each comb a
separate compartment of the hive, which to me
seems practically out of the question. — G. F.
Pearson.

[Our esteemed correspondent has signified in the latter
part of his letter the exact conditions which we think
should exist in all hives in which the comfort of the bees
is the chief consideration, as it essentially is for the pur-
poses of safe wintering. We have all along put forward
the condition of a hive, i.e. a bee-nest, as the bees them-
selves fashion it, as the best model for imitation, and
there can he no mistake in their proceedings, for they
have learned their principles of construction from the
Omnipotent, the All-wise, the Great Architect of the
universe, whom we too often with thoughtless levity
allude to as ' Nature.' Further observations will be
found in our article on Hive Construction. — Ed.]

BEE-KEEPING IN CALIFORNIA.
I observe in the B. B. Journal (of which I am an
appreciative reader) a notice of a gentleman who
wishes to get information regarding a location for
bee-keeping. As you will perceive from my address
that I am in the south of California, about 120 miles
from San Diego ; between Ventura and San Diego is
considered the best honey region in the state, both
for quantity and quality. My experience in thispart
is little, only having been one year, and that a poor
one: bees have done just as much as keep them-
selves, and where there has been bad management
they have been lost. The crop of 1878 was very
good, although the bees as a rule were weak in the
spring : for instance, two adjoining apiaries of 178
and 200 hives in the spring increased to 300 and
350, by dividing and putting back all swarms,
made 70,000 lbs. and 60,000 lbs. respectively, ex-
tracted of course. We are in what is called the
White Sage baits, which produces the finest in the
market. We have no trouble in wintering our bees,
the supers are seldom taken off till spring. The bees
gather less or more honey all the year round. Our
fittings cost us little when compared with England.
Hives (Aubel) complete cost one dollar Langstroth
hive. I shall be glad to answer any question you may
ask. It is only five years since I left Scotland, and it
would be pleasing to us if you were coming to this
part of the world. I take a great interest in the
B. B. J., and all that concerns the native land. —
Robert Strathearx, Caledonia Apiary, RandAph
Springs, Santa Paula, Ventura Co., California.

BEE INCUBATOR.
Dear readers, ' Go to Jericho,' i. e. if you would
like to see a novel Bee-Incubator heated by gas.
And if you would, moreover, like to see a queen
with a body like the caudal appendage of a rattle-
snake, just look at Professor A. J. Cook's ' Frontis-
plate ' as he calls it. — Ravex, Jun.

ARTIFICIAL COMB.
During the year 1876 I corresponded with several
firms as to the possibility of producing artificial
comb. Only one would entertain the idea, and Mr.
J. L. Hancock, of the Vulcanized India Rubber
Works, Goswell Mews, London, made for me the
enclosed specimen, more as an experiment to ascer-
tain how the bees would behave towards a thing of
the kind than with any idea that such hand-made
artificial comb could ever supersede the real article.
It is formed of short cylindrical tubes of India-
rubber sheeting, placed side by side, with a
slight upward slope on each side of a piece
of canvas or stout calico, and cemented to it,
though not to each other except at bottom. Hence a
small space was left between every three cells, as
must always be the case where cylinders are placed
side by side, and there were six of these spaces n lund
each cell. On receiving it I saw at once that the
cells were too small, the thickness of the wall not
having been allowed for in the making ; but I fixed
it in a section, and inserted it in the centre of a

186

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[January 1, 1880.

sectional super then in process of being filled, to see
what the bees would do to it.

The cells were so small that the bees were unable
to get their heads into them, but they nibbled the
edges a good deal, and filled up, I suppose with
propolis, every crevice and the spaces above referred
to between every three cells ; and this propolis,
contracting as it dried, drew outwards the walls of
the cells towards the six spaces around each cell,
the top of the cells (the only part the bees could
reach) thus becoming hexagonal instead of cylin-
drical. Some of the cells, owing to faulty construc-
tion, are, as you will see, not regular in shape, but
there are a great many tolerably perfect hexagons.

I confess, Mr. Editor, that when I saw that the
cylindrical had been thus transformed by bee-
agency into the hexagonal, I was much inclined to
think I had accidentally stumbled upon the solu-
tion of the vexed question of how bees make hexa-
gonal cells ; but, having failed to work out any
theory which would be applicable to the normal
proceedings of bees when building comb, I send this
note in order, with your permission, to place on
record what I am reluctantly compelled to consider
only a curious coincidence. — H. Jenner Fust,
Jtjn., Hill, Falfield, Gloucestershire. — Dec. 18, 1879.

[We duly received the comb, five inches by two, and
it is exactly as described. The bees have built a piece of
natural comb under it, using it as their guide. — Ed.]

ONE OF THE AUTHORITIES.

The following letter is from an 'authority' in bee-
keeping. We publish it verbatim et literatim, as a
curiosity, in the interests of the science, and because
hereafter it will have historical value. The pro-
mised ' Treatise of the Experimental Practice on
Bee-Culture,' will doubtless be of equal value. —
Ed. B.B.J.

Dead Sin, — As I generally at this season of the year
make a practice of Writing to most of my Bee Keeping
Friends, under an Idea of such who like myself take a
great delight in devoting a good share of their Leizure
time in endeavouring to get and give all Information
that might he promoted to the Welfare of Bee Keeping,
I therefore, under these Ideas, have taken it upon myself
to write to you on that Subject, and shall pleased in
having the pleasure of receiving a reply, with any other
remarks you may see good to state, either in the past or
the future of your Experience on the practical move-
ments of Bee Keeping; presuming you will do so, I
therefore, in advance, will now give you an Idea as to what
we have had to contend with from the result of a Cold
Wet Summer. Well, I never knew so few Swarms pro-
duced, and such as was produced both late and not so
good as many of the casts in bygone favourable Seasons,
So that the consequence was, the last Autumn in this my
district, in this part of Lincolnshire, where we took of
condemned Stocks many Hundreds, we did not take
Twenty to the Hundred. Something else I found — that
on the average there was not a fourth of Weight of
Honey there as been usually got, nor Half the Weight of
Bees. And many had not the least partical of Brood
left in them. After Driving found this to he the result.
So that I fear the great trial is to be found this next
spring ; what with so few latter Brood been Hatched
out, and what there is, to have so little to Sustain them
through the Winter, it will be a fearful look-out, as from
what I have gone through on the examination of such,
left for wintering, was unusually weak of Bees, and

poorly fitted with food to keep them through the Winter,
Although to all within my reach round my circuit, I
most strongly recommended them to feed Copiously, and
that in good time in the Autumn, and to strictly pay
attention to them in the spring; and yet, after all, I am
of opinion they will be the greatest failure amongst them
in memory of man Generally. As to the Ligurians, the
Season was so bad, and put on such a Gloomy prospect in
future, so that hut little was done by Heading Stocks with
Imported Queens. So that if the Lord spares us to see
the Spring, I shall require some, and perhaps it may not
be out of course by asking you a few questions, as you
have had a good share of practice, and will have good
Ideas as to where such, in confidence, can he obtained,
with about the Value next spring.

I have likewise compiled a Small Treatise of the Ex-
perimental practice on Bee Culture, which expect the
same to be obtained by the Public for a Trifling Value,
having just now got a note from the Proprietor of the
Bazaar Exchange and Mart, that they Intend sending
me the proof of the same shortly : such contains my
Honeycomb Glass Shades, which was demanded last
Season so that I had not one left, But Intend having a
Stock made for spring Service. Well, now, Sir, hope
you with me will give your Opinion as to anything as
touching any discoveries of Improvements that is or can
he made to promote the welfare of Bee Keeping on the
Humane principals of Management, of which we can, as
an Open Market, Ask each other, and then give to it all
it is worth, and if not counted of any Value, pass on to
something else. One thing I often look at, and that is
the Stock Hives, which upon carefully examining the
Combs in such Order to suit the purposes of the pervilion
of Nature, for the Bees' Breeding purposes, finding from
centre the Brood Combs, and from Side to Side Eachway
Combs made and prepared for to nourish and mature in
Strength so soon as Hatched out by Attaching themselves
to the Combs nearest to the Birth Combs, finding Pollen
Bread and a portion of Honey to sustain and Strengthen
them for the flight ; and then the Combs further each
way, which are well nigh filled with drones, which are
a Hot-Body, and keeps the heat up, not only to mature
the Brood, but tu admit of a Vast Larger number of the
Working Bees going abroad to fetch Honey and Pollen,
according to the requirements, so that I cannot see the
Advantage of interfering with the Seat of nature, which
is and often has been done. But rather, on the contrary,
would think of assisting them all I could to promote
their welfare in Breeding than retard them in that pro-
gress by deranging the Combs or taking away Honey
from that Quater at any time, except it was to demolish
the whole. I consider that as there is no need of having
an Empty Cask to take the overflow of the full one
until it is full, nor is any surplus Honey to be expected
to be Obtained by Capes, Glasses, or any other recepticle
until the Hive is full of Bees in all stages of Action, so
that the Queen becomes restless, finding no more Vacant
Cells to deposit her Eggs, so that all is disorganised, and
out comes the Swarm. Perhaps I may have taken to
great a liberty in writing such a long Epistle, if so, par-
don me, and favour me with a portion of your Experience,
and if required, will write further at another time, if
opinion is desirable. — December 13, 1879.

OBSERVATIONS ON BEES.
(By a Ladt Bee-keeper.)
What do you think 1 Would a very small band
of zinc inside my hive have any bad con-
sequence for the little sensitive bee ?* From

* We object to metal in hives for any purpose in cold
weather, particularly when used as runners for frames to rest
or slide upon, for, being in the coldest part, it causes conden-
sation, and, when zinc is used, is likely to be poisonous. — Ed.

January 1, 1880.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

187

close observation of my bees now I feel per-
suaded that their little coating of fur is doubly
as thick as two months ago. I suppose, like
animals and birds, it is increased for their warmth.
Beiug on my balcony, I have opportunities of ob-
serving them, and their manners are very curious —
they change with our months. This is the second
autumn that I have had them. On the 2nd of October
they acted most tenderly. One bee kept in continual
motion on the landing-board fluttering its wings and
running up to every bee that came, never going in or
going away. Up to that day, as the weather might be,
the bees were out more or less. I said to my
daughter, ' That bee is telling them all winter has
come and they must remain at home.' Once was
enough. Next day all was quiet, not one on the
landing-board, a few quietly in and out ; so it has
continued. I fed them to-day. They took some
of the food not eagerly ; and very early in the day
they shut themselves in. The end of this month
there will be another whispering, and then they
won't touch syrup. I am persuaded that, however
easily done, it is a very bad thing to touch the
slides, even to look at them, especially at this
season unless to deprive them.

# * * *

I thank you for your letter. I quite know the
shortness of working-bee life, and the rubbing off
the fur by every-day work. I think, however,
that they are given an increased quantity at this
season, and they look so well and bustling just now
and proportionably vicious. I don't touch them,
and shall not raise the slides ; and have not since
August. I am convinced they have ample, and
like last year, I am (during this month, October)
giving them one pint of syrup a-day. — I believe
my hive to be admirable — an improved Italian hive,
thoroughly warm and comfortable. Imperceptibly
ventilated on the top, and yet every morning and
afternoon there are several large drops of condensed
steam on a baize quilt. They seem in thorough
condition for the winter. I doubt if we should
care much for these very wonderful little insects,
were it not for the luxury we derive from them and
the utility of the honey in medicine. Bees are
murderers, robbers, and gluttons, very vicious,
except when quieted, which, from observation I say,
is most pernicious, and a great loss to the bee-keeper.
So I am persuaded is looking at the slides ; every
time they are drawn up some little bee-work is de-
stroyed. You are the first bee-master in England,
and there is a point I should like to name to you
— can you call your bees home ] It was done in
ancient times (I have it on good authority) ; very,
very long ago ; and it is remarkable that, at the
present day in Italy, the same noise or word is
used to call any one back.* This is a fact as re-
gards the bees, and I shall be happy any time to
show you where my information is derived from.
It would be something new in your Journal, and set

* We have no knowledge of the means of calling bees
home, but should be very greatly obliged, and we are sure it
would be a boon to bee-keepers if the method employed were
made known. It, if a word, would form a capital open
sesame to a bee-keepers' guild. — Ed.

all the bee-masters to work training their bees.
Not particularly useful, but very curious, more so
than their eating the flesh of a dead bird, of which
I am quite sure, and which is someway borne out
in Scripture by the bees in the lion.j" About a
month ago I sent a friend of mine to see your
premises. She drove out there with a gentleman,
she was much pleased, and will, I believe, get
one of your observatory hives. She tells me that
you are persuaded that bees do not see. J Will
you pardon me if I differ with so great a bee-
keeper 1 In my small way, I am persuaded that
they do see right well. Many different circum-
stances show it. One of the simplest and plainest
are the flies. I have a landing-board (on a slight
incline) of considerable length ; during the hard-
working season they hardly notice the flies, but
now they charge them from a considerable dis-
tance, even the smallest flies are run at. When the
large flies are too troublesome they fly straight
down close to them, and with a flip of their wing
passing, they make them depart. I am about
establishing a drawing-room hive, a complete and
perfect hive, in every way, for supering and every
manoeuvre with bees, — and perfect observation. I
could have bees now, but I think I shall wait until
May.— J. M. Hall, Notting Hill, W., October
15, 1879.

BEE-KEEPING AMONG THE ANTIENTS.

COLUMELLA.

Chapter III.

Of the several kinds of Bees, and which of them is the

Best.

Wherefore let us return to those things which are
more proper for them who have bee-hives under their
care and management. Aristotle, the founder of the
Peripatetic sect, in those books which he wrote of
animals, shows, that there are several kinds of bees, or of
swarms of bees, and that some of those swarms have
bees that are exceedingly large, but round and compact,
and the same black and shaggy ; others lesser indeed,
hut equally round, and of a dusky colour, with horrid
grisly hair ; and others of a smaller size, hut not so
round, but nevertheless fat and broad, and of a some-
what better colour ; and they have some that are very
small and slender, with the trunk of their belly sharp
aud drawing to a point — of divers colours, somewhat
shining like gold, light and nimble. And Virgil, follow-
ing his authority, approves most of such as are very
small, oblong, smooth and nimble, bright and shining :
' Whose bodies, mark'd with pairs of spots like drops
Of liquid gold, a dazzling lustre cast.'

Of gentle and mild disposition, for by how much the
greater, and rounder also, the bee is, by so much the
worse it is; hut if it be of a more fierce and cruel

+ The idea of bees consuming flesh has often been ridi-
culed ; but our fair correspondent puts the question beyond
dispute ; so we will try it, on the presumption that they will
take nitrogenous food in any form when they need it, as
they must in this pollenless year if at all during the winter.
—Ed.

} We do not know what we could have said to create this
idea, unless it was in reference to bees coming home when
laden to hives that have been moved, and alighting at the
spot where the entrance was, as if they could not see that it
was only an inch or two to the right or left. Or we may
have mentioned the fact that bees act as if they could not
see through glass. — Ed.

188

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[January 1, 1880.

temper, it is by much the worst of all. But, neverthe-
less, the angry disposition of bees of a better character is
easily mitigated and softened by the continual interven-
tion of those who take care of the bee-hives, for they
grow quickly tame when they are often handled, and
endure for ten years if they are carefully managed ; nor
can any swarm of bees exceed this age, although they
yearly substitute young ones in the room of those that
are dead, for in the tenth year almost the whole family
that lives together in one hive is consumed and reduced
to utter destruction. Therefore, lest that should be the
case of the whole apiary, a new race must be constantly
propagated; and in the spring you must carefully
observe when the new swarms issue forth in great
numbers, that they may be received, and the number of
their dwelling-houses increased, for they are often seized
with diseases. After what manner the same must be
cured shall be declared in its proper place.

Chapter IV.
Of the Pastures Proper for Bees, and what sort of
Situation the same ought to have.
In the meanwhile, having made choice of bees accord-
ing to the marks we have now mentioned, you ought to
destinate proper places for them to gather their food,
and let them be the most retired that can be had ; and,
as our Maro directs, void of cattle, and in such a situa-
tion as is exposed to the sun and sheltered from stormy
weather.

' Where winds have no access, for winds impede
Their course, when with their food thev're homeward

bound ;
■Where neither sheep nor frisking kids insult
The flowers, nor heifers, rambling o'er the fields,
i off the dew and crush the rising herb.'

Let the same quarter be also abundantly productive of
small shrubs, and especially of thyme or bastard marjo-
ram; as also of thymbra, or Greek savory, or our own
Italian savory, which the country people call fatureia.
After these, let there be abundance of shrubs of a greater
growth, as rosemary and the cytisus, or shrub trefoil of
both sorts, for there is one sort of it that is sown or
planted, and another sort which grows of its own accord ;
and likewise the evergreen pine and the lesser evergreen
oak, for the taller one is disapproved by all : ivy-trees
also are received, not for their goodness, but because
they yield very much honey ; but the most approved trees
are the bright red and white jujube tree ; likewise the
amaranth, as also walnut-trees, peach-trees, and pear-
trees : in a word, the greatest part of pomiferous trees,
that I may not insist upon each of them ; but of forest,
or wild trees, the most suitable and convenient for them
are the mast-bearing red oaks ; as also the turpentine-
tree and the mastich-tree — which is not unlike to this —
and the sweet-smelling cedar; but of all, the lime, or
linden-trees, alone are hurtful to them : yew-trees are
intirely rejected. Moreover, a thousand plants — which
either spring up and flourish upon the uncultivated
turf, or are cultivated and improved with the furrow —
produce flowers exceedingly friendly to bees, as are the
shrubs of the amellus in well-watered ground, branke-
urfine-stalks, the shank of the asphodel, or king's spear,
the sword-like leaves of the daffodil. But the white
lilies planted in the garden ridge make a bright appear-
ance ; nor are the white violets, or stock gilliflowers,
inferior to these in beauty; also scarlet roses, with
yellowish and purple violets, and likewise the sky-
coloured hyacinth ; also the Corycian and Sicilian saffron
bulb is planted in order to give a colour and a flavour to
the honey. Moreover, innumerable herbs of a baser
character spring up both in cultivated and in pasture
lands, which furnish and replenish the honey-combs with
abundance of wax ; as the lapfancea, or common wild
coleworts, and, which is not more precious than these,
the wild radish ; and the charlock, or wild mustard pot-

herbs, and the flowers of wild endive and black poppy ;
also the wild parsnip, and the cultivated one of the same
name, which the Greeks call staphylinon. But of all
these I have mentioned, and of those which I have
omitted, endeavouring to save time (for their number
could not be reckoned up), thyme gives the most exquisite
taste to honey; then the next is thymbra, or Greek
savory, and mother of thyme ; of the third sort, but yet
exceedingly good, is rosemary and our own Italian
savory, which I call fatureia. Then tamarisk and jujeb
flowers, and the other kinds of food which we have pro-
posed are of middling taste. But of all, wood honey
(which cometh of the broom-tree and the strawberry-
tree, and the manor-house honey also, which breeds in
pot-herbs, and in herbs that grow in dunghills, are
reckoned of the very worst character. And since I have
described the situation of their pastures, and also their
several sorts of food, I shall now speak of the receptacles
of the swarrns and of their little dwelling-houses.
(To be continued.)

Lengthened Sweetness Long Drawn Out. — It
has been found by experiment that 125 heads of clover
yield about one grain of sugar, and 125,000 heads would
therefore yield 1 kilo, say 2j pounds. Each head of
clover bears about 60 florets, so that 7,500,000 distinct
flower tubes have to be sucked in order to obtain 2J
pounds of sugar. Honey consists of about 75 per cent of
sugar, from which it may be calculated that bees must
pay about 2,500,000 visits to clover flowers in order to
coflect 1 lb. of honey. Some flowers doubtless yield a
larger quantity of honey than others, but the amount of
work performed by bees in the collection of honey must
be amazingly large. — Whitaker's Almanac for I860.

(&t\zm front % Utoxs.

Market Rasen. — ' Bees will be a great rarity here in the
spring, as the cottagers cannot be persuaded to feed in

the autumn.'

Gloucestershire, Dec. 5th, 1879. — 'My bees are all com-
fortably asleep, each hive weighing from 25 to SO lbs. ;
there are nine of them. Also I have bought eight more,
and am proud of my village. It is ranged round my
garden in the midst of strawberries, gooseberries, and
currants, with more than one hundred fruit trees around,
and abundance of bee flora also. I don't care to have my
bees wandering far for their provisions. In the midst of
my hives is one with a pointed top ; this I call my church,
standing as a church should, in the middle of the village,
There are three hives of Ligurians, one a mixture of half
black and half Ligurian, and they agree perfectly — a
happy family. My stock-hive, of which I am particularly
proud, weighed about 30 lbs. when the Ligurians first
came — in a week, it was reduced to about 30 lbs. — it was
easy to feed it up again ; it is now about the former
weight (30 lbs.), and is quietly left in peace. — M. B.'

Edinthorpe Rectory, North Walsham, Norwich, Dec. 18,
1879. — ' I have never seen in any book on bees mention
made of the destiny of the caps to the cells which the
brood has left: that the worker bees gnaw* all round
the caps, and so let the young bees escape, I have
seen over and over again. I had for some three years
in my workshop a hive with a window of the size
of the hive end, and with frames running from side to
side, and I watched for hours at a time the workers
nibbling round the edge of the caps until they were eaten
through, and so let the drones (the back comb was drone
comb) walk leisurely out. I doubt whether the young
have power to push off the cap themselves. Can anyone

* Hunter's 1st Edition gives it ' knaw. '

January 1, 1880.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

189

tell me anything about it ? My bees are all alive at
present, and I don't see many dead ones on the bottom
boards. The first warm (!) day I shall clean all the
bottom boards.' — J. Lawson Sisson.

Nottingham, Dec. 20, 1879. — 'Jack Frost has been the
ruling power nearly all the month. December 1st brought
a heavy snow-storm, which continued on the 2nd, and
left us with a ground covering of three or four inches of
snow. On the 6th the thermometer was several degrees
below zero, showing the lowest temperature since 1860 ;
and so frost and fog have ruled all the month except the
21st, 22nd. and 23rd. On the 22nd we had a beautiful
spring-like day, mild as April, which made the birds sing
and brought out the bees in hundreds. This gave bee-
keepers an opportunity of overhauling their stocks. A
neighbour of mine has lost two stocks from starvation on
account of their not having been fed. Our hives are now
again in frosty chains, the thermometer to-day (26th)
showing a temperature of 16°, being 16° of frost.' — W.S.

Grantham, Dec. '28th. — 'Yesterday a hard frost and
the thermometer at 28°, not a bee moving of course. To-
day warm and spring-like, and the thermometer at 49°,
my garden alive with the merry hum of my bees. I am de-
lighted to find all my stocks (thirteen) have stood the test
of the late unusually severe weather. Some of the stocks
are in straw, the others are in Abbott's Cheap Hives.
With my usual chaff bag placed upon the quilts, I shall
not fear bees dying from cold after their haying survived
such intense frosts as we have had this year. I hope all
my brother bee-keepers may be able to record as satis-
factory a fact. Wishing you, Mr. Editor, a happy and
prosperous New Year.' — R. K. Godfrey.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS & INQUIRERS.

Bhidge of Tilt. — It will be quite fair to conclude that
the queen is unmated, even if present, when drones are
permitted to exist at this late date. It is possible that
they may be the offspring of the young queen herself.
The queen sent was a pure Ligurian imported from
Switzerland.

T. N. T. S., Swansea. — Hives may be placed in paivs and
threes without much danger of robbing or loss of
queens, but it would be well to set the hives not leas-
than a yard apart, with the entrances facing to dif-
ferent points of the compass. Each set of two or three
should be not less than six yards apart, with a tree or
shrub standing so as to break the uniformity and re-
gularity which might render such arrangement fatal
to the object in view. Economy of space being a
studied feature in the arrangement, high and low
stands might be used to vary the appearance of the
line which might be a simple curve or serpentine as
facilities offer. A straight line will do if the objects
along it are varied so that the bees can readily mark
the location of their hives.

Combs across the Frames {Reading). — It would be
unwise to attempt to rectify them now, as it would
disturb the bees too much, cause them to gorge them-
selves with honey, and might produce dysentery. It
will be better to wait until spring, and then transfer
all the combs, putting them straight and even into
their respective frames. Transferring is better done
after swarming has taken place, as recommended in
the leaflet on that subject, free for Id. stamp from our
office, but may be done at any time when the weather
is sufficiently fine to permit it, without injury to the
bees. There are many operations that so much de-
pend on the state of the weather, that no date can be
fixed when it would be safe to perform them.

D. McAkthur (Nevada, Dunedin, New Zealand). — We
have sent catalogue with other papers as requested.
If you put yourself in communication with Mr. Frank
Parish, care of Mr. J. E. Brown, Pakirikiri, Whakato,

Poverty Bay, you will be able to get a pattern of our
Extractor, than which for all ordinary purposes we do
not know of a better. It sounds strange to us here to
hear of your bees being about to swarm in the middle
of November. The rain it raineth every day, and by
the same rule, we suppose, the bees are swarming
every day, somewhere !

West Cross, Swansea (Removing Bees, #e.) — The
safety of removal depends on the distance they will be
taken. A hundred yards would be fairly safe, and if
when put in their new position a branch off a tree be
leaned against each entrance, the bees will be sure to
mark the change of location.

Front of Hives. — Plant the space with Arabia
alpinus, and in a year you will have it covered with
a beautiful and valuable dwarf carpet of evergreen
and early-blooming bee flowers, in which bees cannot
well perish if they fall, and if you plant crocuses all
over it, about six inches apart, they will come at same
time, do no hawn, and increase gorgeously the silver
and gold on the pattern. Sawdust is very well for
those with whom space is no object, and will do to go
between the hive-stands, to tread upon, but we prefer
cinder ashes, as they bind hard, permit little if any
weed growth, and do not blow away; besides they
are easily raked over for the destruction of casual
weeds.

Permanent Apiary. — If about establishing a perma-
nent apiary, we would advise that you plant a close
hedge of Laurustinus, as an evergreen screen from
wind storms, interspersed with almond trees, which
will grow above them. A path, a yard or more wide,
well dug out, and filled up with old brick rubbish,
tins, broken crockery and glass, and anything that will
give drainage, and be well out of the way ; and on
this spread ashes and crushed clinkers. Devote a yard
in width to the bee-stands, putting ashes on each side,
and a shrub-like tree (currant or gooseberry) between
each, or each pair, for the hives may stand in pairs,
and easy access on one side of each is sufficient. In
front, trench the ground eighteen inches deep, burying
the turf, so that the grass will not spring through, and
plant it with Arabia a foot apart, and crocuses six
inches each way between. Beyond that a belt of wall-
flowers (autumn or self-sown bloom earliest), and if
space can be spared, a belt of fruit frees, and outside
that the fence. There are many trees that would be
useful, the palm-willow, for instance, which likes a
damp soil, and will do in the bottom of a ditch ; the
blackberry that will grow in a hedge ; pyrus japonica,
that will grow on a fence or wall, and indeed many
other good honey and pollen-yielding bloomers, but the
great point is to make sure (?) of a crop that will
afford aid when scarcity ordinarily prevails.

The Pink Wrapper. — The coloured wrapper sent out
with our Journals to-day will be the last with which
we shall disfigure that periodical. In future, when a
subscription has run out, an intimation thereof will be
sent privately to the subscriber, and should he not feel
that we deserve the encouragement payment in ad-
vance affords, we must hope that he will kindly order
the Journal through his bookseller. The Editor of the
'American Bee Journal' says in his December
number : ' We shall hereafter send no Journals unless
paid for in advance. We should be glad to accom-
modate those who desire credit, but our losses are
so large that we cannot afford it ; having nowT about
10,000 dollars invested in such outstanding accounts.'
He truly says : ' That which is a very small item to
each one of a thousand, makes a very heavy load for
one to bear.' This is precisely our position, and we
respectfully beg of those who receive coloured Journals
t«-day, to bleach them forthwith by remitting the
subscriptions due. — Ed. B.B.J.

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL. |_Jaii- 1, 1880.

PRICE SIXPENCE.

THE GAEDENEE.

A MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE AND FLORICULTURE.
EDITED BY DAVID THOMSON,

Author of ' Handy Book of the Flower-Garden,' ' Fruit Culture under Glass,' &c.
AIDED BY A STAFF OF PRACTICAL GARDENERS.

The Number for January contains: —
The Year 1870, and some of its Lessons — Stove-Plants : No. I., The Isora. — On New, Rare, and Choice Ferns. —
The Management of Wall Fruit-Trees. — Early Vegetables : No. I.— Cape Heaths: No. I. — Hints for Amateurs:
January. — An Over-Wooded Country. — The Early Forcing of Flowers and Fruit. — Notes on Decorative Green-
house Plants. — The Gardener's Primer, No. VIH. — Root-Lifting versus Root-Pruning. — The Chrysanthemum
as a Florist's Flower. — Bedding-Plants. — Scottish Horticultural Association. — Calendar: Kitchen-Garden;
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'THE GARDENER' during the Year 1880 will contain several important Series of Papers on
subjects of practical interest. Among others — On the Cultivation of Ornamental Foliaged and Flowering Stove-
Plants — Decorative Greenhouse Plants— Early Forcing and Out-door Culture of Vegetables — Cidtivation of Cape
Heaths— Ferns— Hardy Herbaceous Plants and Florists' Flowers. The Amateur Flower-Garden will have special
attention ; while Notes from the Gardening Papers, and Notices of New Plants shown in London, will be continued
as usual. Occasional Papers on Orchids will be given ; and the Editor's Contributions will embrace the important
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relating to all departments.

Yearly Subscription, free by Post, 7s. Payable in advance.

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Messrs. ABBOTT BROTHERS take the
LIBERTY

of requesting to be considered on an

EQUALITY

with others of the Bee-keeping

FRATERNITY

who manufacture Hives, though their Terms are so low
that they cannot afford to pay a

ROYALTY

to Agents or others who wish to trade in their Goods.

Messrs. ABBOTT BROTHERS have filled then- barns
with Hives and Bee-gear of all kinds, and respectfully
solicit Orders, to enable them to make room for other
manufactures. For immediate Orders, with cash, a reduc-
tion of 5 per cent will be made, equal to 20 per cent per
annum.

Messrs. ABBOTT BROTHERS beg to say that they are
arranging an Agency for the Best Goods from

AMERICA

which will be sold at the lowest possible prices for Cash.
No Agents.

ABBOTT BROTHERS, Fairlawn, Southall, London.

(^1 LEANINGS IN BEE CULTURE. Edited by
J A. I. Root, Medina, Ohio, United States. A Monthly
Publication by one of the most experienced of American
Bee Masters, and one who has contributed in no small
degree to place America in its present advanced position
amongst Bee-keeping nations. Arrangements have been
made by which ' Gleanings ' will be sent in bulk to, and
delivered from this Office, about the middle of each month.
Price 6s. per year, Post free, payable in advance.

Office of British Bee Journal, Southall, London.

mHE A B C OF BEE CULTURE. By A. I.

J_ Root, Medina, Ohio, U. S., Editor of ' Gleanings.'
' Invaluable to beginners, and also as a book of reference.'
A small parcel of these are on the way to our Office, and
more will shortly be sent. Price, in paper covers, 5s. ; in
cloth, 6s., Post free. Abbott Brothers, Southall, London.

THE well-known Italian ANATOMY OF THE
BEE, AND ITS ENEMIES. Intending Buyers are
respectfully informed that only very few Sets remain unsold.
Price 21s. unbound. Address John Camaschella, Forest
Hill.

SECOND-HAND HIVES.

11HE HIVES, BEES, and BEE FURNITURE,
which are FOR SALE by AUCTION, have now been
assorted. There are Forty-one Hives, of various kinds ;
Seven with Bees ; Twenty-three Sets of Sections, first and
second-hand ; Forty Feeding Bottles. Numerous half and
third sized Standard and Woodbury Nucleus Hives. A
great quantity of Frames. Several Observatory Hives.
A Lot of Chaff Cushions (Wooden Frames). Zinc Dividers.
Floor-boards. An American Honey Extractor, good as new.
Quantity of Crown-boards, Super Crates, Circular Zinc
Covers, Double Frames for Slingers, Stewarton Boxes.
Neighbour's 35s. Hive. Lanarkshire Hive (new). A hand-
some Berkshire Bee-shed, by Sadler of Sonning, and Two
Berkshire Bee Hives, complete. The whole, with many
other things too numerous to mention, are on View, and the
majority may be had for about the cost of materials used in
their manufacture. A full Descriptive Catalogue will be
published in January.

ABBOTT BROS., FAIRLAWN, SOUTHALL.

T7EGETABLE PARCHMENT for Covering

V Glasses and Jars of Honey, &c, 2s. per lb. Sample
Sheet, id. Prices for larger quotations on application.
Letters to Editor.

HE LECTURE.— A few Copies on kandT
Price 2s. 2d. post free. Letters to Editor.

THE

n Jommal,

Mfe

[No. 82. Vol. VII.]

FEBRUAKY, 1880.

[Published Monthly.]

€iaxtaxmlf |tatucs, #r.

FEBRUARY.

After the dreadful weather of 1879, the New
Year opened most promisingly, for New Year's
Day was both fine and mild, and the bees were
remarkably busy clearing out their dead and the
debris from their hives, and rearranging their
quarters with a view to future comfort. An
ounce or two of barley sugar gave them re-
newed vigour, and the sunny hours gave us the
opportunity of clearing floor-boards, to aid the
bees in their labour, and to warm into new
life those that were nearly dead with cold, and
which, but for our aid, would have been cast
out to perish altogether. Brushing them (all
the helpless) into a dish, and covering with a
pane of glass, we had the pleasure of seeing
many revive, and having given them a little
syrup they were set at liberty, and returned to
their hives, and thus many hundreds were pre-
served. The first four days of January were
equally tine, and the bees active, and the fifth
a charming day, so warm and sunny that in
the absence of a fusee, we lit our bee- pipe by
the sun with a small lens, a proceeding quite
phenomenal in these days, and worthy of
record.

Since then, excepting the 18th and 19th,
until we write, there has been no sunshine, but
the weather has been very cold, often bitterly
so, with occasional ram and snow, confining the
bees and rendering interference with them im-
practicable. Now, considering that bees are
better for being inactive during the winter
months, cold dull weather is a boon for which
bee-keepers cannot well be too thankful, and
in their interest we could hope it will continue,
broken occasionally by mild intervals, until the
crocuses are in bloom, when operations may with
a hope of safety be commenced.

Being in correspondence with bee-keepers of
all grades, in all parts of the kingdom, we are

fairly well able to gauge the condition of bee-
keeping and bee-culture in a general sense ; and
our report is, that notwithstanding the un-
favourable conditions under which they have
been carried on, those who keep their bees on
improved princqDles as opposed to that of
letting them alone, though they may not be
able to boast truthfully of large profits, have
few losses to deplore, whereas the ' let-alone '
hobbyists are, as a class, simply ruined 'lock
stock and barrel.' The bees have died of the
preventible disease called starvation, whole dis-
tricts being cleared of the suspicion of bee
life, and left without the cheerful fertilizers
of blossoms and flowers whose happj' energy in
distributing the various pollens tends so greatly
to beautify the earth bj7 floral hybridization.

It would be most useful and instructive if
some return could be brought about of the
respective fruit and seed crops in beeless dis-
tricts, as, for comparison, with those in which
bees are thriving and prosperous. The early
crops, gooseberries and currants, and not seldom
plums and cherry blossom while the weather is
too frosty, wet, and cold, for insects other than
bees to get abroad and help in the necessary
work of fertilization, and where they have been
allowed to starve and die out, we take it the
prospect of heavy fruit crops will be consider-
ably jeopardised. Their value in ' setting ' the
blossoms of fruits in orchard houses has been
before discussed in this Journal, and we have
several times been the means of providing
bees for this special purpose, they being con-
sidered indispensable, though, we are sorry
to add, scarcely thought worth preservation
afterwards.

February, however, is here, and St. Valentine
will presently announce his mission, and the
birds (and other bipeds), and bees will begin to
think of the future, and arrange their plans,
and it would be well if bee-keepers could be
induced to act with equal wisdom, that the
future of their stocks might be provided for
beforehand.

192

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[February 1, 1880.

FOUL BROOD.

(Continued from page 176.)

In former pages we have endeavoured to
teach the inexperienced how best to prevent
the introduction of foul brood to their apiaries,
and our present purpose is to show those
afflicted with its presence the best means for
its eradication from their hives, and we woidd
fain add, render its reappearance impossible.
The latter, however, seems at first too large a
proposition to be entertained, but if there are
means by which its germs can be destroyed
or their growth rendered impossible, its ex-
termination would not be a hopeless task if all
bee-keepers would adopt them. That such
means exist is indisputable, and that virulent
disease can be stamped out is patent, as in the
case of the cattle plague once so grievous and
alarming, but now unknown in our land : but,
as before hinted, there being no law to insist
on united action against foul brood, the pro-
bability of its utter eradication is somewhat
doubtfid. Nevertheless, although it is not
within the power of a bee-keeper to absolutely
prevent the advent of the disease, it is possible
for him to arrest its progress and neutralize
its dangerous character. The first essential is
constant watchfulness ; we do not mean by this
that hives are to be opened every day to look
for evidences of the disease, but whenever they
are opened for any purpose the combs should
be carefully scanned, and every suspected cell
investigated. The suspicious signs are flatness
and concavity of the cell-caps, raggedness of
the same with small holes of irregular shape at
intervals amongst them. In some cases dead
larvae, yellow, and blackening may be observed
lying in the unsealed cells ; but these may be,
and often are, the effect of chilling, and are not
always the result of disease : they should, how-
ever, be treated as if they were, for it is pos-
sible they may in rotting create the conditions
favourable to its inroads.

Nor is it always safe to infer that flattened
or sunken cell-caps are indicative of disease
within, though their depressed condition may
perhaps tend to create it by injuring the larvae
contained. Before our introduction of the
moveable hive-sides or dummy-frames, as space
makers, it was necessary to crowd several
frames together (as must even now be done
where hives have not those facilities for mani-
pidation), before any one of them could be
lifted out of the hive, and thus the bees between
the crowded frames were made to press against
the cell-caps and destroy their convexity, and
in hives in which, from lack of means to
keep the frames the correct distance apart, the
same result is possible. Whether the flatten-
ing of the cell-caps is injurious or not we are

not in a position to prove, but would advise
that its occurrence be guarded against, that the
normal condition of the cell and the position of
the brood may not be interfered with. Foul
brood gives forth a most unpleasant odour,
which in a bad case may be detected many
yards off ; the natural odour of a healthy hive
is sweet and pleasant, and when the contrary
is perceptible the hive may be suspected, and
should be examined. There are other reasons
for suspecting the presence of foul brood in
hives, to wit, a dwindling population, seeming
laziness on the part of the bees, want of 'heart,'
dullness of appearance, &c. ; but most of these
are compatible with queenlessness, and are no
sure guide, and therefore we are compelled to
advise that no reliance be placed upon anything
short of actual observation. Foul brood in a
hive, then, may be known by the broad cell-
covers being flat or concave instead of slightly
convex, as shown in the woodcut No. 1, which
— -^ represents a perpendicular sec-
tion of brood-comb, minus the
the brood, and by their being
raggedly pierced, presenting on
the surface of the comb some-
what the appearance exhibited
in cut No. 2 (copied from a pho-
tograph) ; it may also be distin-
guished from ordinary dead
brood by its fetid odour and
putridness. Sealed brood that
has died through having been
deserted by the nurse bees during
a cold ' snap,' is sometimes mis-
taken for foid brood ; but if ex-
amined by unsealing the cells,
much of the brood will be found
perfect, though dead, whereas
sealed foul brood will have be-
come putrid before the cell-

iwiiBiiwiiS
f86S86liVlHHi

covers have lost their rounded appearance, and
the filthy odour of their contents will at once
settle the question.

February 1, 1880.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

Remedies in its Early Stage. — Having
discovered the existence of the disease, the
question, 'How to get rid of it?' would naturally
arise ; but to our mind the first consideration
shoidd be, 'What is the extent of it ?' If it
has only just commenced, it may be nipped in
the bud, but, unfortunately, by the time it had
begun to show itself, it may be too deeply seated
to give way to half measures, and considering
the risk incurred by temporising with the
disease and the labour incurred, we very much
question the policy of attempting its cure
by salicylic acid as commonly recommended.
We quite believe the doctrine that while wet
the disease is not infectious, and that it can in
that state be communicated only by actual con-
tact, as in the giving infected honey or pollen
to young brood, or by the germs being acci-
dentally carried from cell to cell by the nurse
(or other) bees, but who is to know how the
disease first got into the hive? It might happen
that one bee had brought home a load of honey
from an infected source, and with it poisoned,
say, a dozen of the brood ; and if they were
discovered, and the cells cut out, or the filthy
matter removed from them, and the cells freely
disinfected, the disease would stop, and the
' means of cure ' would probably be published
as infallible. On the other hand, if, as often
happens, the disease is imported through the
robbing out of an infected hive, who can say
how deeply the evil may be seated? Instead
of one drop of the poisonous honey, there
will probably be several hundreds of cells
filled with it, and it will have been fed to
the larvaj for many days, sowing the seeds of
destruction throughout the hive. The first
discovery of a few diseased cells is no guide
whatever ; they are only the first evidences of
its existence. There may be many hundreds
of others infected that will not show themselves
for days, or perhaps weeks, for the collapse of
the cell-covers and their perforation do not
take place immediately ; and it mav, therefore,
as a rule, be taken for granted that ere foul
brood is discovered, it is too deeply rooted in
the hive to make an attempt at cure worth the
time, labour, and expense involved in the
uncertain issue. When a hive becomes affected
with foul brood, it may be said to have met
with a misfortune equal at least, if not greater,
than befalls a hive that becomes queenless. If
the queenlessness is discovered early , re-queenin g
is an easy matter ; but if not discovered until
late, when the bees have grown old, the matter is
much more difficult, and very often expensive and
useless for profit. And with foul brood ; in its
earliest stage it may possibly be cured, but
later ' the game is not worth the candle.' It
seems easy to feed bees on salicylised food, and
to cut out or spray the foul cells with the disin-

fectant, and to extract all the honey, and spray
the combs, and if doing this once would suffice
all would be well ; but inasmuch as foul cells
will be continually cropping up through earlier
poisoning of the brood, it will be necessary to
attend to them continually for several weeks,
with the probability that some portion of the
hive or combs has not been disinfected, and
presently the disease will appear again, and be
as troublesome as ever.

Our Convictions and Mode of Treatment.
— -We have had a long, wearisome, and expen-
sive experience with the abominable disease,
and have no fear of its inroads into our apiary,
unless it be imported to the hives by our bees
robbing those already infected by it, and feeding
their brood on the poisonous honey thus ob-
tained. We have no fear that the disease will
' break out ' in any of our stocks unless dysen-
tery first paves the way by creating a condition
of hive congenial to the growth of its seeds or
germs, and dysentery, by the use of the quilt
in lieu of the close-fitting crown-board, and by
careful attention to autumn feeding, we have
tabooed from our list of probabilities. We
once saw an advertisement, ' How to get rid of
rats, send twelve stamps,' &c, &c, and the
advice given was, ' Take care that they shall not
find anything to live upon ;' and that is our
advice to those who want to get rid of the foul-
brood disease. Stop the production of brood,
and in a short time there will be nothing to do
but to destroy the germs or seeds that are left
behind, and that is an easy matter if the
bee-keeper resolves to do it. The state of hives
and the seasons may be so different as to demand
variation of treatment ; but common sense will
dictate to those who know anything of bees
where the variation should be applied, and in
either case advice is easily sought, and may
readily be obtained. Given a hive in spring,
apparently flourishing, with plenty of bees and
brood, but with evidences that the disease is
killing the larvae. We would make an artificial
swarm from it, putting the swarm into a skep
or box for a day or two while they consumed
the honey they had with them, changing them
afterwards into a permanent hive, combed or
otherwise, as might be convenient. We would
remove the foul hive to a remote corner, iso-
lating it if possible, and would feed both it and
flic swarm with disinfecting syrup: We for-
merly used a solution of permanganate of potash
(Condy's fluid), but salicylic acid is better as a
disinfectant, as it does not so quickly lose its
power. The outside of the foul hive we should
sprinkle with carbolic acid, taking care that the
upper strata of the quilt should be well dressed
with it, for reasons that will be presently appa-
rent, and that the entrance should have an odour
of it to prevent foraging bees being tempted to

194

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[February 1, 1880.

enter. Now the hive been queenless, it will be
evident that in three weeks all the brood that
could hatch out would have done so ; and it is
possible that a new queen may have hatched
out also, though the chances are against her evo-
lution under such circumstances. In the mean-
time, as opportunities offered, taking advantage
of dull days or cool evenings, the diseased hive
being isolated, might be examined, and the foul
cells salicylised, a carbolic odour being kept up
around it as a deterrent to foraging bees. It
is probable also that we might make use of the
hive as a nucleus in which to hatch out sealed
queen-cells from other hives, as we have done
very many times, leaving each young queen
until she had deposited a few hundred eggs,
and then putting her at the head of a colony.
At every examination, the spraying with sali-
cylic solution being continued, the lower strata
of the quilt should be removed, and disinfected
by immersion, and clean material substituted,
while the upper strata should be carbolised
afresh. By these means the germs of the disease
would be rapidly killed, those in the cells and
on the combs by the salicylic application, and
those that ascended with the upward ventilation,
by the carbolic acid, if not caught in the lower
strata and destroyed by immersion. This mode
of treatment gives the minimum of trouble
and risk, saves and utilises all the bees, and
there is only the probability of loss by the
combs. If during the examinations any of
the combs show that very much of the brood
has died of the disease, common sense must
direct whether they shall be removed and put
(immediately, for there should be no delay)
into the melting-pot, or whether they should be
left on trial for a future batch of brood. The
eggs that have been deposited from time to
time by the young queens that have hatched
from the sealed cells, will afford a test for the
presence or absence of the seeds of the disease,
and sufficient of them will probably hatch to
keep up the strength of the nucleus, while the
spraying, &c, will prevent the spread of the
infection, and may, as we honestly affirm it has
done with us, destroy the disease altogether,
permitting the hive to recover its tone, strength,
and value. ,™ , ,. j ,

(To be continued.)

BEE-KEEPING AND FAEMINGL

(Conl i nued from page 177.)
In recommending the practice of bee-keeping
to farmers as an economical and well-paying
pursuit, we hope they will believe that we do
so with the honest conviction that it will be
helpful to them in this their time of difficulty.
We will not insult their common sense by sug-
gesting it as a panacea for all the evils attending
upon agriculture, or try to convince them that

the profits arising from the industry are superla-
tive, as is too commonly the fashion ; but con-
sidering that hi their ordinary vocation they
produce honey abundantly which is now wasted,
we do most sincerely commend it on the score
of economy; and we trust our remarks will be
read in the spirit of sober earnestness in which
they are written. In England, bee-keeping is
treated too much as a hobby, and too little as
a business ; its votaries talk, and write of it
glibly enough as an interesting pursuit, and
vaunt the wonderful results which have been
occasionally achieved, and, filled with enthu-
siasm, made the hills resound with its praises,
and their assurances that one has only to keep
bees to become rapidly wealthy; and in faith
of these reverberating assertions, thousands
embark in the pursuit, and, failing to achieve
the promised results, give it up in disgust,
and in the future testify against it. Bee-
keeping as a hobby is a very enticing amuse-
ment ; its followers indulge in the luxury of
bee palaces, elaborate and costly hives, and
glittering appliances, with varied success in
achieving the true object in bee-keeping, viz.,
a honey harvest ; and it is no part of our duty,
nor do we wish, to interfere with their pleasure,
but we think it right to suggest that their expe-
riences give no true index to the profit likely to
attend the pursuit when carried on in a business
way. Now, in considering the subject in this
light, we do not feel warranted in saying that
it would pay in this country to devote a farm,
highly rented and taxed, as land is generally,
to the production of bee produce only, by
which we mean swarms of bees, honey, and
wax, though there are localities in which, with
a fair knowledge of bees and their management
even that might be achieved ; but taking the
average of seasons we have every faith that
bee-keeping in connexion with farming would
pay, and be largely remunerative.* There is,

* Since the first part of this article appeared, we have
been in communication, personally and by letter, with
a gentleman whose experience during the past year,
' cruel ' though it was, has so satisfied him that bee-
keeping will pay on its own merits, that he is intending
to establish a large bee-farm, to consist of several
hundred hives. Last year his profits, after counting all
costs, amounting to over 15 per cent, on his capital
invested, and he has a firm belief, in which we entirely
coincide, that such result is far below the average. His
hives will be of the cheapest kind consistent with sound-
ness and the comfort of the bees. We are preparing a
model for his approval for home make, and should the
verdict favour it, shall have great pleasure in giving
it publicity. Our own experience as a most successful
honey producer, &c, before we became ' public property,'
convinces us of the soundness of the above conclusions.
We were engaged from home in a public institution
from 6.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m., every day as a rule, yet with
an average of forty stocks of bees, all in bar-frame hives,
we made a profit of near a hundred poimds per annum,
through the sale of swarms, stocks, and honey. — Ed.

February 1, 1880.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

195

however, one important consideration that must
not be overlooked ; there must be a fair under-
standing of the habits of bees, and the means
of their management ; without that the idea of
their profitable culture is absurd. In a foot-
note we have mentioned our success as a bee-
keeper only ; we used hives of our own hand-
make, of unplaned pine, nailed together, which,
though good enough for the bees, gave us none
of the facilities at present attainable with no
greater cost. With these manipulation was a
labour the reverse of pleasant even to remem-
ber ; and if success was then possible, how much
more should it be so now when hive construc-
tion has been so much simplified, and a know-
ledge of bees and their management so easy to
acquire ? Every farmer knows the value of
improved implements, but he knows that
the possession of the most approved appli-
ances is not all that is required ; he must
understand the nature of his business, and the
times and seasons for doing the various works,
or his implements will be but costly possessions,
and not the means of profit they were intended
to be.

With a good pattern hive on hand, an
intending bee farmer might make, or cause to be
made, say ten useful hives for 50s., ten swarms
of bees would probably cost at, say, 10s. each,
five pounds more, and being able to secure a
honey yield from the flowers of a seed-crop
(whether of beans, rape, mustard, or clover,
matters little), in addition to that obtained from
orchards, and other surroundings, the bees
ought to be able to establish themselves during
the summer without further cost. But we will
suppose the season to be an indifferent one in
which the bees will require assistance, say 15
to 20 lbs. of syrup each (a high estimate), and
that other costs incurred in providing for
winter raise the outlay to an additional 5s. each,
or a sum of ten pounds invested, interest on
which at 5 per cent (for a whole year to make
the worst of it) makes a total of ten guineas for
the ten stocks of bees, including all costs, and
no extra charge possible upon them save that
for supervision by their owner, which, with so
small a number, may be accounted nil, or
balanced by the satisfaction he will find in their
possession. Here then we have as an integer
for calculation a stock of bees one year old for
a guinea, a high figure from a business point
of view, but a safe basis nevertheless, and one
on which we are content to rest, our account
being based on the assumption that the bee
farmer will avoid the expensive services of a
middleman, and eschew all that is fanciful.

In our anxiety to avoid what might appear
as colouring to the picture, we have made no
allusion to the chance of profit which good
swarms may produce in a fair average year, but

o-?>

that they sometimes pay enormously is shown
by the experience of Mr. F. Cheshire, of Acton,
recorded in the English Mechanic and World of
Science, p. 511, Vol. 16, where he says in
respect of a swarm of bees with which as a
private bee-keeper we supplied him :

' It arrived on April 28th. Wretched weather fol-
lowed, when I " tickled not their nostrums with a
feather," as Tom Hood says, hut their palates with
" soothing syrup," of which they had ahout 4 lbs. to keep
them in heart and hope till brighter times. As soon as
fine weather returned, not wishing to pauperise the little
community, I left them to shift for themselves. It was
not long before the hiye was well filled, and they seemed
to haye an emigration scheme in contemplation, which,
however, was given up in consequence of some rising
young bees, soon after I had placed on a Woodbury super,
discovering that their house had a story more than the
community generally supposed. This additional space
was filled about July 10, when the bees commenced
hanging outside very thickly. On the 15th the super .
was removed, containing eight splendid combs, thick,
white, and all sealed, and weighing 44 lbs., without the
hone}- board ; tare about 4 lbs. I now tried the weight
of the hive; but you may guess my dismay, not un-
mingled with satisfaction, at finding my weighing appa-
ratus not equal to the occasion — 60 lbs. being its limit,
and my hive weighing more. No need to feed, clearly,
and thinking that perhaps more could he done, a bell-
glass 7 inches in diameter, and 7 inches high, was placed
on next morning. This contained a good-sized piece of
new but dirty empty comb. This super to-day (July
26th) is tilled with comb, all stored, and nearly half-
sealed. When finished it will weigh 10 lbs. net. The
sweets of bee-keeping ought to be honey and sugar.*
If all swarms behayed like this one, bee-keepers would
get a little of both.'

Of the correctness of this statement there
can be no necessity to bear witness, but, inciden-
tally, we may say that we assisted at the removal
of the supers; that the hive was then pronounced
'as heavy as lead,' that itstood the ensuing winter
without loss, and in the spring gave four swarms,
one of which was divided, making a total
increase of six, all of which did well. Mr.
Cheshire's own account of these will be found
on p. 27, Vol. 2, B. B. J. It will be thus
evident that the original swarm paid for itself
in its first year, a by no meens uncommon
occurrence, but one which we will not anticipate
in our remarks, preferring to be on the safe side
in our estimate of probable results.
(To be continued.)

( ITJE AUGUST BEE PICTURE.

Our readers will remember the interesting
little picture, ' Bee Swarming,' given in our
issue for August last, from a sketch by Mr. D.
J. Godfrey (son of R. R. Godfrey, Esq., of
Grantham), and engraved special/// for our
Journal. Since its appearance there, M. Denn-
len, of Alsace, Editor of the Alsace-Lorraine Bee
Journal, requested lie might print the same in
his Journal, a request which was readily com-

* Another word for money. — Ed. B. B, J.

196

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[February 1, 1880.

plied with, and we hope to the delight of the
readers of that able Journal. Following M.
Dennler came a request from Hugo Hilschmann,
Editor of the Wiener landwirt/isc/iqftliche Z&itung,
the largest agricultural paper in Vienna, that he
might print the picture, — a request also readily
complied with, and will appear in an early
issue of that important Journal.

WINTER FEEDING WITH BARLEY
SUGAR.

Our suggestion as to putting barley sugar
into small tins has caused us some trouble,
because we have been unable to supply the tins ;
but we have done the next best thing, we have
procured a few grosses of small glass pomade
jars, holding about 4 ounces each, the net
weight of each glass being a very little trifle
more than two ounces. Twelve of these when
filled will weigh 4} lbs., and will contain three
pounds of barley sugar, which we offer to
supply to those who may need them for half-a-
crown, bottles included.

AMERICAN FIXINGS.

AVhen about going to press we received an
announcement that fourteen large cases of
American bee-hives and furniture had arrived,
and were being landed in London, to be con-
signed to our care for distribution to British
bee-keepers. They are from the great firm of
J. H. Nellis, of Canajoharie, N. Y., editor and
proprietor of the Bee-keepers' E.rehange, one of
the few bee journals that has a thoroughly
practical bee-master as its responsible head.
The goods come to us through Messrs. Thurber,
of London, the well-known wholesale honey
merchants, and dealers in American provisions,
who have constituted us sole sub-agents for the
United Kingdom. We were naturally anxious
to see the wares, that we might announce them
to our friends ; and though we have not yet
been able to overhaul the whole of the cases, or
to ' figure out ' the invoices, we have seen
enough to delight our eyes, and we trust win
the good opinion of those who think bee-keep-
ing erlitors are interested in maintaining
fancy prices for the necessaries in bee-culture.
We have always endeavoured to keep down the
cost of such goods, and have from time to time
introduced the greatest facilities and recom-
mendations for enabling our readers to manu-
facture and provide them for themselves, and
now we have the help of both Nellis and
Thurber in promoting that end. There are no
fancy goods, and the prices are exceedingly
low, but more regarding them will ajjpear in
our next.

Comb foundation of the usual type will be

offered at 2s. Qd. per lb. for 10 lbs. and upwards ;
flat-bottomed, of exquisite make, very thin, and
made up with straight wires that cannot stretch,
yet so thin that the bees will not feel it, costs
more, but being thinner will go much further,
and will be about 3s. Qd. per lb. Of hives there
is not a great variety, but they are distinguished
for their excellence, the best, the Van Densen-
Nellis' Simplicity, being especially interesting,
because in it the principles we have so often
written of with regard to frame-ends are carried
out, the upper half being widened to fit closely
and prevent the loss of heat. Sections are
plentiful and good, tin dividers being mostly
recommcnled, though we confess to a liking for
wooden ones. In our next we propose to illus-
trate the chief of the goods, and shall by then
be able to say much more about them. — Ed.

BRITISH BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION. •

The Fourth Quarterly Meeting for the purpose of con-
ferring with the representatives of County Associations,
was held at 446 Strand, on Wednesday, January 14th.
Present, Mr. T. "W. Cowan (in the "chair), Rev. Gr.
Raynor, Rev. E. Bartrmn, Messrs. J. P. Jackson,
J. Hunter, C. N. Abbott, J. M. Hooker, R. R. Godfrey,
F. Cheshire, and Rev. H. R. Peel, Hon. Sec. There
were also present the following county representatives,
viz. Mr. J. N. Bower, Midland Counties; Mr. F. H.
Lemare, and Captain Campbell, for Surrey; Mr. Jesse
Garrett and Mr. Allen for West Kent, and Mr-. G. D.
Clapham, Essex.

The minutes of the last meeting, as read by the
Secretary, having been unanimously confirmed and signed,
reports were read from the sub-committees appointed to
make the necessary arrangements for the publication of
diagrams, and to afford facilities to members for the sale
of their honey. For the result of the labours of these
sub-committees we refer our readers to the Committee's
report, as published in another column. The Secretary
also read the report of the Association's work during the
past year, together with the statement of income and
expenditure, as audited by Mr. W. A. Kirchner, the
appointed auditor, showing a balance (including stock)
in favour of the Association of 102/. 12s. 6d. It was
unanimiously resolved that the report and balance-sheet
should be printed and circulated previous to the general
meeting, which wasfixed to take place on Wednesday, Feb.
1 8, at 446 Strand, commencing at four o'clock. In respect
to the writing of the small Manual for Cottagers, Mr.
Hunter reported that the manuscript of the chapters
allotted to him was now finished. Mr. Cheshire stated
that owing to illness and a pressure of engagements he
had not made much progress with his part of the work,
but would undertake to have it completed previous to
the time fixed for the general meeting. Mr. Abbott
kindly undertook to supply Mr. Hunter and Mr. Cheshire
with anj' illustrations that had appeared in the Bee
Journal, which might be suitable for illustrating the
work.

The Secretary called the attention of the Committee
to the fact that the work of the Association was now
very great, and was increasing every month, and in
view of this fact, and as his own time was so much
occupied with other business, he must ask the Com-
miteee to appoint him an assistant-secretary, otherwise
he felt he must resign his office.

It was the unanimous opinion of the meeting that an
assistant-secretary should be appointed ; and Mr. Hunter
gave notice that at the next general meeting he should

February 1, 1880.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

io:

move the appointment of Mr. Huckle as assistant-
secretary.' Mr. Abbott intimated his intention to second
this resolution.

The subject of honey and bee-keeping- necessaries being
exhibited at the Dairy Shows was brought forward, and
on the motion of Mr. Abbott it was resolved, ' That the
Rev. II. R. Peel, as Secretary of the Association, be em-
powered to communicate with the authorities of the
Dairy Shows, with the view of inducing them to admit
apicultural matters to their shows, as an encouragement
to bee-keeping.'

The following subject was also discussed with the
county representatives present, viz. ' The best means of
communicating with the representatives of county asso-
ciations as to the subjects they desire to bring forward
at the Quarterly Meetings.'

This subject was discussed at some length, and most of
the representatives present took part in the discussion.
The general opinion of the meeting was to the effect,
' That the best means of procedure was for the Secretary
of the Central Society to inform the Secretaries of the
County Associations of the date of each meeting ; the
Secretary of the County Associations then to transmit
to the Secretary of the Central Society the terms of any
resolution which their representatives might wish to
bring forward.'

Mr. Godfrey pointed out the necessity for the rules
respecting the relations of the county representatives to
the Central Society being printed for the guidance of the
representatives themselves.

The Secretaries of the Hertfordshire and West Kent
Associations having produced their balance-sheets for the
past year, a discussion was raised as to the advisability
of each affiliated Association having their annual reports
and balance-sheets printed and forwarded to the Secre-
tary of the Central Society.

The Chairman considered that this arrangement should
form one of the terms of affiliation, and if carried out
would tend to increase the bond existing between the
Central and County Associations.

No resolution, however, was come to upon the subject.

QUARTERLY CONVERSAZIONE.

The fourth quarterly conversazione was held at 446
Strand, on Wednesday, January 14th. Capt. Campbell,
H.M.I.N., of Box Grove, Guildford, in the chair. There
was a large attendance of members, including Rev. E.
Bartrum, Rev. J. M. Guest, J. Noble Bower, H. Jonas,
T. W. Cowan, Jesse Garratt, F. Cheshire, J. Hunter,
J. M. Hooker, C. N. Abbott, G. D. Clapham, C. J.
Stevens, R. R. Godfrev, F. Lvon, J. P. Jackson, Rev.
H. R. Peel ("Hon. Sec), F. H. Lemare, &c, &c. The
subject for discussion was, —

' The Ligurian Queen Bee — Her Introduction to Alien
Storks, and the best means of pure Propagation,' in-
troduced by the Rev. G. Raynor, of Hazeleigh Rectory,
Maldon, Essex.

The Rev. G. Raynor, having been introduced to the
meeting by the Chairman, read the following paper :—

Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen, — The subject pro-
posed for our consideration this evening is one of the
most important of those connected with apiculture,
inasmuch as it embraces the whole question of the
best variety of the honey-bee as yet domesticated by
mankind.

It is, I believe, the general opinion of most of those
who have given the Ligurian bee (Apis Ligustira) a fail-
trial, that it far excels the common black bee {Apis Oer-
manica, if I may so call it), in the hardiness of its nature,
in its greater activity, its honey-gathering qualities, its
gentle disposition, and, above all, in its extreme fertility.
Twenty years have passed since the first introduction of
the ' gold-bespangled bee ' of Virgil into our native land,

by that enterprising member of the British Apiarian
Society, Mr. Neighbour — a length of time amply suf-
ficient to prove its superiority to all other varieties at
present in existence. It is not my intention, however,
nor is it apposite to my subject, to enter upon a dis-
cussion of the superior qualities of the Ligurian bee; but
since the question of its origin is a most interesting one
to apiarians, I may be permitted, perhaps, a slight digres-
sion on this point.

"We know that Aristotle, about three centuries before
the Christian era, and Virgil, who wrote about the time
of our Lord, speak of a parti-coloured or gold-spaugled
bee, which both pronounce to be superior to the darker-
coloured race. But whether this yellow-banded bee
corresponded with, and became the progenitor of, our
present variety of the so-called Ligurian race, is a
question, I think, which admits of much doubt. My
own opinion is, that, taking into consideration the facility
of communication between Egypt, Greece, and Italy, at
the time at which Aristotle and Virgil wrote, the
Egyptian bee (Apis fasciata) had been imported to Athens
and Rome in considerable numbers, and that by this
means a hybrid race, between the Egyptian and the
black bee, had been established in both countries, which
justified the former author in applying to it the epithet,
TroiKiXr) — spotted, variegated, or parti-coloured — and the
latter in the use of the term ' ardentes auroj or ' glitter-
ing with gold.' But that the Ligurian was carefully
bred and handed down in its present state of purity, by
either Greek or Roman, requires a greater amount of
faith than I possess : and this view is amply borne out
by experiments made some ten years ago by Herr Vogel,
a German apiarian of note, who states that hybrid queens
bred from the Egyptian and black races when mated
with black drones produced an offspring of two types,
but that the distinctive marks of the parents' varieties
were completely mingled in part of the mixed progeny.
One part of the young bees was so like the Italian bee in
colour, size, and character, that no one coidd distinguish
them from Italians, while the other part was black with
white hairs, bike the Egyptian bees, and of exactly the
Egyptian size. The idea then presented itself, ' Is the
Italian bee the residt of a cross, thousands of years ago,
between the Egyptian and the black bee ? '

Although discouraged by his apiarian friends in this idea,
Herr Vogel persevered in his experiments, and discovered
that a queen three degrees removed from pure Egyptian
blood, produced drones of two distinct types, viz., one
apparently pure Italian, the other, to all appearance, as
pure Egyptian. Again Herr Vogel bred from a queen
two degrees removed, young queens, which were im-
pregnated by drones of the Italian type, from the same
mother, and found that the worker bees were all Italians,
but the drones of the double type. Further breeding
into the third and fourth generation produced the result,
that all the drones, as well as the workers, assumed the
Italian type alone. He was then met by the objection
that a race so produced would show a tendency in future
years to separate into its original factors. But this view
he has met by the declaration that he is in possession of
the nineteenth generation of the Black-Egyptian mixture,
which remains constant ; and, if anything grows more
and more decided, so that he is thoroughly convinced
that from a cross between the Egyptian and' Black bees,
a breed is produced which no man can possibly dis-
tinguish from the pure Italian race. Supposing these
experiments to have been faithfully carried out, there
can be little doubt whence the Italian or Ligurian bee
derived its origin. And the lesson, I think, to be de-
duced is, that by a judicious system of crossing the
several varieties, viz. Black, Italian, Egyptian, Cyprian,
and Carniolan, and being careful to breed for those points
or natural qualities most desired, — such as temper, size,
fertility, disposition to swarm or the converse, longevity,
honey-gathering qualities, etc., we inay,in course of time,

198

THE BEITISH BEE JOUBNAL.

[February 1, 1880.

arrive at that great desideratum, a breed uniting all these
qualities, and far superior to any we at present possess —
one indeed which combines the advantages of every known
race. On these grounds it is that, I believe, the British
Bee-keepers' Association has entered upon the right course
in assigning to Mr. Cheshire the Cyprian queen, kindly
presented by Mr. Jackson, and should be well pleased
to see the Association encouraging experiments in the
same direction, by procuring specimen queens of the dif-
ferent varieties, and entrusting them to qualified mem-
bers for solving a problem so pregnant with the future
weal of apiarian culture.

Before the present assembly I need not enter very
minutely into the description of an Italian queen. She,
with her beautiful rings of gold, her bright appearance,
and gentle disposition, is too well known to require a
description at my hands. The vpriation in the colour of
queens, however, is considerable, the bands being more
distinctly marked in some specimens than in others, and
the size and shape vary also. I have always found the
young queens of a decidedly darker shade; and full
brilliancy of colour, as well as size, is not developed until
the second year. By these two points I invariably judge
the age of my imported autumn queens, and, except in
one instance, have always found them in their first year ;
the honesty of the Italian breedors contrasting favourably
with the sharp practice of some of our Anglo-Saxon race.
It has been alleged against the Italian bee that its dis-
advantages are threefold :— 1st. That it is short-lived.
2nd. That it builds more drone-comb than the black bee,
and 3rd. That it is always found weak at spring. After
an experience of fifteen years, I cm only say that, as
compared with our English bee, I do not find these
assertions true. It is likely that imported queens may
be shorter lived ; but those which I have bred have not
been so. At the present time I have a fine queen in her
fifth year, from which I took a large swarm, artificially,
last July, giving it another queen, and she (the mother)
is still at the head of a strong colony. I rarely keep my
queens beyond their fourth year, and" to this period home-
bred Ligurians have, with me, always attained, except
in case of accident. Then as regards the building of
drone-comb, they do not appear to be more inclined than
hybrids, or others ; but even if this were so, the fault is
easily remedied by the use of comb-foundation. I have
yet to learn that colonies of Ligurians are usually weaker
at spring than others : on the contrary, they have often
proved the strongest in my apiary.

After allu.-ion to the reputed faults of the Ligurian
race, I may, perhaps, be permitted to state my own ex-
perience on one or two noteworthy points, proving their
advantages: and, first, with respect to their extreme
fertility. During the summer of 1873 a stock of Ligu-
rians in my apiary, having at its head an imported queen
of the previous year, gave me six natural swarms, all of
which survived the winter, and became strong and
flourishing stocks the following year. I am not aware
that an increase of the black race so great as this has
ever been chronicled. And next, as to their honey-
gathering qualities, I may relate that towards the close
of the month of August, in the year 1874, being about
to remove from my Ligurian stocks several supers only
partially filled, I noticed that new comb of remarkable
whiteness and purity was again being added, and rapidly
stored with honey of equal purity, the flavour of which
was somewhat peculiar, being slightly impregnated with
what I thought to be the taste of bitter almonds, but
not unpleasantly so ; indeed, to my own palate, it was
honej' of most delicious quality. On searching the
country round, in order to discover the flower from which
this novelty was procured, it was not until after several
long rides that I found my Ligurians busily at work on
the spikes of a pale blueish flower, which flourishes in
great abundmce on the low grounds surrounding the
estuarv of the Blaokwater, from four to five miles dis-

tant from my apiary.* The plant is a species of thrift,
called sea-lavender, its generic name the Sidtice lemonium
of Pliny and Linnfeus. While the Ligurians were thus
reaping a second harvest, my black stocks, with supers in
a similar condition — that is only partially finished — had
evidently ceased work, were destroying their drones, and
making preparations for closing the labours of the year.
The Ligurians continued working far into the month of
September, furnishing several magnificent supers of
purest white comb honey. Whether the black bees were
unable to cope with the distance, or from shortness of
tongue to extract the sweets, I am unable to state ; but
I have repeatedly noticed both Ligurians and hybrids at
work on the fields of red clover and alsike around my
apiary, when a black bee was nowhere to be seen. And
this fact would appear to be fully confirmed by the in-
teresting experiments respecting the length of the tongue
of both races, made of late by Professor Cook, and re-
ported in the Bee Journal of the present month.

On the method of introducing alien queens opinions
vary considerably, but if we act upon the principle of
thoroughly intimidating the bees before the union is
attempted, we shall not err far from the truth. I must ad-
mit that my views on this subject have been considerably
modified in consequence of the vast strides made during
the last few years in the science of apiculture. Formerly
I preferred to use a cage, but of late years I have
dispensed with this somewhat troublesome method,
and now introduce the stranger queen direct, without
further ceremony, on the removal of the reigning
monarch. If the stocks are in fixed-comb hives, they
are driven into an empty skep, their queen removed, the
bees slightly sprinkled with thin syrup, scented with
cloves, and the alien queen at once dropped into their
midst, the whole being well shaken together and again
returned to their hive. If it be desired to change the
queen of a moveable-comb hive, the reigning monarch is
secured and placed in a cage, the hive removed some
paces from its stand, and an empty skep, in which the
caged queen is placed, set on the old stand. The bees
are then shaken or brushed from all the combs at the
entrance of the skep containing the imprisoned queen.
Sufficient time being allowed them to settle quietly in
the skep, a little smoke is injected, the queen and cage
removed, and the new queen given as before, and, after
a few shakes of the skep bees and queen are returned to
their old hive, and placed on the accustomed stand. I
have found this method most successful, and the time and
trouble far less than by the plan of caging for twenty-
four or forty-eight hours on brood-comb. Occasionally
the combs of the hive are slightly sprayed with scented
syrup before the bees are finally returned, but I often
dispense with this.

If, however, a cage be preferred, those in use are too
well known to require a full description here. The one I
now offer to your notice is my improved Renfrewshire
cage, which may be compared with its original placed be-
side it.f The small wire one is the ' pipe-cover,' used by
the late Mr. Woodbury, which I have found generally
successful when firmly pressed to the mid-rib of a tough
comb in the brood-nest ; but I consider it important that
the queen of the hive should have been imprisoned for
twelve hours on the spot intended to be occupied by the
alien, and best that the change of queens be made at
evening, the new monarch being released on the follow-
ing morning. On removing the queen of the hive before
imprisoning the alien, I have at times pierced with my
penknife the portion of comb between the cage and the
opposite side, especially if containing sealed honey. By
this means the bees are enabled to set free the im-

* The actual distance, by winding lanes, is about rive
miles ; as the bee flies it is, probably, not more than three.

t An engraving of both cages will be found in the B. B. J.,
vol, ii. p. 118,

February 1, 1880.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

199

prisoned queen, and the result has always teen successful.
This cage is of German manufacture, and was supplied to
me at the rate of 2s. per dozen hy Mr. Woodbury. It
will be observed that the material is extremely fine wire,
I am not aware of any source whence these cages can
now be procured.*

Mr. Abbott relates, in an article in the B. B. J.
(vol. iii. p. 25), the fact of his having introduced forty-
four Italian queens to black stocks in straw skeps without
a single failure, and the principle on which he acted is
the one I now recommencl, viz. that of intimidating the
bees previous to inserting the alien queens, since it is
evident that he must have driven the bees from each
skep in order to capture their queens. The Italian
queens, caged, were then placed between two combs, either
at the top or bottom of the hives, and were not released
until two days afterwards. The experiments which I
have made go far towards proving that these alien
queens would have been equally well received without
any confinement at all.

Who that has witnessed the thoroughly subdued con-
dition of the driven bees at our shows, can doubt that
their state of subjection is such, that unions of queens,
workers, or drones, may be made in perfect safety, if
only the bees are kept under the influence of fear ?

For timid person-, perhaps, the safest plan is the use
of the puff-ball ; but the union should be made at a time
when there is no brood, or but little in the hive. I have
never found the moderate use of puff-ball injurious to
adult bees, and the method detailed by me in vol. i.,
p. 103, of the B. B. J., has proved successful in every
case, and repeatedly so, when other methods have failed.
If, when cages are used, queen-cells are formed by the
bees, I would say, ' Beware ! ' for trouble surely looms in
the distance. The most obstinate cases of refusal of a
queen, which have come under my notice, have been those
of this class. Since, however often the cells have been
cut away, others have been immediately formed, at times
continuously for five or six days; indeed, if memory
serves me, the worthy Chairman of our Committee, Mr.
Cowan, has related an instance in which thirty-six of
these cells were raised in a small observatory hive, on
the attempt to change its queen. On the second day,
after removing a queen from a strong stock in my own
apiary, I was surprised to find no less than twenty-one
queen-cells already commenced. The bees are always
in a state of commotion and irascibility whilst this is going
on, and woe be to the stranger queen entrusted at such a
time to their tender mercies, for her fate is either instant
death or encasement.

If a cage is used, let it be laid down as an axiom that
the queen of the hive be imprisoned, for at least twelve
hours, in the same cage, on the same spot, which the new
queen is intended to occupy. To release a queen from
encasement, a jet of smoke should be directed on the well-
known circle of bees, when they will immediately sepa-
rate without injuring the imprisoned queen.

There appears to be an absurd notion abroad that im-
ported queens cannot, without danger, be long kept in
confinement, and we read accounts of enthusiasts captur-
ing and confining the black queen days before the arrival
of her successor, in order that the latter may be enthroned
at the very moment of her advent. The queen which
you now behold confined in this small box — the one in
which she travelled from her Italian home — is one I

Sarchased at the Hemel-Hempstead Show on the 1st of
ctober last, and her home has been this same small box
until this day, the 14th day of January. Supposing her
journey to have occupied a fortnight, the actual time of
her confinement will have been seventeen weeks, and, as
you perceive, she is sprightly and active as on the first day
of imprisonment. At first her attendant bees numbered

* An engraving
p. 103,

of it may be seen in the B. IS. J,, vol. i,

about 200, but they are now reduced to something like
fifty, the remainder having died from old age. They
have been liberally supplied with honey, the box has been
occasion illy cleared of dead bees, and disinfected with a
weak solution of salicylic acid, aud queen and attendant
have been occasionally taken into my garden on a fine day,
and allowed to take their flight, the queen invariably avail-
ing herself of the permission, but always returning in her
box in the course of five or ten minutes. At other time,
the little colony has been placed under a large gla>< .-hade,
well ventilated, for air and exercise. Their standing place
has been a sideboard, the wall at the back of which
contains a flue. I hope to keep this queen, as at present ,
for some time longer, increasing her attendants when
required. Let me suggest to the importers of Italian,
f.nd other queens, the great importance of examining
these boxes on arrival, cleansing and disinfecting them,
and supplying food whenever requisite. This would
entail but little extra trouble, which, I feel convinced,
would be amply repaid by the satisfaction afforded to the
purchaser.

But, Sir, I am warned — to use old Virgil's metaphor —
that it is time to draw in my sails, as one approacl ing
the end of his labours, and about to bring his barque to
land. One division, however, of my subject still remains,
which requires to be briefly treated. That is the best
means of controlling fertilisation, on which pure propa-
gation depends. As the profit derived by our agricul-
turists from their stock, depends more upon the purity
and excellence of the strain than upon the actual breed
itself, so it will be found in the case of our bees also.
And if the reputed discovery of Professor Ilasbrouk, in
procuring the fertilisation of the queen-bee while in con-
finement, prove a reality, we may yet live to see the old
black bee so much improved by a course of breeding from
selection, as to eclipse its far-famed, gulden-banded
sister. But, Sir, without wishing to cast discredit upon
the veracity of our American apiirian brethren, I must
take leave to doubt that actual impregnation has been
procured by the stated means. Reaumur, Uuber, Kirby,
aud a host of German, as well as of our own apiarians,
have tried in vain, by similar and various means, to solve
this enigma, more difficult by far than that of the fabled
Sphinx of old. Kirby applies to the queen's hymeneal
trip the word ' sublime ' — ajmm regina et mater, in sub-
lime feiiur, maritum infe'.icem petens, qui voluptatem
brevem, vita emat. But it would seem to me almost
descending from the sublime to the ridiculous to suppose
that the virgin queen, in order to accomplish her object,
could ascend ' on high.' with her bridegrooms select, in a
sugar tub ! Time, however, will prove the truth or false-
hood of this idea.

In the absence of any method as yet discovered of
gaining our object, during the confinement of the virgin
queen and selected drones, I have used the ' Kohler pro-
cess,' which I will endeavour briefly to describe, as ex-
plained by Herr Kohler himself. Take the colonies,
with young queens not yet fertilised, place them for
three, four, or five days in a dark and cool cellar, and
with them, also, a stock containing abundance of Italian
drones. When a bright, sunny day occurs, watch the
6tocks in your apiary until the common drones have
ceased their flight, and then restore the hives containing
the Italian drones and virgin queens, to their accustomed
stands, and set them at liberty, after giving to eaeli a
cupful of liquid honey. The queen and drones being
ardent, and having been unable to fly for several days,
the bees, excited by the honey and their previous con-
finement, will become so eager after flight, that all will
play, as if mad, and fertilisation will generally follow.
Be careful, however, to return to the cellar in the
evening every colony, the queen of which has not been
seen to return with the sign of fertilisation, and repeat
the process, until it is certain that the desired result ln.s
been attained. This plan pie-supposes the use of nucleus

200

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[February 1, 1880.

boxes free from drones, other than Italian, or otherwise
pure Italian stocks. In putting it into practice, before
removing the hives to a cool, dark place, I have always
been careful to set each hive upon a ventilating floor-
board, to admit air at the top of the hive also, and to
close the entrances. By using these means, there cannot
be the least doubt that pure fertilisation may be pro-
cured. Dr. Dzierzon, the late Mr. Woodbury, and
numerous other scientific apiarians, have given in their
adhesion to this process. The evidence of Baron von
Berlepsch on the point is most conclusive, who states, so
far back as the year 1867, that he had tested the dis-
covery at six different times, and that on every occasion
it had proved successful.

Various modifications of this process have been recom-
mended, notably one by the late Mr. Woodbury, thus :
' As soon as a young queen is hatched out in a nucleus
box, a number of pure Italian drones are selected for her
comp tnions, and confined with her in the box, until she
is of age sufficient for making her aerial trip. Then on
on the afternoon of a fine day, when all other drones
have gone to rest, the hive is opened, and the queen and
her companions immediately avail themselves of their
liberty, and a pure breed is established. Should the first
tour prove unsuccessful, the hive is again closed, and not
opened till the following afternoon.' The young queens
generally make their wedding tour from the fifth to the
twelfth day of their age, always supposing serene air and
sunn}' skies.

In concluding these few and crude remarks, thrown
out more with a view of eliciting the comments and ob-
servations of my brother apiarians — many of whom
I see around me far more able both in experience and
scientific attainments than myself — than of stating my
own opinions, I would crave the indulgence of tin's
meeting, pleading the all but universal interest and
importance of my subject, and trusting that the manner
in which my task has been performed, will be pardoned
on account of its absorbing interest.

The Chairman said he was sure all present had listened
to the paper with the deepest interest, and he hoped the
discussion would be entered into with heartiness and
zeal.

Mr. Hunter said the Rev. G. Baynor had spoken of
the ' beautiful rings of gold ' of the queen, but although
a great many queens had passed through his hands, lie
had never seen these ' beautiful rings brighter than a
leather colour. Their friends the \ankees were very
fond of speaking of the beautiful rings of gold their
queens have, but he had never been privileged to see
them.

Mr. Abbott : Perhaps you have never seen a Yankee
Ligurian queen ?

Mr. Hunter : Perhaps not.

Mr. Abbott said the Americans had certainly some
splendid Ligurian bees, but they breed too much for
beauty at the expense of the useful qualities Englishmen
wanted their bees to possess.

Mr. Hunter said Mr. Baynor in his paper had quoted
the great prolificness of a five- years-old queen, but how
was the age ascertained in this case ? His experience
was that unless a queen were constantly kept under ob-
servation there was great danger of its being superseded
unknown to the bee-master. When a bee began to get
' oldish,' which he shoidd say woidd be the case in about
three years, they would occasionally find two queens,
and the old queen after a week or two would disappear,
although the bees might be living in apparent amity
with the old queen. Unless Mr. Baynor could assure
them that the queen in question had been under his ob-
servations continually he should say the age was not
proven. Mr. Baynor fmther said that he found his
Ligurian bees working on thrift several miles away from
home ; but how did he know thev were his bees P* Per-

haps he would say nobody else in the district had Li-
gurians, and that might be an answer to the question,
but he shoidd require not only proof that there were no
Ligurians within five miles of Mr. Baynor's, but within
a radius of ten miles. His bees were located in a garden
near the village of Ealing, the ground being rather bare,
but at the top of the hill, in Castle Bar Park, there was
a large quantity of limes, yet his bees did not go to these
limes, although they were not more than half-a-mile dis-
tant. Therefore, he had a very strong idea that bees
never travelled five miles in order to fill their hives with
honey. The flight of bees had been a subject of dis-
cussion of some time, and he knew Mr. Woodbury had
stated that his bees went five miles for heather. "Well,
he did not doubt that bees would do that, but the time
and labour consumed in the journey would so wear out
the lives of the bees that they would not do much to fill
their supers. Two or three years ago it was stated in
the course of a case in which he was subpoenaed, that
bees had spoiled some fields of sw:ede seed, by crossing it
with pollen of rape, although there was no rape grown
within a distance of seventeen miles. The Curator of a
Botanical Garden in the north of England said it was no
uncommon thing for bees to travel that distance, but of
course he (Mr. Hunter) ridiculed such an idea. What
the result of the case was he never took the trouble to
inquire.

Mr. Cheshire said they were greatly indebted to Mr.
Baynor for his paper, which was remarkable for the
beauty of its English as well as for the amount of inform-
ation it had afforded. As to the colour of queens, he
was sorry that the example then in his mind obliged him
to refer to himself. At the first bee show at the Crystal
Palace he had a frame-hive containing a stock of bees,
the queen being absolutely yellow throughout the whole
length of her abdomen ; and at the centre of each ring
was a dark chocolate-coloured spot. Mr. Symington ex-
claimed, upon seeing her, that she was the finest queen
he had ever met. In Mr. Neighbour's book an illus-
tration of an Italian queen was given, but it was not
nearly so bright as the particular bee to which he had
referred. With regard to flight of bees, he might mention
an incident that came under his personal observation near
Newcastle. A stock of bees was removed at night to the
moors, a distance of four miles in a straight line ; but
on the following day there was a large cluster of drones
on the spot previously occupied by the hive, from which
he concluded they had travelled two miles, got on the
old track, and returned to the old stand. He was pleased
to hear Mr. Baynor speak so hopefully of the ease with
which queens might be united to alien stocks. Just
lately he had had very bad success in this operation.
Up to the last summer ne had always boasted of uniting
queens in large numbers with only three failures ; but
in the previous year he was sorry to have to report
five failures in the case of an individual stock. This
was the history of his trouble. Late in the year he
drummed three stocks, and put them into one hive.
He removed the queen, and caged a Ligurian in the
stock ; and after forty-eight hours he felt perfectly
certain that he should be able to liberate her, but
upon doing so she was seized immediately. He caged
her again, and allowed twenty-four hours to elapse
before liberating her, but she was seized again ; and
although he fumigated the bees with puff-ball, still they
at last killed the queen. He tried the same experiment
over and over again, and four queens were killed, not-
withstanding that he had eleven times in all puffed the
bees to perfect stupefaction. At last he liberated a queen
from the Baynor cage at night, and she was accepted ;
and the Association would be glad to hear that the stock
was now doing wonderfully well. The queen produced
a considerable quantity of Ligurian brood, and the bees
were as lively and bright as any he possessed, notwith-
standing the fumigation to which* they had been subjected.

February 1, 1880.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

201

As to mating lie thought no success would be obtained
if the attempt were made on the fourth or fifth day, his
experience being that the seventh day was almost in every
case the time of mating if the queen had been allowed to
leave the cell as soon as mature (of course weather per-
mitting), her flight being understood. Mr. Raynor had
spoken of the size of bees, and he knew he should be in
the minority when he said an increase in the size of bees
would, he imagined, be of no advantage to the bee-keeper.
Supposing eight bees could he rolled into one, the result
would be a bee twice as long as the one they now pos-
sessed, but it would be able to do only four times the
amount of work that an ordinary bee could. Hence he
for one, upon mathematical grounds, did not think
anything would be gained by increasing the size of the
bees.

Mr. Abbott said he could confirm the remarks of Mr.
Cheshire as to the introduction of the queen, for he had
not been able to follow Mr. Raynor's plan without loss.
His last experience was with a batch of queens from
Switzerland, which were received in the autumn too late
for sending out, and too late to keep them with a view to
introducing them in the spring. He adopted the plan of
fumigation, the material being from Scotland, and not
quite the correct sort ; and it did not have the effect of
throwing the bees into a comatose state. They, however,
had so much of it, that they fell into the hives somewhat
stupefied : and if fear had anything to do with it, they
shoidd have been perfectly harmless. He captured
the queens and fumigated all the Ligurians, and out
of eight or nine introductions, only three succeeded,
as he believed, as on the day after the experiment was
tried, he found four or five queens outside the hives.
He had always found the best way of introduction was
that which he had put in the Journal on several occa-
sions, viz. to cage the queen alone at a time when there
were plenty of young bees who would feed her, exactly the
same as they would feed their own mother, and after the
lapse of forty-eight hours he had never had the slightest
difficulty in regard to her release, and success had been
uniform. Upon the question of the flight of bees he
believed that they were attracted to certain spots where
flowers abounded by the scent being carried by the wind ;
and after a day or two they would go to the same spots,
aided by memory. In regard to Mr. Hunter's bees very
probably they did not know of the existence of lime-trees
so near to them.

Mr. Hunter : 1 take it the wind would not blow down
the hill, but would go over the tops of the houses in the
valley.

Mr. Abbott said he did not suppose Mr. Hunter was
entirely free from wind because he lived at the bottom
of the hill ; and he mentioned that his bees were accus-
tomed to going to limes when in bloom some way off,
and neglected a nearer park, where there was a large
quantity of clover. People often make the mistake of
supposing lime-honey to be clover-honey, and so on.

Mr. J. P. Jackson said he had followed Mr. Abbott's
plans, and had never had more than two or three failures
out of about forty attempts ; certainly he had invariably
introduced the queen in summer during the honey-
gathering period, and that, perhaps, would make a great
difference. His Ligurians started pollen-gathering much
earlier than the blacks. The Americans found fault with
the Italians because they were so active, and would go
out in stormy weather, doing considerable harm to their
hives.

Mr. Cowan advised that the prolificness of the bees
should be studied rather than their colour. He had had
Ligurian queens so dark that they could scarcely be
distinguished from other bees, but they were very prolific
and worked well. He did not think with Sir. Jackson
that Ligurians went out too early in spring, because they
began breeding much earlier than the black bee ; and in
the case of prolific queens they made up any loss sus-

tained in foraging. He had always found Ligurians
ready for swarming long before the others.

Mr. Lyon suggested that the length of tongue should
be looked to before either the size or the colour of the
bee. The longer the tongue of the bee the greater the
quantity of hone}- that it could gather.

Mr. Hunter considered that if a dozen tongues of
Ligurians and an equal number of those of blacks were
mixed up together, no one would be able to tell the dif-
ference by the length.

Mr. S. J. Baldwin said he had had dark Ligurians
which were decidedly more prolific than 3'ellow ones ; and
as to the length of tongue, he found that where two
different hives were located together he got a much
better harvest of honey from the Ligurians than f 1 om
the blacks. He must corroborate the statement of Mr.
Raynor in regard to the flight of bees. Three years ago
he removed a stock from Bromley to St. Mary Cray,
they being shut up at night ; but on the following
morning, on returning to Bromley, he was astonished to
find a large number of the bees. He should say the
distance between the two places in a straight line would
be between three and four miles.

Mr. Cheshire said he had omitted to mention a
circumstance which occurred in his experience last
autumn. He bought a skep of bees at the point of
starvation ; he drummed the bees, took the queen away,
and gave her to another stock, adding the bees to a little
Italian stock in a weak condition. Two days afterwards
he saw the Italian stock apparently disquieted, and on
opening it he found the queen encased in a ball of these
added bees.

The Bev. G-. Raynor : Did the queen survive ?
Mr. Cheshire : I took her out, caged her, and a few
hours afterwards she was successfully introduced.

Mr. Abbott said he ought to mention how he ulti-
mately succeeded in queening the hives of which he
had spoken. Not having exhausted his stock of queens,
he went through the performance recommended by Mr.
Neighbour. He took off the bottom of the box and put
a sheet of perforated zinc in its place, thus giving the
bees the benefit of the heat and odour from the hives
below. After the lapse of nearly a fortnight he forced
a hole through the zinc, and the bees and queen then
went into the hive.

Mr. Baldwin said he had found it very advantageous
to kill the old queen and place her in the cage with the
new one which he was about introducing.

Mr. Cowan suggested that the better way would be to
keep the old queen until the new one had been suc-
ceeded with.

Mr. Stevens asked how long bees could be kept in a
small box like the one on the table for travelling pur-
poses. He should like to ask Mr. Cowan, with reference
to the paper read at the previous meeting, whether he
meant by ' upward ventilation' an actual passage of air
through the quilt or top covering. In the case of a
straw skep he could not imagine that theie could be any
passage of air through the top covering.

The Rev. E. Bartrum, who said he h(d come as a
learner, asked if it was considered of : ny advantage to put
workers in the cage along with the queen. Up to what
date would Mr. Raynor advise the substitution of a
Ligurian for a black queen ?

The Rev. G. Raynor then proceeded to reply to the
various questions to which the paper had given rise.
When speaking of the ' beautiful golden rings ' of the
Ligurian queen, perhaps he spoke rather too poetically ;
doubtless the colour varied very much, some being much
brighter than others. His expeiience had convinced him
that queens became lighter us they advanced in years. The
five-years-old queen he could not say he had had conr
stantly under his eye, and it was not marked, but he
flattered himself that he knew every queen in his apiary.
1 le identified his Ligurians at work on the thrift from the

202

THE BEITISH BEE JOHENAL.

[February 1, 1880.

fact that there was not a single stock of Ligurians, other
than his own, within a distance of eight or ten miles
of his home ; besides which his Ligurian stocks were at
work, and there were no other flowers in the neighbour-
hood from which they could possibly get the honey, and
the black bees were not at work at the time. Relative
to uniting queens, he could give no explanation of the
conduct of Mr. Cheshire's bees; he never had the slightest
difficulty in introducing- a queen when using puff-ball,
and when all other means had failed this succeeded. In
Mr. Cheshire's case of the queen being encased, he
thought if the bees had been left alone the queen
would have been liberated without any harm coming
to her. Mr. Abbott seemed to have been equally
unsuccessful in the use of puff-ball ; his own experience
was entirely different. There was some truth in the ob-
servation of Mr. Jackson, for Ligurians were much more
eager workers than the blacks ; and they often suffered
far more loss by going out in the cold winds than if they
had remained at home, but the extreme prolificness of the
queen in fine weather soon made up for the loss. As to
breeding he thought Mr. Cowan was quite right when
he said that good qualities should stand before colour.
The bees on the table had been in their present small
box about seventeen weeks, and perhaps that would
answer the question of Mr. Stevens. Having tried the
experiment he considered it a disadvantage to place
workers in the same cage as the queen, because it excited
the anger of the bees to which it was desired to unite
the queen. Provided the weather was not very cold
he always liked to introduce queens in September or
October.

Mr. Stevens said what he wished to know was how
long bees could be kept in a small box without being
attended to in any way ?

Rev. G. Raynor : About a fortnight or three weeks.

Mr. Cowan, in answer to the question respecting
upward ventilation, said the cluster always generated
a certain amount of heat, and if a hair cloth were placed
on the top the heat would always escape with greater or
less rapidity, according to the thickness of the covering.

Cordial votes of thanks were passed to Mr. Raynor
for his paper, and to Capt. Campbell for presiding.

The Hon. Secretary (Mr. Peel) mentioned that Mr. S.
J. Baldwin had been appointed agent for a prominent
Italian apiarian, who had shown himself to be most
anxious to become connected with the British Associa-
tion. He likewise stated that Mr. Hunter had kindly
consented to read the paper at the next quarterly meeting,
and further drew attention to a number of glass honey
bottles on the table, which had been imported from
France. Mr. Lyon would be prepared to supply these
bottles to any who might be desirous of possessing them.

Mr. Jackson advised that intending purchasers of
queens should not go to one person entirely, but by
securing a variety of sorts the breed would be improved.

Mr. Lyon followed up the remarks of Mr. Peel in
regard to the glass bottles, which were admirably suited
for storing honey; and he was willing in the interests of
bee-keepers generally to receive orders for small quan-
tities of bottles, and he would put all the orders together,
so that they might be executed in one consignment. If
the members of Count \ Associations would like to see a
sample of the bottles he should be pleased to exhibit
them. He stated that in the event of orders being given
he could not be answerable for any breakages. All orders
must be sent in by April.

The proceedings then terminated.

The diagrams about to be published by the Associa-
tion were exhibited in the room, and it is expected that
they will be completed and ready for sale at the time of
holding the general meeting on the 16th in>t. Orders
for the fame may now be sent to the Honorary Sec-
retary,

Annual Repobt.

In presenting their Annual Report for the year 1879
to the Members of the British Bee-keepers' Association,
the Committee gladly embrace the opportunity of briefly
reviewing the progress which has been made in consoli-
dating and extending the work of the Association since
the General Meeting held on Wednesday, February 12th,
1879, under the Presidency of the Baroness Burdett
Courts.

It is satisfactory to observe that the accession of
new members has steadily continued during the past
year, and that at the present time the Society may con-
gratulate itself upon numbering in all 215 Members,
being 55 more than were entitled to rote at the election
of the Conrmittee for 1879.

The full strength and growth of the Association must
not, however, be measured by the mere number of Mem-
bers on its list of subscribers. There are now eight county
Associations affiliated with the Central Society, viz.
those of Dorsetshire, Devonshire, Hertfordshire, Lincoln-
shire, Shropshire, Nottinghamshire, Surrey, and West
Kent.

These County Associations, by the payment of one
guinea annually, are entitled to (1) The free use of the Bee
Tent at their Annual County Shows, and to all the pro-
ceeds accruing from the same. (2) To a Silver Medal, a
Bronze Medal, and a Certificate of the Association, to be
offered as prizes for honey, more especially for the pro-
duction of honey in the comb. These medals and cer-
tificates have been offered for competition, and awarded
at the County Shows held in Dorsetshire, Devonshire,
Hertfordshire, and Nottinghamshire. The Secretaries
of the County Associations are requested to furnish the
Honorary Secretary with the names of the winners of
these niivlals and certificates in future years, with the
view of their being included in the yearly Report. The
Bee Tent has also been lent to the County Shows of
Hertfordshire, Lincolnshire, Shropshire, and Surrey.
Each Comity Association is entitled to send two Re-
presentatives to the four Quarterly Meetings of the
Central Association, and to make through them any
suggestions or recommendations, for the mutual advance-
ment of the relations between the central and the affiliated
Associations. Members of the County Associations are
also allowed to avail themselves of the facilities provided
by the Central Association for the Sale of Honey in the
London Market.

County Bee-keepers' Associations are also in course of
formation in Lancashire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire,
Staffordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Wiltshire,
Essex, and Suffolk. During the past year, quarterly
Meetings have been held, in accordance with the resolu-
tion passed at the General Meeting of February 12th,
1879, at all of which Representatives of some of these
Comity Associations have been present. At the close of
these Meetings, papers have been read by various Mem-
bers of the Association, on topics connected with scien-
tific bee-keeping, and general discussions have ensued
thereon, viz. : —

(1.) On Wednesday, April 16th, at 440 Strand; sub-
ject for discussion: 'The Abdominal Distension of the
Hive Bee during Winter, and the means for Checking
the Same,' bv Mr. Frank R. Cheshire.

(2.) On Tuesday, July 22nd, at the Albert Hall, South
Kensington ; subject for discussion : ' The Plants and
Flowers most worthy of Cultivation as Honey Producers,'
bv Mr. W. Ingram, of Belvoir Castle Gardens.

' (3.) On Wednesday, October 15, at 440 Strand; sub-
ject for discussion : ' Wintering Bees,' by Mr. T. W.
Cowan, of Horsham, Sussex.

(4.1 On Wednesday, January 14th, 1880, at 446 Strand;
subject for discussion: 'The Ligurian Queen Bee — Her
Introduction to Alien Stocks — and the Best Means o
Pure Propagation,' by the Eev. George Raynor,of Haze^
leigh Rectory, Maldon, Essex,

February 1, 1880. J

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

203

These meetings have been reported by Mr. C. N. Abbott,
Editor of the British Bee Journal; free of charge to the
Association. Reports of each meeting', together with
the discussions which have subsequently taken place,
have been forwarded to each meeting of the Association.
During the past year much practical knowledge of the
improved methods of bee-keeping has been disseminated
by the attendance of two bee-tents (a second tent having
been purchased during 1870) belonging to the Associa-
tion at Agricultural and Horticultural and other Shows
in many parts of the United Kingdom. The following
places have been visited, viz. Penzance, in Cornwall, on
May 30th; Peterborough, on June 18th and 19th;
Croydon, Surrey, June 25th ; and Aylesbury, Bucks,
26th; Kilburn, July lst-8th; Hitchen, Herts, July 9th;
Dunstable, Beds., July 10th ; Bexley Heath, Kent, 16th;
Guildford, Surrey, 17th ; South Kensington, 22nd-24th ;
"Winslow, Bucks', 24th; Burton-on-Trent, 20th ; Perth,
July 30th-August 1st; Southport, Wigan and Magull,
in Lancashire, July 29th-August 2nd ; Berkeley Castle,
Gloucestershire, August 8th; Birmingham, 8th and !Hh;
St, Mary Cray, Kent, 14th; Shrewsbury, 20th and 21st:
Sevenoaks, Kent, 21st ; Long Buckby, Northamptonshire,
20th; Sandy, Beds., 29th; Horsham, Sussex, September
4th ; Atherstone, Warwickshire, 0th and 10th ; Welling-
borough, Northamptonshire, 11th and 12th; Petworth,
Sussex, 17th ; Dunmow, Essex, 26th ; Hemel Hempstead,
Herts, October 1st and 2nd; Long Sutton, Lincolnshire,
8th and 0th.

At the General Meeting held on February 12th, 1879,
it was resolved to afford members facilities for the dis-
posal of their surplus honey. On the 12th March, the
Acting Committee appointed a sub-committee, consist-
ing of Mr. Frank Cheshire, Mr. J. P. Jackson, and the
Honorary Secretary, to carry out this resolution. By
their arrangements, several well-known fruiterers and
grocers have been appointed in various parts of London
for the sale of honey produced by the Members of the
Association ; and any Member wishing to dispose of his
honey may now send a sample of the same to Mr. S. J.
Baldwin, Gipsy Cottage, South Vale, Upper Norwood,
S.E., stating the quantity he has for sale, and the lowest
price he wishes to take for it. If this is not above the
market price in London, Mr. Baldwin will sell his honey
for him, charging him five per cent commission. Not
less than 281bs. will be received, and the producer will
be required to sign a form of guarantee that the honey
forwarded for sale is free from all adulteration, and is of
the same quality as the specimen which has been sent as
a sample. Members are required to send their comb
honey neatly packed in glazed sections or boxes, of one
or two pounds each, and their extracted or run honey in
glass jars of the same weight.

Mr. S. J. Baldwin is prepared to visit the apiaries, and
inspect the bees and hives, of all Members of the Asso-
ciation, for a charge of 7s. Qd. per day, and his third-
class railway fare. Two or more Members may combine
in employing him on these terms.

The Annual Show of the Association was held in the
Gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society, at South
Kensington, on July 22nd, 2;!rd, and 24th, and, notwith-
standing the unfavourable season and the scanty supply
of honey, was most successful. A large number of hives,
and other articles connected with the improved methods
of bee-keeping, was shown in the various classes ; and
much useful knowledge was diffused by means of the
manipulations and lectures given in the Bee-Tent. Most
of the Members of the Committee attended throughout
the Show, and took great pains to explain the use of the
various articles exhibited to many anxious inquirers.
The prizes at the close of the Show were distributed in
the large conservatory by the Countess Brownlow, who
kindly undertook this office in the absence of the Baroness
Burdett Coutts, din President of flu- Association.

The Association was also represented at the Annual

Show of the Loyal Agricultural Society, held at Kilburn,
on June 30th and the six following days, when prizes
were awarded —

(1.) ' For the best ( Observatory Hive stocked with Bees
and their Queen.' (2.) 'For the best Hive on the
Moveable Comb Principle, with facilities for storing Sur-
plus Honey.' (3.) ' For the best Exhibition of Pure
Honey, in sections of not more than 2 lbs. each.' (4.)
' For the Competitors who, in the neatest, quickest, and
most complete manner, should drive out the Bees from a
Straw Skep, capture and exhibit the Queen, and transfer
both Bees and Combs into a Hive on the Moveable Comb
Principle.'

Practical illustrations of the art of Bee Driving,
Transferring, Artificial Swarming, &c, accompanied by
short Lectures, were given for several successive da\ s in
the Bee-Tent, and were witnessed by many thousands of
persons attending the Show.

A most successful Show of bees, hives and honey was
also held under the auspices of the Association, in the
Royal Botanical Gardens, Edgbaston, Birmingham, on
August 8th and 9th, when upwards of 1300 persons paid
for admission to the Bee-Tent, the receipts amounting to
31/. 16s. 3d. The manipulations were also witnessed by
upwards of 100 inmates of the Edgbaston Deaf and Dumb
Asylum, who were admitted free of charge, together with
the officials of that Institution. The lecture, as delivered
by Mr. Cheshire, was interpreted to these visitors by Mr.
Arthur Hopper, the head master of their schools.

During the past year, the various Shows held under
Ahe auspices of the Association have been visited by Mi.
T. G. Newman, President of the American National
Bee-keepers' Association, and Editor of the American Bee
Journal; by Herr Denuler, Editor of the Alsace-Lorraine
Bee Journal; and by Herr Gravenhorst, President of
the Bee Section of the Brunswick Agricultural Society.
The Silver Medal of the Association was presented to
each of these gentlemen (as a souvenir of their visit),
at a luncheon given on July 28th to the principal
bee-keepers of England and their foreign visitors, by
T. W. Cowan, Esq., at his residence, Comptons Lee,
Horsham, Sussex.

In conclusion, the Committee have only to say that
the Annual Show of the Association for the year 1880
will be held in the Gardens of the Royal Horticultural
Society, at South Kensington, on July 27th, 28th, and
29th, and to beg of all the present Members that they
will make the existence and the objects of the British
Bee-keepers' Association known as widely as possible,
especially amongst the clergy and country gentlemen,
who may be expected to take special interest in the
welfare of the rural population. — Herbert R. Peel,
Hon. Sec, Abbot's Hill, Hemel Hempstead.

The Committee of the British Bee-keepers' Association
have forwarded to the members the Annual Report, List
of Members, Balance-Sheet, &c, for 1879.

The Bee-keepf.hs' Almanac, containing prognosti-
cations of weather expected, and what to do in bee-man-
agement, by Piers Edgcumbe M art in, Master Mariner, &c.,
&c., contains, in addition to the usual calendar, forecasts
of the weather, and what to do with the bees. Captain
Martins 'Weather to be expected 'of last year was
unpleasantly correct ; and if what he promises this year
comes ' nearly true ' we shall be quite satisfied. January
has the character of ' a stormy month generally ;' Feb-
ruary and March are to have a ' high' temperature for
the season. April is to be low in its first half and make
amends later on. May is to be high, June above the
average, and July is to be 'hot and oppressive,' with
little rain. We need not follow the prognostications
further, such weather as is promised will make the
fortunes of bee-keepers, and make the pountry rejoice,
We hope it will come,

204

THE BKITISH BEE JOUBNAL.

[February 1, 1880.

BEE-KJEEPERS AT BOW STEEET.

James Meldrum, printer, and George Rose, editor of
the Bee-keeper, appeared before Sir James Ingham in
answer to summonses for printing and publishing a
malicious libel on Mr. Edward Rossiter. Mr. Terrel con-
ducted the prosecution, and stated that the prosecutor
was the proprietor of the Examiner, the Hornet, the
Mechanic's Magazine, and various other periodicals,
including one recently started, called the Bee-keeper,
which was registered in his name. The defendant, Mr.
Rose, was the editor and part proprietor of the latter,
and the other defendant was the printer. The alleged
libel was contained in what purported to be an ' apology'
for some delay in the issue of the last number. He com-
plained that the two defendants issued what was a
spurious copy of the Bee-keeper (instead of introducing
the ordinary periodical), in which the name of Mr.
Rossiter as proprietor was struck out ; and the so-called
' apology ' imputed dilatoriness and neglect to the prose-
cutor (a very serious imputation against such a man),
and was, in fact, a public dismissal of the owner of the
paper by his own editor. The ' apology ' was as follows :
' The letters we have received complaining of delay in
answering inquiries, acknowledging subscriptions, and
attending to business generally, have lately been so
numerous, that we cannot reply to each one separately.
We take this opportunity of making an apology to all
who have addressed us, and informing them that owing
to unsatisfactory state of affairs brought on by this great
dilatoriness, we have taken the business away from our
late publisher, and shall, pro tern., carry it on ourselves.
" If you want a thing done do it yourself." — G. Rose.'

The prosecutor was cross-examined at some length as
to his transactions with defendants and others in news-
paper enterprise, in the course of which a great deal of
mutual recrimination took place. The editor and pro-
prietor accused each other of leaving the office and
neglecting their duties, and Mr. Rose maintained his
right, as part proprietor of the Bee-keeper, to insert the
announcement. The printer asked why he should be
included in the charge, his position being that of a man
between two stools ; and Sir James Ingham thought that
he should not be included.

The prosecutor disclaimed all malice against either of
the defendants, but the complicity of the printer was
obvious.

Sir James Ingham was of opinion that the whole
matter was a squabble between two newspaper pro-
prietors, which ought to have been settled in a civil court ;
but he consented to look into the legal bearings of the
m itter, and to give his opinion on a future day.

The summons was therefore adjourned. — Daily Neu-s.

Committal. — George Rose Martin, publisher, and J.
Meldrum, printer of the Bee-keeper, were committed for
trial on the charge of wilfully and maliciously publishing
a defamatory libel on Mr. Rossiter, the proprietor of
that paper. — Daily Telegraph, Jan. 16th.

Bee Exhibition, Colmar, Alsace. — By favour of Herr
Dennler, late visitor and exhibitor at our English shows,
a hive specially constructed by Mr. 0. X. Abbott, of
Southah, for Continental use, was awarded a diploma of
merit. The award is inscribed, ' Elsass-Lothringischer
Bienenzuehter-Vereir' lite General- Yersaminlung und
Ausstellung zu Colmar. O. E. (1 Sten-16ten September,
1870) Ebren-Diplom des Herrn Abbott, Redacteure aus
London, fur eine leere Bienenwohnung, durch preisgericht-
lichen Ausspruch zuerkannt, Colmar, den loten Sep-
tember, 1879. (Signed) Ch. Zwilling, der General
Secretin1. Bartiar, der Prasident.' This hive was con-
structed of pine, with the frames ;errss the entrance, and
having arrangements for unlimited honey storing at the
back- and on the top, after the manner of' Abbott's Com-
bination hive.

€0XX£8$avfotMZt

%* These columns are open to Subscribers, so that their
queries, replies, correspondence, and experiences, may be
fully and faithfully recorded ; and for the discussion of all
theories and systems in Bee-culture, and of the relative merits
of all hives and appurtenances, that the truth regarding them
may be ascertained. The Editor, therefore, must not be ex-
pected to coincide with all the views expressed by the various
writers. All Correspondence is addressed to the Editor.

HONEY SALESMAN.
Will you kindly allow me through your Journal
to inform the members of the British Bee-keepers'
Association, and also the members of the affiliated
County Associations, that I, as the authorised
officer or agent, have, with the concurrence of the
Honey Sales Committee, made arrangements with
some of the oldest aud most respectable houses in
London who are willing to take auy reasonable
quantity of good honey put up in a neat and sale-
able form 1 Comb-honey in sections or boxes of
1 lb. and 2 lb. each glazed, will command the best
price aud quickest sale. Any member wishing to
sell his honey has only to communicate with me,
aud send a sample, carriage paid, in the form in
which it is to be offered, statiug the lowest price he
will take, and the quantity he has to dispose of.
As soon after the sale has been effected as possible,
I will remit, by post-office order or otherwise, the
amount realised less the very small commission of
five per cent. — S. J. Baldwin, Expert of the British
Bee-keepers' Association.

MOVEABLE PORCH.
In the December Journal I saw an illustration of
a side entrance to hive. I see no utility in such,
when so simple a contrivance as I adopt is to the
fore. It checks draught, shades sun, keeps off snow
and storm, and this simply by lowering a porch,
made plain something like your No. 5, to lower set
of screw holes.

The porch-piece has two or three small semicir-
cular notches cut ou its front under edge, and a groove
immediately above, to prevent drip. When lowered,
the front of the porch-piece rests on the alighting-
board, so that only oue of the screws (which are
ring thumb-screws) need be turned home. Do you
understand and approve? if so, pray adopt. —
F. Parker, Penrith.

[The plan is an excellent cne, and will be readily under-
stood. We shall be glad to adopt it,— Ed.]

February 1, 1880.]

THE BEITISH BEE JOURNAL.

•205

ECONOMY OF HUMBLE BEES.

In 1875 Mr. Buckland caused some astonishment
among entomologists by sending, in October, two nests
of humble-bees to New Zealand, with the intention
of by this means introducing the genus into the
colony for the purpose of fertilising the red clover
{Nature, Oct. 14, 1875, p. 527; Newman's Ento-
mologist, vol. viii. p. 304). The bees were packed
in their own nests in two boxes and placed ' under
the charge of a member of the New Zealand
Council,' who ' was provided with every necessary
for their welfare during the voyage.' In spite of
this, the attempt, as was anticipated by those who
were acquainted with the economy of humble-bees
in general, failed (Newman's Entom. ix. 143). Now,
however, a friend of the Editor of the Bee-keeper
intends to send out the queens of two nests of the
humble-bee, which he (the friend) has (sic) in his
garden (Bee-keeper, i. 67) ; and though the existence
of such nests in December is in the highest degree
problematical, yet as others may be tempted to
make a similar attempt next summer, and there
seems to be a good deal of misapprehension as
to the habits of humble-bees, perhaps a few words
may not be out of place.

The nest of a humble-bee (i.e. of the genus
Bombus) is, unlike that of the honey-bee, only an
annual, and in this respect the economy of the
'genus approaches much more nearly to that of
the wasp than to that of the honey-bee.' The late
Mr. Frederick Smith, than whom no one was better
qualified to express an opinion, says (Newman's
Entom. iii. 240) : ' The Bombi are among the first
bees that are tempted forth from their winter
hybernaculum, and those that first appear are the
females that were reared in the nests of the pre-
vious year, and which have just awoke from the
state of torpidity in which they have passed the
winter months.' And again, p. 256 : ' My own
researches have led me to the following conclusions,
— Humble bees have only one brood during the
season : a single female that has passed the pre-
vious winter in a state of torpidity is the foundress
of the colony ; for some time workers only are
developed in the nest, but, as autumn approaches,
the other sexes appear. Towards the end of autumn
all the community quit the nest : the females, being
impregnated, to seek for some secure place in which
to hybernate during the winter, the males and
working bees to perish. ... It has been stated
that if a male Bombus once leaves the nest it
never returns to it ; but observation proves this
opinion to be erroneous : the habit of Bombus
Latreillellus is diametrically opposed to it. At that
time in the autumn, when the males and females
appear, if the burrow leading to a nest of this
species be watched, a number of males will be
observed flying about the entrance, and they will
be seen occasionally to re-enter; the males are waiting
the exit of the females ; no sooner does one of that
sex issue forth than a number of the males start off
in eager pursuit of her.'

The same excellent observer in commenting upon
Mr. Buckland's attempt, referred to above, and
predicting its failure, says (Newman's Entom. ix. 15) :

' On reading that the bees were packed in their own
nests I conclude the species were one of the surface-
builders . . . The species is not particularised,
but I may, I think, safely conclude that it was
Bombus Muscorum or B. senilis. The nests sent
would, I presume, contain male, female, and
worker-bees. My observations of humble-bees have
extended over thirty-five years, and I believe that
the impregnation of females never takes place in
the nest ; I also believe that it always takes place
in the open air, and that no impregnated female
ever returns to the nest. I therefore conclude that
none of the females in the nests sent are impreg-
nated, and I anticipate that the broods will perish
on the voyage ; or if by great care any arrive at
New Zealand, it will only be a few unfertile females.
Having expressed somewhat reluctantly my opinion
— so adverse to the desired success — I will state
what I believe to be the only plan that can be
adopted with any hope of success. I should
select two or three of the hardiest ones — such as
Bombus terrestris, B. lucornm, B. hortortim, B. subter-
ranea. In order to make the chance of success as
great as possible, I should take care to send only
impregnated females. These can now be obtained
[December], all the humble bees having retired to
their winter-quarters. A number of such females
were required some years ago for scientific purposes :
a collector was employed, who searched under my
own instructions. The result was that be obtained
in a few days over fifty females, all in a torpid state.
My plan would be to get a number of such torpid
bees, and, by some of the best known means of
refrigeration, keep them in a state of torpidity
during the voyage. This once accomplished, suc-
cess would be certain. Humble-bees survive four
or five months of torpidity, and they can now be
exported in a much shorter time than five months.'
The queens referred to were found, I believe, by
searching on a gorse-covered common among the
fallen spines of the gorse : I have myself found
them at the roots of trees, while digging for pupa?
of Lepidoptera. — H. Jenner Fust, Jun., Hill,
Faljiehl, Gloucestershire, Dec. 30, 1879.

AN INFLAMMATORY PIPKIN, AND THE
GOLD CURRENCY.

' Liguria the queen, in her haughty way,
Said, " Why do you smile, my goldsmiths, say?"
And they answered: " O queen, if the truth must be told,
The ring is of copper, and not of gold.' "

Longfellow, in the Saga of King Olaf.

Our Editor treats us to very useful information,
and the last number of B. B. J. is extremely inter-
esting. In the August number, 1877 (Notices to
Correspondents), I read that ' it is impossible for
bees to work, i. e. build comb in their suppers,' or
elsewhere, unless they are artificially fed — I sup-
pose with one of Maw's feeding-bottles, or Mr.
James Brace's pipkin. Again, in December num-
ber, 1876, a gentleman of Norwich asks this ques-
tion : ' Can any one furnish reliable evidence of
bees flying 1J miles to gather money]' Had the
Editor then possessed Mr. B.'s prescription, knowing
the word which brings bees home (N.B. — He has

206

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[February 1, 1880.

just been taught it by a lady from Notting Hill) he
might have said —

Fly away home !

Fly away home !

The pipkin is hot —
And the gold has jnst come.

The alchemical skill required to perform the
operation of transmuting vegetable or animal se-
cretions into gold is no doubt very great. You
must be careful of your fingers while removing the
inflamed pipkin from the fire. Then scraping the
pipkin, after having burnt a pound of it, seems
difficult. I can quite understand the metal being
parted by electricity. My gold has often gone off
in that sort of a way, and I have felt a queerish
shock at the same time, but I don't remember
whether I smelt the brimstone or not. I can also
understand J. B.'s seeing the tiny grains of gold on
the leaves of flowers with his naked eye. I have
often seen that myself, and also on the wing-cases
of bee-ties and some otber insects ; and when I was
a nice little boy, I used to pick out lumps of coal
with shining gold upon them, but interested parties,
for their own base and sordid purposes, used to
cram me with its being only sulphur, combined
with a common metal called iron. So I never made
a heap of money from it ; but I now intend to buy
at once the wax, and the pipkin, and the melting-
pot, and the potassa, and the soda, and the galvanic
battery, and the tinfoil, and the salt, and the cruci-
ble ; and give our Editor half the gold, and subscribe
to the ' Treatise ' by 'One of the Authorities,' as soon
as I have got the metal extracted. — Raven, Jln.

HONEY AS MEDICINE.— THE VALUE OF

MEAD.
According to promise I write to toll you that some
years ago my health began to fail, and I very slowly
got worse. I declined for about three years before
getting to my worst, and the chills used to ran all
over me. I used to feel the cold so much that I
dreaded the winter coming ; my muscles used to
twitch ami drag in all directions, not all over
me at (.nice, but in different parts at different times.
The last part of the time above named I lost three
pounds weight every week for a length of time. I
lost my colour, flesh, and strength, so that 1 could
scarcely walk at all ; everybody thought I could not
live, neither did I wish to live in such a weak state.
I could not eat any meat, nor take any strong
drink. I had to be clothed in flannel all over me;
no one knows how I felt the cold. 1 was taking
medicine all the time; my doctor told me I was
suffering from a diseased stomach. My living was
light puddings and spoon suppings. I could tell
you more, but I think I have told you enough to
enable you to see what a weak state I was in.
During that time I had thirty gallons of mead
made from sixty pounds of honey, and when it was
twelve months old I began to take half a wine-glass-
full of it twice a-day diluted with as much water.
In about a week I had a glassful of it with water,
and I began to feel stronger. I next got to a quarter
of a pint, and then to half a pint with water, still
gaining strength, and then I had it neat. I began

to drink it in September. I drank as much of it
as I could to be comfortable with it. I still gained
strength. When it was colder weather I took more
of it, as I did not feel the cold half so much. It
used to warm me, and made me feel so much better
and stronger, and then I began to gain flesh as well
as strength I've said many a time that the mead
had done me more good than all the medicine I took
all that time. I would recommend it to all who have
diseased stomachs or weak constitutions. I can now
stand hot and cold weather, eat and drink almost
anything, and take my share of work, let it be what
it may, whether it be light or heavy. I hope you
will make my case known in your Journal to all
who read it. I hope others may receive as much
comfort from mead as I have done. Honey is used
by many about here for bad colds and coughs and
sore throats, some will eat a small portion of it,
and rub some on their throat outside ; they say
there is nothing so good for that purpose as honey.
I have not tried it that way myself ; they use it just
when going to bed. — R. Chapman, 1 Bee Farm,
Newton, near Kettering, Northamptonshire.

P.S. I cannot tell you how much mead I could
have sold. I gave a great deal of it away, some
were offended because I would not sell it to them,
I dare not as I had no license. I think the Govern-
ment ought to grant a small license for all who
keep many bees to make up and sell their own
mead, as I believe it to be a good medicine for
many.

Honey is very scarce about here. I hope we
may have a better season next year.

INTRODUCTION; OR EARLY HISTORY OF

BEES AND HONEY.

No. VI.

(Continued from page 227, Vol. IV.)
The French natural historian, M. Reaumur, stands
prominent among the students of entomology, for
the unsurpassed enthusiasm and accuracy with
which he has investigated some of its most intricate
parts. To him the genus Apis is under greater
obligations, perhaps, than to any entomologist,
either of ancient or modern times. See his im-
mortal work, Memoires pour servir a I'Histoire des
Insectes, in 6 vols. -tto. 1732-1711.

About this period also flourished the great, the
illustrious Linnaeus, whose labours diffused light
over eveiy department of natural science, and have
justly caused him to be regarded as one of its
brightest ornaments. He has generally been con-
sidered as the founder of the artificial system of
arrangement ; but a very near approach to it was
made by that brilliant constellation of naturalists
whom I have enumerated as having flourished at
the close of the seventeenth century, and who may
probably be regarded as having paved the way, and
prepared materials, for the formation of his more
perfect system.

Afterwards appeared the works of the celebrated
M. Bonnet, of Geneva, in 1745, the admixing cor-
respondent of Reaumur, and the patron and friend
of Huber. This great jjhysiologist became addicted

February 1, 1880.]

THE BKITISH BEE JOURNAL.

207

to the study of entomology before he was seven-
teen years of age, from reading Spectacle de la
Nature; and bis decisive experiments upon Aphides
do him the highest credit. His works are univer-
sally admired for their candour and ingenuity, as
well as for their manifest tendency to promote the
happiness of man, by exciting in him the love of
knowledge and virtue.

The Rev. John Thorley's excellent work on bees,
The Female Monarchy, appeared in 1 74-i, and was
succeeded by the Rev. Stephen White, who invented
the collateral bee-hives in 1756.

The Society for the Encouragement of Arts,
Sciences, Manufactures, and Commerce, in England,
offered 400/. to encourage bee-keeping in 17(i."> (a
very large sum iu those days). A premium of 51.
was given to every person who had in his possession
on February 1st, 17(36, being his own property, any
number of stocks of living bees, in hives or boxes,
not less than thirty ; and also a premium of 51. to
every person who shall take ten pounds of mer-
chantable wax from any number of stocks of living
bees, in hives or boxes, who shall preserve their
lives till the 1st of March, 1767 ; but in case there
shall lie more claimants, then the sum of 400/.
shall be distributed between the candidates, in pro-
portion to the number of claimants.

This gave such a great imjndse to bee-keeping,
that I have a list with the names of the authors of
no less than forty-two works written on bees during
the next six years, amongst whom was the cele-
brated Wildman, 1768; who performed numbers of
wonderful feats with bees that have never been
equalled in any country up to the present time ; for
instance, when he appeared before King George III.,
standing upright on horseback, with a swarm of
bees suspended in garlands from his chin, like a
great beard, and after transferring them from his
chin and breast to his hand, stretched out to fidl
length, and then on tiring a pistol, the bees all
swarmed in the air and went back to their hives,
with numbers of equally wonderful performances.
The following is a copy of his advertisement : —

'June 20, 1772. — Exhibition of bees on horseback ! at
the Jubilee Gardens, Islington, London, this and every
evening, until further notice (wet evenings excepted).
The celebrated Mr. Wildman will exhibit several new
and amazing experiments, never attempted by any man
in this or any other kingdom before. The rider standing
upright, one foot on the saddle and one on the neck,
with a mask of bees on his head and face. He also
rides standing upright mi the saddle with the bridle in
his mouth ; and, by firing a pistol, makes one part of the
bees march over the table, and the other swarm in the
air and return to their hive again, with other per-
formances, too tedious to insert. The doors open at six,
to begin at a quarter before seven. Admittance: Box
and Gallery, two shillings; the other seats, one shilling.'

These performances were considered at that time
as feats 'if legerdemain or witchcraft, but the
secret of Wildman's skilful manipulation with bees
is well understood now; it consisted in a careful
holding and disposal of the queen, together with
confidence in the generally inoffensive disposition of
bees. Dr. Evans thus speaks of Wildman's feats: —
' Such was the spell which, round a Wildman's arm,
Twin'd in dark wreaths the fascinated swarm;

Bright o'er bis breast the glittering legions led,
( )r with a living garland bound his head.
His dextrous hand, with firm yet hurtless hold,
Could seize the chief, known by her scales of gold ;

Pi i , 'mid the wondering train, her filmy wing,

( !]■ o'er her folds the silken fetter fling.'

— William Carr, JVewton Heath Apiary, near

.Manchester. {To bg conlillue(L)

CYPRIAN QUEENS.
On the arrival of last month's Journal, I opened
it with some expectancy, for I hoped, in spite of
my unsuccessful inquiries, to find that some at
least of the ' Cyprian ' bees we have hitherto seen
in this country had been imported from Cyprus
direct ; but I was disappointed to find Mr. Graven-
horst's letter only. This gentleman, whom we had
the pleasure to see amongst us a few months since,
is justly celebrated in Germany for his ' Bogen-
stiilper,' or straw hive, with moveable frames, and
he is also entitled to our gratitude for his introduc-
tion into this country of his home-grown Cyprians.
The statements in his letter, however, would pro-
bably be as new to Mr. Cori and Count Kolowrat-
Krakowsky, as his method of spelling their names.
From the letters of these gentlemen now before me,
I believe I may say with certainty that the dis-
covery and introduction into Germany of this new
breed of bees is due to their united efforts. Mr.
Cori, after many years of experimental importation
and breeding, having suggested the exploration
of Cyprus for a new race of bees, the Count entered
fully into his project, and assisted him with the
large means required for such an undertaking.
Mr. Cori never fails to give full honour to the
Count for his share in the enterprise, and the
Count is not less backward on his side.

I hope shortly to give you a full and most in-
teresting account from the hands of these two
celebrated apiarists of the progress of their efforts
to discover where the best breed of bees might be
found, and 1 may add to same, a description of the
Count's apiary, which is one of the best-conducted
in the world.

I I is a great pleasure to me to see how eager most
honey-producing nations are to possess Cyprian
bees— a breed which is considered by those best '
qualified to judge to be superior to the Ligurians.
Italy has just successfully imported eight colonies,
and America has sent a gentleman over to Europe
with the express object of obtaining and bringing
back some Cyprian queens.

( hie word iu conclusion. Allow me to caution
your readers against calculating the relative value
of Cyprians by the brightness of their colouring.
With this race of bees a specially high colour,
similar to that possessed by some German Cyprians,
generally means cross-breeding and consequent
[irascibility of temper, such as has been the dis-
tinguishing feature of some of the Cyprians that
have been exhibited in this country. The pure
breed, when in my hands, was as quiet as could be,
and I did not need to use any veil with them. — J. P.
Jackson, Brigadier Hill, Enfield, January 20,1880.

208

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[February 1, 1880.

BEES DYING.

A neighbour has discovered that out of thirteen
stock nearly all were dead, although on investiga-
tion, the hives which are straw skeps, were found
to contain a fair quantity of honey. Can you ex-
plain this ?— E. S.

[We may not be able to give the precise cause of death
in each case, but should refer it to queenlessness, foul
brood, or early discontinuance of breeding. Examine
the combs well, and see if the cells contain any rotting
matter or dead larvae. Is the honey sealed ? Sometimes
bees perish in very cold weather through being unable to
pierce the sealed cell to get at the sweets : sometimes,
also, because it has solidified. — Ed.]

IS SYRUP FEEDING WRONG?

Will you please answer a very important ques-
tion regarding feeding bees with syrup, as I am
rather discouraged by seeing a letter of ' A Lanark-
shire bee-keeper,' in a specimen copy of the Bee-
keeper, No. 2, saying that syrup is not fit for bees,
nor for raising young bees ; he further states he
had a number of his hives that died through con-
stitutional weakness, also the stocks affected were
those that had sugar-fed and sugar-bred Queens. I
am about commencing bee-keeping, and desire to
obtain a little knowledge of their habits. The bees
in our locality will require feeding at certain times,
also feeding up for winter.

Mr. Editor, do you think, giving the bees sugar-
food, instead of the natural, creates constitutional
weakness ?

If you will answer this question through your
valuable Journal, I should feel obliged. — Robert J.
Tomlin, Green Street, Victoria Park.

[Pure sugar syrup is, without doubt, the best artificial
food for bees, but it must be given discreetly. We have
over and over again cautioned our readers in this respect,
and urged that in bad years feeding should be begun
sufficiently early to enable the bees to store and seal it
in their cells before the cold weather sets in. In a bad
season like the past, bees cannot collect honey enough to
enable them to keep up their numbers, to say nothing
of increasing and swarming; and in such case what is
their owner to do ? Can he provide honey for them ?
And if he could, will the ' Lanarkshire Bee-keeper,' or any
other bee-keeper, tell the world in what respect honey and
sugar syrup differ except as regards flavour ? Our best
chemists and analysts cannot tell the difference between
flower honey and sugar honey, in a chemical sense ; all
they can say is, that the sugar honey is deficient in fla-
vour or aroma, and that it is 'poor,' and so on. Constitu-
tional weakness in bees is not the result of sugar-feeding,
but is brought about by not feeding the bees at the right
time. Those that have been getting a hand-to-mouth
living through a bad summer, and are in autumn called
upon by their owner to store a quantity of liquid food in a
given time, would be ' cast-iron ' bees if they did not be-
come constitutionally weak, and die during a succeeding
hard winter, in which their store remained unsealed, un-
evaporated, and probably sour from exposure. We saw
the evils of late rapid feeding man}7 years ago, and first
pointed them out in correspondence with the English
Mechanic and JJ'orld of Science, as may be gathered from
our leaflet on feeding, given away for a halfpenny for
cottagers' benefit, and did our best to teach the world to
eke out the bees' income in bad times bj' slow continuous
feeding, to enable them to store and seal their winter
store, and to keep up breeding until the usual time of
cessation, the end of September, or thereabouts, and

for stimulative purpose in spring, and we are prepared to
stand by and defend the position we have established
against all opponents. The ' Lanarkshire Bee-keeper ' ar-
gues from the wrong end : he finds the bees constitu-
tionally weak in seasons when but for feeding they
would have long since died outright, or probably never
have been brought into existence, and then blames the
food. Feeding bees is an art — five words that show a
reason for much ill success in bee-keeping, for few will
take the trouble to acquire it. And where our Lanarkshire
friend can find one case of death from giving sugar syrup
in due time, we will produce evidence of a thousand stocks
perishing through constitutional weakness brought on by
sheer starvation. — Ed. B. B. J.~]

PAPER FELT AS AN EXTRA COVERING
FOR HIVES.

Allow me through your Journal to note, for the
benefit of those who will try it, that paper felt (or
which is better known in the trade as ' underfelt '),
if roughly painted, will be found a cheap and service-
able covering for hives when placed in the open,
and require (as most hives do when so placed) extra
protection. I am, further, led to bring to the
notice of bee-keepers this felt as an extra covering,
from the fact that one of our leading and most
advanced of our apiarians (and who does not speak
without his book) has spoken favourably of it ; and
I venture to say, when its value as an extra cover-
ing is once known, the objectionable rubbish which
we see so often used for the purpose, and which
really tends to keep the hive damp and cold rather
than dry and warm, will no longer be used, but will
be consigned to what is termed ' the Devil,' to be
transformed into that which I am pleased to recom-
mend (with the addition of paint), as a useful winter
covering — Paper Felt. — R. R. Godfrey, Grantham.

P.S. I enclose a pattern of the felt. It can be
had retail from most large furnishing houses, 36
inches and 72 inches wide.

AIDS TO BEE-CULTURE.

We have received a proof copy of a small work entitled
Hints to Beginners in the Stud}/ and Practice of Apicul-
ture, by the Rev. H. M. Stallybrass, of Wirksworth,
price '2\d., or Is. 6d. per dozen, post free, and gladly give
it publicity. It contains a list of standard works on bee-
keeping ; TWio should Keep Bees, TFhere to Keep Bees,
Itvw and Wlien to Begin, How to Make a Hive, and a
directory of hive and bee-dealers. We take leave to quote
the first chapter, and for the benefit of beginners should
like to quote the whole, but that would be unfair to the
writer. What we most regret in reading it is that there
is so little of it : perhaps the encouragement it is sure
to receive will induce the writer to amend that defect : —

' Who should Keep Bees. — A certain persona] aptitude is
necessary for bee-keeping, as for every other pursuit. If
a man is an enthusiastic lover of Nature, a careful observer,
a patient worker, a perfect master of himself, deliberate
without being dilatory, full of resources and ingenuity, and
ready for emergencies, be is the type of man almost certain
of success. If in addition to these qualities he is of a
mechanical turn of mind, handy with tools, and full of
invention, he is likely to make bee-keeping profitable. To
the irritable, nervous, vacillating, and tickle, I would say —
Don't.

' For ladies of limited means, for country ministers, for
retired gentlemen, and for the village carpenter, bee-culture
offers peculiar attractions. Even if the profits were nil, the
interest this pursuit awakens would be in itself a rich reward.
" Show me a scientific apiarian," says Professor Cook, " and
I will show you an enthusiast." '

February 1, 1880.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

209

<2£rj)0£S from % |)iucs.

Chester-le-Street . — 'I wish you a happy New Year,
and hope the bees and Journal will do well. The stocli I
headed with the Italian queen, Oct. 10, has now many
Italian hees, hut the strangest partis a few dead Italians
on ground in front of hive, and no blacks. I can only
account for it by the more active Italians venturing out
and starving to death, they have plenty of food and
pollen stored, and the queen must have been breeding all
winter (even since she came). The mortality is only
about two dozen or so, only no blacks amongst them,
and one would have naturally expected to see more old
than young bees dead. The Italians visit the other hives
freely, but no stranger is allowed in their home. The long
severe frost prevented a cleansing flight, and the few
young bees may have died from abdominal distension, as
one of the dead was just swollen as if from that cause. —
W. Crisp.'

Glasgow. — ' Your post-card to hand, there is not a
pound of heather honey to be had, far less cwts. I know
nobody that has any. — J. B. H.'

Wokingham, Berks, Jan. 22, 1880. — It grieves me much
to see how great has been the havoc made by the season
of 1879, especially as it so deeply concerns so many of
our poorer neighbours. No supers, in fact no honey at
all, and now death and starvation is doing its worst with
too man}-. However, I am glad to find that you have
courage enough to say ' Forward ! ' for 1880. I trust
Your motto will be ours. Wishing you a prosperous and
happy New Year. — I. G.

Queries anb J^pRes.

Qtjery No. 331. — I found an Italian queen on the
ground a few weeks back. Is it likely to be one that I
introduced at the end of July ? Or is it possible that a
young queen was hatched at the end of the breeding
season, and then turned out on the first favourable
opportunity ? It was a fine warm day when I found
her, and many bees were taking a flight.

Reply to Qiery No. 331. — It is probably the queen
that was introduced, but may be one of a number of young
ones raised after she had departed. We fear it was the
former, and that the hive is queenless. It may, however,
be a queen killed on endeavouring to unite her followers
to the hive in question : such cases do happen in starva-
tion times. — Ed.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS & INQUIRERS.

Young B. — If the Ligurian queen survive the dangers
of introduction and wintering, she will begin to breed
about the end of February ; and if all goes well the
blacks will have been superseded by about the middle
of April. Four hives at the corners of a parallelogram
7 ft. by 5, would he far enough apart ; but it would
be better if their entrances faced outwards, i.e., away
from each other.

Rochford. — The Stewarton Hive was fully described
in Vol. I. of B. B. Journal, and the ' system ' is extant
in a leaflet, free from this Office for pennypostage stamp.
The origin of the Stewarton is rather obscure, but its
merits have ready championship in Scotland — par-
ticularly in the south. After a fairly good summer,
the Glasgow grocers make their windows resplendent
with the glitter of beautif id Stewarton supers, wrought
and finished to perfection.

*** The 'Annual Report' and the 'Quarterly Conversa-
zione of the British Bee-keepers' Association ' have occupied so
much of our space that we hare most reluctantly been obliged
to postpone, till next month many interesting communications.

CATALOGUE OF HIVES, &c, to be SOLD
by AUCTION, on Wednesday, March 24th, at 12
for 1 o'clock, at FAIRLAWN, SOUTHALL.

Five minutes' walk from the Great Western Railway Station.

Lot

1. Two Bar-frame Hives, for collateral use ; twelve large

frames.

2. Two Cottager's Woodbury Hives, ten frames.

3. One Hooker Hive, 1875.

4. Two Original Cottager's Hives, combination principle,

small frames.

5. Two Cottage Woodbury Hives (no legs), ten frames.

6. Two Hives on legs, Abbott's Standards, eight frames ;

pattern 1874.

7. One Lanarkshire Hive (unused).

8. One Handsome Bustic Berkshire Bee-shed, to hold two

hives (nearly new).

9. Two Berkshire Hives, and four Supers to ditto.

10. Four sets of six new Sectional Supers.

11. Three sets of seven each, not new, ditto.

12. Six Abbott's Is. Feeding or Honey Jars.

13. Two Hives, similar to Lot 1.

14. Two Combinations, similar to Lot 3.

15. Two Standards, similar to Lot 6.

16. Four sets of Sections, similar to Lot 11.

17. Two Hives, similar to Lot 2.

18. Twelve Abbott's 6</. Feeding or Honey Jars.

19. Four sets of six Sections, not new.

20. Five Honey Jars, and Sundries.

21. One Stock of Bees in Bar-frame Hive.

22. One Bell-glass, and six Stoppered Bottles.

23. Two Poole's Prize Feeders, and three Plum Jars.

24. Six Abbott's 6d. Feeding or Honey Jars.

25. Two Hives, similar to Lot 1.

26. One Combination, similar to Lot 3.

27. One Combination, ditto, with Bees.

28. Four sets Sectional Supers, similar to Lot 19.

29. Two Hives, similar to Lot 2.

30. Two Standards, similar to Lot 6.

31. Eight Sections with glass ends.

32. Eight small Honey Boxes.

33. Four sets of six Sectional Supers, similar to Lot 19.

34. One Hive, similar to Lot 1.

35. Two Cottage Woodburys, similar to Lot 5.

36. Six Abbott's 6d. Honey Jars.

37. Four large Honey Boxes.

38. Two large Nucleus Hives.

39. Three Woodbury-sized ditto.

40. Two half-sized Standard ditto, two ditto Woodbury.

41. One Woodbury Hive with Bees.

42. One Standard Observatory Hive, one Frame.

43. Cottage Woodbury, similar to Lot 5.

44. Four Chaff Cushions, wood frames.

45. One Woodbury Observatory, one Frame.

46. Two Crown-boards, wood and straw, and two zi: ,:

Dividers.

47. Nine Crown-boards, and Sundries.

48. One Stock of Bees in Bar-frame Hive.

49. One Woodbury Observatory, one Frame.

50. Eight round Floor-boards, one square ditto.

51. One Wax Melter, one Syrup Can.

52. One Neighbour's Improved Cottage Hive.

53. One Murphy Centrifugal Honey SUnger, with Treacle

Valve, all complete, best pattern, equal to new (im-
ported).

54. One crate of Sections, two Supers.

55. One Stewarton Hive, three Body-boxes, one Super.

56. Three Hexagonal Hives. One Octagon ditto.

57. Two Skeps, five straw Supers.

58. One large Crate of Supers.

59. Two double Wire Frames, for Slinger.

60. Thirteen zinc Covers for straw Skeps.

61. One Desborough Observatory Hive.

62. Lot of Sundries.

63. Sundries.

64. Sundries.

Conditions as usual.

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BEITISH BEE JOURNAL. iFeh. 1, 1880.

PEICE SIXPENCE.

THE GAEDENEE.

A MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE AND FLORICULTURE.
EDITED BY DAVID THOMSON,

Author of ' Handy Book of the Flower- Garden,' ' Fruit Culture under Glass,' &c.
AIDED BY A STAFF OF PRACTICAL GARDENERS.

The February Number contains: —
The Importance of Fresh Air at Night in Hothouses. — Notes from the Papers. — Stove Plants: No. II., The Cler-
odendron. — Cape Heaths: No. II. — Hints for Amateurs: February. — Early Vegetables: No. II. — Notes on
Decorative Greenhouse Plants : Carnation, Souvenir de la Malmaison. — The Flower Garden. — Stove-Climber
for Early Forcing: Clerodendron Balfouri. — The Gardener's Primer, No. IX. — Table and Boom Decoration. —
The Society of Arts' Reports on Horticulture at the Paris Universal Exhibition of 1878. — Poinsettia Puleherrima.
— Torenia Fournieri. — Interesting British Plants. — Scottish Horticultural Association. — Rainfall at Lowther
Gardens, Penrith, Westmoreland. — Calendar : Kitchen Garden, Forcing Department. — Notices to Correspondents.

Yearly Subscription, free by Post, 7s. Payable in advance.

WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS, EDINBURGH AND LONDON.

THE AMERICAN BEE JOURNAL.

Established in 1861 by the late SAMUEL WAGNER.
Is published monthly, at Chicago, 111. at 2 dollars a-year.
Its contributors are the best, most experienced, and success-
ful Apiarists in America and Europe. It is the oldest,
largest, best, and most reliable Bee paper in the English

Published by Thomas G. Newman,

972 and 974 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois.

Price, including Postage, 6s. 6d.

All Orders must be accompanied by Cheque or P. 0. Order,

payable to C. N. Abbott, Fairlawn, Southall.

A GOOD FARM for £120.

In a good healthy Town in MASSACHUSETTS,
with low Taxes.

Short distance from Depot, Churches, Mills,
Academy, Hotels, &c.

8 0 ACRES.

200 CORDS WOOD "TO SELL:
DEEP, RICH SOIL.

Okchakd of Choice Fruit.

ATTRACTIVE HOUSE, PAPERED and PAINTED.

Barn 36 by 33, and other Out-buildings, all good.

Cuts 12 Tons No. 1 Hay by Machine.

KEEPS PAIR HORSES, AND FOUR COWS.

Charmingly located, bordered by the River. Good Fishing

and Boating.

Price only £120.

£50, Cash down ; Balance £10 each Year.

Fully described in ' THE NEW ENGLAND ILLUS-
TEATED,' a large book full of Engravings of New England
Scenery, and illustrating many Farms for Sale ; also giving
the rate of Taxation of each Town, and other interesting
data — in fact, all about New England. Mailed, post paid,
for Sixpence.

Address GEO. H. CHAPIN, Publisher,
BOSTON, MASS., U.S.A.

A BOUT CO SECTIONAL SUPERS (21b. size),

£\_ filled with Virgin Comb, and partly so with Honey.
About 25 lbs. in all. Price Is. per lb. (Cardiff.) Letters
to Editor.

A EABIS ALPLNUS.— Plants for Spring flower-

XX ing, Is. 6rf. per 100 ; free to Railway Station, 10s. per
1000. Address Abbott Bkos., Southall, Middlesex.

MANUAL OF THE APIARY, by A. J. Cook,
Professor of Entomology in the Michigan State Agri-
cultural College. 286 pp. large 12rno. 112 Illustrations.
Published by Thomas G. Newman & Son, Chicago. Price,
bound in cloth, 5s.; postage, id. Abbott Bkos., Fairlawn,
Southall.

rnHE ABC OF BEE CULTURE. By A. I.

I Boot, Medina, Ohio, U. S., Editor of ' Gleanings.'

' Invaluable to beginners, and also as a book of reference.'

A small parcel of these are on the way to our Office, and

more will shortly be sent. Price, in paper covers, 5s. ; in

cloth, 6s., Post free. Abbott Brothers, Southall, London.

rpHE well-known Italian ANATOMY OF THE

J_ BEE, AND ITS ENEMIES. Intending Buyers are
respectfully informed that only veiy few Sets remain unsold.
Price 21s. unbound. Address John Camaschella, Forest
Hill.

THE LECTURE.-
Price 2s. '2d. post free.

-A few Copies on hand.

Letters to Editor.

TTEGrETABLE PARCHMENT for Covering

V Glasses and Jars of Honey, A-c, 2s. per lb. Sample
Sheet, id. Prices for larger quotations on application.
Letters to Editob.

BEE-KEEPERS should use the HAMPSHIRE
TUBULAR BEE-FEEDER. It is the cheapest and
most simple. Supplies a steady, continuous flow of Syrup.
Can be applied to any kind of Hive in an instant. Only
needs a hole in cover the size of a quill, and when once
there can be refilled without removal or disturbance to the
Bees ; and neither stranger Bees nor Insects can rob the
Syrup, except they go up through the Hive to do so.
A trial will secure its adoption !
Price 6<2. each, 2d. extra postage, to W. Hunt, The
Apiary, South Warnborough, Hants. fo. 20

hcufa

THE

[No. 83. Vol. VII.]

MAECH, 1880.

[Published Monthly.]

(Bbxtaxml, Jtoiias, $t.

MARCH.

The past month, though it showed an im-
provement on the weather in a general sense,
maintained its reputation as a rain}' one ;
nevertheless, bees had many opportunities for
flight, and there were frequent chances for
overhauling them, which the wise did well in
embracing. The peculiarities of the season — a
severe winter, following an unprecedentedly
cold summer, made careful inspection very
desirable, and gave interest to the state of the
hives, which, in a less anxious time, might not
have been called forth.

If bees are valuable property — a proposition
few will attempt to deny — then the thanks of
the country are really due to those who have pro-
moted their advanced culture, for, but for the
care, thought, and wisdom evinced by the school
with which we and the majority of our readers
are happily identified, bees would have perished
almost entirely. From all quarters comes the
cry, ' The cottagers' bees, hereabouts, are all
dead ! ' They would not be persuaded to feed
them because they had been taught to kill the
weak and the strong, and save only the
mediocre ; and feeding being therefore no part
of their method, and their stocks being far
below mediocrity, those that they did not
destroy have died, and they, as a class, are left
bee-less. Surely if there ever was reason in
asking for State aid, it is more than ordinarily
shown in the request which the British Bee-
keepers' Association will be presently urging
upon the Government in this particular, when
they ask for the appointment of a qualified
public teacher of bee-culture in connexion with
the department by which our various schools
are controlled. The idea, latent in many minds,
and sometimes feebly expressed, has taken
earnest form in the proposition brought for-
ward by the Rev. E. Bartrum, of Berkhamp-

stead, at the annual meeting of the British Bee-
keepers' Association on the 18th ult., to the
effect that ' it is advisable that a Professorship
of Apiculture should be established in connexion
with the Science and Art Department at South
Kensington, and that the Committee of the
Association be requested to take such steps as
shall seem expedient with a view to its establish-
ment.'

The views held by Mr. Bartrum will be found
in the report of the meeting on another page,
and his arguments will commend themselves by
the sound common sense they exhibit, and the
closeness of their application. No subsidy is
asked for, but in view of the terrible losses,
through ignorance, that annually occur, the
country at large has a right to claim for bee-
culture that its rudiments shall be taught in
our schools, to ensure which a full knowledge of
the economy of the bee-hive should be a sine
qua nou in all public teachers. If all interested
would make the question prominent at the next
and future parliamentary elections, good would
necessarily ensue, and the claim advanced might
one day be recognised.

USEFUL HINTS.

Stimulative Feeding. — During the pre-
sent month the early spring flowers will
make their appearance, and the bees on fine
days will show a restless desire to obtain
from them_ their coveted secretions. Then it will
be fair to consider that the time has arrived to
aid the bees, to supplement the natural product
of the season with such foods as are known to
be stimulative to them, that they may not
depend entirely on the scanty supply which the
fitfulness of the weather may make too irregular
to be of service in promoting the production of
early brood, and the forthcoming of young bees
in replacement of the aged and worn. We
need not dwell on the importance of this pro-
ceeding, as it is now acknowledged generally to
be correct in principle, but we feel bound to

212

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[March 1, 1880.

advise caution in its adoption. That which
wisely given as a healthy stimulant may, im-
properly applied, act as a poison. In stimula-
tive feeding to promote breeding, there is
danger in giving too much ; what is required
is that there shoidd be a constant supply,
adequate to the hand-to-mouth requirements of
the brood nest, and no more.*

Artificial Pollen. — When the crocuses
are in bloom, artificial pollen may be safely
administered. The usual plan is to fill an old
skep with wood-shavings, those of yellow deal
are the best, and sprinkle pea-flour, such as is
used in making pea- soup upon them. Three or
four sticks stuck into the ground around the
skep will afford support to a board or old tea-
tray which should be arranged to cover it, and
keep out rain (and wind too, if necessary), yet
give easy access to the bees. If they do not
readily take to it put some of the flour into the
cup of the crocus-blooms, and set the skep near
by, when, if not eagerly frequented by the bees,
it may be inferred that the flour is stale, or that
they have a better source of supply, a state of
things scarcely likely in such a season as the
present. There are many other ways of offer-
ing the pollen, and anjT way that is successful
will answer the purpose, the above is, however,
the most simple plan we know of, and is within
the reach of all.

The method described by Mr. Cheshire of
mixing the artificial pollen with syrup and
giving it to the bees, we prefer not to recom-
mend broadcast until it has been well proven.
Reference to his successful management with
Ligurian bees, p. 195, recalls his non-success
with pollen paste administered to one of the
several swarms there mentioned. He says —
' The fourth [swarm. — -Ed.] was reserved for
experiment, and had four different queens
during the summer, and all the brood was at
one time destroyed in an attempt to feed with
artificial nitrogenous food, which it was hoped
might answer as a substitute for pollen.' This
nitrogenous food was made of syrup and ' arti-
ficial pollen,' which the bees themselves took
into their hive from the top, and stored in their
cells, and which fermented when fed to the
brood, and burst off the cell caps when they
were sealed over.

So long ago as September last we received
from a correspondent at Baldock a notice of
a new system of bee-feeding practised in
Germany, which we promised to make public
when it would be of most interest, and here
it is :■ —

' At the last Congress of German apiculturists, M
"W aggands, of Eselbad, called attention to a new system

* The means of feeding with syrup is too well known
to need repeating here. Our leaflet on the subject may
be had post free from our office for a penny stamp. — Ed.

of feeding bees in early spring, in order to excite the
queen to lay, and to supply the place of pollen. He
mixes a pound of flour with a little slightly salted water,
and adds to this paste about three pints of water, in
which four pounds of sugar have been dissolved, and, by
boiling the mixture in a little extra water, obtains a kind
of paste, with which he tills the drones' cells. In this
manner he supplies an admirable food for his bees in the
early season, when the cold does not permit the bees to
go abroad in search of water and pollen. In connexion
with this subject, it is now said to be practically demon-
strated that salt is absolutely necessary to the well-doing
of bees, especially at spring time.'

Our remarks, preceding this quotation, render
further observation unnecessary ; we hope,
nevertheless, the mixture will be fairly tried.

Overhauling. — A thorough examination of
stocks should take place on the first fine day,
and all impedimenta cleared out of the hive.
Floor-boards should be cleansed and dried
thoroughly if damp. Mouldiness, wherever it
exists, should be destroyed by washing with
salicylic solution and drying, the combs if
affected, being removed for the purpose.
Quilts would be better for renewal, those re-
moved being subject, for preventive reasons, to
disinfection, washing, and drying for future
use. Haii- cloth is the best material to lie next
the frames. It is light, porous, warm, and
easily cleansed, and is comparatively indestruc-
tible. Moreover, bens can feed through it.

Purchasing Stocks. — Don't do it ! It is
safer, cheaper, and far more satisfactory to
purchase swarms, and in these days of comb-
foundation swarms may be converted into
stocks in a month, and be ready themselves for
swarming. Don't be hasty in obtaining them
either unless prepared to feed largely. It is
better to wait until June for a good swarm and
good weather than to have an April one that
cannot stir abroad to get a living. Stocks may
contain the germs of disease, the combs may be
old, and comparatively useless, there may be
too much drone-comb, too few bees, and very
little brood, or they may be queenless, which a
novice would not discover, or their journey
may cause them to suffer from disease or
injury; all of which will be avoided by pur-
chasing swarms in their season, and using comb
foundation for their guide and help.

Entrances. — These should be regulated to
suit the varied necessities of the colonies, some
of which may require them to be small, for
protection from cold and robber bees, while
others may need the full opening. Care should,
however, be used to protect them from glaring
light, and driving rain or snow. Perforated
zinc makes an excellent alighting-board, always
free from wet, and never too cold, when the
weather is sufficiently warm for bees to fly.

Queenlessness. — When examining stocks, if
any be found queenless, it will be better to unite
them to others with queens, than to incur ex-

March 1, 1880.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

213

pense and trouble, often wasted, in endeavour-
ing to re-queen them, since aged bees often refuse
a new sovereign. To effect the union with the
greatest ease, bring the stocks to be united to-
gether by daily gradations, and mount the
queenless on the top of the other, with perfo-
rated zinc between ; plug the entrance of the
upper one, and drop some chips of barley-
sugar through its feed-hole, that they may fall
on to the zinc, and both sets of bees be able to
reach them. In three days make a hole in the
zinc, or slip it aside, so that the bees of both hives
can gradually fraternise, and by-and-by re-
move the top hive and combs for further use,
brushing all the bees into the lower one. This
method of uniting is attended with the mini-
mum of danger and trouble.

Queen Wasps should be caught and killed
wherever found. The weather of last summer
has made them very scarce, and until we find
out the benefit to be derived from them, we
trust they will be made scarcer.

Foul Brood. — If any be discovered, refer to
former pages, Jan. and Feb. If ' stamping it
out ' be resorted to, take care that the parts
destroyed are effectually disposed of. We once
advised the destruction of a filthily foul skep,
and it was tied up and thrown into the canal
near by. A few days afterwards some fisher-
men hooked it and landed it, and cut it up to
get at the little honey in it. The police
thought it had been stolen from our apiary,
and brought it, in our absence, to our bee-gar-
den, where they left it ; and when we got home,
they declared the bees had come to life again —
it was swarming with our bees, and we had to
pay the penalty due to carelessness.

Bee Plants. — Planting and sowing should
now be provided for, if not actually proceeded
with. The frost killed our early wall-flowers,
that ought to have been now in bloom, but
younger plants, of which we have many thou-
sands, have survived, and will come in later.
Palm-bearing willows look grand, and will be
ready for Palm Sunday ; Crocuses coming up by
thousands ; Arabis in any quantity, and other
desirable things in prospect. The seed of
Limnanthus Douglasii, sent to us by Mr. Ing-
ram, of Belvoir, came up well, but that which
we sowed in pots as a precautionary measure
has done better, though standing out of doors
unprotected.

Hives for Use. — Hives and implements
should now be purchased, to prevent disap-
pointment. Makeshift hives are very cheap,
and handy in emergency, in fact are indispens-
able for those reasons in every apiary. Nothing
is more vexatious than to find a swarm of bees
in a tree, with nothing handy to put them into,
and while looking for a vessel, to see them fly
away. Last season we found one in a

some distance from our bee-garden at n'ear
midnight, a dog h iving attracted attention by
his barking. We felt all the richer for finding
them, though probably they were already our
own, yet had they flown away we should not
have missed them from amongst so many, with
swarming going on every day in one form or
other.

CYPRIAN BEES.

We have been favoured with an afternoon
visit by Mr. D. A. Jones, one of, if not the
most successful honey grower of Canada, and
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Benton, of the Michigan
State Agricultural College, U.S., on Wednesday,
the 11th ult., on their way to Cyprus in search
of Cyprian queens. They purpose to collect
all they possibly can for immediate export to
America, and to establish a queen-raising
apiary to supply the world, or at least the bee-
keeping part of it ; and unless better facilities
offer we shall have the pleasure of resting,
flying, and repacking their consignments. Mr.
Jones is a thoroughly practical bee-keeper, bee-
farmer we ought to say, fully up to the times
in everything connected with apiarian work ;
and in Mr. Benton he has an able scientific
helpmate, whose knowledge of entomology will
perfectly supplement Mr. Jones's efforts, and
leave no doubt as to the truth regarding the
bees in question. Mr. Benton translated for
the (American) Bce-kccpers' Magazine in 1876
a series of articles on Cyprian bees by Mr.
Cori, Director of the Chancellorship of Bohemia,
written for and published in the Dcr Bienen-
freund, which are highly interesting, and which
he has placed at our service. For the Cyprians
it was then claimed that the worker progeny
of young queens of pure descent was not affected
by their having mated with black drones.
The workers were said to be only yellow bees.

BEE-KEEPING AND FARMING.

(Continued from page 105.)

That our previous remarks on this subject
have not been without interest to many of our
readers, we have numerous evidences, not the
least of which is the number of inquiries whether
we will supply swarms of bees at the price we
named as that at which they might readily be
purchased by farmers for themselves, the
writers forgetting that we esjjecially cautioned
them against employing the services of a
middleman, and therefore we have been com-
pelled to give a negative reply. At the same
time we fearlessly assert that as a rule 10s. is
the current value of spring swarms amongst
our rural population, and 12*. &d. the usual
price of stocks from October to March. Our
figures are facts in our own experience, but our

2U

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[March 1, 1880.

time and the costs and risks attending their
purchase and transit, and the repacking for
sale, make it impossible for us to retail them
at anything like the same price. It is probable,
that after so very bad a summer, there will be
a scarcity of bees, indeed it is more than pro-
bable, since so many of the ' cottager ' class have
lost their bees altogether ; but that does not
adversely affect the principle of our calcula-
tions, for if bees are scarce and more valuable
this year than last, their products will be en-
hanced in a corresponding degree, and their
cultivation will be more remunerative. Our
commendatory opinion of bee-keeping as an ' aid
to Farmers ' is evidently not shared by a corre-
spondent to the Farm Journal, in which paper
on 7th ult. there appeared over the name of
Joseph Trumper, of Maidenhead, who, under
the heading indicated, has ventured to condemn
bees utterly, though on behalf of pigeons he
scarcely knows how to say enough. We quote
of the former : —

' Continuing the subject of remedies for the depression,
I shall at this time deal only with live stock ; but, in a
subsequent letter, I will endeavour to deal with more
general subjects. Now, as to bees, of which much is
written, I cannot commend it very highly. They are an
immense deal of trouble, if kept extensively: and if only
one or two hives, of course they are not worth considera-
tion. The honey, too, is far from being a saleable article,
except, of course, to the ever-present middleman, and his
prices are never tempting. They are also very un-
pleasant creatures to have to do with : and I once knew
a young man, an extensive apiarian, who lost his life
through their continued stinging. With one more piece
of advice, I must close these remarks ; viz. Never give
either very high or very low prices for stock of any
kind. Either will prove a vexation — the low-priced ones
are nearly sure to be diseased, or in some way unprofit-
able; and the highly-valued ones are so often coddled and
fussed as to fall away when put on ordinary keep. Such
things often look most tempting, but are seldom bargains.'

And of the latter, —

' Proceeding next to pigeons, how strange that so few
should be kept ! No feeding required, except the rubbish
thrown to the fowls; no hunting up eggs; no cooping
broody hens ; no expensive fowl-house to be built ; in
short, a considerable income without any trouble worth
the name. I have just sold all I had for sale at l'2s. per
dozen, and could easily have sold ten times the number
if I had possessed them. One season I sold thirteen
dozen, and had then numerous applications for more,
and even now have my whole stock bespoken for next
Christmas. The gable of a barn, the roof of a shed, a
part of a stable loft, how easily is it fitted up ! A few
nesting boxes, a few holes cut for entrance, a few pairs
of young ones to start with, and the thing is done ; all
the mating, nesting, feeding, and rearing, the pigeons do
for themselves, and require no further thought or care.
Their guano is very rich. On one occasion, when about
to sow some peas, I found that a piece of the field had
not been dunged ; so, sending home for a cartload of the
pigeon-house deposit, I had it sown with shovels just be-
fore the harrows. When the peas grew up, I could see
to an inch where the improvised guano was sown, by the
increased bulk of the crop.'

We scarcely suppose such opinions will
weigh with thinking minds, nor can we admit

that they have any value in argument. If they
have, wild pigeons should be encouraged in
every possible way, and farming should be
tabooed because horses kick and bulls gore their
keepers to death. We would fain believe,
however, that Mr. Trumper's articles became
' mixed ' by the printers, and that he is made
to say of pigeons what he meant of bees, and
rice rersa, or the observation that ' highly-
valued ones are so often coddled and fussed as
to fall away when put on ordinary keep,'
would be utter nonsense. In the report of the
annual meeting of the British Bee-keepers'
Association, there will be found some observa-
tions by the queen-bee of British apiculture,
the Baroness Burdett-Coutts, President of the
Association, who in a few well-considered
words commended the keeping of bees as a
desirable and helrjful industry in amelioration
of the distressful condition of Irish farmers and
the peasant population generally, and there is
hoj)e that those in authority will move towards
its introduction as such ; and if it be good for
Ireland, why not for other portions of the
United Kingdom ?

In our remarks we have studiously avoided
statistical references and calculations of a sen-
sational character, and have arrived at the very
moderate conclusion that ten swarms of bees
will in a less than average season be in a lit
condition for wintering as stocks at a cost of
ten guineas, and looking at the possibility of
casualties we will suppose that twenty per cent
of them die* or become useless, which will
leave us with eight only in May for profitable
working, a very moderate computation all bee-
keepers will acknowledge. There will be also
two empty hives value 10s., which sum we will
say has been invested in sugar, and the syrup
formed thereof judiciously administered to
stimulate the stocks to early breeding, and that
they are consequently in swarming condition
by the first of June.t a moderate computation,
also. To prevent, however, the suspicion that
we are begging the question, we will take it
that only six of the eight send out swarms,
and that four only of them each send out one
cast or after-swarm, entailing the outlay of 50s.
for hives, there will then be eighteen stands of
bees+ for 13/. invested. We have not yet cal-

* This is a very high estimate supposing the bee-
farmer to understand the common principles of the art
in question. — Ed.

t We have put the case, hitherto as it would commonly
occur to the ordinary expert, and not taking into account
the great advantages which would arise to a farmer's
bees if he would cultivate such crops as bees exult
in. — Ed.

\ Always supposing the bee-farmer to be fairly ex-
pert, we make no allowance for possible loss of queens
during the wedding flight, such loss being so very easily
reparable, and on the other hand have not counted the

March 1, 1X80. J

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

21!

culated on the production of a pound of honey
for profit, preferring' rather to face the probable
suggestion that there may be a bad harvest or
none at all, a state of matters the possibility of
which we anticipated in our last, and hence our
bee-farming has hitherto caused outlay only ;
we have spent 13/., and have eighteen stands
of bees, a safe position to assume, because it
is a minimum result of ordinarily intelligent
management. Here, then, supposing we desire
to sell the increase of swarms and hives at the
cost price we gave, viz., eight at 15s. each, we
shall realize 6/., giving a profit of 3/. on an
outlay of 10/., or thirty per cent per annum.

This, we are confident, is a sure basis for cal-
culation ; we have not attempted to mitigate
the chances against success ; have not taken
advantage of the aids advanced culture will
secure ; have not omitted possible losses, but
have calculated on twenty per cent against
the purchased swarms surviving ; twenty-five
against the survivors swarming ; thirty-three
against their sending out the usual second
swarms, and a hundred per cent against third
swarms, and first swarming again ; and we
have left the production of honey and wax en-
tirely out of the question, 3ret we have thirty
per cent profit on our outlay.

These figures we fearlessly assert, and defy
criticism ; we know, and have always taught,
that bee-keeping is an art, and the non-success
of those who undertake it without a knowledge
of its principles is no argument against us.
Intelligent management will ensure at least
the modicum of success we have indicated, even
under adverse conditions of weather, and in a
good season it will be enhanced many- fold. AVe
have to-day received a report from a gentle-
man of the medical profession, to whom we
supplied near forty swarms last year : he has
reaped a profit of fifteen per cent by extracted
honey, and to use his own words, ' every one
of the stocks is in beautiful condition : ' his
swarms cost him 20s. each, and his hives,
our cheap Woodbury standards, 8s. 6(7. each.
He purchased other goods (supers, &c.) on the
chance of a favourable season, and his outlay
altogether was near 80/. He sold his honey
for 12/. to friends at Is. per lb., to chemists at
10d., and the remainder to Messrs. Neigh-
bour and Sons at 7r/., prices which cannot be
considered fanciful, or unapproachable in the
future, and has a reasonable prospect of a much
larger profit from his swarms, before the end
of his first year of bee-keeping.

advantage that would naturally arise from artificial
swarming and the insertion of ripe queen-cells, our ob-
ject being truthfully to show that bee-keeping may be
profitably carried on by the farmer with a minimum of
labour and very ordinary skill. We have also omitted
the chance probability that there will be more natural
swarms than we have enumerated. — Ed.

The hive we proposed to the intending bee
farmer, mentioned in the foot-note on page 194,
and who, Iry-the-by, is in no way connected
with, and is entirely unknown to, the gentle-
man amateur whose success is herein recorded,
consisted of a body box, of Standard Combina-
tion type, 30 inches front to rear, a floor-board,
and roof. It was to contain eight frames, and a
dummy, though capable of holding twenty, and
the space in rear of the frames could be tilled
with other frames, or sections, or could be util-
ised as an easy and safe feeding-place. The
floor-board and roof we proposed to make ex-
actly alike, planed and painted on the upper
surfaces, so that they could be used indiscrimi-
nately for either purpose, and in the event of a
super space being required above the hive
proper, we suggested that a spare body box
should be placed between hive and roof-board.
In a hive-box of this kind, there would be
eight feet of three-quarter-inch pine ; in the
roof and floor- boards there would be near ten feet
more, and plinths, ledges for floor-boards, and
extras, say three more feet, making a total of
twenty feet, which would permit of a few inches
being cut to waste here and there, to avoid in-
cluding a knot or faulty edge in the body of
the work ; but to be sure of sufficient material
for division boards, porch pieces, sloping boards
for front of hives, and casualties, we will say
that such a hive will swallow up twenty- four
feet, or two twelve-feet boards.*

Our farmers'-hive was not, however, ap-
proved, the size, when one box was placed upon
the other (as proposed for supering) was dis-
pleasing, and the flat top too ugly. In propos-
ing such a hive, we ignored everything but
practical utility in our desire for cheapness,
and simply followed the lead shown in the ap-
proved American farm-hives, many of which

* These particulars have been inquired for by several
correspondents, certain of them implying doubt whether
' anything of a hive ' could be provided at so low a cost
as five shillings, the estimated value of the suggested
farmers' hive, p. 195. Now to show that our figures
were not intended to mislead, we crave permission to
quote from a letter written to the prospective bee-farmer
who resides on the Portsmouth line. We had been in
correspondence and personal communcation with him, and
to facilitate the work he had in hand, we wrote thus : —
' Now as to prices of materials, we can send you from
London boards twelve feet long and eleven inches wide,
similar to that the (sample) hives are made from, and
quite good enough for the purpose, at eighteen-peuce per
board, all pine." Tire carriage would add a trifle to the
cost, but in a quantity would not add much per hive, so
that practically the material for such a hive, of more
than thrice the capacity of the ordinary Woodbury, or
Cheshire hive, be it remembered, would cost the sum of
three shillings, and for an additional body-box, should it
be required, a further sum of °" " shilling. Our tender
was not, however, accepted, Portsmouth being nearer,
and materials evidently as easily obtainable there as in
Loudon. Inch pine would cost §a. per foot more. — Ed.

216

THE BEITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[March 1, 1880.

have roofs perfectly flat, evidently to save ma-
terial, and prevent the effect of rough winds.
In making it so large, thirty inches long inside,
full space was provided for back storing, and
the necessity for the upper box or super com-
partment rendered doubtful, at the same time
the hive could be used as a twin, or if required,
as a triple hive for winter purposes.

Our bee-farming friend, while adopting most
of our suggestions, preferred the pattern illus-

trated by the engraving. His own description
runs thus : —

' The body box is of inch pine, floor-board of inch
matched (t. e. grooved and tongued) flooring, planed, and
the roof is of half-inch deal. The dotted lines in the
upper angle of the roof show the position of a veil of
wood, set an inch in front of the ventilation-holes, to
keep out wet. The stand is formed of four bricks set on
edge, parallel to each side, in the positions indicated ; the
dotted lines at bottom show the position of a flight board,
sloping, at a low angle, from the entrance to the ground.
The hive is " literally " Abbott's Combination without
legs. The entrance slides run on screws.

' If I made the frames, the cost of the material of the
hive complete, without labour, would be under six
shillings, exclusive of supers, which I consider would
come under the heading of working expenses. I do not
charge labour, for my son and myself will do all the car-
pentering and labouring necessarj .'

(To be continued.)

HIVE CONSTRUCTION.

(Continual from page 179.)

The moveable comb-hive as we found it had
evidently been constructed with a view to the
convenience of both bees and bee-keepers, but
we fear without a correct appreciation of the
wilfulness of the former, who persist in adhering
to the principles dictated to them by the wis-
dom we call instinct, a faculty that never errs.
This truism is so generally admitted that it
may be taken for granted, and therefore in
hive construction we cannot be wrong in accept-
ing the bees' own evidences of what is best
adapted for their comfort and convenience.
The bar-frame hive of twenty years ago was
formed on the model illustrated in the wood-cut

No. 1, the frames hung upon rabbets formed in
its back and front walls, and there were spaces
above and on both sides of the frames of three-
eighths of an inch, and below of over half an
inch, the walls and crown-board were of inch

1 Wkm?m4WM3§M>

deal, the floor of one and a half inches, with
entrance cut out of (or sunk into) it ; and there
was a central feed-hole in the crown-board, the
whole being surmounted by a portable roof, or
kept within a shed or bee-house. For the con-
venience of the bee-keeper it was intended that
the bees should build their combs within the
frames, so that they might be easily remove-
able if wanted, and the spaces around were to
be free for the convenience of the bees, that
they might travel over and around their nest
without impediment. This was pretty in
theor}', and highly desirable, but the bees most
pertinaciously protested against the arrange-
ment. Excepting those outside their brood-nest,
the frames were never filled with comb, but the
bees formed them as in the cut No. 1, and the
spaces around they built in and blocked with
comb to a degree that rendered them almost
impassable, and most certainly prevented the
easy mobility, the arrangement of the frames
purposed. For many j^ears the ingenuity of
man was exercised to find means to overcome
the perversity of the bees in these matters.
The hive was not svispected of being wrong, the
frames were correctly placed to enable the bees
to build their combs at the same distance from
each other as they did in their natural abodes,
and the thoughtful (?) contriver had made
every provision for the bees' convenience ; why
then would they be so perverse ? And thus for
years the bees were under reproach, and the
bar-frame hivist always in difficulty because the
instinct of the former had not been consulted
by the latter when the hive they were to inhabit
was being constructed.

On the score of healthiness, the bar-frame
hive, as herein described, would not bear com-
parison with the close skep or box-hive, through
the loss of heat which the airiness of the former
permitted, the nest as represented by the
comb-frame in fig. 1 being suspended in a box
which touched it nowhere, and around which
every breath of wind caused disturbance. In

March 1, 1880.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

217

the summer season there was a seeming advan-
tage in this automatic ventilation, but in the
winter, when heat is life to the bees, the dis-
turbance of the hive's atmosphere, and the
coldness of the weather, condensed the heat too
rapidly, and the gases of the hive, naturally
aqueous, formed drops of water on the outer
combs, and on the inner surfaces of the hive,
which observant (?) bee-masters endeavoured to
deal with rather than prevent,* though, as is
well known, dampness of hive walls is inimical
to the well-being of bees, since it tends to
make the hive colder through the more rapid
absorption of heat by its wet surfaces.

For many years no headway was made by
advanced bee-keepers in their endeavour to
promote the use of the moveable comb system in
humane bee-keeping, because it was found as a
rule that bees, kept in the old-fashioned skep,
swarmed earlier than those in bar-frame hives,
a fact that to the peasant mind, which accepts
early swarming as conclusive evidence of suc-
cessful management, overweighed all the argu-
ments that even the verbose could advance in
favour of improved hives. And to this day,
where measures are not taken to prevent the
loss of heat around the brood nest, the straw
skep and simple box hive beat the former hollow
in the direction named. It is very remarkable
that though the bar-frame hive has been in
existence for many years prior to the advent of
the British Bee Journal, very little had been
done towards its radical improvement as a
dwelling-place for bees. That very many
experiments had been made in regard to its
size and shape we readily concede ; but consi-
dering how hives still vary in those particulars,
they were evidently without beneficial result,
and with respect to the material of which hives
should be constructed, almost everything has
been tried that imagination or genius could
suggest, and the result practically endorses the
conclusion arrived at in 'antient' times, viz. that
they should be made of whatever is most readily
comeatable and easily manufactured. None of
the experiments alluded to effected any im-
provement in the bar-frame hive ; and but that
they show dissatisfaction with hives as they
were, need scarcely have been mentioned, but
since the establishment of our Journal, and the
Bee-keepers' Association and shows which it
brought into existence ; and has steadily

* The damp condition of hives in winter was believed
to be natural, but its ill effects were so apparent that
various measures were adopted to let it rim freely from
them. Holes were made in the floor-boards, and hives
were raised up, leaving space beneath their lower edges ;
but the most palpable admission of the existence of the
evil was shown in the construction of a channelled floor-
board, arranged to allow the condensed vapour to nm
out of the hive entrance, an invention the ' cleverality '
of which was highly extolled. — Ed.

fostered, the hive and its belongings have been
objects of special interest, and the thought and
care bestowed upon them have led to extra-
ordinary improvement, both in their construc-
tion and management in Great Britain.

"When Huber, the ' Prince of Apiarists,' con-
structed his ' leaf-hive,' so called because the
frames or sections of which it was formed were
hinged together and opened like a book stand-
ing on its end, he was, perhaps, without having
given the matter consideration, as near (our
idea of) perfection (for bee comfort) in the
shape of his frames as it was possible to be with-
out having achieved it. And why ? Because
(practically) he had taken a box containing a
bees' nest, and had separated the combs by
cutting through the box between them, so that
when put together again the whole nest was
perfect as made by the bees, and the box con-
taining it very nearly as sound as at first.

Anyone having a set of honey sections, such
as are used in lieu of the old-fashioned supers,
will have a good representation of a Huber
hive, the frames of which, like the honey
sections, touch each other all round, leaving
almost no means for the escape of heat, except at
bottom, and very little indeed of the inner
surface of the hive exposed to absorb it. Now,
while urging that the Huber frame is the most
comfortable for the bees when snugly ensconced
within their nest, it by no means follows that it
is even near perfection in other respects.
Mobility of frames to be duly serviceable must
be consistent with handiness, with a minimum
of danger to the bees, but the Huber frame
gave neither of these desiderata. The frame
surfaces (the edges) that came together were
an inch wide, like those of the Giotto Italian
Cottage Hive, which in manipulation gives
much trouble, and the surfaces in being closed
form bee-crushers that destroy many bees, and
cause anger in the colony by the odour of the
sting-poison set free by the crushing. The
Huber frames also stood upon the floor-board
(they formed the walls and crown of the hive),
and could not be moved horizontally without
danger to the bees ; and this was also objection-
able, though in the hands of a very patient
' master ' the hive could be safely manipulated.
Seeing the necessity for making the frames of
a hive approach the conditions so evidently
necessary for bee comfort, as shown by the
bees themselves, we constructed and exhibited
a hive at the Alexandra Palace Show in 1876,
which contained provision for all their require-
ments, but the judges did not think it worthy
of notice. It contained room for a large
number of frames, the ends and bottoms of
which touched each other, and formed the
front and back walls and the floor of the bee-
nest proper, and division boards which could

218

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[March 1, 1880. •

be made to enclose any number of them formed
the side walls. Excluders were arranged to
cut off any part of the hive, for honey storing
only, and all the arrangements were enclosed
in a proper case, standing on four legs. The
junction of the frame ends, and bottoms were
arranged so that only a blunt V-edge of one
frame end came against the side of another,
and gave very little crushing surface, and left
no more to propolise, than would be formed by
the generally adopted (if not approved) zinc
edge. The form of the frames as indicated in
the woodcut, No. 2, which shows half of

them, and the way their ends touch each other.
But, as before stated, they were not ' noticed '
by the Judges at the Alexandra Palace Show,
though subsequent events prove that they were
a step in the right direction. We were con-
vinced of this fact before introducing them,
and before and since have been ' pegging away,'
if we may adopt Abraham Lincoln's simile for
hard fighting, against the evils arising from
open frame ends, until we fear our readers
must be weary of the subject. Nevertheless,
it is a most important one, and though not
appreciated in England, where ever)' possible
aid ought to be enlisted to prevent the evils
arising from the fitfulness of our climate, it has
not escaped the attention of our 'cute neighbours
across the Atlantic, for in their 'Simplicity'
hive they have carried out the essence of the
principle involved in our effort of 1876, and
affirm it to be correct. The Nellis Van Deusen
Simplicity frame is the nearest approach to oitr
standard of excellence that has ever been per-
mitted public use, and wrhen the widening of
the frame ends is carried out in the same way as
the widening of the ends of Abbott Standard
frames, i.e., on one side only, and opjjosite, at
the ends, we think nothing will be left to be
desired for the comfort of the bees, or the con-
venience of the bee-keepers. We give, No. 3, an
illustrative cut of one half of three frames,
sufficient to show the princirjle of construction,
and that the alteration we have suggested can
be carried out without detriment to appearance
or usefulness. There will doubtless be the
usual objections to the improved frame on the
question of propolising ; but as the method we
have in view willensure close fitting and leave no
crevice, we are not haunted by any fears on the

subject. We are very highly pleased with the
Simplicity frame, not only because it is right,
but because it supports our theory, and in use
has proved it to be right also.

(To be continued.)

THE BEE-TENT IN IRELAND.

We are glad to be able to announce that the
travelling Tent of the British Bee-keepers' Associa-
tion is engaged for the 2nd September next, at a
Flower Show near Belfast, there to unfold to the
minds of our Irish brethren the mysteries of the
bee-hive, and to awaken a more lively interest in,
and instil a better knowledge of, the hives' oceupauts.
Though termed ' British ' the Association contem-
plated from the first the improvement of bee-culture
throughout the United Kingdom ; and nothing but
the want of funds has hitherto prevented the com-
plete fulfilment of the programme of its philan-
thropic work.

We by no means wish to imply that funds will
not now be gratefully welcomed to help forward the
development of its plans ; and we have every faith
that the Association will be properly supported
when the great good which its visit to Ireland will
effect is known and rightly understood. The pro-
posed visit is one of the results of the Irish deputa-
tion to the Royal Agricultural Show at Kilbum,
under Canon Bagot, with whom the Honorary
Secretary of the Association is endeavouring to
arrange a tour for the Tent during the autumn. At
the late annual meeting of the Association, its
Lady President, the Baroness Burdett-Coutts, whose
noble heart and mind are ever in active sympathy
with whatever is philanthropic and humane, spoke
most eloquently in favour of extending to Ireland
the good work which the Association is doing in
England ; and her generous sentiments will be
echoed wherever they are heard.

It is to be hoped that the Tent and its staff of
operators and exponents may have many engage-
ments in Ireland, and that to enable the arrange-
ments to be made without clashing, application
will be made to the energetic Hon. Sec, the Rev.
H. R. Peel, of Hemel Hempstead, Herts, as early
as possible, and he, we are sure, will give every
possible information and assistance.

THE BRITISH BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION.
Annual Meeting.
The Annual Meeting- of the members of this Associa-
tion was held at 44(i Strand, London, on Wednesday
evening; 18th February, the chair being occupied by
the Baroness Burdett-Coutts, the President of the Asso-
ciation. There was a large attendance of members.
Amongst those present were — Mrs. H. R. Peel, Miss
Peel, Miss Amy Peel, Miss Augusta Peel, Miss Cressy,
Mrs. Gordon, Mrs. W. O'B. Glennie, Miss Shirley, Mrs.
H. Jonas, Miss Jonas, and other ladies ; C. N. Ab-
bott, Rev. E. Partrum, F. Cheshire, W. H. Clarke, T.
W. Cowan, W. Freeman, Herbert Jenner-Fust, Admiral
Gordon, J. Garratt, R. R. Godfrey, T. Groombridge, T.
1). Hardy, J. M. Hooker, J. Hunter, F. R. Jackson,
J. P. Jackson, S. Jennings, H. Jonas, J. E. Littleboy,
F. Lvon, G. Minson, H. G. Morris, A. Neighbour, Dr.
Ogle, Rev. G. Raynor, C. Stevens, D. Stewart, G. Tottle,
E. II. Wheallev, J. Willard, &c. &c.

March 1, 1880.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

219

Before proceeding with the business upon the Agenda,
the Lady President said, — I may be permitted to con-
gratulate the Association generally on the progress we
have made since we met here last. As the bees air a
working body, perhaps I had better go on with the im-
mediate business before the meeting without delaying
you further. You will, however, allow me to call
your attention to the election of President and Vice-
Presidents, which, as I understand, has been allowed
to stand over. I would suggest whether it might
not be a desirable thing to nominate as the Vice-
Presidents of the Society those gentlemen who are
presidents of the county associations. I think these
gentlemen would take it as kindly to them, and probably
it would give them greater interest in the welfare of the
Society altogether, if they felt they were thus closely
identified with the parent Society. 1 do not quite know
how many comity associations there are, but I should
think they would be a very good number to begin with.
[The Hon. Secretary : There are eight county associa-
tions at present.] I would venture to observe further,
that we ought to be very careful that the county associa-
tions should be of a character as shall do credit to us ;
and not get us into discredit. It might be necessary to
make inquiries in some cases as to the state of their
finances, or their balance-sheet should be produced, or
some other precaution taken, to ascertain that they are
bund fide and well-managed associations. The next sub-
ject I desire to bring forward is that in connexion with
Ireland. I think it would be extremely desirable, if it
were possible, to extend our operations into Ireland. I
understand that Canon Bagot is at present in Ireland,
and that he is endeavouring to arrange for a series of
shows ; therefore this would be a very excellent oppor-
tunity to make known the objects of this Association,
and the introduction of a new industry into Ireland
just now would be particularly desirable and extremely
well taken. I have myself been in communication
with an Irish member of Parliament, Colonel King
Harman, who has been trying to do this, as he tries
to do everything else that can be of benefit to his
tenants, and he will be extremely glad to put himself in
communication with Canon Bagot, or the Secretary of
this Association, or any one from whom he could obtain
information on the subject. As to the sale of honey —
that will be extremely useful ; and no doubt one of the
objects will be to try and get a good market both at
Dublin and here. Perhaps the best means for extending
the operations of the Association to Ireland is a subject
which may very well be considered. In conclusion, her
ladyship moved the adoption of the first resolution, viz.,
' That the Report and Balance-sheet issued for the year
187S), be received and adopted, with a vote of thanks to
Mr. Kirchner, the auditor.

Mr. Jonas seconded, and the motion was carried
unanimously.

Dr. Ogle proposed ' Votes of thanks to the retiring
officers, and committee.' This last year, he said, had
been a very bad one witli regard to the operations of bees,
and they might hope that the ensuing season would witness
the achievement of much better results. After alluding
to the great energy of the committee he referred to
America, stating that in every part of that great country
bee-clubs were established ; and when it was remembered
that the bee was only introduced into America about 200
years ago, it was very clear that energy and work would do
a great deal in furthering this industry.

Mr. F. R. Jackson of Slindon having seconded the
motion, it was carried unanimously.

Mr. Cowan said he had been asked to move the third
resolution, which he did with much pleasure, viz., 'A
vote of thanks to the Council of the Royal Society for
the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, for the gratuitous
use of their Board-room for committee meetings.' Their
thanks were due to that Society not only for the use of

the Board-room, but doubly so for the use of it gratui-
tously. When in the room, this Association was a
'chip of the old block;' for tht.y advocated kindness
to the bee, which was kindness to insects if not to
animals.

The Rev. E. Bartruin, in .seconding, said the Associa-
tinii was very much indebted to the Royal Society for
the use of their Board-room.

The motion was carried unanimously, and

The Lady President said insect life was a subject that
attracted the attention of the Society, who desired to
promote kind treatment and some consideration for
insects, which were thoroughly recognised as animals.

The Hon. Secretary said he claimed the privilege of
his office in moving, 'A vote of thanks to the Royal
Horticultural Society for their hearty and ready co-
operation in the projects of the British Bee-keepers'
Association.' As Secretary he had, as Mr. Cooke, the
tourist, termed it, 'personally conducted' the negotia-
tions with the different societies with whom the Asso-
ciation is brought into contact ; and he might say that
from the very first the Royal Horticultural Society had
extended the right hand of fellowship to this Association.
Every facility had been given for the .holding of the Asso-
ciation's Annual Exhibition, and every possible assistance
had been rendered by the officials — and rendered most
cheerfully and willingly. If his gratitude were ex-
pressed in brief language, it must not be thought the less
sincere on that account. Gratitude had been defined to
be a sense of favours to come, and on looking towards
the end of the Agenda paper it would be seen that there
was a proposal to form a Keference and Loan Library in
connexion with the Library of the Horticultural Society.
The resolution he was proposing was drawn up long be-
fore Mr. J. P. Jackson made the suggestion as to the
library ; but as coming events cast their shadows before,
so this proposal gave an additional reason (as it were
by anticipation) why the best thanks of the Association
should be given to the Horticultural Society for their
uniform kindness and goodness.

Mr. F. Cheshire alluded to the trying circumstances,
with regard to the weather, under which the Associa-
tion's Show was held at the Royal Gardens, and re-
marked upon the kind attention which the officers of the
Horticultural Society rendered on the occasion. He
seconded the motion.

The resolution was passed unanimously.

The Rev. G. Raynor moved the next resolution, viz. :
' the Election of President, Vice-Presidents, Treasurer, and
Secretary for the year 1880, in accordance with Rule 8.'
With regard to the election of President, very few words
were required from him, for every member of the Asso-
ciation, he was sure, felt deeply the kindness and good-
will of that honourable lady, who had consented hitherto
to preside over the Association. Her name was not limited
to this country, but wherever the English language was
spoken, her philanthropy, her kindheartedness, were
known to be far beyond all praise. The suggestion that
the gentlemen who were presidents of the county
associations should be elected Vice-Presidents of the
Central Association, he thought was a most excellent
one, and he had great pleasure in proposing it. As to
the Secretary, no words of his could possibly express the
great advantage which that official had brought to the
Society. When Mr. Peel came forward, the low state
of the Society was known to all present ; now it was en-
larging its borders, and already eight county associations
had been formed; and in the course of time, he had no
doubt that every county in this country would have its own
association — and this was to be devoutly wished. The
time, the energy, and the ability, which their most
worthy Secretary had devoted to this Society in pro-
muting its interests were beyond all praise ; indeed, were
it not for Mr. Peel, the Society would have been in a
very far different state from that in which it now was.

220

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[March 1, 1880.

The Treasurer (Mr. Glennie) also had performed his
duties diligently and well. He concluded by moving
that Lady Burdett-Coutts be re-elected President; the
several presidents of the county associations, Vice-
Presidents ; Mr. H. R. Peel, Hon. Secretary ; and
Mr. Glennie, Treasurer.

Mr. Littleboy said he did feel it a great honour to be
allowed to second the re-election of the Lady-President,
whose name was a household word where goodness and
philanthropy w-ere concerned, and it would be imperti-
nent on his part to add one word to what had already
been said. As to the Vice-Presidents, he should have
been glad if their names could have been mentioned, as the
motion would then have seemed more in form. He did
not personally know the Treasurer, but he had been in-
formed that the gentleman's assiduity to business was
fully equal to that of the other members of the Society.
Last, but not least, he came to his neighbour and the
Society's most excellent Secretary. He had not the
opportunity of seeing Mr. Peel's work in this Central
Association, but he was acquainted with his good work
in the little Herts County Association, into which Mr.
Peel had put absolute vitality. In spite of the unto-
ward season that had just gone, the Herts Association
was a really active and living organization, a fact which
was in a great measure owing to the energy of their
Secretary.

Mr. Hunter said he should prefer that the election of
Vice-Presidents be left to the committee, as then an
opportunity would be afforded of making inquiries rela-
tive to the several county associations, as was suggested
by the Lady President. Did he understand that all
presidents of county associations were to become Vice-
Presidents of the central body ? If so there would be a
danger of being swamped with vice-presidents in time to
come.

The Lady President : When I mentioned the matter I
intended that the names should be known.

The Hon. Secretary said that the Archbishop of
Canterbury was the President of the Kent Associa-
tion, the Bishop Suffragan of Nottingham of the
Lincolnshire Association, and the Earl of Verulam of
the Hertfordshire Association. He stated other names,
but was unable to give a complete list.

Mr. Hunter suggested the appointment of a committee
with power to elect Vice-presidents.

The Hon. Secretary said the proper course woidd be
to inquire into the names of the several presidents and
report to the committee ; and if these gentlemen consented
to become Vice-presidents of the Central Society, they
could be formally elected at the midsummer general
meeting.

Mr. F. Lyon considered they might now elect those
gentlemen whose names had been mentioned, leaving it
to the committee to decide upon the expediency of elect-
ing those whose names were not known.

Mr. Jennings said, in the case of the Boyal Horticul-
tural Society, it rested entirely with the President to
nominate his vice-presidents. Might this Association not
follow the precedent ?

The Rev. G. Raynor : The rules state that the Presi-
dent and Vice-presidents should be elected at the annual
meeting.

The Rev. E. Bartrum suggested that the election of
the Vice-presidents be postponed in accordance with the
suggestion of the Honorary Secretary.

This course was adopted, and the resolution with this
understanding was put to the meeting and carried unani-
mously.

The Hon. Secretary then announced the results of
the voting in regard to the election of the committee
as follows :— Mr. T. W. Cowan, 100 ; Rev. G. Ravnor,
107; Rev. E. Bartrum. 101; Mr. J. M. Hooker, "1(52 ;
Mr. R. R. Godfrev, 150; Mr. F. R. Cheshire, 155;
Mr. C. X. Abbott,' 148; Mr. J. Hunter, 133; Mr. .1.

P. Jackson, 103 ; Dr. Lionel S. Beale, 9:1 ; Rev. F. T.
Scott, 64 ; Mr. F. R. Jackson, 48 ; Mr. D. Stewart, 38 ;
Mr. W. W. Kettlewell, 34 ; Mr-. F. Lyon, 33 : Rev. W.
H. Bemi, 19 ; Mr. II. G. Morris, 6. The first nine gen-
tlemen constitute the committee.

He concluded by moving a vote of thanks to Mr.
Willard, who, at the request of the President, had acted
as scrutineer of the voting papers.

Mr. Cowan seconded the motion, and it was carried
unanimously.

Mr. Willard returned thanks, remarking that his
labours were considerably lightened by the care and
accuracy with which Mr. Huckle had prepared the
register of the voting papers.

.Mr. Hunter said at the last meeting Mr. Peel had stated
that the work of the Society was increasing to such an
enormous extent that he would be unable to continue the
duties without some assistance. They all knew that
ever since Mr. Peel had held the office of Secretary he
had been assisted by Mr. Huckle, who had performed
his duties with the utmost efficiency. It had been a
matter of surprise that Mr. Peel had been able to do as
much as he had done, and the suggested appointment of
an Assistant Secretary did not come upon them suddenly.
He moved ' That Mr. Huckle be appointed Assistant
Secretary to the Association at a salary of 25/. per
annum, in addition to his travelling expenses.'

Mr. C. N. Abbott said it afforded him a great deal of
pleasure to second the motion ; and it was quite unneces-
sary forhimto add anything to what had already been said
by Mr. Hunter. To do more than bear testimony to the
way in which the Secretary had performed his duties,
woidd be like painting the lily, and as Assistant-Secretary
they could not possibly have a more efficient officer than
Mr. Huckle. He was always at hand when wanted, and he
had been present at almost every show held under the
auspices of the Association throughout the country,
willing to do anything to please anybody and every-
body. The salary proposed would be only a fraction
of what he deserved, for the amount of labour per-
formed was simply enormous.

The motion was carried unanimously, and

Mr. Huckle expressed his thanks, adding that he
would do his best to afford satisfaction.

The Hon. Secretary then announced the results of his
correspondence with the Royal Horticultural Society, the
Royal Agricultural Society, the Bath and West of
England Agricultural Society, and the Islington Dairy
Show authorities, with regard to exhibitions of bees,
hives, and honey during the present year. The Royal
Horticultural Society he need not mention again, as the
dates of the show had already been settled with them.
He wrote to the Secretary of the Royal Agricultural
Society, inquiring if it would be possible for this Asso-
ciation to seud a bee tent to Carlisle, where they were
about to hold their annual show, upon the stipulation that
a scpai ate entrance-fee should be charged in respect to the
tent. In reply, he was informed that the committee would
meet on 3rd of March, when probably the Society
would be willing, after their experience at Kilburn, to
faci itate, in every way, an exhibition of bees in con-
nexion with their show. The Council of the Islington
Dairy Show had not yet given a definite answer, though
they seemed disposed to view the application favour-
ably ; but the Bath and West of England Agricultural
Society had replied that it was entirely contrary to their
rules to allow any extra payment within the exhibition
grounds, and that therefore they could not sanction the
application. Subsequently he wrote to ask if the Asso-
ciation might be allowed to offer prizes, but even that
woidd not be conceded.

The President observed that the present was a very
favourable opportunity for introducing the w~ork of the
Association in Ireland.

The Hon. Secretary said he had received a letter from

March 1, 1880.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

221

a gentleman at Belfast, asking if the Bee Tent could be
sent to a show that was about to be held there. He
replied that the Association would be glad to entertain
the proposal, but that it was Bcarcelj worth the while
tu send the tent such a long distance for a single show,
but if a series of shows could lit- arranged, extending
over a week or a fortnight, the 15ee Tent might be
sent, and would doubtless prove for the benefit
of the people. lie also wrote to Canon Bagot — who
brought over a lai'ge detachment of Irish farmers to
Kilhurn — on the same subject, and the re\ . gentleman had
in reply promised to brinp' the matter before the Royal
Agricultural Society of Ireland, and also before the
Council of the Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland.
In the meantime, Canon Bagot asked, whether, if a week
of shows could lie arranged in September, and the Asso-
ciation were allowed to charge an extra admission fee. of
Gd. to each visitor to the Bee Tent, the Association would
take the risk of sending- over their Bee Tent? lie (Mr.
Peel) replied to this letter in the affirmative, and he was
awaiting a further communication from Canon Bagot.

Mr. Cheshire said he had recently received a copy of
an Irish newspaper from a friend residing in Dublin,
who was at the present time endeavouring to form a
Bee-keepers' Association. The object was to teach the
peasantry to keep bees with profit to themselves.

Mr. Abbott said he was in communication with
several bee-keepers in Ireland, but he was sorry to say
that the state of bee-keeping in that country was very
bad indeed. From ever so many districts he had heard
that the cottagers' bees were dead, simply because there
they had not been taught to feed them.

The President: I was speaking to Colonel King
Harman on this subject, and he tells me their hives are
very bad ; therefore, information and instruction would
be doubly valuable.

Mr. Abbott said some time ago it was proposed to
establish a Society similar to this ; but it fell through in
consequence, he believed, of their being no prospect of
any incoming of honey, by which they could make a
reasonable show that bee-keeping- was profitable.

The subject then dropped.

Mr. F. Lyon next moved: 'That it is desirable that
sums received as qualifications for Life Membership,
should be treated as capital and invested, and not ap-
plied to the current expenses of the year in which they
are received.' This was a resolution which would com-
mend itself to every business man in the room. These
sums being once received were, not likely to be received
again, and they should be treated as capital. The
wonder to him was that the idea had not occurred to
somebody before, for had the Association gone on for a
few years longer, and the number of life members in-
creased, and the sums received used for meeting current
expenses, they might possibly have been crippled. If
these sums were invested, they would form a nucleus of
a Reserve Fund, the interest of which would render the
Association to a certain extent independent of subscrip-
tions.

Mr. Abbott said he bad undertaken to second this
motion, more particularly for the purpose of eliciting
discussion. He did not think it would be an unwise
thing to invest the capital in purchasing lithographs for
instance, so as to avoid entrenching upon the general
fund. It was evident that if anyone gave 20/. as a life
donation that, that should not be treated as a part of the
current year's revenue. It should be invested, even
though it were invested in the Association's own assets.

Mr. F. R. Jackson said the fund was at present so
small that he thought it early to bring forward such a
proposition.

Mr. Lyon said although the sum was small it was the
principle that he wished to establish.

Mr. Hunter said if the money were spent in good work
surely it would result in greater benefit than if it were

invested. All these gentlemen get for their .V. subscrip-
tion was four votes, and if the Association should un-
fortunately come to grief they would not ask for their
money back again.

Mr. Cheshire thought the Association was scarcelj in
a position to invest yet, and the Rev. E. Bartnini ex-
pressed a similar opinion.

The President considered it desirable to establish the
principle, and the Hon. Sec. also expressed himself in
favour of it.

Mr. Herbert Jenner-Fust said he was a member of the
Entomological Society of London, which treated the
donations of life members as capital and invested them,
and the interest was found extremely useful in providing
books and other things for the benefit of the members.

Mr. Glennie, the Treasurer, suggested that the Asso-
ciation might affirm the principle of investment, but be
would not advise the investing of this money until the
balance in his hands had reached the sum of 100/. At
present it only amounted to 43/. 10s. 4d.

Mr. Lyon stated that if the principle of his motion
was affirmed he should be quite willing to leave the
details to be carried out by the Committee. On a
division, the motion was carried by sixteen votes to six.

The Rev. E. Bartrum moved, ' That in the opinion of
this Association it is advisable that a Professorship of
Apiculture should be established in connexion with the
Science and Art Department at South Kensington, and
that the Committee be requested to take such steps as
shall seem expedient, with a view to the establishment
of a Professorship.' In introducing this motion he need
not apologise for bringing forward a subject of such im-
portance, for he was encouraged to proceed by the favour-
able way in which it had been received by the Com-
mittee. Everybody would admit that apiculture in
England was not in the position it should be, and those
who knew what the Germans bad done must concede
that we as a people were very much behindhand. Some
twenty or thirty years ago science and art were in a
\ er\ similar state ; but through the agency of the school
at South Kensington, the various art schools through-
out the country had wrought a vast improvement.
Within the last few years a School of Cookery had been
established, and a School Board with which he was con-
nected made it a point to teach the girls to cook. If it
were true that apiculture were so far behindhand, it
would be well for this Association to do something with
the view of securing the appointing of a Professor at
South Kensington. It might be asked, "What would the
work of a professor be ? He did not think a professor
would find very much work at South Kensington at first,
but he could visit the training colleges. Now he would
undertake to say that ninety-nine out of every hundred
teachers in elementary schools know nothing whatever
of bees, except that they could sting, and that by some
mysterious process they make honey. A prof essor would
find abmidance of work in the training colleges and also
in all the agricultural colleges. Mr. Raynor had said
that in his immediate neighbourhood, in Essex, the clover
had been a particularly good crop, because the bees had
fertilised the flowers, and that in other parts of Essex
where no bees were kept the clover was a very poor
crop. He had also been assured that crops in general
were improved by the presence of bees. The professor
might also go to such schools as the Devon Comity
School and the Norfolk School ; he might put in an
appearance at Eton ; — in fact, he should be, to a certain
extent, a peripatetic lecturer. He alluded to the work
of Mr. Buekmaster, and asked why some one should not
be appointed in a similar capacity to foster the interest
in bees. Moreover there might be certificates for api-
culture, and the work of the professor would be to
examine for the department. In this way, in the course
of five or ten years an important stimulus would be given
to apiculture. He did not propose that this Association

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[March 1, 1880.

should undertake the cost. He had been informed that
professors generally had 200/. a-year -with allowances ;
but he did not suppose that the entire cost would exceed
600/. a-year — not a very large sum. It might be further
asked, "What do you propose should be done P What he
would suggest, if the Association cordially approved of
the motion, was that the committee should put itself
into communication with the Education Department,
asking for an interview with Lord George Hamilton,
and the deputation should be supported by all the powers
and influence the Association might possess, and it was
possible that Government might take a favourable view
of the matter. The strong feeling that there was some-
thing to be done to enable us to compete with foreigners
would be a strong argument in favour of the proposition.

The motion was seconded by the Rev. G. Raynor, and
supported by Mr. Stevens, and it was carried unani-
mously.

The President observed that some new school-books
were about being brought out by Messrs. Nelson, of Edin-
burgh, and suggested that some steps should be taken to
introduce a lesson or two in apiculture.

The Secretary said he woidd see if anything could be
done.

Mr. J. P. Jackson : — The motion which I bring forward,
' That it is desirable to form a reference or loan library
of works relating to bee-culture, if possible in con-
nexion with the library of the Royal Horticultural
Society and that of the Lindley Trustees,' is one that I
feel sure will meet with your support, for so many ad-
vantages would accrue both to the individual members
of our Society, and to the Association itself, from the
possession of a good collection of bee-books. There
exists, I believe, no thoroughly comprehensive and ex-
haustive work on bees and bee-keeping : were such a
book issued, it would probably be too cumbersome to
meet with a ready sale, and in face of the constant
discoveries and improvement* in bee science and culture
would ere long be out of date. The student, therefore,
who wishes thoroughly to master the theory of any sub-
ject connected with bees must refer to the books handed
down to us in such great number, and must endeavour
to extract from the mass of recorded experience and in-
vestigation the information that he is in search of. And
not only to the inquiring student would such a library
prove of value. Those who are no longer novices in
bee-keeping may spend many a pleasant hour in looking
through the works of the earlier bee writers, finding
perhaps a pet theory confirmed, or maybe that what
they had fondly imagined was a discovery of their own
to be in reality only new to them. The possession of a
collection of apiarian books would be of great service to
our Association also, for it would draw upon it still
more the attention of bee-keepers, and would bring our
Societ3- into closer contact with the literary and scientific
world. AVe should further be able to hold out one more
inducement wherewith to enlist members for our Asso-
ciation, as admittance to the Library would be free to
members on presentation of their card of membership.
The accumulation of an apiarian library has now been
placed within our power by the handsome proposal of
of the Royal Horticultural Society, which offers to us at
South Kensington — that centre of the art and intellectual
training of the country — all facilities and accommodation
free of expense for the establishment of such a collection
in connexion with its own library of horticultural works
and that of the Lindley Trustees. Such an alliance of
apiculture with horticulture woidd be most honourable
to each ; and you will, I am sure, listen with interest to
the details of the proposal as presented by Mr. Jennings,
the secretary to the Society. Should the present scheme
be adopted we need have little difficulty as regards books
if our members will give the movement their effective
support by acting with self-denial, and presenting, or even
lending, to the Association their books on bees. There

are few bee-keepers who have not one or more such to-
spare. Second-hand bookstalls would also prove a rich
field of search, and would provide us with works other-
wise unobtainable. If the matter is warmly taken up
I will gladly present my bee books, to the number of
about forty, to the Association. There are many reasons
that I think should induce us to approve of the establish-
ment of a national bee library. So many books have,
at various times in the world's history, been written on
the subject of apiculture that its literature is very ex-
tensive, and very few have either the inclination or
the power to possess a tolerably complete bee library.
There is, therefore, a splendid opportunity for our Asso-
ciation to render itself famous by laying the foundation of
an apiarian library, in the inauguration of which, while
the possession of the works of English bee-masters is the
primary object, the records of the experience and life-
long labours of those foreign workers who have so greatly
assisted to raise bee-keeping to the proud position it now
occupies, are not left out of sight. One of the objects
of our Association when it was formed in 1674 was, ac-
cording to the ' Rules and Regulations ' then issued, ' the
circulation of suitable books,' so that we shall only be
acting in accordance with our original intentions in giving
this scheme our support. Then to look at the matter
from a national point of view, we Englishmen make it
our boast that we are ever in the front rank in all move-
ments tending to intellectual or moral progress : and it is
therefore but fitting that we should be the first nation to
start a library of works so interesting and valuable alike
to the naturalist, the philanthropist, and the man of
science. I therefore beg to move ' That it is desirable to
form a reference or loan library of works relating to
bee-culture, if possible in connexion with the library
of the Royal Horticultural Society and that of the
Lindley Trustees.'

The motion having been duly seconded by Mr. Alfred
Neighbour, Mr. Jennings explained that the library at
South Kensington was a public one, and there was not
much space : but at Chiswick there was accommodation
which would be cheerfully placed at the disposal of the
Association.

There was considerable discussion on this motion, Mr.
Hunter opposing it strenuously ; but on a division being-
taken, so large a show of hands was made in its favour
that the principle enunciated in it was approved, the
mode of carrying it out being left to the Committee.

A vote of thanks to the President, the Baroness
Burdett Coutts, for presiding having been proposed by
Mr. Cowan and seconded by the Hon. Sec, the pro-
ceedings terminated, the meeting having lasted two
hours and a half.

ASSOCIATION FOR THE PROMOTION OF
MINOR FOOD PRODUCTION AND COUN-
TRY PURSUITS.

Some ladies and gentlemen, anxious to open a
field for the profitable employment of all classes of
women, have formed themselves into an Association
for the promotion of Minor Food Production and
Country Pursuits. It is proposed to found a school
where theoretical and practical training will be
given in fruit, flower, and vegetable culture ; poultry
and pig-rearing, bee-keeping and dairy work.
Great encouragement has been given to the pro-
moters by the fact that many ladies have already
expressed their wish to become pupils in a well-
organized institution. Great care would be taken
in thoroughly teaching the various subjects, so that
pupils after their training in the school might carry
on one or more of the branches of Minor Food Pro-
duction at their own homes, on ground which

March l, 1880.]

THE BKITISH BEE JOURNAL.

22:;

might otherwise be comparatively useless. Such
large and increasing sums arc annually paid to
foreign countries for produce, most of which could
he equally well raised at home, that it is felt that
there is an almost unlimited field for the profitable
employment of women. The institution will he
arranged with a view to its being ultimately self-
supporting. Meanwhile donations and subscrip-
tions, and also promises of contributions extending
over a term of five years, to be called up only if
needed, will be gladly received by the Hen. Sees.,
Miss Thome and Miss M. Thome, Southnver Grange,
Lewes.

The Association desires to be a centre of informa-
tion concerning Minor Food Production, of which
bee-keeping will form an important part, and it
would wish to make widely known the demonstra-
tions of artificial swarming, Arc, which Mr. Abbott
has kindly promised to show when the season is
more advanced.

[We have suggested that during a fortnight in May or
June, the whole process of artificial . swarming and queen-
raising may lie thoroughly learned, and we shall have
great pleasure in exhibiting and explaining the whole
proceeding, without charge, to members of the above-
named association. "We shall be prepared, at an hour
to be named, on each clay, to show the work of the bees
to those who care to see them so often; the time shall be
arranged to suit those to whom it is 'precious,' an hour
being selected between arriving and departing trains.
"We are about six minutes' walk from Southall Station,
on the Great Western Railway, from Paddington and
Victoria.— Ed. B. B. J.]

SURREY BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION.

On Saturday evening the above Association, which is
affiliated to the British Beekeepers' Association, held
its first general meeting of members in the Judge's
Room, County and Borough Halls. The chair was taken
by Captain 0. 1). Campbell, treasurer to the Association.
The Secretary (Mr. F. Lemare) read the report of the
committee for the past year, from which it appeared that
sixty-three subscribers had joined the Association since
its formation last spring, and that two exhibitions for
bees and bee apparatus had been held, one at Croydon
in June, and one in Guildford in July, both of which were
very successful, leaving profit in favour of the funds of
the Association, winch shows a balance of 25/. in hand.
The past year appears to have been a very unfavourable
one for bee-keepers, and very little British honey was
brought into the market, owing to the extraordinary and
wet summer ; but the efforts of the Association have
resulted in spreading much practical knowledge of the
culture of bees, and in inducing cottagers to adopt a better
and more profitable system in the management of bees
and hives. It was resolved that the next county bee
show should be held at Croydon, when the British Bee-
keepers' Association will send their bee-manipulating tent
to practically illustrate the new methods of hiving and
transferring bees, and extracting the honey without de-
stroying the combs. Silver and bronze medals and other
prizes will he offered for competition in the various
branches of bee-culture, and a good honey harvest is
looked for. Three members were elected to till vacancies
on the committee, and, after transacting some further
business, the Chairman and other members made some
practical remarks upon the. advantages resulting' to those
bee-keepers who had adopted the moveable bar-frame
hives, and were thus able to obtain a small honey harvest
by using the honey extractor, replacing the combs in the
stock hives, and, by feeding judiciously, preserving their

stocks entire through the winter, while a great many on
the old system had lost a vast number of stocks from
starvation. A vote of thanks was awarded to Mr.
Lemare, hon. secretary, for his zeal and indomitable
energy in having started the Association, and performed
the duties in so satisfactory a manner, and the proceed-
ings concluded with the usual vote of thanks to the
chairman. The attendance was very small, owing to
unfavourable state of the weather. This excellent As-
sociation appears to promise good results by encouraging
bee-culture on a better system than has hitherto ob-
tained in Surrey generally, and is under the patronage
of the Karl and Countess of Onslow. The Association
has drawn up a scheme for the formation of village bee
clubs, the object being to induce cottage bee-keepers to
take more care of, and to increase their stock of bees,
also to keep them in the bar-frame instead of the common
straw hives. The plan suggested for interesting and en-
couraging the members is to hold meetings once a-month,
or oftener, if advisable, there to learn from each other's
experience with the stocks, and thereby stimulate one
another to greater exertions, so producing greater profits.
The Association will give short lectures, or hold conver-
sation meetings with the members of the clubs, and offer
liar-frame hives for them to purchase on easy terms of
payment. The scheme further explains the matter, and
Mr. Lemare, the hon. secretary of the Association, ex-
presses his willingness to render any assistance in his
power towards inaugurating village clubs or otherwise
aiding the advancement of bee-culture.

BERKS AND BUCKS BEE-KEEPERS'
ASSOCIATION.

This association is working well, and promises great
things on behalf of bee culture. It has the sympathy of
the committee of the Prince Consort's Cottage Garden,
Association, who have undertaken to give prizes for bees,
hives, and honey at its show this year ; and it is hoped
that an exhibition of manipulation will be permitted
within the grounds at Windsor. The show of the Prince
Consort's Association was not held last year, but much
interest was created in the neighbourhood by an exhibi-
tion which we conducted at Etonwick, though the weather
was most unfavourable, the rain pouring down con-
tinuously. The show at Windsor is favoured generally
by the presence of her most gracious Majesty and many
of the Royal Family; and we venture to hope that the
manipulating tent may be honoured in a similar way. Bee-
keepers are essentially loyal ; they learn tile lesson taught
by the bees,and such a mark of recognition from their Queen
would send them wild with delight, and permanently
guarantee the future of apiculture in the British Islands.

At a meeting held on January 30 last, in the New
Albert Institute, the minutes of the previous meeting
were read, and the accounts audited, showing a balance
of several pounds in favour of the Association. It was
also resolved that Local Committees in both Counties
should be advocated as a means of increasing local
interests, and they will be appointed pro tern. As a
means of extending bee knowledge, it was resolved that
the British Bee Journal be placed in the Reading-room
of the Albert Institute, an example worthy of imitation
generally. It is hoped that the clergy of both counties
will unite with the Association, and, while giving sup-
port to it as members, further its work as teachers of bee
culture, for which they are so perfectly adapted. W. R.
Harms, Esq., of Clewer House School, was the Chair-
man of the Meeting. R. Richardson-Gardner, Esq., M.P.,
and Victor W. Bates Van de Weyer, Esq., are patrons
of the Association. The Hon. Secretary (pro tern.),
Mr. W. S. Darby, of No. 5 St. Stephen's Villas.
Clewer, Windsor, will be glad to receive the names of
donors, subscribers, and members, and will give every
possible information.

224

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[March 1, 1880.

AN IRISH BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION.

I hope you will allow me to draw the attention of the
public to bee-keeping' as an industry by which many thou-
sands of pounds which at present go to America annually
for wax and honey, might be kept in the country.

There is no occupation which 3"ields so large a return
for the capital invested, and there is not one so well
suited to cottagers and people of small means as bee-
keeping— all the outlay absolutely necessary being about
11. 5s. for hive and bees. It is an industry which hun-
dreds of people can engage in without interfering with
their regular business, and which might serve to give
work to many now seeking labour, or additional income
to many in straitened circumstances, and it is one that
is not overworked or overcrowded, and for the products
of which there is always a demand. Moreover, it can
be carried on as well by the occupier of ten perches of
land as by the owner of 10,000 acres.

In the few districts in Ireland where bee-keeping is
carried on, it is in such a wastefid fashion that the
wonder is that it pays at all. As a rule, the bee-keeper
at the end of the season smothers his bees with sulphur,
thus losing about 15s. at the outset. He obtains as the
result about twenty pounds of honey, which, owing to its
being flavoured by the fumes of the burning sulphur and
mixed with pollen, immature bees in various stages of
development, and other contaminatory matter, is only
worth about 9d, per pound.

It is greatly to be deplored that scientific or ' advanced '
bee-keeping is almost unknown in this country. Bees
kept on this system generally give about one hundred
pounds of the purest honey from each hive, and that
without using sulphur or destroying the bees. At a bee
show held in the Alexandra Palace in London, recently,
a hive was exhibited which had 112 lbs. of honey store in
it (over 71. worth). The total cost of this hive and bees in
all probability was under SI. 10s. At a previous show a
prize for quality was awarded for honey made in a hive
in an attic in the Strand, London, the nearest bee pastur-
age being over half a mile distant.

The plan by which I propose to extend the knowledge
of scientific bee-keeping is that those ladies and gentle-
men who take an interest in the subject and are desirous
of assisting their poorer neighbours, should form them-
selves into an Irish Bee-keepers' Association on the plan
to the English one, and paying a minimum subscription
of five shillings annually to it. They would in this way
obtain the very best and latest information about bee-
keeping, and, in addition, would be able to purchase bees,
hives, Sec, at very low rates.

In England there are two journals entirely devoted to
bee-keeping, besides which many others devote one or
more pages weekly to the subject. There are also several
flourishing bee-keepers' associations, each of which has
conversaziones, shows, &c, in its own district throughout
the year. Thanking you for the space you have given
me, I am yours faithfully, — R. S. Dublin.

P.S. — Since writing the above I have heard that the
Government contemplate appointing a Professor of Api-
culture under the School Board Act, thus showing that
the importance of the subject is being recognised.

[The above appeared in the Daily Express (Dublin).
The writer doubtless believes eveiy word he has written
to be true, but he has evidently been misled by the
trashy statements of others. If it were nearly correct
that ' bees generally give one hundred pounds of honev7
from each hive,' bee-keeping would be the finest business
in the world ; but it is not true of England, Scotland, or
Wales, and is not likely to be so of Ireland. Neither is
it true that ' Government contemplate appointing a pro-
fessor.' There is colour for the idea in the fact that the
British Bee-keepers' Association are about to apply for
some such appointment to be made, but the statement
last quoted is in advance of the truth, and like that in

respect of the honey yield, is misleading. We very
strongly deprecate the putting forth of sensational
assertions about bee-keeping. When they are made to
further its advancement as a desirable industry, they
defeat the object they were intended to serve ; and when
made, as they often are, to further private ends, they are
-Ed. B. B. J.]

BEES AT THE SWISS AGRICULTURAL
EXHIBITION AT LUCERNE, 1881.

In the execution of a decision of the assembly of
delegates of the Swiss Agricultural Society, May
19, 1878, as well as of the resolution of May 29,
1879, adopted by the Societies of Agriculture of
German and Roman Switzerland, there will be in
in 1881, at Lucerne, an exhibition, at which bees
and bee implements will form an important feature,
the date of which will be given later on, and which
will extend over a period of ten days. The Ex-
hibition will be undertaken by the Society of
Agriculture of the Canton of Lucerne, its ' direc-
tion' being confided to a Central Committee, which
will see that it is properly conducted. It will be
opened with an appropriate fete. Further par-
ticulars will be given when the arrangements are
more compjlete ; but we give early intimation that
intending tourists, who are interested in bees, may
reserve the Cantons as better worth a visit next
year than this. — Ed.

BEE AND HONEY SHOWS FIXED FOR 1880.
July 27, 28, and 29. — South Kensington. British
Bee-keepers'.

Aug. o. — West Kent.
Aug. 11, 12. — Surrey County.
Aug. 18, 10.— Shropshire County.
Sep. '■•. 10. — Hertfordshire County.

LECTURE.

The lirst of a course of lectures was delivered on
Friday, the 23rd of Jan., in the Public School, White-
hill. New Deer, Aberdeenshire, by Mr. R. M. Greig,
Parkhill. The subject chosen by the lecturer being a
very novel one, viz. ' How to Pay the Rent ; or Practical
Apiculture demonstrated by Diagrams, and all the
implements used in Modern Bee-keeping.' A very large
and enthusiastic audience turned out to hear the young
lecturer's treatment of the subject.

The theoretical part of the lecture was very ably
treated, being demonstrated by quite a host of diagrams
and specimens of dried plants lent for the occasion bv
Mr. R. R. Godfrey, Grantham.

The practical side of the question was treated in the
same able manner, being demonstrated by eveiy con-
ceivable article of bee furniture, kindly lent by Mr. W.
W. Young, Perth.

The audience — whose rapt attention was kept for an
hour and a half — not unfrequently exhibited their appre-
ciation of the different experiments by hearty rounds of
applause. Altogether the lecture was treated in a very
enjoyable manner, and we are certain will result in
enlisting many into the ranks.

Mi1. Greig at the close invited his audience to inspect the
different articles of bee furniture, &c, which were all very
neatly arranged, and presented quite an imposing scene.

The invitation was largely taken advantage of by large
numbers of farmers and working men ; and the many
questions asked clearly proved the fact that this new
method of treating the industrious little insect was in
general favour. Not a few went away determined to
commence operations at once.

March 1, 1880.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

2->b

Corresponbciuc.

* * These column* are open to Subscribers, so that their
queries, replies, correspondence, and experiences, may be
fully and faithfully recorded : and for the discussion of all
theories and systems in Bee-culture, and of the relative merits
of all hives and appurtenances, that the truth regarding them
may be ascertained. The Editor, therefore, must not be ex-
pected to coincide with all the views expressed by the various
loriters. All Correspondence, is addressed to the Editor.

AN INFLAMMATORY PIPKIN.—
GOLD CURRENCY.
Permit rue, Sir, for the last time, to reply to
' Raven, Jim.', that had he given me his address I
would gladly have forwarded to him a small sample
of bee-gold, having, as I informed you in a confiden-
tial note (15th Dec. 1879), forwarded some to the
Bank of England, Royal School of Mines, Royal
Institute, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Investor's
Guardian, and last, not least, to an august and very
high lady in the land. This gold has been assayed
by an eminent firm of assayers, as well as by
direction of Goldsmiths' Hall, and pronounced as
' fine gold,' thus showing ' How bees in common all
their wealth bestow on us.' Better methods of ex-
tracting the gold and saving the wax, no doubt,
will be discovered. In No. 1 process, when the
pound of wax is consumed, there always will remain
a semi-liquid charred substance ; the pipkin must
then be put on the fire, and heated for one hour, when
cooled down, the yellow metal may be scraped off.
(' 0 love of gold, thou meanest of amours.') I await
the advent of summer to forward to the Editor of
this Journal the leaves of flowers containing the
tiny grains of the precious metal (not sulphuret of
iron), as well as samples of gold extracted from
their ashes. I, however, enclose you, herewith, the
only sample of ' floral gold ' left me, begging your
kind acceptance of the same. Name of flower will
follow shortly. — James Bruce, late 33rd Regt.,
1th Feb. 1880.

[The paper of ' gold dust ' duly arrived, and we shall
be glad to send a few grains to any authority competent
to find a verdict on its purity ; the more so if he will
undertake to make the experiment anew, and report on
the result under his hand. — Ed.]

HUMBLE BEES.
As I am a lover of the humble bee, and have
hived a good many nests of them in my time, would
you kindly allow me to give for others' information
the little I know about theni % I am acquainted
with three distinct kinds.* The first, which is
hereabouts called the 'Garrie,' is covered with fine
down, black with yellow tinselled bands ; the abdo-

* There are other varieties of the humble-bee, but I sug-
gest they are hybrids, as one bee will be seen bearing marks
of any two of the three distinct kinds spoken of above ; and
as a proof of their hybridising, I had the pleasure of once
seeing two of them in the act of fertilisation. The female
was a red, and the male a foggy-toddler. I cannot say
whether or not if they came in contact in the air. They
were on the ground when I came on them, and remained so
till they separated.

men is covered in the same way, but is all white
except a black ring behind the filament that joins
it to the thorax. The second is very like the first
except the abdomen, which is of a very bright red,
and has a darker appearance generally. The third
is of a greenish yellow, or moss colour. Their nest
is always to be found on the surface of the ground
amongst mulch, or moss (commonly called fog),
whence their name ' Foggy-toddler.' They are all
of the same nature as to being domesticated. After
having a nest they will adhere to it, and thrive
amazingly* until the autumn, when the}' gradually
disappear. The nest is commenced in the spring
from one bee only (the queen, of course). As soon
as the weather is tempting in the spring she
comes forth from her winter quarters. Queeus
make their first appearance about April. I have
seen them in March ; but those tempted to make
their appearance so early mostly perish from want
and cold together. When they come out first in
the spring they have no settled place of abode — it
is days, sometimes weeks, before they find a suitable
place to build in. The first and second spoken of
above generally take to a hole underground (the
hole of a field-mouse is often chosen), and will be
found from a few inches to ten feet along the surface
of the ground — a pretty long walk for a ' bummie.'
Whenever a suitable nest is found she (the queen)
will make from three to five cells, and she loses no
time in depositing eggs in them, and continues to
go out and bring in honey and pollen until her
young progeny is fit to assist her, when she soon
after gives in and takes herself wholly to inside
duty. In a good season they will increase to four
or five hundred, or even more. The nest, which is
a composite of very fine litter, is all lined over the
inside with a soft, propolis-like substance forming a
ceiling, wdiich prevents any particles of litter or dust
from falling in amongst the comb. In pulling the
covering in two and laying it aside — but there is
sometimes a difficulty in getting this done, as they
will come out buzzing in all directions — you have a
beautiful view of the comb, which has the appear-
ance of a bunch of grapes lying on a table, and are
of various sizes. Bj' the end of June there will be
three different kinds in the nest, viz. the queen,
workers, and drones. The workers vary in size from
a quarter to five-eighths of an inch in length, and
round in proportion. The drones, as to size, are
the same as the workers, but are the most beautiful
of all. The yellow bands are broader, at least they
show more predominant over the black ; their face,
or ' snout,' is of the same bright j'ellow, whence the
name they are commonly known by is the 'Snippy.'
They have altogether a very attractive appearance.
In good seasons they are also pretty numerous ;

* When a boy. I once assisted a comrade to hive a nest,
which he was very proud of. On his seeing mine one day,
I of course showing them off to the best advantage I could,
and no doubt boasting a little of their superiority over his,
he exclaimed, ' I now, but mine swarmed yesterday, but
before they swarmed they were as strong as yoiireP I told
him they did not Bwarm like my father's bees, but he in-

j sisted on it. I put a few questions to him about their
clustering and where he put them, and so forth. His

I answer was, ' 0, they flew away!'

226

THE BKITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[March 1, 1880.

and in my opinion, after leaving the nest they never
return to it again. I have had large nests hived,
and have watched them closely, but never saw a
' snippy ' return after leaving. Unlike the drone of
the honey-bee, they can forage for themselves.
They can secrete honey from flowers ; but I never
saw them attempt to gather pollen.. Another class
makes its appearance about the end of July,
which I suspect is the thing my friend Mr. Crisp
takes for the drones. His description of them is all
that is required. I would only venture to say that
they are the future queens. (By this time the
queen is easily known, as her fine downy covering
is all worn off, and has a black polished-like appear-
ance.) Like the workers, they are capable of
gathering honey and pollen ; but whether they at
this stage gather anything for the support of the
nest I am unable to say. At all events they do
frequent it for a time (I suspect till they get mated),
when, in the autumn, they are to be seen flying
about in search of winter quarters, which are gene-
rally found about the roots of trees. I have come
on them in winter simply under dry mulch. They
are altogether a majestic-looking insect, and it is
pleasing to hear their fascinating hum when they
come out first in the spring. — D. Ramsay, Bnldovie,
Jan. 2Zrd, 1880.

[We exceedingly regret that the above could not (from
want of space) appear with its companion letter in our
last. This, the result of patient, practical observation,
would almost appear to have been written since the
appearance of that on p. 20o; but they were both in type
at the same time, each writer being without knowledge
of the other.— Ed.]

COMB-FOUNDATION. — FACTS AND
THEORIES.

Comb-foundation has proved itself of so much
value that in a very few j'ears it has forced its way
into almost every apiary which can at all lay claim
to be managed scientifically ; and yet, that it is,
notwithstanding its beauty of finish and regularity
of form, far from perfect, is evidenced by the con-
stant additions and alterations which are taking
place in the article as it leaves the hands of the
advertising maker. The perfecting of foundation,
if that may be, would achieve greater things than
we have yet seen ; but before a perfect article
is likely to be produced there must be a clear
understanding of what Nature has put before us for
our imitation ; and it seems to me that almost
all, if not (mite all, of those who have had the matter
specially in hand of late, have not understood, or
have not considered, the philosophy of the shape of
honeycomb, and so have laboured to give to their
foundation a form which is not according to Nature's
teaching.

Honeycomb, examined in its finished condition, is
found to consist of numbers of cells, standing up on
both sides of a common base we call the ' midrib.'
Each cell is uniformly hexagonal in transverse
section, and has three rhomboids placed edge to
edge for its base. From this it would seem
that it is concluded that the cells are as we see
them because the bees intended so to build them.
But, if the word ' intended ' may be granted me for

argument's sake, I reply, no conclusion could be
more erroneous. The bees intended nothing of the
kind. They would have made each of their cells
circular in transverse, and ellipsoidal in horizontal
sections, but that they have frustrated each other
by mutual interference. That this intentional form
(primal form, let us call it) is more perfect and
better suited to the needs of the grub than the
resultant shape is clear from considerations pre-
sently to be given.

That mutual pressure will convert circles into
hexagons is proved in nearly every animal
and vegetable organism. Let us take a few ex-
amples. In the compound eye of the bee each
facet is six-sided, except in the case of those at its
edge, and a few smaller ones, too far back to be
much help to vision, and which are but imperfectly
developed ; these not touching each other are
circular. In the pith of the elder the cells are
hexagonal where crowded, and in the root of most
ferns vessels are formed exactly like bee-cells by
squeezing one another, as they grow together into
a confused shape. And does not every child know
that the globular soap-bubble touching its fellow is
flattened, and flattens in turn at the point of con-
tact 1 But the hive furnishes other illustrations
which will come more fully home to us. Queens'
cells, which are built singly, are of the primal form,
all the dimplings on their surfaces are formed by
curves, and not by angles ; and every worker- or
drone-cell finished, and containing grub or honey at
the edge of the comb, is simply convex on its free
side. When bees thicken the edges of their cells
they so fill in the angles that the aperture is as
nearly circular as hexagonal ; while those who will
hold before a light a piece of comb, from which two
or three batches of brood have been hatched, will
find that the exuviae it contains have collected in
the angles of the sides and base, so as to bring the
cell back again towards its primal form, proving, as
I before said, that this is most suitable to the needs
of the grub. But is not all settled by simply look-
ing at a piece of unfinished comb, when every cell
is seen to be formed at first with a simple con-
cavity for a base, and that the cell-walls in drone-
comb, when first formed do not touch, and are
then circular in cross sections, but as they are
drawn more fully out, come into contact, and
assume the six-angled figure at once 'I Some years
ago when cutting down old comb in order to
get casts in plaster, as described in ' Practical
Bee-Keeping,' I found every cell had absolutely
lost all trace of the rhomboids at their bases, the
circle having in turn obliterated the hexagon, as the
hexagon had at first obliterated the circle.

Considering the position that the primal form of
the cell is bounded by cuiwes, and not by straight
lines, to be now established, I come to the consideration
of the practical question : Should foundation as the
commencement of comb, have rhomboids for the
cells' bases, and hexagons for the walls, or should
one or both of these be replaced by curves, or a
combination of curves 1 My answer to the question
is, that I am deeply convinced that the rhomboids
and hexagons are an impediment to the bee, and a

March 1, 1880.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

227

cause of two serious drawbacks, at least, to the use-
fulness of the foundation.

It wovdd almost appear as though some doubt
existed as to whether, if circular concavities were
impressed upon the wax-sheet, the rhomboids
would make their appearance, but in natural comb
the rhomboids do make their appearance from
simple dimples by the reciprocal crowding of the
architecture of the wax-workers. If a layer of
india-rubber balls be squeezed together, they
become hexagonal ; and if now two layers be pressed
one upon the other, they will produce the rhom-
boids, giving us from the circle the precise form
and exact angles of honeycomb. Noticing this, I
made plaster easts from laj7ers of shot, painting-
over them while wet with hot wax. The sheets
thus made were the foundation of all the combs in
my supers in former years. Straighter combs than
those produced from these sheets it would be im-
possible to obtain. Three frame supers, 18 in.
deep in all, allowed the newspaper to be read if
held behind any of the interspaces ; but I could only
get one side of these sheets of nice surface, and
the bees did not so freely work upon the other,
where sometimes misshapen cells were made.
Nevertheless, these sheets were always thinned
down, while American foundation is often left thick
and coarse. The reason of this is twofold, first, the
pressure to which the wax is subjected makes it
hard and dense, and the bees cannot so freely
nibble it away. Natural comb, rather than consisting
of dense compacted wax, is a weaving of shreds which
are drawn out, and tempered into cohesion, as the
examination of a piece of comb by the microscope
will show at once, and which may be practically
proved by putting, amidst a swarm, a dark and
tough comb on each side of a half-finished one.
The latter, as it now progresses, instead of being
white and srjotless, will be of a light chocolate
brown from the interweaving of shreds from its
neighbours. The second reason is that the prema-
ture formation of the angle at the junction of the
incipient cell wall and the basal rhomboid has put
the wax which forms the too thick base into
just such a corner that the worker cannot well
remove it by the scraping motion of the jaws, which
gives shape to all comb.

An inspection of a sheet of American foundation
just commenced by the bees will usually furnish
abundant proof of this position, several of the cells
towards the outside of the work having the circular
outline instead of the hexagonal, while others out-
side these again will show how bewildered the bees
are by the flat faces (which only finished work
should have) where the}' are to commence opera-
tions, since, instead of paring away, they are
simply sticking shreds of new wax on to the cell-
wall somewhat to its inner side.

Space forbids my entering further into the
matter now, and I must content myself by remarking
that if the wax-sheets were impressed by convexi-
ties (segments of globes) occupying the right rela-
tive positions, we should have the following advan-
tages : —

The sheets would be less likely to buckle during

working. Each base would have three points
much thinner than the rest, which would set the
bees in a natural manner paring until the rhom-
boids were developed. The thicker portions of the
sheet would not have been exposed to pressure, but
would be of the nature of a burr, and in conse-
quence more easily elaborated by the bees. The
sheets would be tougher, and far less likely to
crack in lines than those we now possess; while the
machines for their manufacture would, I conceive,
be less costly.

In commending these remarks to my brother
bee-keepers, I only add, that my object in draw-
ing attention to the defects of an invention which
has been, and is, a great boon to apiculture, is
the hope that the future may excel the present,
for, after all, the spirit of dissatisfaction is in some
sort the spirit of progress. — F. Cheshire, Avenue
House, Acton, W.

HIVE IMPROVEMENT.

I think a great improvement as to feeding might
be made in hives by having a zinc dish, or pan,
just the depth of the floor-board, but only half the
length, to slide in at the back, while the floor-board
is gently slid forward in the front, to make room for
the zinc dish, or pan. Syrup to be put in the zinc
pan, with a very thin piece of hard wood (exactly
fitted in the pan to float on top of the syrup), with
small holes all over it for the bees to suck it up.
without danger of being drowned, or smothered.
This would prevent all waste, and be a protection
from robbers. The floor-board might be made a little
thicker, perhaps, for this purpose.

I think yourporch, though a very good contrivance,
is hardly large enough to protect the bees from a
too-hot sun, or to shelter them in wet and windy
weather. I have attached to all my hives, round or
square, a shelter-board on hinges, with a bar on one
side, to support it, and with holes to raise or lower it,
according to circumstaHces
(see engraving). There
are pins in the edge of the
shelter-board to fit in the
holes of the supporting-
bar, which may be of iron
or brass. The flight-board
is also five or six inches
(^projecting), and is sloped
towards the edges, for the
rain to run off. This is
very convenient for the bees, especially in windy
weather, when they come home weary, and are safe
to alight on some part of the board. The shelter-
board can be let down almost close, in very severe
weather, when the bees are all at home.

I think both the zinc feeding-pan and the shelter-
board here described would be very useful im-
provements. Perhaps a cheek-board fixed on each
side of the hive, with the shelter-board to move up
or down between them, would be a still greater
shelter to bees. The board might be hung by a
chain instead of a supporting bar. You are
welcome to make use of these suggestions, if you

»28

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[March 1, 1880.

think fit, without attributing them to — Chas.
Hutchinson.

[The above most useful suggestion was offered last
summer, when it was practically too late in the year to
alter the fashion of hires, and the letter was carefully
put away for use further on. So carefully was it stowed
that we could not find it when wanted, but the appear-
ance of other suggestions on the subject necessitated its
forthcoming, and we beg pardon of our esteemed corre-
spondent for the delay which has occurred in its publica-
tion.— Ed.]

THE REGICIDES.

A bee-keeping friend, a comparative novice, was
very much shocked during mid-winter's sharp frost
to find the queen of one of his best stocks, yet in
her prime, thrown out at the entrance a corpse,
and consulted me as to what he had best do with
these ' Home-rulers,' which he described as being in
anything but a contented state. While the sur-
rounding stocks were enjoying their peaceful com-
parative dormancy, the uproar at intervals in this
stock was something fearful to listen to, and he was
full of the idea that a free fight was going on for
the vacant throne, Kilkenny-cat fashion. Fearing,
so soon as the frost gave way, that the republican flag
would be carried forthwith into the adjoining con-
tented kingdoms, to their ultimate wreck and ruin,
— a state of matters he felt quite unequal to cope
with, — he asked my acceptance of the malcontents
to join to any stock of mine I might think required
an addition to its population. Having had some little
experience previously of the eccentricities of queen-
less demoralised bees, I accepted the gift with
some misgivings, and delayed joining them to my
observatory stock, as I otherwise would, in their
semi-dormancy, had they been in a frame hive ;
besides, I was desirous to satisfy myself, in the first
instance, that it contained no young queen, the
severe state of the weather rendering manipulation
out of the question.

On the first day, mild enough for the bees to flyT,
I inverted the hive, cutting away the attachments
of combs to both box and eke, and was thus enabled,
after some little trouble to carefully scan the bees
of every comb, without the slightest trace of the
presence of a queen, young or old. After replacing
the combs, I liberally fed both it and my observatory
stock with similarly flavoured syrup, setting the
former underneath the latter at dusk, and by draw-
ing the intervening slides, accompanied with a good
puffing smoke, the harmoniousness of the hum
which followed gave promise of the successful
union, which drawing the shutters in the morning
revealed — the blacks fraternising amicably with
the Italians to a wish ; and it was not till the
afternoon, when confining the conjoined population
to one hive, I was terribly chagrined to find no
trace of my specially selected imported Italian
queen of preceding autumn. Home-rule yet once !
again dominant ! Daily I searched for her amid
the numerous dense black and yellow battalions
without success ; black royal cells being started
right and left, confirmed my worst fears. A frame
well filled with freshly laid pure Italian eggs, was
forthwith borrowed from another stock, on which |

they raised, not the summer's usual swarming
superfluity, but one solitary royal cell, about
ripe while I write.

The reader may not unnaturally ask, at this
season of the year, nearly four months before the
appearance of drones, of what service can the
coming princess possibly be] The stock is too
well formed, in both population and store, for me
to willingly let it go down without a struggle.
' Burned bairns dread the fire.' I dare not attempt
introducing any more of my valuable queens to the
' Home-rulers,' neither care I to introduce their prin-
ciples, by joining them to another stock, consequently,
unless some good Samaritan, in the interim, sends
me the queen of a stock, too weak to stand alone,
for experiment, I intend to avail myself of that
wise provision of nature by which the virgin queen
is gifted to lay drone eggs, and having less faith in
the puny sons of workers' cells, will take care to
supply some frames set aside, and fortunately not
yet melted up, with cradles to suit the most
stalwart proportions, and so soon as there is a good
batch of the male element in embryo, the coming
drone-breeding princess shall be deposed, a frame of
eggs again borrowed, but from an Italian hive of a
different strain of blood. The princess hatched
from this, No. 2, I have a good hope of getting
fertilised from the drones of No. 1, having before
now had the pleasure of seeing ' a March bird ' upon
the wing, indeed the only occasion, after some
eighteen years' exclusive employment of the Italian,
have I had the good fortune to obtain to a cer-
tainty pure fertilisation from a queenless Italian
drone preserved stock, so thoroughly and nume-
rously surrounded are we with the sable sons of the
the land. — A Renfrewshire Bee-keeper.

CYPRIAN QUEENS.

I have just received advice from Italy to the
effect that the Central Association of Italian Bee-
keepers has unanimously conferred on Mr. G.
Fiorini the high honour of a gold medal for his
introduction into Italy of pure Cyprian bees.

I need not point out the importance of this testi-
mony to the value of Cyprians. — J. P. Jackson,
Enfield, Feb. 19, 1880.

THE OPENING SEASON.
The first day of the opening year was clear and
fine, but much too cold with us in the North for a
bee to show at the entrance : and so January con-
tinued till its close. According to the old Scottish
adage, —

' If Candlemas day be clear and fair
The half of winter's to come, and mair.'

But fortunately the 2nd of February was ushered
in with thick, warm, spring-like raiu, which con-
tinued till mid-day, when it cleared off, the sun burst
out, and, the temperature rising to 50°, my poor
imprisoned bees delightedly poured forth after over
three months' close confinement, to enjoy their first
free flight, and sport in the sunshine.

On the afternoon of the 4th, observing single

March 1, 1880.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

229

bees leaving their hives late in the afternoon, I con-
cluded breeding had begun. The following day (5th)
mildness continuing, I embraced the opportunity
of giving all boards their second spring clean, which
they scarcely required, so clean and dry were they,
at the same time making a thorough overhaul of all,
which proved most satisfactory, from their dry, well-
beed, healthful appearance. Also found my breed-
ing surmise correct : eggs in abundance in all.
One stock, with an imported queen of last autumn,
led off with grubs nearly ready for sealing ; first
cross-queens came next in order, and my solitary
Carniolan queen, also imported last autumn, brought
up the rear : but in common fairness I must record
the fact, that from the large number of Austrian
recruits, she must have continued to breed later in
the fall than any of the Italians.

In such a spring overhaul I was mainly im-
pressed with the value of keeping bees in colonies,
deplorable as was the season of 1879 ; yet the 'rest
account ' of those powerful non-swarmers was so
considerable, that they neither had nor required
the slightest feeding, being amply found in surplus
stores till the coming midsummer. While in the
swarms and swarming-stocks, fed stores of autumn
were so well-nigh exhausted, that I supplied
them both with barley-sugar and candy (American
flour-and-sugar plan) ; but they gave a decided
preference to former, leaving the latter.

With every prospect, meantime, of an early,
genial spring, the precursor, it is to be hoped, of
so warm and honey-secreting a summer, as will
increase the numbers, and fill the hives and hearts
of our little favourites with gladness. — A Renfrew-
shire Bee-keeper.

FEEDING.

I think I have seen in the Journal somewhere
that frames of comb have been filled with sj'rup,
and the cells covered with a coating of hot wax. I
think about doing the same thing. Shall I run
any risk or do any harm 1

My principal reason is, of course, to save the
trouble of filling a feeding-bottle every day. To
those who are near their bees most of the day this
is not much trouble ; but to one who has to leave
the first thing after breakfast in the morning for
town, and in this time of the year does not get
home till after dark, it certainly is troublesome.

If the plan I have spoken of would not do, I
suppose it would be best to use a large bottle over the
feeding-stage, to save the trouble of refilling often.
After reading the Journal, as it comes month by
month, one feels quite enthusiastic about bees and
bee-culture, even at this time of the year, when so
little is seen of them. — W. W. H., Loughton, Essex.

[There can be no harm arise from your trying to seal
some honey or syrup in combs artificially. We have
done so repeatedly. We fill the combs as they lie flat
on the table with our syrup-can, that has a nozzle with
quill-like arrangement, that permits the syrup to now in
very fine streams only, and by these it can be directed to
any of the cells. When full, but not to overflowing,
boiling hot wax is smartly painted over the surface,
leaving a film, that when cold is sufficient, and can be

removed by the bees. If syrup-feeding is too much
trouble, an evening at barley-sugar making would facili-
tate matters. At an ordinary kitchener hot plate 201bs.
of loaf-sugar can readily converted into barley-sugar, in
one evening, almost without loss of weight, and if kept
dry in tins, it can be fed most easily. Large bottles of
svrup are not recommended. When about half full, the
volume of air in them is acted upon by heat and cold in
too great a degree ; cold causes the air to shrink and draw
outer air into the bottle, and a warm change expands it
and forces the syrup out amongst the bees, to their dis-
comfort.— Ed.]

BEES AND NEW ZEALAND.

As England's hive is getting so over-crowded, 1
(taking a hint from the bees) purpose, about mid-
summer, heading my swarm off to New Zealand.
I have read with interest Mr. Jenner-Fust's letter
in this month's Journal on the humble bee, and its
introduction into Now Zealand. I shall be too late
in the season for carrying out his plan, but shall
be glad to learn from Mr. Jenner-Fust, or any
one interested, whether I can in any way render
assistance.

Can any of your readers say if Ligurians have
been introduced 1 If their tongues are longer than
the English bees, as Professor Cook says, and they
do work the red clover, would they not serve the
purpose of fertilisation 1

I have read in Cotton's Bee Book a description of
the three different plans he proposed to adopt in
taking bees with him to New Zealand, but cannot
find out which plan, or if all three were successful.
Of course his elaborate preparations would be too
expensive for me to think of, but if a queen with a
moderate number of attendants can be kept alive
during the winter in a small box, would not the
same plan do for a three months' journey by sea?
I believe that a nucleus in a small box, placed in
a larger one, kept dark, and well ventilated, and
allowed a flight now and then, on fine days, would
survive the journey. I hope yourself or some cor-
respondent will kindly favour me with the benefit
of their opinion. My bees (nine stocks) have got
through the winter all right, and I saw two of
them carrying pollen on the 18th inst. — Charles
Chaplin, Westbury-on-Tryni, near Bristol.

[We believe Ligurians have been introduced into New
Zealand, but cannot state positively. If Professor Cook's
assertions are doubted, few, we fear, will care to offer
their experiences, lest they in turn might be questioned.
Those who report that bees work on red clover, often
refer to the reddish-coloured blossoms of the Alsike
clover. We should have no hesitation in undertaking
the transport of humble or other bees to New Zealand
or elsewhere, if, as our correspondent suggests, the pre-
parations were not too costly to make it a paying enter-
prise. We should fear, and principally provide against,
the worrying effects of the steamer's jarring, and the
sailer's rolling, heeling over, and general disturbance.
But for these, we see no reason why the plan proposed
should not answer. — Ed.]

UNCAPPING MATURE BROOD.

In answer to Mr. Lawson Sisson, p. 188, I may

state that for many years I have kept bees in uni-

comb hives, though unfortunately without ever

succeeding in wintering a stock successfullv. I

230

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[March 1, 1880.

have witnessed hundreds of young bees issue from
their cells, and in not a single instance have I ever
seen the old bees render them any assistance, but
on the contrary running over the heads of the poor
struggling little captives, apparently as regardless
of their comfort as though they had nought in
common.

My experience has been that the young workers
—and it is only with the workers that I have
had any experience — extricate themselves, with-
out any external aid, by their mandibles and
fore-legs. Many times have I seen the young bees,
half in and half out, gripped tightly round the
thorax, apparently struggling for very life, for five
or ten minutes, without the slightest intervention
on the part of their more fortunate sisters. That
the bees will clear out the cells immediately the
young have issued from them is well known. The
caps of the cells which the young bees gnaw away
previous to issuing, fall on the floor-board, to be
either carried away in the form of wax-dust, or if
needed, used up again as the bees require them. I
am making a new kind of Unicomb Hive, and shall
fix a heating apparatus to it. Should it answer well
next winter, I will let you have my experience.
Alas ! for the poor bees in this neighbourhood, there
will not be left one stock out of twenty alive,
the cottagers cannot be induced to feed them,
though they well know there is little or no honey
in their hives. One man here took in November
four stocks — of course killing all the bees — and got
five ounces of honey from the four. Unfortunately
I heard nothing of this wholesale murder until after
it had happened, or I should at any rate have
saved those valuable lives. My three stocks are
very strong, and have plenty of sealed syrup. Let
us hope a good season is in store for us. — Alf. E.
Booker Hill, Whissonsett, Norfolk.

DRY SUGAR FOR BEES.

A month or two since I noticed in the Journal a
remark that bees would not take dry sugar, and if
so, how can you explain the following, for the truth
of which I can vouch?

A short time since in a town, North Carolina,
a friend of mine was using a candy factory, and as
a large number of bees are kept in the neighbour-
hood, the windows were in the summer covered
with net. One day the net was by some means
removed from a window, the consequence of which
was the factory was very soon full of bees, so much
so as to materially interfere with work. It being
a slack time, work was suspended for three days,
and the place closed with exception of the aforesaid
window. All goods were carefully covered and
secured ; but a flour-cask, containing sugar sweep-
ings and broken candy, was purposely left open,
the result being that at the end of three days
the cask was emptied of its contents. The neigh-
bours said their bees had never made honey so fast
as that time.

The country people here are in the habit of
feeding their bees in winter with dry sugar laid on
the alighting- board, which they carry quickly
inside.

We must endeavour to do something towards the
increase of bee-keeping in this part of Sussex, as
the district is good and ought to support a large
number. But our cottagers have not yet emerged
from the ' Dark Ages ' of this science. A visit of
the Bee Tent to our summer flower show would be
a good idea, with an exhibition of hives and ap-
pliances.

I fed my bees early in the autumn, and to judge
from the show they make on sunny days I should
think they are doing well. — F. Strickland, Hail-
sham, Sussex.

[We repeat that bees cannot take dry sugar, nor will
they attempt to do so. When it is moist from dampness
(moistened we ought to say) they will suck out the
moisture and some of the saccharine matter with it,
but dry sugar they always refuse. If it he given within
the hive they suck out what they can and waste the rest.
They must have had some assistance on emptying the
sugar tub, or its contents were not dry. — Ed.

ZINC FOR 'RUNNERS.'
In the December No. of B. B. J. you deprecate
the use of zinc for runners for frames, in conse-
quence of the condensation of vapour caused by the
metal, and also the poison conta ned in the oxide :
yet in your Combination Hive you use a sheet of
queen-excluder zinc in the centre.

Why are a couple of narrow strips at the top
sides more injurious than a sheet the size of the
hive in the centre 1 and would not a coat of varnish
or paint remove the objection 1 — F. Strickland,
Hailsham.

[This looks like straining at a gnat and swallowing a
camel ; but the camel — the big sheet of perforated zinc
— is not present at the time of year when we object to
the use of zinc or other metal within the hive. The
queen-excluder is for summer vise only. Coating the
zinc with paint or varnish might be of use in preventing
oxidisation, but would not prevent condensation. — Ed.]

BEE POISON AND ITS ANTIDOTES.
I can fully sympathise with Mr. B. Browne, since
I suffer from bee-stings in the same way as he does.
I have tried the whole list of common remedies
without finding them of the least use. I have now
adopted 'Amm. Acet. fort.' I prick or lance the
place, and apply a rag dipped in the ammonia. In
a short time the swelling ceases, and I experience
no further inconvenience. I shall be glad to hear
if Mr. B. Browne finds this remedy efficacious. —
W. J. Drake.

RAT IN A HIVE.
Have you, Mr. Editor, ever found a rat in any of
your hives ? If so, kindly say, for the benefit of at
least one of your readers, how you think it got there,
and what means you adopted to crush the animal.
A very intelligent (but you may wish to add negli-
gent) bee-keeper called on me yesterday to relate
the very sad result of the examination of his apiary,
— the first, I believe, since Long Sutton Show. How-
ever, the sun being bright, the thermometer at only
about 27°, he turned out, and on looking into
one of his straw skeps found the bees out also, and

March 1, 1880.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

231

a rat in. Being the lucky owner of a first-rate
terrier, he at once determined to go in for a bit of
ratting. After getting all placed, with great
courage the hive was turned up, when out jumped
the rat and bolted, leaving the astonished ratters
to themselves, and rattie free to occupy another
hive if the entrance only be kept large enough,
which no doubt it will be. — R. R, Godfrey, Gran-
tham, Jan. 28th, 1880.

TOLLEN CARRYING IN RELATION TO
BREEDING.

Is the carrying in of pollen a =ign that breeding is going
on in the hive 't Judging from a little experience I have
had during the present month, it seems that this is not
always the case, though as collateral evidence the collect-
ing of pollen may perhaps be of some value. On July 29,
1879, I drove the bees from a large step into a clean hive
in order to get rid of the wax-moth which had gained
the ascendancy in the former. In a few days the bees
began to carry pollen into their new quarters, and I there-
fore judged that the queen was present, and that the
work of the hive was going on all right. I fed slowly on
that day until August 25th, when I turned them up,
and finding they had only rilled about one third of the
new skep with comb I began to feed more rapidly-, and
covered them down snugly with warm wraps to induce
comh-building. This continued during September and
until the middle of October, when they refused to take
more syrup, and the feeder was withdrawn. All this
time on fine days the bees were noticed carrying in pollen,
although the presence of the drones seemed to indicate
that the hive was queenless. The killing of drones in the
other hives was finished on the 4th August, but in the
one in question they were permitted to remain until the
frost set in on November 12th, when in the early morn-
ing they were found scattered in front of the hive. The
hive has not been disturbed during the winter on account
of its feeble condition, the bees being last seen out on
Dec. 23rd (the last fine day we had in the old year); but
on January .'Slst, the temperature having risen to 50°,
with bright sunshine, a general examination took place,
and my feeble friends were found to be all dead. I cut
out the combs (about half tilling the hive), finding plenty
of stored food, but no sign of brood ever having been
reared since its occupation. The empty combs were pure
and spotless, and I could not find the cast-off skin of a
single hatched bee. There was plenty of pollen in the
hive, and the honey-combs were perfectly sealed. After
the combs had been examined I collected all the dead
bees and went carefully over them in search of a queen,
but I need scarcely say without success. Now this hive
had evidently, I think, been queenless from the first, and
no breeding could therefore have possibly taken place,
yet pollen bad been carried in and stored in the usual
way. Is this an instance of mistaken instinct on the
part of our little friends, or was the pollen stored as
f :>od for the adult bees ? Anyway it seems pretty-
clearly to indicate that when pollen is being carried
in by the bees it does not necessarily follow that breeding
is going on in the hive. — W. Sissling.

[It is quite understood that bees will carry in pollen
without breeding : but the question at issue is, Can they
carry on breeding without pollen or its equivalent ? — Ed.]

DOMESTICATION OF THE HONEY BEE IN
ENGLAND.

At the earliest period the Anglo-Saxon was probably
more anxious to domesticate bees than horses. Their
produce was an article of food, necessary in brewing
mead, and used extensively in medicine.

In the sixth and seventh centuries bees were altogether

wild. They swarmed in the woods, and formed their
honey-combs in hollow trees, and were at first classed by
law with foxes and otters, as incapable of private owner-
ship, because they were always on the move. Any one
who found them had a right to the honey and wax :
though, from several ecclesiastical regulations in the
seventh and eighth centuries, we may infer that their
capture was a dangerous amusement, and that their half-
naked captors were often stung to death. A favourite
mode of taking them was to cut down the tree in which
they were, saw off the part containing them, and carry
it home. But as the country progressed in wealth, bee-
keeping became more profitable.

The clergy earnestly encouraged it, teaching that bees
1 had been sent from heaven, because the Mass of God
could not be celebrated without wax.'

The first step towards their domestication was the for-
mation or imitation in bark (Lat. rusca — hence skeps are
often called ruskies) of the hollows of the trees in which
they are foimd.

After a short time a wild swarm became the quasi pro-
perty of the trees in which they had settled for three conse-
cutive nights ; but if he failed to discover it within that
time, the finder had a right to fourpence, and if it were
not paid to keep it himself. This shows the difference
in value between the wild and domesticated swarms, as a
rusca of bees was worth six times fourpence.

About the middle of the tenth century, slaves (whose
duty it was exclusively to attend to bees, and were called
' beo-ceorls ' ) were ordinarily attached to wealthy estab-
lishments ; and from the position of slaves they soon be-
came servile tenants, whom their lord provided with a
stock of bees, for which they paid a fixed amount of
produce for life, the swarms continuing the property of
the lord.

AVe also find about this time the Anglo-Saxon word
beo-cist (bee-chest) and the Latin alvearia usually substi-
tuted for rusca, from which it may be inferred that these
rough constructions were superseded by regular hives.
Not long afterwards the clergy induced Edward the
Confessor to tithe bee-hives — an evidence that they had
become numerous and valuable, which is confirmed by
Domesday Books, where they are repeatedly mentioned.

But bees were never more than semi-domesticated, nor
ever altogether private property ; as if they flew away,
and the owner did not recapture them within a very
short time, they belonged to any one who could.— Notes
from a paper by John Thrupp, Esq. 1 865, Farm Journal.

(&fyw% from tlje |)ibcs.

Hungerford, Jan. 24. — ' Thanks in a great measure to
what I learn from the B. B. J. my sixteen stocks of bees
are all alive, and, as I believe, well so far. It is too soon
to begin to crow, but I am sorry to say that great num-
bers of cottagers in this neighbourhood, who have some-
thing like a religious objection to feeding in the autumn,
have lost their bees. If, after all that I have given them,
I lose mine, I shall become the laughing-stock of the
country-side. The rural mind in these parts is very from
being convinced as yet of the wisdom of the new system,
although it has several exponents more or less successful
within a radius of four miles. It is rather unfortunate
that it should so often fall to the lot of parsons, who are
so generally thought to be at least wanting in worldly
sense, to be pioneers in apiculture. In this, as in more
important matters, no one believes our report.' — J. H. D.

Wellingborough. — Ligurianizing . — ' I see by your leaf-
let how to ligurianize black stocks, but these stocks
will not become pure, I suppose, as the queens when
hatched will mate with black drones, which may be in
their hives or others ; would it do to cut out the drone-
comb in the black bee-hive, and destrov the drones in

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[March 1, 1880.

them before inserting; the Ligurian queen-cells, then they
would only have the drones from my proposed Ligurian
swarm to mate with ; but I am afraid it is impossible to
change my black bees into pure Ligurians.' — G. H. P.

[By the generally accepted Dzierzon theory the drone
progeny of a purely bred Ligurian queen is as pure as her-
self, fertilization having no influence on its productions,
and consequently all the future drones of a ' ligurian-
ized ' apiary will be Ligurian, though the young Ligu-
rian queens may have f ovmd black husbands. In a second
season, therefore, there will be no English drones in ex-
istence within, though there may be outside, your apiary ;
and even they may be made scarcer by the introduction
of ripe queen-cells to neighbouring stocks that have
swarmed, or become queenless. The introduction of a
ripe queen-cell immediately on a swarm issuing, will
very often prevent after-swarms issuing, and if of Ligu-
rian breed will effect a valuable double object. In
writing of ' ligurianized ' apiaries we use the term as
implying that the Ligurian queenly element has been
safely introduced, in opposition to the chance tinge the
bees may have through a black queen having mated with
a Ligurian drone. Preventing drones is comparatively
easy : cut out the drone-comb and till the vacancies with
worker comb, or comb foimdation ; this will reduce the
number of drone-cell-;, and those the bees insist on build-
ing can easily be controlled. Slicing off the caps of
sealed drone-cells and giving the comb a shake, open cells
downward, will rid the comb of them, but prevention is
better than cure. Young queens show their instinctive
hatred of in-and-in breeding by avoiding their own re-
lations as far as possible, so it is scarcely probable that
black stocks would become 'pure Ligurian' in the first
year, but by having a variety of strain the Ligurian breed
may be bred pure, and kept so. — Ed.]

Weight of Honey for Wintering. — ' Also I am told there
should be from 20 to 30 lbs. of honey to winter a hive ;
this would necessitate perhaps all the bars of honey being
left in : but we are also told to contract the space in the
hive in winter, evidentlv both can't be done ; which is
right ? '— G. H. P., Feb. 2.

[During winter, be it ever so cold, bees consume very
little honey if they are able to cluster snugly and pre-
serve the heat they generate. "We have preached against
open-ended frames for years as being the least helpful to
them in this respect ; but diverse authorities, while
ignoring our suggestions, practically earn' them out by
diminishing the number of the frames, and forcing the
bees to occupy all the space between and around the few
frames they allow them to live in. In a natural bees'-
nest the upper part is formed as it were in an inverted
basin, divided into galleries by the combs, and in these
the bees live and move at pleasure, their winter cluster
being in the form of a ball, or a hemisphere, as circum-
stances necessitate : and in such a home, though they may
have the range of six times as many combs as they can
occupy, they will consume but little food, not more than
a few ounces per week, because the heat they generate
will not be able to escape upwards or horizontally past
the ends of the combs. In a bee-nest proper a large eon-
sumption of honey will not be likely to take place unless
breeding is going on rapidly ; but in a cold hive, i.e. one
in which the heat can readily escape, much honey is re-
quired to produce it anew, with dysentery as the common
result of the excess. — Ed.]

Middlesbrough, Feb. 19, 1880. — ' I have one hive of
pure Ligurians which were weak at the end of autumn,
but thanks to your plan of frames across the hives, and
closing the spaces between the frame ends, coupled with
careful feeding at the beginning of November, have kept
them alive, and they are now very lively. — E. C

Whithorn, Wigtownshire. — ' The Ligurian queens are
both alive and breeding, also the hybrid I bred from one of
them. I had foul-brood in a skep last spring. I bm-ied
the comb and put the bees into a frame-hive, and they

came up to a strong hive in the autumn, and are now
strong and breeding. I saw a bee with pollen yesterday
(Feb. 19) ; May was the month in which I saw one first
last year. Please say if you have been successful with
the wooden foimdation, and if you will have it for sale,
^"hat is your opinion of the wire-foundation, does it
answer as well as wholly wax ?' — Thos. Martin.

[We have been successful in using wood simply dipped
in wax, without impressing it, the bees having built
comb upon it, bred, and stored honey, so there can be no
shadow of doubt as to the success of the principle. We
have not been able to procure nails of the right size to
carry out our original plan ; but have every faith that
we shall have perfected the idea in time for this year's
swanns. The wire-foundation is undoubtedly a success,
but it is rather expensive. — Ed.]

Nottingham, Feb. 23rd. — ' On January 31st, we had the
first indication here of returning spring, the day was
bright and simny, and the bees made their appearance
for the first time this year. February, so far, has been
mild and showery, with bright gleams of sunshine the
middle of the day. Our bees are now out daily ; but
there are, of course, no flowers yet for them to visit.
They, however, accept pea-floiu- when offered to them in
bright weather, and all seem to be going on well.' — W. S.

Cheltenham. — ' I did not get a pound of honey last
year, and very few swarms, and they ate last autumn a
ton and a half of sugar. I expect good stocks will make
three guineas each. It will take twenty years to get up
the usual stock of bees.' — T. B. B.

(funics anb JUplbs.

Query No. 332. — Queen-raising. — I wish your advice
in regard to raising queens, and keeping them for future
use. I have for some years practised artificial swarming,
and have often had four, five, and six spare young
queens ; and what I want to know is, how can I keep
them after they are hatched out ? Say the hive is
examined a few days after artificial swarming, and con-
tains five royal cells, one will be required for the parent
hive ; and if my other hives are not ready for swarming,
or a wet time sets in, and I am prevented from cutting out
the four other royal cells, how shall I prevent the worker
bees or the first queen hatched from destroying them ?
What is usually done in such a case ? Is it the proper
wav to place a small wire cage over the royal cells
pressing it into the comb j1 and if I did so would the
worker bees feed them while so engaged if they had a
voung queen at liberty on the combs ? Again, woidd
they be likely to eat away the comb, and let them out ?
Or is the usual way to encage them on the top of the
hive ? If so, would you describe the kind of cage or box
in which they are placed, and if the royal cells are put
in before thev are hatched out ; or in other words, in
what stage of development are they put in ; and will
the worker bees feed them so encaged ? — G. Green,
Fagle, near Newark.

Reply to Query No. 332. — The obvious mode of
preventing most of the ills prospected is to delay the
first artificial swarming imtil the other stocks are within
a few days of being fit for similar treatment. Natural
swarming, however, often occurs, and places one in the
difficulty indicated. Ripe, i.e. fully sealed, queen-cells
should be removed by cutting out the portion of comb
upon which they are raised, if it is intended to preserve
them. They should then be fastened to a piece of comb
with honey on it, and placed in a box with a handful of
bees, and kept in a warm place with a moist atmosphere.
No better place can well be found than the top of their
own hive, where, provided the heat of the hive passes
through the box, the hatching will duly take place.
Four boxes, say three inches square (cube), with a wired
corner hole, might be so arranged with the corners

March 1, 1880.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

23?,

together over the ordinary feed-hole, that each would
get a share of the heat from below. It is not safe to
trust to worker bees feeding unfertile queens, they will
generally feed themselves. It is better to catch the
young queens as they hatch, if possible, and imprison
them, and so prevent cutting the comb. — Ed.]

Query No. 333. — Dt/senteru, Open frame ends. Sali-
cylic Acid. — Last September I transferred a colony of
bees from a sleep into a bar-frame hive, and fed them
for about six weeks on sugar and water (thick) which
they sealed up nicely, and 1 thought the}' were right for
winter, but the first week of February I found them
all dead, although they were all right a fortnight before.
Can you till what it was that caused their deaths,
although the inside of the hive was covered in spots with
their excrements? I cannot think that it was dysentery,
as they sealed their food up so well. Kindly tell me
what is the best thing I can do with their combs, sealed
up as they are. About a week after transferring the
above, I served two other skeps similar with the excep-
tion of uniting them, and they did very well until the
first week in February, when I found more than half
dead, although they were alive the week before. Should
I be right in filling out the above frame-hive with
sheets of foundation ? Is salicylic acid injurious to
bees P— W. J. G., Otter,/ St. Man/, Feb. 28.

Reply to Query No. 333. — We have but little doubt
but that dysentery (or as Mrs. Harris would say, ' abomin-
able ' distension) was the immediate cause of death, pro-
bably led up to by old age, and a scarcity of pollen in
the hive. Whatever others believe will not alter facts ;
and whether the. disorder from which they suffered be
called dysentery, or ' abominable distension,' matters
little, it is caused by the bees taking unwholesome food,
or food unwholesomely. AYe have been somewhat
puzzled to account for dysentery in a stock of lie.- in a
dry hive well supplied and properly quilted, the property
of Mr. R. R. Godfrey, of Grantham ; they were our
beautiful first prize Ligurians of last year, and worth all
the trouble it was possible to bestow upon them, yet
nothing seemed to stop their then disorder, until our
thoughtful friend tried them with artificial pollen scat-
tered on their alighting and door-board. The absence
of pollen in the hive forced the bees to consume them-
selves in their heat-producing labours, and their systems
were doubtless weakened beyond nature's power of en-
durance. Dysentery is often the finale of prostration and
life in humans. The bees in plain boxes are in warmer
quarters than are those in open ended frame hives. This
is a well-worn subject in these columns, and until frames
are altered in fashion, or their ends closed for winter
use, as so often recommended herein, we shall feel obliged
to keep it before our readers. Salicylic acid is beneficial
as a medicinal agent, as is alcohol to humans, but one
may have ' too much of a good thing.' — Ed.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS & INQUIRERS.

T. F., Enfield. — Bees usually throw out their dead during
fine days in winter, so that the appearance of a few
outside is not an alarming symptom. If there is any
doubt as to the queen's existence, the hive, being a
bar-frame, can be opened on a fine day and her pre-
sence (or absence) ascertained by actual observation.
Should she be absent a queen may be given at the first
opportunity, or a weak stock may be obtained and
united. Do not interfere with them unnecessarily if
they be queenless, but let them live without wear and
wasting power until you can give them substantial
help in the form indicated.

*t* Communications from A Country Parson, A. Neubert,
William Carr, H. Warren, David Ling, and others, are in
type. We have given four pages extra this month, but have
been obliged to postpone the above till next month.

/CATALOGUE OF HIVES, &c, to be SOLD
V-V by AUCTION, on Wednesday, March 24th, at 12
for 1 o'clock, at FAIRLAWN, SOUTHALL.

Five minutes' walk from the Ureal Western Railway Station.

1. Two Bar-frame Hives, for collateral use ; twelve large

frames.

2. Two Cottager's Woodbury Hives, ten frames.

3. One Hooker Hive, 1875.

4. Two Original Cottager's Hives, combination principle,

small frames.

5. Two Cottage Woodbury Hives (no legs), ten frames.

6. Two Hives on legs, Abbott's Standards, eight frames ;

pattern 1874.

7. One Lanarkshire Hive (unused).

8. One Handsome Eustic Berkshire Bee-shed, to hold two

hives (nearly new).

9. Two Berkshire Hives, and four Supers to ditto.

10. Four sets of six new Sectional Supers.

11. Three sets of seven each, not new, ditto.

12. Six Abbott's Is. Feeding or Honey Jars.

13. Two Hives, similar to Lot 1.

14. Two Combinations, similar to Lot 3.

15. Two Standards, similar to Lot 6.

16. Four sets of Sections, similar to Lot 11.

17. Two Hives, similar to Lot 2.

18. Twelve Abbott's 6</. Feeding or Honey Jars.

19. Four sets of six Sections, not new.

20. Five Honey Jars, and Sundries.

21. One Stock of Bees in Bar-frame Hive.

22. One Bell-glass, and six Stoppered Bottles.

23. Two Poole's Prize Feeders, and three Plum Jars.

24. Six Abbott's 6<i. Feeding or Honey Jars.
2.5. Two Hives, similar to Lot 1.

26. One Combination, similar to Lot 3.

27. One Combination, ditto, with Bees.

28. Four sets Sectional Supers, similar to Lot 19.

29. Two Hives, similar to Lot 2.

30. Two Standards, similar to Lot 6.

31. Eight Sections with glass ends.

32. Eight small Honey Boxes.

33. Four sets of six Sectional Supers, similar to Lot 19.

34. One Hive, similar to Lot 1.

35. Two Cottage Woodburys, similar to Lot 5.

36. Six Abbott's 6<2. Honey Jars.

37. Four large Hone}- Boxes.

38. Two large Nucleus Hives.

39. Three Woodbury-sized ditto.

40. Two half-sized Standard ditto, two ditto Woodbury.

41. One Woodbury Hive with Bees.

42. One Standard Observatory Hive, one Frame.

43. Cottage Woodbury, similar to Lot 5.

44. Four Chaff Cushions, wood frames.

45. One Woodbury Observatory, one Frame.

46. Two Crown-boards, wood and straw, and two zinc

Dividers.

47. Nine Crown-boards, and Sundries.

48. One Stock of Bees in Bar-frame Hive.

49. One Woodbury Observatory, one Frame.

50. Eight round Floor-boards, one square ditto.

51. One Wax Melter, one Syrup Can.

52. One Neighbour's Improved Cottage Hive.

53. One Murphy Centrifugal Honey Slinger, with Treacle

Valve, all complete, best pattern, equal to new (im-
ported).

54. One crate of Sections, two Supers.

55. One Stewarton Hive, three Body-boxes, one Super.

56. Three Hexagonal Hives. One Octagon ditto.

57. Two Skeps, five straw Supers.

58. One large Crate of Supers.

59. Two double Wire Frames, for Slinger.

60. Thirteen zinc Covers for straw Skeps.

61. One Desborough Observatory Hive.

62. Lot of Sundries.

63. Sundries.

64. Sundries.

Conditions as usual.

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL. |_Mar- 1. 1880.

PRICE SIXPENCE.

THE GARDENEE.

A MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE AND FLORICULTURE.
EDITED BY DAVID THOMSON,

Author of ' Handy Book of the Flower-Garden,' ' Fruit Culture under Glass,' &c.
AIDED BY A STAFF OF PRACTICAL GARDENERS.

The March Number contains: —
Stove Plants: No. III., The Franciscea. — Ventilation. — Early Vegetables: Xo. HI. — Cape Heaths: No. III. —
Notes from the Papers. — The Zonal Pelargonium as a Florist's Flower. — Zonal Pelargonium for Blooming in
"Winter. — Hints for Amateurs: March. — On New, Rare, and Choice Ferns. — Decorative Greenhouse Plants :
The Abutilon. — Notes on Justicias. — The Best Peas. — The Gardener's Primer: No. X. — A Plea for Orchard-
Houses. — Notes on Decorative Greenhouse Plants : Tree Mignonette. — Root-Pruning. — The Diplacus Glutinosus.
— Presentation to Mr. Turnbull, Bothwell Castle. — Scottish Horticultural Association. — Notices of Books. —
Calendar : Kitchen Garden, Forcing Department. — Notices to Correspondents.

Yearly Subscription, free by Post, 7s. Payable in advance.
"WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS, EDINBURGH AND LONDON.

Cbc ^British $cc Journal

' AND BEE-KEEPER'S ADVISER.

The British Bee Journal is published monthly, and
contains tlie best practical information for the time being,
showing what to do, and when and bow to do it.

Subscribers to the Journal are first, second, and third
class. First class are those who subscribe 10s. 6<f. per
annum, from any date, who are entitled to immediate re-
plies, per post, to their queries, when a stamped directed
envelope is sent. Second class are those who subscribe 6s.
per annum, and whose queries can only be replied to through
the columns of tlie Journal ; and Third are Clubs of Cot-
tagers, each consisting of not less than six, to whom the
charge will be 4s. 6d. each Member.
Subscriptions, Correspondence, and Inquiries to be addressed to

C. N. ABBOTT, Bee Master,

School of Apiculture, Faiblawn, Southall, London.

THE AMERICAN BEE JOURNAL.

Established in 1861 by the late SAMUEL WAGNER.
Is published monthly, at Chicago, 111. at 2 dollars a-year.
Its contributors are the best, most experienced, and success-
ful Apiarists in America and Europe. It is the oldest,
largest, best, and most reliable Bee paper in the English
language.

Pubbshed by Thomas G. Newman,

972 and 974 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois.

Price, including Postage, 6s. 6<J.

All Orders must be accompanied by Cheque or P. 0. Order,

lie to T. G. Newman, as above.

Just Published.

HINTS TO BEGINNERS

In the Study and Practice of APICULTURE.

By the Bev. H. M. STALLYBBASS, of Wirksworth.

Price 2Jd. post free, direct from the Author, fo. 30
HE~weil-known Italian ANATOMY OF THE

BEE, AND ITS ENEMIES. Intending Buyers are
respectfully informed that only very few Sets remain unsold.
Price 21s. unbound. Address John Camaschella, Forest
Hill. fo. 9

Bronze Medal awarded for Straw Skeps at the G-reat
Crystal Palace Show, 1875.

Sixteenth Edition. Price One Shilling.

SEVENTY POUNDS A-YEAR:

HOW I MAKE IT BT MY BEES.

By the late J. W. Pagden.

Also, by the same Author, price Sixpence.

Eablt Artificial Bee- Swarming.

No watching required.

Apply to Mrs. J. W. Pagden, the Chestnuts, Alfriston,
Sussex, by whom the same manufacturers of ' Economical
Bee Furniture ' are employed as formerly. fo. 23.

MANUAL OF THE APIARY,

By A. J. COOK,

Professor of Entomology in the Michigan State Agricultural College.

286 pp. large 12mo. 112 Illustrations.
Published by THOMAS G. NEWMAN & SON, Chicago.

Price, bound in cloth, 5s. ; postage, 4<f.

ABBOTT BROS., FAIRLAWN, SOUTHALL.

Now Ready.

THE A B C OF BEE CULTURE. By A. I.
Root, Medina, Ohio, U. S., Editor of ' Gleanings.'
' Invaluable to beginners, and also as a book of reference.'
Price, in paper covers, 4s.; in cloth, 5s., Post free.
Abbott Brothers, Southall, London.

THE LECTURE.— A few Copies on hand.
Price 2s. 2d. post free. Letters to Editor.

LIBRARY NOVELS.

ONE, Two, and Three Volume LIBRARY
NOVELS. Too much worn for First-class Library,
but complete and readable. Good chance for Amateur
Bookbinder. Thirty Volumes for 10s. 6rf. in box, free on
Rail. List sent on receipt of Stamp. Letters to Editor.

THE

tt Jtanal,

[No. 84. Vol. VII.]

APRIL, 1880.

[Published Monthly.]

(JEtntnrial, Jotius, #r.

APRIL.

March will have passed away ere this appears
before our readers, and of it we are glad to be
able, as we are willing, to make a favourable
report. Commencing with a fine mild day
that brought the bees out gaily, it continued
favourable in their behalf until the 17th, no
rain having fallen except on the nigbt of the
3rd, and during all that time they were able to
gather abundantly from crocuses and the ' big
sunflower,' to which the skep of shavings and
pea-flour has been aptly likened, and right
merrily did they embrace every opportunity
that offered. Later on the pollen-bearing
willow palm shared their attention, but a
cold east wind considerably hindered their
labour, by preventing its development ; while
the rapidly - increasing brood - nest rendered
their presence at home necessary as heat-pro-
ducing nurses. The deplorable results antici-
pated in many minds through the absence of
pollen consequent on the comparatively sunless
year 1879 were by no means fulfilled. As a
rule, bees well supplied with honey (or syrup)
wintered better than in previous years when
pollen has been abundant, and have maintained
theirfreshnessand vigour to a surprising degree.
There have been few deaths and very little
dysentery (our bees have shown no signs of it) ;
and but that we hear of many cases of foul-
brood, we could report cheerfully of the
hygiene of apiculture in a general sense ; bees
uncultivated and uncared for not being included.
Never in the history of British apiculture has
there been a season in which the principles of
bee-culture as compared with their systematic
neglect, have been so triumphantly established,
or more prominently proclaimed ; and we trust
the experience so dearly purchased will not be
misapplied. It has been costly to individuals,
and their losses as such must be deplored, but

to the country at large the loss is simply
immense, the industrious insects — real wealth-
producers — are lost to the nation, and lost, too,
through the most culpable of causes, gross
national ignorance, — a disgrace to our govern-
ment, and a libel on our boasted enlightenment
and civilisation.

USEFUL HINTS.

"Weak Stocks. — There will surely be some
stocks in the best regulated apiaries not in such
good condition as others ; and amateurs will
often be puzzled to determine what course to
adopt concerning them. Queens at this time
of year are scarce, and their owner is naturally
unwilling to permit their wilful destruction, or
risk their loss by uniting, if it can be prevented.
"While some stocks are very weak, others in the
apiary may be abnormally strong, and early ;
and an exchange of combs in such case may
be advisable, otherwise we are averse to the
levelling down principle. If this be not prac-
ticable, the queen of one stock, and a few of
her workers, should be removed and put into a
queen-box or cage, with a portion of comb-
honey, and kept in a warm dark cupboard, and
the bees of both lots united. When the first
swarm comes off, or an artificial one is made,
the queen may be utilised by being given to
the newly swarmed stock.

Qveeni.ess Stocks. — These are always weak
at this season, and it is very difficult to re-
queen them, as the bees, being old ones, will not
readily accept a queen, or raise queen-cells
if brood be given. If sufficiently numerous
and healthy, we would keep the bees alive, and
as quiet as possible, to preserve their energy,
and when ready would swarm an early stock
and interchange their combs. Practically, this
is giving the weak lot full combs for empty ones :
the swarm gets the empty combs on their own
stand, and the queenless bees the full combs
from which to raise a queen, and both, as a
rule, will flourish. Drones ought to be flying
when this is done.

236

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[April 1, 1880.

Transferring. — The lovely weather of early
March brought the usual 'heap' of inquiries
for directions on transferring, so eager are
those who have learned the advantages of the
rnoveable-comb principle to get their bees into
moveable-comb hives ; but in no case did we
advise such early disturbance of the well-doing
hive's economy. The bees, after such trying
times as they have lived through, need all the
care and help that can be afforded to them,
while their numbers and strength are being
tried by the production of their first hatch of
brood; and the disturbance, damage, and re-
pairing rendered necessary by the process of
transferring, followed by the cold weather
— which is inevitable ere summer weather
sets in — would probably kill the enfeebled
stocks outright. Let the bees breed as snugly
and comfortably as is possible for the present,
and when the population is composed of young-
bees, and the weather reasonably fine, trans-
ferring may go on with impunity.

Feeding. — Those who find a difficulty in
making syrup that will not re-crystallise out
of the foreign sugars with which our markets
are glutted, will do well to convert it into
barley-sugar by the process described in on
p. 154. Barley-sugar run into small bottles
while warm, is excellent for slow feeding, and
if broken in pieces when cold, and put loosely
where bees have free access, it can be taken
rapidly.

Hard Sugar in Fueding-Bottles. — When
sugar crystallizes and sets hard in the neck of
the bottle, it is difficult to break it out without
injuring the bottle; but if it be placed neck
downwards in a soup-plate half full of water,
with the mouth slightly raised off the bottom,
the sugar will dissolve, and by its own weight
will slide out of the bottle, and the water will
take its place. This is an interesting experi-
ment. If the soup-plate be nearly filled with
shingly stones and water, the bottles will give
clown their sugary contents and form sweet
fountains for outdoor feeding purposes.

Tin Separators for Sections. — These are
much in vogue, but we infinitely prefer those
made of wood, which are less expensive, cleaner,
non-conductors of heat, and give the bees better
foothold as they move over them with their
loads of honey. Tin is liable to rust, and when
rusty is not desirable for use, and is very diffi-
cult to clean ; its cost is much against it, as,
for many reasons, it is only fit to be used once.
Wood, on the contrary, is clean, sweet, and
wholesome, so cheap, that when once used it is
good for firewood and worth something, while
rusty tin is a nuisance, and when used without
cleaning, may spread disease from hive to hive.
It is a fact that wood separators are much pre-
ferred in America by those who can afford

to buy them : but there is a patent which pro-
tects the inventor of the method of making
them. In England, every importation of
American goods is ransacked to find them,
but like the flat-bottomed foundation, the
manufacture is a monopoly, and they cannot
be easily obtained. At Kilburn, last year, a
Hetherington Hive was exhibited by Mr. New-
man, and purchased by Mr. Hooker; it was
announced as the best American hive, and its
sections were divided by thin wooden separa-
tors, each rather smaller than a section-box,
and kept straight and in its place by very
narrow tin strips, which were let into the
thickness of the wood (thinness, we ought to
say, for it was not more than T\th of an inch
thick), and had their points pressed into the
sections. They were fragile, but only expected
(we should think) to be used once, so could not,
therefore, be the means of communicating foul
brood. We have said that wood is. cheaper
than tin. The latter costs about sixpence per
foot super to the retail purchaser, the former
can be had for about a halfpenny, and we will
send a specimen of the kind we use to any one
sending stamped envelope. It is formed by
sawing a plank three inches thick into twenty-
one boards, so nineteen out of every twenty-
one are perfectly clean and new on both sides,
and so thin that they may be readily cut with
an ordinary pair of scissors. Half-a-crown
would buy forty-two pieces, each 18 in. long,
and 11 in. wide: cheaper than lucif er-matches !

ILLUSTRATIONS OF QUEEN, WORKER,
AND DRONE BEES.

premium offered.
Have any of our readers ever seen illustra-
tions of bees that look like what they are in-
tended to represent ? We have not, though
we have seen many curiosities purporting to be
such, and not a few monstrosities that needed
the explanatory addendum, This is a bee. We
trust we shall not offend by these remarks, they
are certainly not intended to be personal ; and
those who consider their engravings perfect
may, if they please, believe we have not seen
them ; but, to stimulate to the production of
pictorial bees, that may be easily recog-
nised, we offer a premium of two guineas for
the best drawings or photographs (on paper) of
the queen, worker, and drone. They must be
of life size, in perfectly natural positions, each
distinct, on a piece of comb, the queen and
worker on worker-cells, the drone on drone-
cells, and they must appear at rest. We men-
tion this because we do not want to exhibit any
special feature, sprawling wings or legs, or
fancy delineation of colour, but just respectable

April 1, 1880.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

237

middle-aged English hive-bees as they are com-
monly seen ; that they may be as commonly
recognised.

The drawings should be sent to us on or be-
fore the 10th June, the incognito of the artist
being secured by a motto. The approved draw-
ings will be engraved, and published in the
July number of the B. B. J., and tbe artist recog-
nising his work shall have the premium on
sending a reproduction of his motto to our
office on the 10th of July. Unsuccessful
drawings may be reclaimed before the 17th of
July either by letter, in person, or by mes-
senger, and the production of the motto and
description of the drawing (should two mottoes
be alike) shall be our sufficient warrant for
giving them up. Those not claimed within the
time shall be forfeited.

THE LAW RESPECTING BEES; ARE
THEY A NUISANCE ?
A valued correspondent and prominent bee-
keeper is in trouble about his bees : he has them
in a part of his garden which adjoins the orchard
of a neighbour (?), who lives in a cottage near.
Between the cottage and the ground set apart
for the bees, the gentleman's garden, seventy-
four feet wide, intervenes, the bees being eighty
feet at the least from the cottage. Now it
happens that the gentleman neighbour was
stung last autumn by a bee or a wasp about
sixty }-ards from the apiary ; and in the belief
that the stinger belonged to the apiary in ques-
tion, he is threatening to proceed against the
owner on the ground that the bees are a
nuisance. Ourcorrespondenthopes that amongst
our numerous readers some one will be good
enough to explain the law, if any there be, on
the subject. He is unwilling to be the cause
of offence to his neighbour, but his bee-keeping
is a source of considerable profit to him, and he
is very loth to give up the pursuit. It would
appear to be a difficult matter to identify the
owner of a bee, the latter being near sixty yards
from any known apiary ; and we should be
inclined to feel ' easy ' about it. — Ed.

AMERICAN BEE PERIODICALS.
We have ever been anxious to facilitate the
introduction of the bee literature of American
to English readers, and have in the capacity of
agents for the various publishers repeatedly
undertaken to receive and transmit orders inter-
nationally with them, but irregularity (un-
doubtedly postal) in the delivery of the papers,
has caused so much trouble, inconvenience, and
mistrust, that a continuance of the practice has
been found impossible. We have therefore
proposed to the leading editors a plan which

we think will work well, viz. that we should
mutually interchange our papers in bulk, value
for value, and distribute them to those who wish
for them, from our respective offices, and thus
minimise the risk of loss in postal transit, and
create in each other a more lively interest in
the dissemination of American and English
information on bee-culture. Our proposal has,
we are glad to say, been most cheerfully
responded to by the editors of The Bee-keeper^
Magazine, Gleanings in Bee Culture, The Bee-
keepers' Exchange, and The Bee-keepers' Guide ;
and from and after May next these valuable
papers will be delivered through the post direct
from our office about the 16th of each month
to those who favour us with orders for them.
The editor of the American Bee Journal, how-
ever, declines to join our fraternal party, and
hence it will be necessary for those who wish for
that periodical to order it direct from America,
and share with him the inconveniences arising
from postal losses.

From our point of view, the arrangement we
have proposed, and which has been so courteously
and kindly accepted by the editors above, will
give us a direct personal interest in the disposal
of their publications, and the exchanges being
in bulk, the chance of loss in transitwill be of the
smallest, while they, having the same incentive to
dispose of our B. B. J., will doubtless make every
reasonable effort to do so, and thus the circula-
tion of each will be increased with direct benefit
to all, and without injury to one another. It
will be evident to most minds that the cost of
printing a few hundred extra Journals will be
comparatively small, and seeing that by sinrply
exchanging them for others they will practically
become saleable, the fulfilment of the arrange-
ment we have brought about will be equivalent
in each case to an additional sale of home pro-
ductions, stimulative to each producer, and
beneficial to bee-keepers generally.

The Bee-keepers' Magazine and Gleanings in
Bee Culture are sold in America for one dollar
per annum each ; we offer to send them out
post free for four shillings and sixpence each.
The Bee-keepers' Exchange sells for three quarters
of a dollar ; we will send it out at three
shillings and sixpence ; and The Bee-keepers'
Guide, which sells for half a dollar, we will
send out for two shillings and sixpence per
annum : all monies to be paid in advance. —
Ed. B. B. J.

READING LESSONS FOR CHILDREN.
At a late meeting of the British Bee-keepers'
Association, the President, the Baroness Burdett-
Coutts, observed ' that some new school-books
were about being brought out by Messrs. Nelson
of Edinburgh, and suggested that some steps
should be taken to introduce a lesson or two on

y-ds

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[April, 1880.

apiculture ;' and in allusion to the suggestion,
an honourable and reverend correspondent
mentions that in one of Messrs. Nelson's best
books, the Royal Reader, children are taught
that wax is marie of bee-bread. Some time
since we called attention to an absurdity in the
Child's Guide, a school-book in which virgin
hone}' is described as honey made by the young
bees. Such errors as these stamp books as
worse than valueless, and the sooner they are
withdrawn from use the better it will be for the
rising generation. One need scarcely wonder
at the ignorance displayed by the multitude,
when the writers and compilers of their instruc-
tion-books know so little of the subject they
treat of.

END OF VOLUME VII.

We have now come to the end of our seventh
volume, and having discontinued the use of
Pink Wrappers, it is necessary to remind our
readers that subscriptions for the ensuing
volume are now due. There are still a few
subscribers in arrear of payment for Journals
had ; and we earnestly beg of them, in honour,
to render us our due, and relieve themselves
from a chance suspicion of wilfully neglecting
to do so.

We gratefully tender our best thanks to our
numerous supporters, whether as correspondents,
subscribers, readers, or advisers, we count them
all as friends, and sincerely wish them pros-
perity and happiness. — Ed. B. B. J.

Volume VIII. — We shall be glad if any of
our readers will make any suggestions that may
occur to them as likely to improve our future
issues. We can scarcely promise to fulfil all
their requirements, but their wishes shall have
our very earnest consideration. Mr. W. Carr,
of Manchester, proposes that our pages should
be reduced in size and increased in number ;
but seeing that so many periodicals dealing
with specialities are of the same size, and many
much larger, we question if the proposed
alteration will be agreeable generally. Will
our readers give expression to their views when
forwarding the renewals of their subscriptions,
which, for our encouragement, we trust they
will do without delay ? During the past year,
in consequence of the lengthy reports of asso-
ciations and shows, we have been compelled to
add many additional pages to the body of our
work, the heavy cost of which has been borne
by ourselves ; and in the fulfilment of our
mission as promoters of shows for the advance-
ment of bee-culture, we have often made no
charge whatever for advertisements: we feel
that, in the latter respect at least, rectification
is, in justice to ourselves, absolutely necessary.
Our present scale of charges for general ad-

vertisements is very low, and will not bear
reduction, except for continuous insertions ; but
for advertisements of associations and shows,
we propose in future to make reductions of one
half for the first, and two thirds for each subse-
quent insertion, that we may be recouped the
actual cost of printing. — Ed. B. B. J.

BEE TENT ENGAGEMENTS.

BRITISH BEE -KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION.

June 30. — Farningham Rose Show.

July 1. — Tiverton Horticultural Show.

July 12-16. — Royal Agricultural Show at Carlisle.

July 21. — Southborough Flower Show.

July 27-August 2. — Kensington Show.

Aug. 11, 12. — Surrey County Show.

Aug. 18, 19. — Shropshire County Show.

Aug. 24. — Long Buckby Horticultural Show.

Sept. 3. — Devon and Exeter County Show.

HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY ASSOCIATION.

July 7. — Herts Agricultural Show at Hatfield.

Aug. 5. — Frogmore Cottage Garden Show.

Aug. 27. — Much Hadham Cottage Garden Show.

Sept. 2. — Harpenden Horticultural Show.

Sept. 8, 9. — Hertfordshire County Bee-keepers' Show.

TOUR IN IRELAND.

Aug. 10. — Royal Agricultural Show in Clonmel.

Aug. — Maryborough County Agricultural Show. (Date
not fixed.)

Sept. 3. — Newtownhards Flower Show. Near Belfast.

Sept. — Royal Horticultural Show at Dublin. First
week in September.

BEE AND HONEY SHOWS FIXED FOR 1880.

July 1. — Tiverton. Devon and Exeter.

July 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, and August 2.— South Ken-
sington. British Bee-keepers'.

July 27, 28, 29, and 30. — Caledonian Apiarian and
Entomological Society's Show at Highland and Agricul-
tural Society's Meeting, Kelso.

Aug. 5. — West Kent.

Aug. 11, 12. — Surrey County.

Aug. 18, 19. — Shropshire County.

Aug. 25. — East Scotland. Arbroath.

Sept. 2. — Exeter. Devon and Exeter.

Sept. 3. — Central Training College. Exeter.

Sept. 8, 9. — Herts County, at St. Albans.

Sept. 9. 10.— Herts County.

BRITISH BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION.
Members of this Association are iequested to note
that the next Quarterly Conversazione will take place on
"Wednesday, April 14th, at 6 p.m., in the Board Room of
the National Chamber of Trade, 446 Strand, when a
paper will be read by Mr. John Hunter on ' The
future of British Bee-keeping in a commercial
point of view, and how the Working (.'lasses can
be most successfully aided, and taught the Truths
and Advantages of Modern Bee Culture.' The chair
will be taken by Dr. Lionel S. Beale, M.D., F.R.S.
An invitation has been received by the Secretary from
Mr. W. Ingram of Belvoir Castle for the members of the
Association to pay a visit to the gardens at that place

April 1, 1879.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

2:19

on Thursday, April 16th, for the purpose of viewing the
large collection of early spring flowers suitable for bee
pasturage. Members who may be desirous of accepting
Mr. Ingram's invitation are requested to communicate
with the Hon. Secretary, Rev. II. R. Peel, Abbot's Hill,
Hemel Hempstead, on or before April 5th. An arrange-
ment has been made with the Great Northern Railway
Company that 1st Class Return Tickets to Grantham
will be 19s. l(W.,and 2nd Class 14s. 9d. This arrangement
presumes that there will be at least six first-class pas-
sengers, or ten second-class. Mr. R. R. Godfrey will
arrange for conveyances to Belvoir Castle on the arrival
of the party at Grantham.

The first meeting of the newly-elected Committee for
1880 was held in the Board Room of the Royal Society
for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 105 Jermyn
Street, on Wednesday, March 10th. Present : Rev. E.
Bartrum, F. Cheshire, .1. P. Jackson, J. M. Hooker, J.
Hunter, C. N. Abbott, W. O'B. Glennie (Treasurer), and
Rev. II. R. Peel (Hon. Sec.) The minutes of the former
meeting having been confirmed and signed, the Secretary
read letters received from the Secretary of the Royal
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to the
President of the Association, viz., 'That the British
Bee-keepers' Association be permitted to continue their
committee meetings at this office until the end of the
present year, that their Library Books of Reference be
permitted to remain at this office, and that the Com-
mittee of the British Bee-keepers' Association shall be at
liberty to announce that their Committee meetings are
held at this office with the permission of this Society,
and that information respecting the British Bee-keepers'
Association may be obtained at this office.'

It was moved by Mr. Abbott, and seconded by Mr.
Jackson, that the Secretary be requested to acknowledge
the receipt of the above letter, and to convey the best
thanks of the Committee to the Secretary of the Royal
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for the
liberal offer made to the Association. Subsequently Mr.
Colam, the Secretary, had an audience with the Ccm-
mittee, and made the necessary arrangements for the
deposit of the Library books, and gave other information
requisite for the carrying out of the above resolution.

It was resolved that Mr. Jackson be empowered to
solicit books for the library, and that an appeal be made
to the members of the Association for donations for
books at the time the notices of the next quarterly meet-
ing were sent out.

A letter was also read from the Secretary of the Royal
Agricultural Society stating that the Council of that
Society could not agree to the suggestion of the Com-
mittee of the British Bee-keepers' Association, that they
be allowed to make a charge for admission to the Bee Tent
at the Carlisle Show ; but, recognising the great interest
attaching to the bee exhibition, and also the fact that a
great expense would be incurred in sending the Tent to
Carlisle, the Council would be willhigto give a subscription
towards the necessary expenses. It was resolved, ' That
the Secretary be empowered to make the arrangements for
sending the Tent to Carlisle as well as for manipulations
and lectures on the understanding that a grant of not less
than 20/. be obtained from the Royal Agricultural Society
towards the expense thereby incurred.'

The Committee then proceeded to revise the Prize
Schedule for the Annual Show to be held on July 27 and
following days; but as time did not admit of this being
completed, it was resolved that an adjourned meeting of
the Committee should be held on Monday, March 22, for
the completion of the business on the Agenda paper.
The Balance - sheet for the month ending February 28
was read, showing a balance in hand of 477. 5s. 4rf.

The adjourned meeting of the Committee was held on
the above date. Present, Messrs. T. W. Cowan (in the
chair), F. Cheshire, J. Hunter, J. M, Hooker, J. P. Jack-

son, W. O'B. Glennie (Treasurer), and Rev. H. R. Peel
(Hon. Sec.)

The Secretary announced that the Council of the Royal
Agricultural Society were willing to give the donation
required by the Association towards the expense of sending
the Bee lent to Carlisle. The Prize Schedule (as pub-
lished in our present issue) having been made out, it was
resolved that the same be published in the Bee Journal
for the ensuing month.

BRITISH BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION.

The British Bee-keepers' Association offers its silver
and bronze medal, together with a certificate of merit, to
all county bee-keepers' associations affiliated with itself,
as prizes at their annual county show for the best exhibits
of honey in the comb ; also the use of one of its bee tents,
on condition that an authorized expert of the Association
shall accompany the tent and superintend its erection
and removal, giving displays of manipulations if required.
The expert's expenses (10s. Qd. per day), with third-class
railway fare, to be defrayed by the County Association,
also the travelling expenses of the tent on both journeys.
The Association is also prepared to send a bee tent and
expert to the shows of agricultural, floral, and cottage
garden societies, on condition that they shall be allowed
to charge an admission fee, not exceeding sixpence, to
each person entering the tent. At the close of each dis-
play the tent will be cleared of the spectators, and persons
who may be desirous of witnessing a second exhibition
will be required to pay an additional admission fee.
At these shows a prize of a bar-frame hive (value
12s. Gd.) will be offered for competition to cottagers and
other persons for the best and strongest straw skep of
bees (not being a swarm of the current year). There
must be not less than three competitors, and the bees must
be handled at the discretion of the expert, who shall be
the judge of which is the best and strongest stock. The
winner will have his bees and combs transferred into the
prize hive free of charge. The local society may divide
any pecuniary deficiency with the British Bee-Keepers'
Association, and receive half the profits (should there be
any) after all the expenses connected with the exhibition
have been paid, including the cost of the prize hive,
carriage of tent, expenses of the expert, &c. ; or, as an
alternative, the Association will take all expenses upon
itself and claim the whole of the proceeds. The local
secretary is requested to make these conditions known as
widely as possible in his neighbourhood, and to secure the
competitors for the prize hive. The committee of the
Association reserve to themselves the right of declining
any application for the use of the tent, or of demanding
a sufficient guarantee to cover the expense of sending it
on long journeys. ____

CALEDONIAN APIARIAN AND ENTOMO-
LOGICAL SOCIETY.

Sixth Session.
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the mem-
bers of this Society, held in M'Innes Hotel, 12 Hutche-
son Street, Glasgow, on Wednesday, March 17th, 1880 —
—Present : Messrs. Baillie, Bennett, Cameron, Ellis,
Hutchinson, Johnstone, Laughland, Morris, Muir, and
Steele.— On the motion of Mr. Ellis, seconded by Mr.
Cameron, Vice-President Laughland was called to the
chair. The minutes of last meeting were read and duly
approved of. The Hon. Sec. read letters of apology from
President Howatson and Messrs. Munro of Kelso, Captain
M'Laren of Greenock, and Wilkie of Gourock. On the
motion of the Hon. Sec. it was agreed to send notice of
meetings and other business to those only who had paid
their subscriptions for the past session. It was also
agreed to issue new members' tickets, which will be
given to them on payment of their subscriptions for the

240

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[April 1, 1880.

current session, and which will be the only available
admission ticket to all the shows and meetings of the
Society. He also read some correspondence between
himself and Mr. Menzies, Secretary of the Highland and
Agricultural Society of Scotland, regarding the arrange-
ments for the annual exhibition, which takes place at
Kelso on July 27, 28, 29, and SO. After considerable
discussion regarding the affiliation of branch societies,
the following motion was proposed by Mr. Ellis, seconded
by the Chairman, and carried unanimously, 'That all
branch societies from any district or place be admitted
into the Caledonian Apiarian Society at the following
terms : — 20s. for the first twenty members, and 5s. for
each additional twenty, or part thereof.' The plans and es-
timate of a new Bee Tent were laid on the table, and after
full explanation by the Hon. Sec, it was agreed to accept
the estimate of Mr. J. Huckle of King's Langley. It
was proposed by Mr. J. D. Hutchinson, and seconded by
Mr. Angus Cameron, ' That as this was going to involve
a great amount of additional income and expenditure in
the general funds, it woidd be much better to keep a
separate account for the Bee Tent;' and it was also
agreed to issue circulars soliciting special donations
towards the defraying of its cost. The present rides of
the Society were revised after considerable discussion
by every member present, and the new copies were
ordered to be printed and issued as soon as possible. The
Prize Schedule for the forthcoming show was then ex-
amined, and after more than an hour's discussion the
various classes were corrected and revised. The Hon.
Sec. said, that as there was always some dissatisfaction
regarding the award of the judges at the shows, he
thought "it would be better to appoint a committee to
select gentlemen who woidd be well qualified for the
position at the Kelso Show, and who would attend to
both the interests of them and the exhibitors thereafter.
Mr. J. D. Hutchinson proposed the following gentlemen
for the Committee : — Mr. John Ellis, Bridge of Earn,
Perthshire ; Mr. John Munro of Kelso, Roxburghshire ;
and Mr. John Wilkie of Gourock, Renfrewshire.^ Mr.
Steele said he had much pleasure in seconding this mo-
tion, and he was sure these gentlemen would do all in
their power for the interest of every one concerned. A
vote of thanks to the Chairman for presiding having
been proposed by Mr. Muir, and seconded by Mr.
Johnstone, the proceedings terminated, the meeting
having lasted for more than three hours.

SURREY BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION,
CROYDON DISTRICT.

On Feb. 23rd, Mr. J. Drage, of this town, gave a very
successful lecture on ' Bee-keeping,' at Colonel W. Mosse
Robinson's, Kenley, who most kindly threw his house open
to all who cared to attend the lecture. Mr. Drage exhi-
bited a model hive, also a model extractor, super, empty
and filled, honey jars, &c. Mr. Drage also had some
diagrams hanging on the walls. ■ Questions were asked
and answered by the lecturer. There must have been
between thirty and forty cottagers present, who seemed to
take in all that was said to them.

At the close of the lecture Mr. Robinson, in a most
generous manner, offered to start a dozen cottagers with
hives (such as Mr. Drage recommended) and bees.

Doubtless Mr. Lamare has told you that our Coimty
Show this year will be held at the Skating Ring, Croy-
don, on "Wednesday and Thursday, August 11th and 12th.
— Edmund S. "Whealler, Local Hon. Sec.

On Thursday, the 18th, a most successful lecture was
given under the auspices of the above Association. Rev.
H. R. Peel, who occupied the chair, briefly explained the
objects of the Association, and introduced Mr. S. J.
Baldwin as the lecturer. Mr. Baldwin then explained
how to manage a common straw skep in the most profit-
able way. He then explained how to work bar-frame

hives, and showed how much superior honey and larger
harvests can be obtained from the bar-frame than the
skep hive. He then alluded to the various superstitions
about bees. At the conclusion of the lecture the audience
were invited to ask questions, which several did. The
meeting was brought to a close by a hearty vote of
thanks (moved by Mr. Drage) to Rev. H. R. Peel for
coming from Hertfordshire to preside.

HERTFORDSHIRE BEE-KEEPERS' ASSO-
CIATION. ANNUAL MEETING.

On Saturday, February 28th, the first annual meeting
of the Hertfordshire Bee-keepers' Association was held
at the Town Hall, St. Albans, the Right Hon. the Earl of
Verulam, President of the Association, occupying the chair.
There was a good attendance of members and friends,
the fair sex forming the larger portion of those present.
Among the company were Viscount Grimston, Rev. H.
R. Peel (honorary secretary), Rev. E. Bartrum, Rev.
Dr. Griffith, Rev. G. Finch (hon. treasurer), Rev. Dr.
Gifford, Rev. Canon Kewley, Rev. A. Roberts, Rev. J.
Hargrove, Rev. A. B. Libscombe, Mr. Littlebov, Mr. C.
T. Part, Mr. G. N. Marten, Mr. Gibson, Mr. G. Deben-
ham, Mr. H. C. Finch, &c. ; together with the assistant
secretary, Mr. J. Huckle.

Eev. H. R. Peel (hon. sec.) opened the proceedings
by reading the following report for the year 1879 : —

' This Association commenced its existence as the West
Herts Association in the early part of the year 1878.
The title of the Hertfordshire Association was adopted
in accordance with the advice of the Bishop of the
Diocese, in the mouth of October in the same year, when
the Earl of Verulam, the lord lieutenant of the county,
kindly accepted the office of President. The Association
is a branch of, and is affiliated with, the British Bee-
keepers' Association, and its objects are the same as
those of the Central Society, viz., the encouragement,
improvement, and advancement of bee-keeping as a means
of bettering the condition of the agricultural labouring
classes, and also the more humane treatment of that
most industrious of all labourers the honey bee. The
means adopted to carry out these objects are — (1) The
holding of an annual county show, at which prizes are
offered for the best specimens of honey, hives, and other
articles connected with the more advanced methods of
bee-keeping. (2) The holding of meetings, and the de-
livery of lectures on the nature and treatment of the
honey-bee in various parts of the country, and the circu-
lation of suitable books and journals amongst the mem-
bers of the Association. For the circulation of the
British Bee Journal, which is published monthly, the
countv is divided into twenty districts. Members re-
siding in each district pass the Journal from one to the
other. The last member on the list returns it to the
secretary, and the Journal is preserved with the view to
its being bound up in a volume at the close of the year,
and forming the nucleus of a county library on bee-keep-
ing. (3) The attendance of the Bee Tent at horticultural
and cottage garden shows, in which practical illustra-
tions of the process of driving bees, transferring combs,
and extracting honey, are shown and explained by some
well-known bee-master. (4) The establishment of depots
in all the large villages and towns for the sale of hives
and other appliances for bee-keeping, as well as for the
sale of honey produced by the members of the Association,
and guaranteed by them to be pure and unadulterated.
The work of the Association under its new title was
commenced by a lecture, held in the infant school-room
at Baldock, on Thursday, March 20th, the Rev. Canon
Kewley taking the chair. An address on the aims and
objects" of the Association was given by the Rev. H. R.
Peel, hon. sec. A plain and practical lecture on bee-
keepingwas also delivered by Mr.S. J. Baldwin, the expert
of the British Bee-keepers'Association. Four meetings were

April 1, 1X80. J

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

241

held in the larger towns at which Mr. Frank Cheshire,
anthor of Practical See-keeping, gave addresses, viz. at
Great Berkhampstead, on Saturday, March 22nd, under
the presidency of the Marquis of Hamilton, on " The
Bee — the friend of the cottager and gardener." At St.
Alhans on Saturday, March 20th, the Viscount Grim-
ston in the chair, subject of address, " The Economy of
the Bee-hive." At Rickmansworth, on April 18th, the
Lord Ebury in the chair, subject of address, " The Prin-
ciples involved in profitable Bee Culture ;" and at Hert-
ford, on Saturday, April 2fith, under the presidency of
the Hon. Baron Dimsdale, the subject being " The Re-
lation of Bees to Flowers." Meetings were also held in
the national schoolrooms of several villages under the
presidency of the rectors or vicars of the respective
parishes, viz. at Aldenham, Great Gaddesden, Dunstable,
Redbourn, and King's Langley. At each of these meet-
ings addresses were delivered by Mr. S. J. Baldwin, who
also visited the apiaries of many members of the Associ-
ation residing in the neighbourhood', and gave them much
valuable advice and instruction as to the management
and treatment of their bees. Addresses were also de-
livered at the several meetings on the advantages and
objects of the Association by the Hon. Sec, who gave
two lectures on bees and bee-keeping, viz. at the school-
room, Croxley Green, on Monday, March .".1st ; and at
the Public Library, Watford, before the members of the
Watford Natural History Society, on Thursday, April
10th. The Bee Tent made its first appearance at the
summer exhibition of the Hitchin Adult Sunday School
Society, on Wednesday, July 9th. It was next erected
at the show of the Watford Horticultural Society, on
August 13th; it subsequently visited the cottage garden
shows at Kimpton Hoo, Rickmansworth, Much Hadham,
Hertford, Langleyburv,Harpenden, and closed the season
at the Frogmore Show on Thursday, September 18th.
The annual County Show was held at Hemel Hempstead
in connexion with the cottage garden and poultry shows,
on Wednesday and Thursday, October 1st and 2nd, when
prizes were offered for the best stocks of foreign and
English bees, for the best and most complete hives,
supers, honey extractors, and collections of bee furniture,
also for the best exhibitions of honey in sections, the best
single section, and for pure extracted honey. A driving
competition was held on the first day of the show ; the
competitors being confined to residents of the county of
Herts. The first prize in this competition was won by
Mr. W. Childs of Leverstock Green, near Hemel Hemp-
stead, who drove out his bees, captured and exhibited the
queen in 7j minutes. The second prize was won by
Mr. J. Clapp of Abbot's Hill, Hemel Hempstead, who
occupied 8 minutes ; and the third prize by Mr. W.
Dixon of Revel End, Redbourn. Seven other competi-
tors also took part in this competition. On the second
day of the show a driving and transferring competition
(open to all England) took place, the first prize being
won by Mr. John Walton of Weston, near Leamington,
who drove out his bees from a straw-skep, captured
and exhibited the queen, and transferred both bees
and combs into a hive on the moveable comb prin-
ciple in IO3 minutes. The Herts Association being
affiliated to the Central or British Society, its members
were entitled, according to the rules of the latter, to
compete for the Silver Medal, Bronze Medal, and Certifi-
cate, which are offered at the annual county show of
each affiliated association for the best exhibits of honey ;
the silver medal being awarded exclusively for the best
specimens of honey in the comb. These honours were
won by the following competitors, viz. : — The Silver
Medal, by Mr. S. Thome, Ashwell, near Baldock. The
Bronze Medal, bv Miss Gavton, Much Hadham, near
Ware. The Certificate, by Mr. J. Clapp, Abbot's Hill,
Hemel Hempstead. The prize hive offered for the best ex-
hibit in sections or run honey, made by a bond fide cottager
of the county of Herts, was not awarded, as no bond fide

cottager exhibited in those classes. The Committee re-
commend that this prize be offered in the future for the
1 it st exhibit of honey in the comb, in any form, made by a
cottager being a member of the Hertfordshire Bee-keei ers'
Association. The Committee regret to state that there
were not sufficient fimds in the hands of the treasurer last
year to warrant the purchase of a Bee Tent. The one used
during the season was purchased at its close by the
British Bee-keepers' Association. The Committee, how-
ever, recommend that a Bee Tent be ordered for the
coming season, the price not to exceed 20/., and that a
special subscription be commenced to defray the purchase.
It is gratifying to be able to state that there are no
arrears of subscriptions, every member having paid his
subscription before the close of 1879. The Committee
regret to announce that two members — the Earl of Essex
and Mr. R. Robbins — have withdrawn their names from
the Assocation. With such an unfavourable season for
bee-keeping- as that of 1879, many have no doubt been
disappointed in the results obtained, and have been dis-
couraged in their first attempts ; but the Committee feel
confident that those members who are determined to perse-
vere in their new pursuit will achieve greater success as
they gain greater experience, and that every painstaking and
persevering cottager may, if we are favoured with a more
genial summer than the last, make no inconsiderable
addition to his income from the profits derived from his
bees. The present members of the Hertfordshire Asso-
ciation are requested to make its existence and objects
known as widely as possible, especially amongst the
clergy and others who may be expected to take special
interest in the welfare of the rural population.'

The Hon. Secretary also read a letter from Mr. Bald-
win, expert to the British Bee-keepers' Association,
supplementary to the report.

The statement of receipts and expenditure for the past
year was stated to be as follows : —

EECEIPTS. £ s. d.

Balance brought forward 0 6 2

By Members' Subscriptions 67 18 0

,, Receipts from Bee Tent at Village and other

Shows 22 19 1

,, Admissions to County Show 15 9 6

„ Sales at County Shows, received 12 10 10

„ Exhibi tors' Entry Fees at County Show ... 4 10 0

„ Sale of Pamphlets 3 6 10

,, Receipts at Lectures 0 5 0

Sale of Catalogues 0 3 4

Donation to Prize Fund — J. P. Jackson, Esq. ... 0 10 0

Stock in hand 2 10 0

£130 8 9

EXPENDITURE.

Expenses of Lectures and Meetings 19

„ „ Bee Tent at Village and other Shows 22

Prizes awarded at ditto 5

General Expenses of County Show 30

Printing Account 15

Sales Paid — County Show 11

Messrs. Abbott Bros. — Bee Journals and Leaflets 5

Cottage Hives for Exhibition

Affiliation Fee to Central Society

Postage, Stationery, and sundry small Bills ...

To Balance— Cash in hand 2 16 9*.

Stock, Hives, etc. ...2 10 0

5 11J
5 6J
12 6

17 10
14 0
19 2

5 0

18 6
1 0

1 114

5 6 9i
£130 8 9

The Earl of Verulam proposed that the above report
and balance-sheet be received and adopted, which was
seconded by the Rev. Canon Kewley.

Viscount Grimston proposed that a vote of thanks be
tendered to the retiring officers, which was seconded by
Mr. G, N. Marten.

242

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[April 1, 1880.

Mr. J. E. • Littleboy (Hunton Bridge), had a great
pleasure in proposing the election of a number of noble-
men and gentlemen (whose names he read) as Vice-
presidents for the ensuing year. He also had great
pleasure in proposing that the Earl of Verulam be re-
quested to act as President again. He also proposed the
election of the Key. CI. Finch as Hon. Treasurer, in the
place of Mr. Wooton, who had resigned. Last, but not
least, he had to propose the re-election of the Kev. H. R.
Peel as Secretary. Every one connected with the Society
knew that Mr. Peel was its life-blood, and he (Mr.
Littleboy) on behalf of the meeting thanked him.

Mr. C. T. Part seconded the motion for the election of
the officers, and the same was carried unanimously.

Rev. II. K. Peel said he was very much obliged for
the kind reception given to his name. He had one little
thing to ask with regard to his office. The office of
Secretary involved considerable labour, and made a very
large demand on one's time, and he had been obliged to
avail himself of the assistance of Mr. Huckle, the
Assistant Secretary, very much. He thought it would
be a very excellent thing for this Society to secure the
services of Mr. Huckle as Assistant Secretary, and a
small siuu of money might very well be given him as a
salary, so that they might be assured of his services at all
times. He could assure them the amount of work he did
was very great indeed, and he was quite sure his services
would barely be remunerated by paying him a small
salary of 10/. per year and his travelling expenses. He
should therefore propose that the Association retain the
services of Mr. Huckle as Assistant Secretary, at a salary
of 10/. per year, with a proper allowance for travelling
expenses.

Rev. G. Finch seconded this, and said he could assure
the meeting that Mr. Peel had not overstated what Mr.
Huckle had done.

The motion was put to the meeting and carried.

Mr. Huckle thanked the meeting, and said he should
endeavour to do his best and give satisfaction.

Rev. II. R. Peel then read a list of names of gentle-
men from the eastern and western divisions of the
comity, who it was proposed should act on the Com-
mittee for the ensuing year. These were : — West Herts :
Rev. E. Bartrum, Mr. G. N. Marten, Rev. H. W. Hodg-
son, Mr. H. T. Hodgson, Mr. H. Bower, and Mr. 0. T.
Part ; East Herts : Viscount Grimston, Rev. Canon
Kewley, Rev. F. G. C. Jenvns, Colonel Smvth, Mr. G.
M. Campbell, and Rev. Dr. Clifford.

The above was adopted by the meeting, it being under-
stood that the Committee had power to add to their
number.

Rev. II. R. Peel then stated that the dates for the
County Show had been fixed for "Wednesday and Thurs-
day, 8th and Oth of September, at St. Albans, as being-
one of the most central points in the county, and one
most easjr of access. If it could be arranged to hold a
flower show at the same time it might induce many
people to attend who might not come to see a show of
hives and honey b}r itself.

The regulations for the attendance of the Bee Tent at
Horticultural Cottage Garden Shows were then decided
upon, and a circular in accordance therewith was ordered
to be prepared for the guidance of secretaries of such shows.

As regards the County Show to be held at St. Albans,
Mr. G. N. Marten stated that, thanks to the liberality
and kindness of Air. Gibson of St. Albans, who had
offered the loan of his fields, thej' had secured the most
eligible site in St. Albans.

A vote of thanks to Mr. Gibson was accorded for his
kindness.

Rev. H. R. Peel, referring to the Bee Tent, said the
Association had not been able to pay for it, and he sug-
gested that a special fund should be raised for this pur-
pose, without drawing on the treasurer for the amount.

Twenty volumes of the Bee Journal, bound up, were

ordered to be deposited at various points throughout the
county, for the convenience of the members of the As-
sociation, and it was hoped they would form the nucleus
of a Bee Library.

A ballot for four prizes, in which all the members of
the Association were allowed to participate, was then
proceeded with, the Hon. Viscount Grimston calling out
the numbers while the Rev. H. W. Hodgson drew the
prizes. Singularly enough, the reverend gentleman drew
the first prize amid some merriment. The second prize
fell to Mr. Timberlake of King's Lang-ley, and the third
to Mrs. Woolrych of Croxley Green. Owing to some
error the ticket for the fourth prize could not be found
in the bag, and it was held over until next year. The
four prizes were different descriptions of hives.

On the motion of the Rev. H. R. Peel, seconded by
Mr. Turnbull, a vote of thanks was accorded to the noble
Chairman for presiding, which the latter acknowledged.

A sale of goods furnished to the depots during the
year 1879 and not sold, terminated the proceedings.

WEST KENT BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION.
A public meeting was held in the Public Hall, at
Bexley Heath, on the 3rd March, when a lecture was
delivered by Mr. F. Cheshire of Acton. The chairman,
Dr. Spurrell, in introducing the lecturer, explained that
the meeting was called to assist in the formation of a
branch of the West Kent Bee-Keepers' Association, and
he hoped it would be shown that Bexley Heath was
alive to the importance of the subject. Mr. Cheshire
having delivered his lecture, a resolution to the effect
that the cultivation of the bee was deserving the atten-
tion of all classes, and a vote of thnnks to the lecturer,
were carried unanimously. The branch of the West
Kent Bee-Keepers' Association now established at Bexley
Heath will include in the area of its labours the following
districts : — Abbey Wood, Bexley, Bexley Heath, Belve-
dere, Crayforcl, Erith, and Welling, with head-quarters
at Bexley Heath. Mr. W. F. Ranger, of Bexley Heath,
was appointed local Hon. Sec, and will be happy to give
information to all inquirers.

Lecture. — Mr. Raitt, of Blairgowrie, SeeretaiT to the
East of Scotland Bee-keepers' Society, delivered a lecture
in the public school at Marykirk, on Monday evening last,
to a highly attentive and appreciative audience, on ' Bees
and Bee-keeping.' On the motion of the Rev. J. C. M'Clure,
Dr. Simpson was called to the chair. With the aid of beauti-
ful diagrams the lecturer described the natural history and
instincts of bees, their ingenuity and architecture, their
emotions under fear and auger, and the superiority and
profitableness of the bar-frame hive to the old straw-skep;
describing the management of a bar-frame hive from
early spring to the close of the season ; showing how in
an average and good year a harvest of from 50 to 100 lbs.
of comb-honey could be procured from a single hive,
leaving an abundant supply for the whiter months. By
bee-keepers and non-bee-keepers alike, the lecture was

freatly appreciated. On the motion of Dr. Simpson, a
earty vote of thanks was awarded Mr. Raitt for his
most instructive and valuable lecture. — Montrose Review,
Feb. 20.

Wisbech. — At a meeting of the Wisbech Natural
History Society, Rev. A. Bothamley, of that town, read
a paper on ' The Honey-bee, its Habits and Management.'
The paper was listened to with great interest, and at the
close a unanimous vote of thanks was passed. Mr. God-
frey, of Grantham, lent his valuable diagrams, at which
the class were highly delighted. Hopes are entertained
that a Wisbech Bee Society will be formed, Mr. Bothaniley
having got several promises of support from bee-keepers
in that neighbourhood.

April 1, 1880.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

243

tercspontrcna.

%* These columns are open to Subscribers, so that their
queries, replies, correspondence, and experiences, may be
fully and faithfully recorded; and for the discussion of all
theories and systems in Bee-culture, and of the relative merits
of all hives and appurtenances, that the truth regarding tliem
may be ascertained. The Editor, therefore, must not be ex-
pected to coincide with all the views expressed by the various
xoriters. All Correspondence is addressed to the Editor.

THE HUMBLE BEE.

Having been the innocent cause of ' the peat
being put to the heath ' on this question, through
a lady correspondent, who had kindly promised last
autumn to aid me by joining in the hunt to obtain
a few Humble Queens, and through the extremely
wet summer finding their scarcity, not unnaturally
applied as ' Cheltenham and Rothesay,' to our
Editor in the November number for advice, which
drew forth the very interesting communications of
Messrs. W. Crisp, H. Jenner-Fust, jun., and D.
Ramsay.

Towards the close of 1868 a London friend, de-
sirous of introducing the humble bee into New
Zealaud for the fertilisation of the red clover, with
the consequent saving of a very considerable annual
outlay for the purchase of imported seed, which
with that bee once climatised could readily and
successfully be grown in the colony, appealed to me
for assistance, while at the same time perfectly
cognisant of previous effort and cause of failure,
which I had much pleasure in affording. The hot
preceding summer was unusually favourable for
the increase of the species, but as winter frost had
set in, fertilised queens were by this time snugly
ensconced in their winter quarters ere the search
commenced, which proved one of very considerable
difficulty ; although well knowing that they hyber-
nate, and are frequently accidentally come upon in
moss at roots of trees, thatch on the roofs of
houses, turf dykes, compost heaps, and haystacks;
but to spot the particular location becomes a mat-
ter more of good luck than good guiding. The
number of tons of hay which may be turned over
without coming on a solitary bee is only known to
those who have tried. Indeed, the search too fre-
quently becomes not unlike looking for the pro-
verbial needle in the same place. Mentioning the
matter to bee-keeping friends last summer, pre-
viously overlooked, I was assured that had I but
applied to them they could have supplied me with
any number through last winter. On remembering
them of their promise, I was not a little surprised
to find not a single queen was forthcoming.

My most successful searcher was a nursery fore-
man interested in the habits of bees, and he, in the
most indefatigable manner, carefully turned and
picked through the whole frozen compost heaps on
the ground, resulting in the finding of one queen.
To secure another, and thus be able to send me a
couple, he roused all his energies, and he cheerfully
gave up his New Year's holiday (1879), and pro-
spected in the woods all day many miles from
home ; and while about to give up in despair, an

orifice, at the root of an old beech, attracted his
attention, and he succeeded in unearthing number
two. The couple were packed in dry moss and
posted to London, where a suitable box was pre-
pared in two divisions. Besides their moss dormi-
tory a wire cloth, giving space for each, was pro-
vided, together with a supply of sealed honey -comb,
that, despite the refrigerating precautions, they
might get aroused as the steamer passed into
southern latitudes. The two queens, with the ar-
rangement for their voyage, were submitted to the
late Mr. Frederick Smith, at the British Museum.
He named the species Bombus lucorum, a hardy,
good sort for the purpose ; he thought the provision
made for their comfort complete, and he could see
nothing to prevent the success of the experiment.
They sailed from Southampton on 9th January,
1879, under charge of a gentleman going out, and
from some unexplained cause their fate remains
still a mystery.

It would be a matter of much interest to all
apiarians were some readers of the British Bee
Journal, personally acquainted with the distin-
guished entomologist — the late Mr. Smith, to write
a short biographical notice of that gentleman. The
readiness and kindliness with which he gave his in-
valuable opinion on the various races of bees, the
late Mr. Woodbury, and many others, have borne
testimony.

The late Lieut.-Colonel Newman, of Cheltenham,
made the study of the Bombus race a specialty,
and years ago contributed many interesting papers
as to their habits in the pages of the then Cottage
Gardener, now Journal of Horticulture.

That bee has always had a charm for the present
writer. As a child my favourite toys were the
yellow-stained, gaudily flowered little dog-house-like
boxes, into which my captives were placed ; and
through the oval aperture, closed by a sliding door,
many were the teaspoonfuls of sugar shovelled in
in the firm belief that the scraping sounds of the
prisoners were the honey-making process going on ;
and when taken out to be harnessed to little paper
carts, the screams of delight as they sprawled across
the polished mahogany are pleasant memories of
childhood's days.

As a boy, to lie on the grass underneath the
shade of a lime-tree avenue, and listen to the hum
of the busy riflers of the blossoms after a hard day's
work, hunting up their nests through the woods,
was my greatest delight. My first lesson of the
depriving system were acquired amongst the
Foggies {Bombus muscorum). So soon as the lea
harvest commenced, I was on the alert. Shaking out
to dry, the cut grasses temporarily blockaded the
entrances to the nests, revealed by the buzzing.
On poised wing they were speedily noted and
marked off, till the agenda became very full. The
modus operandi was as follows : — Stretched on the
ground, the moss top of the nest was carefully
removed, and combs laid bare ; then with a straw
cell after cell was sucked, and the moss then
replaced. Suppose No. 1 was so deprived on the
Monday ; No. 2 was similarly treated on Tuesday ;
and so on till the list became exhausted, when No. 1

244

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[April 1, 1880.

was again ripe for deprivation. I remember per-
fectly of digging out from a dry drain a very strong
nest of unusually large humble bees ; from the
extent of large celled combs, and the quantity of
rich thickened honey it yielded, I was then of opinion,
as I still think, it must have been the accumula-
tions of more than a single season. Being the
enemies of my favourites, war was mercilessly
declared against all wasps and hornets, their nests
brimstoned, dug, and burned, after the queen of
each had been impaled on a large brass pin ; and
those trophies were reckoned over with as much
pride as the Indian his scalps.

Yet the hum of the first humble queen, as she
wings her way through the balmy atmosphere she
brings, is, equally with the first notes of the cuckoo,
a most delightful harbinger of summer. — A Ren-
frewshire Bee-keeper.

FLORAL GOLD.

Accepting the Editor's offer of a sample of James
Brace's ' Floral gold,' I offered to make an analysis
of it, and if found genuine to carry out the pub-
lished process. I may say I had not the least faith
in the golden theory; but merely undertook the
work at the solicitation of one of your respected
subscribers, who thought there might be something
in it. The sample furnished me, to the unassisted
eye, was simply some gritty black dust with no ap-
pearance of anything metallic about it. Under the
microscope it was resolved into small lumps of
charcoal and sand, still nothing having the sem-
blance of gold ; and a chemical analysis gave only
carbon and silica, with a trace of sodium and potas-
sium, as is usual in vegetable substance. I unhesi-
tatingly say that the sample furnished to me did
not contain any gold whatever — the one hundredth
part of a grain could not have escaped detection.
Assuming that I had a fair sample,* it follows
that James Brace's statement in the Journal of
March 1, is utterly unworthy of credit. — John
Hunter, Argyle Road, Ealing.

EARLY DRONES.
My bees have all wintered well, and have not
consumed all the food I gave them last autumn.
The hives are quite full of young bees, and they are
all very busy taking in pollen. There is one hive
which has rather puzzled me. On February 23rd,
and on the following ten days, thej' brought out
several dead drone grabs and a few dead drones.
This made me think at first that the queen must
have died during the winter, and that they had
raised a drone-laying one ; but the workers seem
to be increasing every day, and they are quite as
strong as any hive I have. To-day (March 11th)
the drones are flying in and out of the hive quite
strong. Is this not unusually early for them to do

* We sent Mr. Hunter the whole of the sample received
from Mr. Bruce ; from the first we had no faith in the idea,
as may be inferred from the note appended to the original
announcement, but on the principle that the Journal is
open, we give every one a fair hearing. Our readers will
please note Mr. Hunter's change of address. — Ed.

so 1 I am unable to examine the hive as it has
fixed combs, but I know the queen must be old, as
I bought the hive in July, 1877. I have never had
a swarm from it. I believe that the queen must
have had her wings cut by the person that supplied
me with the hive and bees. I am sorry to say that
our cottagers have lost nearly all their bees. I was
talking to a man yesterday that has kept bees for
over forty years, and he says he cannot remember
such a bad year. He has only saved two hives out
of about a dozen. — Capt. C. A., Hurstboum Tarrant,
31 arch 11, 1880.

[The presence of drones so early in March is a circum-
stance we should regard with grave suspicion, but for the
assurance that the workers are increasing also. Clipping
the wings of a queen will not prevent the swarming
impulse in bees, and the most that can be said for the
practice is that it prevents a swarm leaving the apiary
while the mutilated queen remains at the head of the
stock. Such a queen is very liable to he lost when a
hive attempts to swarm through falling to the ground
and remaining undiscovered, whilst the bees return to
the hive, and a new one appears in the ordinal'}' course. —
Ed.]

EARLY DRONES.

It may interest you to know that on Friday, the
5th March, at about a quarter to two, I saw the
first drone of the season coming out of the hive
I procured from you last year. A strong but warm
S. W. wind was blowing at the time. I saw also,
I am sorry to say, three white bees lying on the
ground with a blue-bottle sucking at one of them.
To-day drones and workers are out in force, the
latter bringing in a considerable quantity of crocus
pollen. — J. F. R., Cheshire.

[Immediately on receipt of the above we sent a sugges-
tion that the appearance of drones at so early a date
gave rise to suspicion that the queen had died, and had
been succeeded by a fertile worker, which had given
birth to the drones. On the 13th, however, we received
the following : — ]

I have to thank you for your card. As soon as
I saw the first drone I made up my mind to examine
the hive, but the time of clergymen is not always
at their own disposal, so I have been obliged to let
several days go by. To-day, however, I took
advantage of the sunshine to open the hive, and
found the queen — a Ligurian — all right ; a consider-
able quantity of honey, about 10 lbs., as nearly as
I could judge ; two or three drone-cells (covered),
and two patches (each about five inches in diameter)
of grubs ; I could not tell whether drones or
workers, except that they were in worker cells, and
so I presume are what we want. I cut away a
quantity of empty drone-comb, and altered the
position of the frames so as to bring the honey
nearer to the queen and her offspring. The popula-
tion of the hive is quite as large as can be expected.
I have been trying pea-flour in the crocuses, of
which I have thousands. The bees have not yet
taken to it among the shavings. I have been feed-
ing with barley-sugar. It is possible that the queen
was a virgin, but if so, I think she would have bred
her drones last autumn. I shall watch the hatching
out with interest, and hope the future of the hive

April 1, 1880.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

245

may make it worth while for you to read another note

from me. — J. F. R.

[It may be helpful to many of our readers if we make

it clearly understood that unfertilised eggs in worker
cells, whether deposited by a queen
or a fertile worker, always de-
velope into drones, to give room for
which the bees elongate the cells
in which they are deposited, and
when sealed they stand high above
the surrounding worker cells, as
shown in the wood-cut. Drones

bred in worker-cells are considered useless for fertilising

purposes. — Ed.]

COTTAGERS' BEES.
In your editorial notices in the March Journal
you say the cry from all quarters is, ' That the Cot-
tagers' Bees are all dead.' I am sorry to say it is
so iu many cases ; but I am thankful to say it is
not the case with me, having eight hives in the
autumn — five in bar-frame hives, and the others in
skeps, am glad to say, through successful feeding
they are all alive, healthy, and strong, having given
them over a hundredweight of sugar-syrup according
to your directions in Journal. Hoping it will be a
good season this year. Although I did not get any-
thing out of them last year, I did not lose by them,
having sold swarms to make up for the outlay in
feeding.— J. L., Wirksworth, March 8, 1880.

BEES IN SCOTLAND.
I have, during the past fortnight, delivered pub-
lic lectures in five different centres in the North-
east 'of Scotland, viz., Marykirk and Banchory in
Kincardineshire ; Miutlaw and Huntly in Aber-
deenshire ; and Arbroath in Forfarshire. Only in
places where the influence of Bee Journals and
Societies have penetrated do 1 find anything like
numbers of promising stocks. Generally, the num-
bers have been lamentably reduced by starvation
and foul brood, the latter pest being very prevalent
in Aberdeenshire. I have seen the famed apiaries
that have boasted of occasional grand results under
the system of large skeps, but from all I can judge
their days are numbered. Foul brood is too much
for them. I had great pleasure in applying the
dividing knife to several venerable specimens, and all
the prominent bee-keepers have already begun to wear
them out of use. Everywhere these lectures were
highly appreciated. — William Raitt, Feb. 28, 1880.

EXPERIENCE WITH HIVES— THICK v. THIN
WALLS.
As I think actual experiences are always useful,
when carefully conducted, I will send you mine for
last winter. To begin with, I may say that it is
certain that last winter has been severer than any-
thing since 1829 certainly, and probablysince 1749 —
as far as this part of Europe is concerned. The Lake
of Constance, the Rhine, and the Loire at Nantes,
have all been frozen. The two first have not
occurred since 1829, and the last since 1749. The
frost here lasted from the 15th November to 17th

February, with only eight days' exception. The
minimum temperature (average) for December was
9 degrees, Fahrenheit; the maximum only 22
degrees, or 10 below freezing; and the lowest
temperature on the 8th December was 22 degrees
below zero, Fahrenheit.

I had nine hives of my own, and two belonging
to the farmer where I kept my bees, to look after.
Four of these were frame-hives of yours, the other
seven straw hives, on the Oettl principle, advocated
by M. Collin. The frame-hives are one Cottage,
one large Standard, one improved Cottage with
cover, and one Woodbury. The two last I had
transferred in August last, trusting to a large fiel d
of sainfoin close at hand to enable the bees to pick
up what they wanted for the winter. I was absent
all the autumn, and when I returned in October I
found that these two hives had dwindled very much
in numbers, owing to the sainfoin having utterly
failed as a honey crop. I did what I could with
barley-sugar ; but though breeding recommenced,
it was too late, and the severe cold was too much
for the weakened populations, though they had
sufficient food, and both these hives succumbed,
though in the case of the Cottager this was per-
haps entirely owing to a mouse having somehow
got inside the cover, and eaten up all the quilt.

To my great delight the other two hives are now
both in excellent order. It would not be*possible
to desire anything better. When I cleaned out
the little Cottage hive yesterday, it really had not
above a hundred dead bees in the bottom, and
hardly any dirt. The bottom of this hive is not
moveable. The hive stood completely in the open,
without protection, but was covered with a thick
bit of old carpet, and the lid of a box over all to
keep the carpet dry. I also thickened the usual
quilt by a fold of old carpet, in which I made a
small hole corresponding with the feed-hole, in the
quilt, as a ventilator, which was partly closed by a
perforated feeder. The combs had winter passages,
but the ends of the frames were not stopped. The
interior of the hive was perfectly dry and sweet,
and the bees looking clean, healthy, and vigorous.
Considering that the walls of the hive are so thin
(it is your common 4s. 6<i. hive), this is really
wonderful.

The Standard is strong and in good order also,
but lost more bees, as I cleared out a great number
of dead ones after the first severe cold in December.
There is not much young brood at present ; but as
the population is very numerous, breeding must
have gone on all the winter, to a certain extent. This
hive is still well supplied with food, but I took
none from it in the autumn. The Cottager, how-
ever, has very nearly come to the end of his stores.
It had given me eleven or twelve pounds of run
honey in the autumn, but I thought to have left
sufficient, i.e. from 15 to 201bs. This has now
nearly gone.

Of the seven straw hives, one is dead, three are
in bad order, and four in good order : all these
hives were in a covered apiary. The best, perhaps,
of these hives, was one which was not covered at all
with a straw lid, and only had a piece of old sack-

246

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[April 1, 1880.

ing laid over the top. But except this one, all
showed signs of moisture on the walls, and were by
no means so sweet and clean as the wooden hives
with quilts. In some cases the combs were a good
deal mildewed ; but in all cases the hives with
strong populations were in good order, and were
not suffering much from moisture. The hives with
old combs were the worst. I have the exact
weight of these hives on the 21st of October and
the 4th of March, showing the exact consumption
of provisions in the four and a half months, which
may be interesting : —

21 Oct. 4 Mar.
lb. lb.

1 ... 70 ... 58 1st class large hive.

2 ... 50 ... 40 Swarm of last year, but no honev taken.

3 37 30

4 ... 43 ... 34 Old hive, poor.

5 ... 43 ... 32 Ditto, and lost a great number by death.

6 ... 42 ... 31 Very good hive ; about two years old.

7 ... 32 ... — Old hive. Dead.

The first five of these hives have the walls two inches
thick, on the Bohemian plan, to keep out the cold.

The deduction I make from the above is, that
having strong populations and sufficient provisions,
upward ventilation is even more important than
thick walls. Nothing can possibly be warmer than
the thick two-inch straw walls of my Oettl hives.
How can the half-inch boards of my little Cottager
compare with these 1 The next deduction I make
is, that reduced space is most desirable : let it be
effected by stopping the frames, or by reducing the
space inside the hive. As I have before stated,
I believe only in the latter plan, but mean to
try both fairly another winter, if all goes well.
The facilities which your Combination Hive affords
for reducing and enlarging the interior space,
seems to me one of its greatest advantages. — ■
G. F. Pearson, Nancy, March 6th.

DRY SUGAR FOR BEES.
I notice in your March issue you say bees will
not use dry sugar. I am not going to say you are
wrong, but I would say that a person half a mile
from here feeds on nothing else but dry sugar.
The woman I refer to brings it out of her house in
the paper and pours it out on to the flight-board.
The bees eagerly attack it, but I cannot positively
say by what means they carry it off. Some look
as if they wetted it themselves, and others carry
small pieces into the hives. I think they reduce it
themselves to a liquid.* — Parent Stock.

BEES IN CHESHIRE— LIGURIANISING.

I regret to have to say that in the West Cheshire
district nearly all stocks belonging to cottagers are
dead. I urged them to feed, but, with one or two
exceptions, they preferred their old method.
Those who took my advice can now boast of saving
a few. I have eight stocks, and my neighbour has
ten. These have been wintered without the cloth
covering, and are now carrying in both wheat-flour
and pea-flour.

I wish to infuse new blood into them, and shall
be deeply obliged if you will answer the following
in your next issue. 1st. Can I give a Ligurian
queen to an issuing swarm, taking away the queen
that left the stock with them 1 2nd. Can I turn a
Ligurian queen into the stock-hive from which the
swarm issued immediately after the swarm has
gone 1 — Parent Stock.

[1. Catch the black queen and cage her in the swarm to
which she belongs, and in the evening, when the bees are
quiet, remove the cage and black queen and substitute
the Ligurian (uncaged), and leave ner for twentj'-four
hours, feeding with scented syrup in bottle immediately
above her. 2. When a first swarm has departed from a
hive, a queen may be introduced in a cage, and after
forty-eight hours liberated with a comparative certainty of
being well received, and will probably be allowed to de-
stri>\ all queen-cells, and thus prevent further swarming.
—Ed.]

WINTERING.

It will be instructive to note the manner of
wintering in different localities. In the northern
counties I believe that those bees fed in time last
autumn will come out well if fed for a month or
two on candy. I noticed a day or two ago a dead
drone on the floor of a hive of hybrids. This raised
my curiosity, and I examined the frames for the
queen. I found her looking all right, and well she
might, for one or two combs had worker brood
sealed and formed, and some drone brood, I think.
Is not this very early (Feb. 24) 1 Another hive has
brood too, but not quite so forward.

I find the simplest way of using candy is to have
it poured out hot on common paper on a .stone
floor. If the edges of paper are turned up it will
hold the boiling candy all right, £ or ^ inch thick.
When cooling I mark it with a knife to be able to
break it in pieces- the size required, and then cover
it with tissue paper. When using I turn the candy
tissue side down, and lay on the top of frames and
under quilts, slip it between or otherwise. It keeps
all perfectly clean, and is very easily done. — F. P.,
Westmoreland, Feb. 24, 1880.

* In that case it is not dry sugar. — Ed.

ARTIFICIAL POLLEN.— THE JOURNAL.

On Saturday I put a straw skep half filled with
thin shavings which I had previously sprinkled
with pea-flour. Three of my hives have taken to it,
and are working like slaves, going into their hives
as white as millers. I suppose I am not doing
wrong in causing them to work in this way? A
suggestion of yours in the Bee Journal I have also
found work admirable, viz. filling the combs with
syrup, and sealing them with liquid wax.

I think I may say that one of my hives owes its
life to this. It seems so natural, and so little dis-
turbing. I fill my combs over a dish with an
ordinary bottle of thick syrup. Then let all the
superfluous syrup drip off before replacing the comb
in the hive.

I am learning so much under your instructive
Bee-paper, that I feel that soon I shall be in a
position to lecture on bees at the social gatherings
about here. I admire very much the public spirit

April 1, 1880.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

247

which you exhibit in your endeavour to educate us
in such an important branch of horticultural
industry. Few think nowadays of trying to fill
any other pockets but their own. How anyone can
use hives that do not open at the top is indeed a
wonder.— H. C. S.,Herdey-on-Thames, March 1, 1880.

PROTECTIVE TORCHES.

In Mr. F. Parker's ' Moveable Porch,' as shown
in B. B. J. of February, would not the wet run
down the face of the hive through the open joint
of porch roof to the doorway
(however tightly screwed) 1 I
find a strip of thin board, some
3 iu. wide, with two ends nailed
N0, *• on, cut so as to slide under the

porch board, as shown in cut, No. 1, effectual. It can
be made by anyone, to fit any , .

hive already occupied; can be /! A 1\

put in and removed in a mo- / — ' i — \
ment; cannot blow down, and n. ./

it affords complete protection. ""^

For shops, I cut (out of old No- 2-

meat tins) shades in the shape, No. 2. Bend the
three points at right angles, and stick them into
the hive. — Country Parson.

BEES IN AVILTSHIRE.

You may like to know the present condition of
the bees in this neighbourhood, on Wilts Downs,
800 ft. above the sea : — ■

In September there were sixty-five stocks in the
village, of which only nine survive, of these eight
belong to me.

Cottager No. 1 had twenty-two, lost three in
September, would not feed the rest, 'he never
meddles with his'n, he don't.' I offered him id.
per lb. for all his light ones. ' No, he would
chauce it, it is unlucky to sell bees ;' of course, all
are dead.

No. 2 had thirteen, acted in the same way, result
the same as above.

No. 3 had sixteen, burnt four, and got 1 lb. of
honey only, sold me four, weighing together 17 lbs.
These I divided between two of my own stocks to
their mutual advantage. He determined to feed
the rest, and, I believe, has saved one.

No. 4 had only three, and has lost all, two in
September, and the other was kept alive on moist
sugar until ten days ago.

N. B. — All the above were in old-fashioned skeps.

Now, for my own eleven. I carefully examined
them all, December 22, and again on February 5th ;
On this latter occasion taking out every frame, the
bees being very busy.

Including swarms, I had (first week in September)
nineteen hives, which I reduced, by uniting, to
eleven, all of which I fed liberally, some of them
before that time. Those consisted of —

No. 1, in ' Cheshire ' hive, stocked with three
late swarms, and comb transferred from skeps
(bought at 4(7. per lb.), September 17, 1878.

These did not swarm or make any surplus honey,
but have been strong and healthy all along.

No. 2. — The same as No. 1 in ■ all respects,
Septemher 27th, 1878.

No. 3. — ' Woodbury,' stocked in the same way
with two late swarms, transferred with comb
September 6th, 1878. These, though fed as the
others, did little work, and were with difficulty
kept alive, and much troubled with wax-moth.
This, by constant care, I got rid of, and on 20th of
October, 1879, 1 added two small lots of condemned
bees, from which time they have prospered wonder-

fully.

No. 4, old stock in flat skep, threw out three
good swarms, and then all but died ; but with care-
ful feeding weighed 30 lbs. net in October, and are
good now.

No. 5, ' Combination Hive,' stocked with my first
swarm, June 18th, eight frames given at first, these
were soon nearly filled. September 11, added a
transferred swarm, and three combs partly filled ;
these have done well all along.

No. 6, ' Combination.' The same nearly as
No. 5, doing well.

No. 7, ' Combination ' swarm of June 24th, ten
frames given to start with, all nearly filled by
July 5, no comb made after that ; added trans-
ferred swarm, and one comb of brood, September 5.
Has done well all along.

No. 8, ' Combination.' — Double swarm of June
25, ten frames given, worked well for a week, then
began to dwindle away. Examined August 7th, no
queen. Transferred a swarm from a skep, and
added to them with fine queen, and three more
comb, looked well on December 22 ; bringing out
dead January 31 ; all dead February 5th, leaving
about 8 lbs. of store ; and slight signs of dysentery.

No. 9, ' Makeshift ' with ' Haystack ' outer case
(space filled with shavings), stocked with good
swarm, June 18th, filled every frame in three weeks ;
these looked well, and had about three frames full
of honey, December 22nd ; husy bringing out dead,
January 30th ; all dead, and not a drop of honey
left, February 5th. These, too, showed signs of
dysentery.

No. 10, ' Combination.' Stocked September 5th
with two lots of transferred Lees, and ten combs.
Worked well at fixing and filling those, and are as
good as any I have.

No. 11. — The remains of a wretched stock re-
ceived from a friend in January, 1879, in straw
' Sherrington ' Hive (large enough for three ordinary
swarms in most years), frames not half filled, when
I had them, so I took out four empty frames, put in
a ' dummy,' and filled vacancy with bag of chaff,
fed liberally all the year ; in Septemher added a
strong transferred swarm with good queen (having
removed the old one) ; half dead December 22nd ;
all gone by February 5th, leaving 5 lbs. or 6 lbs. of
honey, and signs of dysentery, as in Nos. 8 and 9.

Thus I have lost three, and have eight left, and
having examined every frame on February 5, 1 have
reason to be well satisfied with their present con-
dition.

I made all my frame-hives ' double-cased,' with

248

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[April 1, 1880.

shifting floor-boards, good roof, well painted and
watertight, frames of ' Woodbury ' size, but your
pattern, all provided with quilts. My old stocks
were liberally fed with syrup and pea-flour last
spring, all swarms for the first week, and when-
ever there was a spell of bad weather, and all
hives in proportion, to what seemed necessary, from
September 1st till the end of October. I am now
feeding again with sugar-candy and salicylic acid as
a precaution against dysentery leading to foul
brood hereafter. Our cottage neighbours, of course,
wondered scornfully at summer and autumn feed-
ing, ' they never meddle with theirs ' (except to bum
them) ; now they have their reward, and I hope I may
have mine. No honey was taken in this neighbour-
hood.— A Countrt Parson, Hungerford.

P.S. — Last year I covered the roofs of several of
my hives with three layers of stout brown paper,
painting each thickly before the next was laid on,
giving three coats at last; I find it stands very
well, and is so much cheaper than zinc ; but I have
no doubt the ' paper felt ' mentioned in February No.
of B. B. J., is better.

HONEY JARS.
At the conversazione of the British Bee-keepers'
Association in January last I exhibited a few pat-
terns of honey glasses of French make, offering to
receive from bee-keepers orders for small quantities,
put all together, and import in one lot, thus saving
expense, and distribute them. The only responses
I received were from two gentlemen in the room,
whose united requirements, however, were so small
as to be impracticable to obtain. Will you allow
me, therefore, to remind your readers that I am
still willing to obtain these glasses for them if they
will send me their requirements by the 15th of
April ? I annex a short description of the patterns.
The prices are intended to include cost, freight,
packing, &c. to London. I will undertake the
trouble of receiving and distributing such quantities
as may be desired ; they will arrive about the end of
May— F. Lyon, 94 Harleyford Road, S.E., 23rd
March,

Number. Description. Price per gross.

1915 Cylindrical jars with feet, with

screw caps nickel plated, and

cork lined contents about 14 oz. 29/-
2057 Same Pattern „ „ „ „ 16 oz. 30/-
1938 Cylinders, with screw caps as

above „ „ ,, „ ,, „ 2 lb. 45/-
2055 10 sided, with screw cap as

above „ „ ,, „ „ ,, 14 oz. 29/-
1238 Fluted jars with glass caps ,, 14 oz. 33/-
1232 Plain cylinders, glass caps „ 14 oz. 26/-
2050 Fluted jars, glass caps „ ,, 1 lb. 26/-
503 12 sided fluted jars, with lips for

tying over j,, ,, ,, „ „ 1 lb. 16/-

FREAK OF BEES IN ALSACE.— QUEEN
ENCASEMENT (?)

I have been asked by M. Dennler to send you
the translation of the following very curious cir-
cumstance : —

A few days ago one of M. Dennler's best hives
in the garden close to his house was observed by
M. D.'s father to be in a state of abnormal excite-

ment, the bees crowding outside the entrance, and
buzzing about wildly. On going up to see what
was the matter, he saw the queen walking about
outside on the alighting-board surrounded by the bees,
who did not attempt to harm her. She remained
outside for a time, and when she went in again all
was quiet.

M. Dennler was from home at the moment, and
only returned in the evening. Next morning he
went out to look at the hive, and found the queen
apparently dead on the gravel-walk in front of the
apiary. M. Dennler picked her up, and was
carrying her into the house to show her to his
father, when he felt her move, and as soon as he
got into the warm room she began to walk about
on his hand. He then fed her with a few drops of
honey, and about 11 a.m. (or three hours after he
picked her up) he put her back in her hive, after
having sprinkled her with scented syrup.

The hive remained perfectly quiet all day, but
next morning M. Dennler found the queen outside
on the gravel-walk, apparently dead, as on the day
before. This time, by the same care, the queen
was again revived, and was replaced in her hive,
under the protection of a queen-cage ; but at the
expiration of forty-eight hours when M. Dennler
went to release her, he found her dead inside the
cage. The bees after this at once began to build
queen-cells, which, however, would have been useless
in the absence of drones.

The denouement, however, was not less singular.
The day after the queen was found dead, M.
Dennler observed a very small swarm, which came
and alighted on the corner of his apiary. The
queen of it had fallen down on the ground with a
small cluster of bees, and to pick her up, place her
in a cage, and introduce her into the recently
queenless hive, was the work of ten minutes. This
queen has since been accepted by the hive, which is
going on in perfect order.

What was the cause — 1st, of the queen coming
out ? 2nd, of her death 1 She was a very fine,
healthy young queen — a hybrid Italian ; and the
bees appeared in no way hostile to her. Can you
explain this? M. Dennler says he is unable to do
so. The whole history is a most curious one. — G.
F. Pearson.

[With considerable diffidence, as in the presence of so
great an authority as Herr Dennler, we venture, in reply
to the queries of our esteemed correspondent, to suggest
that the queen seen on the alighting-board, and which
afterwards died in the cage, had been too rudely embraced
by her bees in their anxiety to stimulate her to oviposit-
ing. We have found many cases of spring encasement,
for which we could give no other reason than that the
bees were caressing (too eagerly, perhaps) the queen
mother, on whose fecundity the life of the hive
depended, to stimidate her to increased fertility. This
probably (as suggested last year) ma}- account for the
great number of regicides at this season. The appear-
ance of the swarm, probably from a famine-stricken
hive, we look upon as a coincidence, and congratulate
Herr Dennler on his prompt way of utilising it. There
is a possibility that the queen of the swarm may turn
out a drone breeder, but we scarcely think the premises
in favour of that view would have escaped the notice of
the distinguished bee-master named. — Ed.]

April 1, 1880.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

249

PROFITS OF BEE-KEEPING.

In a report in a Hertfordshire newspaper which
has just fallen into my hands I find the following : —

' Bringing; before the audience next the question by
profits arising; from bee-keeping, Mr. Cheshire said he
had been already found guilty of having made a state-
ment that the cottager coidd realise three pounds per
hive in a year, and after stating so much he had some-
thing to do towards proving it if he could.'

Will Mr. Cheshire oblige doubtless a very large
section of bee-keepers by giving the information his
implied promise led me to exjject, but which did
not appear in the report mentioned ? — A Questioner.

(Brjpcs from % |)ibcs.

Uffinyton, March '2'S. — ' Bees all wintered well, except
one stock, which has dwindled away from being queenless.
They have been collecting pollen, when the weather per-
mitted, ever since the 19th of February ; and all appear
very strong now, having had several picnics with syrup
and pea-flour. Breeding has been going on for some
time. I foimd the Hampshire Tubular Feeder everything
that could be wished for, for straw skeps, or, in fact, for
any kind of hive they are equally useful, being so simple,
cheap, and easy to manage. — J. S.'

Middleton, Yorkshire. — ' There is hardly a bee left
about here ; all the Cottagers' have died. I consider the
B. B. J. an excellent paper. — A. W. C

8. Warnborongh. — ' The " let-alones " among bee-
keepers have a good time of it this year. You will have
had an order for barley-sugar from a bee-keeper here. The
poor old crochet has been beating about to establish a
theory of his own, but is at last compelled to give in or lose
all, and his disciples are in about the same fix. — W. H.'

Neioton Tetbury. — Hive Entrances. — ' Would not a
good plan for avoiding draught through entrance in win-
ter be to put wings to the porch, as suggested by a cor-
respondent lately in B.B.J. , and perforated zinc flight-
board with a moveable shutter to shut close, or nearly,
over front of porch, allowing the ventilation to come only
through the perforated zinc flight-board ? This is what
I have done in a hive I have made.'

Wargrave. — Oj>en v. dose frame ends. — ' I see in the
March number an admirable design for frames, which
I have always thought most necessary. It seems
to me to combine two great advantages : (1) The making
an inside shell for the bee-nest ; and (2) The keeping the
frames in their exact places. I shall try and tit it to my
present frames. When I have time, being something of
a carpenter, I make my own hives, thus : ordinal y Make-
shift hive, upon a reversible floorboard, with outer case
in two pieces. So that in summer there is dead air
space ; in winter the bottom half can be so easily packed
with chaff. The roof is sufficiently high (made with
three boards) to take in feeding-bottle and super. I
drive four stakes into the ground, the two hack a little
higher than the front. A simpler or cheaper I cannot
conceive. All this I have gathered from 3'our Bee
Journal. I shall exhibit one at our Cottagers' Show, to
induce the labouring people to make them. I for one
willingly testify to the pleasure and profit which your
Journal has been to me. — H. C. S.'

Hailsham. — Dry Sugar fir Bees. — ' You still deny bees
take dry sugar, but I can't quite agree with you. As, if
laid on their alighting-board, quite dry, and in the
middle of the day, they very soon carry it all inside the
hive, ami many feed entirely with dry sugar. — E. S.'

[We have never seen bees carry dry sweets into their

hives, but have many times seen them carry out and
throw away crystals and granules of honey, and con-
fectioners' barley-sugar, which they appear unable to
utilise. — Ed.]

Stockton-on-Tees. — ' I inspected my bees on the 4th
March, and have never found them winter so well
before, although I felt very doubtful about them last
autumn. I had generally moved them on to a
covered shed and packed between them with saw-
dust, and although they never suffered much, yet
there was always more or less damp on the floor-
boards then. Last autumn I had not room for them,
so I merely gave them new thick quilts and dry
floor-boards, and left them in double-walled hives with-
out the smallest protection, and on inspecting them there
was not the slightest sign of damp. Only in two was
any sealed brood, and two were almost honeyless. But
I have commenced to feed, and have no fears for them
now.— C. G. F.'

[Removal for wintering to sheds near the old stands is
a dangerous practice, as so many bees are likely to be
lost, or be killed through getting into wrong hives. — Ed.]

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS & INQUIRERS.

Roslyn, Dunedin, New Zealand. — Observatory Hive.
— You will probably find the information sought in
the back numbers of the Journal, but as a general in-
struction, a unicomb hive shoidd have a space of
If inches at the most between the inner glasses form-
ing the sides. The outer glasses may be any reasonable
distance from the inner, but a quarter of an inch space
is sufficient. There should be a quarter of an inch space
allowed between and around all the frames, and the
entrance shoidd be by the nearest possible way. It is
best to stock an observatory with frames of brood and
bees from a full hive, as there is often difficulty in
causing the bees to build straight in narrow spaces ;
they like to live between combs, and will very frequently
build them across from glass to glass, in preference to
building between them. The best form of observatory
hive is depicted hi the November number of Journal, as
in it bees can ' live, and move, and have their being,'
as conveniently and as profitably as in any other hive.

Foundation. — Foundation can be sent in safety if pro-
tected from the direct heat of the sun. Plaster casts
are to be had in England, but they do not make good
work. We hope to have our wood-foimdation machine
in operation shortly, and its description, when ready,
will enable you to make one for yourself. In the
meantime it will be cheaper to buy the foundation, or
if a large quantity is required, to purchase a machine
out-and-out. The price in America is about 6^. for a
six-inch machine. The cash received will pay for
Journal to July 1881, inclusive.

Leicester. — A lady is anxious to visit an apiary near
Leicester, wherfc she may see the unproved system of
bee-keeping carried on with bar-frame hives, and get a
lesson on their iM«igement. We shall be glad if any
one willing to obligV will favour us with his address,
that we may arrange\n appointment.

A Northern BEEKEEl^i. — Several plans for shading
hive-entrances and promoting them from wind have
been given of late in the Journal. A porch with low
adjustable front appears to offer the best conveniences.

Robert Ranger. — The bees in the mill not being easy
to reach, we would feed them hx placing a dish con-
taining syrup and chopped straw, and a box of pea-
flour and shavings, where they would be easily acces-
sible. Outside a window would be a good place,
and their antics could be observed in perfect safety.
As they had their honey removed in 1878, and have

250

THE BEITISH BEE JOEENAL.

[April 1, 1880.

survived the summer and winter of 1879, there is little
danger of their being foul-broody. The same means
adopted when taking the honey would avail for retting;
to them to remove a swarm. We should prefer to do
this from the inside of the mill if pos-ible, removing- a
portion of the boarding, and tumbling the bees out
with fungus fumes. The swarm (being artificially
made) would have to be sent to a distance, or kept in
confinement in the dark for a day or two, after which
having clustered and commenced comb-building, they
would adhere to their home, even though near the old
location. Otherwise many would be likely to return to
the old nest.

H. Sjiith, Woolwich. — Artificial Swarming. — The pro-
cess of ' driving,' essential in making artificial swarms
from skeps, is fully described in a leatiet on the subject,
price Id., from this office, post free.

G. Kixger, Diss. — Your plan of feeding bees bv pour-
ing syrup through perforated zinc on the top of hive,
is too crude a method to merit further description.
The leatiet on feeding, free for Id. stamp, will greatlv
help you. Whistling to the bees can scarcely be
effective in calling their attention if, as Sir John Lub-
bock asserts, they have no sense of hearing. TVe have,
however, little faith in his deductions. Overhauling is
really a very simple matter, and requires only a know-
ledge of their habits to enable you to perform the
' fearful operation ' with ease, Blow a little smoke
into the hive entrance, one blast from an inverted pipe
will do, and gently tap the hive for a minute to keep
the bees in a state of alarm ; they will, under that in-
fluence gorge with honey from the open cells, and in
that state will be harmless and indisposed to attack. If
you bum puff-ball beneath the hive they will fall
down in a state of asphyxia. Queenlessness is dis-
covered by ascertaining the absence of her majesty, by
looking into the hive. In summer, the absence of
brood is sufficiently indicative. Bees do not live more
than six weeks in summer, so if, as you suggest, your

hives were deprived of their queens, you would effect-
ually prevent swarming, and soon have tenantless
hives. The queen lays all the eggs that develope into
worker-bees, and if you stop her egg-laying, the stock
will immediately begin to fail for lack of popidation.
The removal of queens would certainly stop the rapid
increase you dread, but it would be unwise to effect the
object in that way. If you fear you will have too
many stocks it will be well to sell some of your swarms,
or deprive some of your stocks of their honey in the
autumn, and unite the bees to others.

Jas. A. Page, Jericho. — To make a Standard Hive. —
Your easiest and cheapest plan will be to get one of
our Make-shift Standards, price 4s. 6d., which con-
tains frames and body of correct pattern ; and having
secured it to four legs, case it outside the legs and add
self-evident fittings to make it complete. Unless you
have the pattern you may make many mistakes, but,
having it, you can increase the size and number of
frames to any extent you please. A pattern frame
would be a help, and if you bear in mind that the hive
sides should be even with the top of the frames, and
that there should be a quarter inch space at bottom
and at each end, you can scarcely go wrong.

C. F., Shrewsbury. — Fixing foundation. — Full directions
were given in Vol. VI. B. B. J., p. 205, and we do
not think any improvement has been made since.

W. Page, Fife. — Queen-encasement is very common at
this time of year, and our remarks at end of ' Freak
of Bees in Alsace,' apply equally to your case. Many
queens are yearly sacrificed at this season by encase-
ment , a fact only lately observed. Encasement, it would
appear, is a natural act, but dangerous when carried to
extremes.

Covers for binding Volumes of the British Bee Journal
may be had from our office, Southall, Middlesex, price
one shilling, postage '2id. The Index to Yolurne VII.
will be found in the April number.

COITTEIBITTOES TO "VOL. "VII.

A. B. C, 80

Adams, A.. 144

A. G. E., 59, 62

Amateur, an, 147

A. P., 31

A. E., 80

A. S. W., 105

A. W„ 37

A. TV. M., 127

A. TV. TV. D., 62

Baldwin, S. J., 204

Beale-Browne, 145

Booker-Hill, A. E., 229

Br. J., 82

Bruce, James, 162, 183, 225

C. A., Capt., 35, 105, 244

Cameron, A., 15

Carr, W., 17, 180, 206

Chaloner, J., 145

Chaplin, C, 229

Cheshire, F., 226

C. H. H., 15

C. J. S., 146

C. L„ 126

Co. Galway, 30

Coghill, G„ 121

Cook, G. H„ 127

Correspondent, a, 62

Cottager, a, 16

Country Parson, 145,247

Cowan, T. W., 30

Crisp, W., 102, 167, 184

Desborough, J. G., 79

Drake, W. J., 230

Enock, J., 86

E. S., 208

Experientia docet, 147
Filleul, Edward, 122

F. P., 15, 34, 246

Fust, H. Jenner, 165, 185,
205
| Gadd, Isaiah, 34

G. A. E., 127

Godfrey, E. E., 81, 121, 208,
230

Gravenhorst, C. F. H., 181,
182
! G. S., 127
I G. T. 31
I Hall, J. M., 186
I H. B., 104
] H. C. S., 246

Hennig, W., 84
' Hewson, Walter, 102

Hind, J., 147

H. J. S., 167

Holloway, W. H, 30

Hounsfield, J. J., 36, 125

Hunt, W., 31

Hunter, J., 13, 29, 244

Hutchinson, C, 228

Jackson, J. P., 182, 207, 228

Jackson, J. W., 164

James, Eate C, 104, 105

J. C, 32

J. D., 144

J. F, E., 244

J. H, 62

J. L., 245

J. S-, Arbroath, 37

Junior, a, 37

J. W., 125

Eilkenny Bee-keeper, a, 14

Kirschmer. TV. A.. 128

Lady Bee-keeper, a, 39, 86

Lemare, F. H, 28

Lighton, J., 82

Ling, David, 123, 165

Llongborth, 121

Lower Fant Eoad, 183

L. T. E„ 145

Lyon, F., 248

M. E. B.,62

Missionary, a, 82

Moore, J. T., 30

N., 128

Neighbour, G., 106

Nicholl, Bev. S., 82

Page, J., 60, 167

Parent Stock, 246

Parker, F., 204

Paterson, D., 32

Pearson, G. F., 35, 79, 162,

185, 245, 248
Peel, Eev. H. E., 27, 180
Phillips, P. H., 62, 144
Pine, Dr., 104
Poole, O., 35
P., Warwick, 17, 184
Questioner, a, 249
Kaitt. TV., 33, 82, 245
Eamsay, D., 225
Eaven, jun., 185, 205
Eenfrewshire Bee-keeper, a,

125, 161, 228, 243

Bavnor, Eev. G., 144

Eo'oke, Ellen, 120, 142

Eollo, G. A., 165

E. E. Y., 81

E. S., 106

Eusbridge, Alfred, 123, 126

Bussell, TV., 183

Sadler, J., 182

S. F. J., 146

Shufflebotham, C, 128

Sissling, TV., 231

Sisson, J. Lawson, 122, 127

Stratnearn, E., 185

Strickland, F., 230

Sturges, Eev. H, 164

Subscriber, a, 33

T., 32

T. G., 146

Todd, Arthur, 80, 165, 166

Tomlin, Eobert J., 208

Torry, J., 145

Travnor. J., 16, 36, 60, 83,

166
Tupper, Mrs., 40
T. W. H, 147
Terrier, J., 33
Vincent, H. Bussell, 103
Walker, W., jun., 61
Weedon, J., 146
White, John, 122, 123
Wood, A. J., 62
Wood, J. W., 59
W. W. H, 104, 229
Wyatt, S., 126
Yates, H., 33, 59, 105

THE

m Journal,

VISER,

CONDUCTED BY CHARLES NASH ABBOTT, BEE-MASTER, SCHOOL OF APICULTURE,
FAIRLAWN, SOUTHALL, near LONDON.

Guarantees to its Subscribers sound practical Replies to all Queries on Bee Management, and in urgent
cases of difficulty immediate replies by post, or telegraph if desired.

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION, HALF-A-GUINEA, Payable in Advance.

P. 0. Orders for Subscriptions should be made payable at the Southall Post Office, W. Chcqnes crossed L. & S. Western Branch.

Special Terms to Clubs and Literary Institutions. Single Numbers Gd. each. Free by Post on day of Publication.

[entered at stationers' hall.]

[No. 73. Vol. VII.]

MAY, 1879.

[Published Monthly.]

SCALE OF CHARGES FOR ADVERTISEMENTS.
PAYABLE IN ADVANCE.

£ s. d.

Three lines of ten words each 0 10

Per line afterwards 0 0 0

„ inch of space 030

„ quarter column 0 10 0

,, half ,, or quarter pa^e - 10 0

„ column or half paj*e 1 15 0

„ Full page 3 3 0

JTo Advertisements can be received afte.- the 2lth of each month

NOTICE. — The British Bee Journal is on stile at
Kent & Co.'s, 23 Paternoster Bote.

C03STTE3STTS.
Editorial, Notices, ic. :—

To onr Readers

May— Flowers for Bees— Beginuiii;,' Bee-keeping— Hives-
Bees, Stocks or Swarms— Hiviug— Hiving in Bar-Frame
Hives — Making Wax Sheets"— Supers — Dovetailed
Sections — Stands— Aspect

Cheap Hives

The Quilt and Feeding

Uniting Queens — Queen Encasement

Bees at the Royal Agricultural Exhibition at Kilburn

British Bee-keepers' Association — Engagements for the
Bee-Tent for 1S79

Fixtures for Shows

Useful Hints

British Bee-keepers' Association: Committee Meeting—
Conversazione— Lecture by Mr. Cheshire— Exhibition
of Bee-Flowers, 4c

On the Queen-Bee. By John Hunter

Correspondence :—

The Long Hive

The Bar-Frame Feeder

Queen Fertilisation

Items from America

Bee-keeping made Easy. By a Cottager

Top Entrances to Hives

Pasturage for Bees.— No. XI

Comb-Fixing in Frames

Echoes from the Hives

Queries and Replies

Notices to Correspondents and Inquirers

British Bee-keepers' Association : Schedule of Prizes at
South Kensington Show

THE LECTURE.— A few Copies on hand.
Price 2s. 2d. post free. Letters to Editor.

Certificate op Merit, South Kensinoton, 1876.

THE DIVISIONAL HIVE.

Complete (including Stand, Cover. Beversible Floor-board,

Honey Sections, and Wax Guides throughout),

for 27s. Gd., well painted.

FRAMES ARE PERFECTLY RIGID.

PROPOLISING REDUCED TO A MINIMUM.

EASILY MANIPULATED.

FRAMES ALWAYS ACCESSIBLE.

Hay be used with any number of Frames, from G to 10, cr
more ; either number forming a completely closed-up Hive.

Particulars, and Illustrations, of

SAMUEL SIMMINS, The Apiaries, Crawley.

fo. l.

T

power CIECULAB SAW, suitable for Hive-making,
itc. Lithograph, and particulars, on application.

DOVE-TAILED SECTIONS, planed and grooved for
Foundations ; 1 lb„ 8s. per 100 ; 2 lb. ditto, 10s. per 100.
20 per cent off if paid on receipt of Invoice. Send for List
of Appliances for 1879. E. Steele, Fowlis-by-Dnndee.

fo. 2.

ENGLISH BAK-FBAME HIVES, Woodbury
size, 10 bars, 8s. each.
ITALIAN BAE-FEAME HIVES, 10 bare, two for 8s.
' Commended for simplicity and cheapness.' —

Alexandra Palace, 1877.
Directions for Management, 'id. each. Post-office Orders
payable at Horncastle.
Isaac Hale, Maker, Lincoln Eoad, Horncastle. fo. 3.

LIGURIAN QUEENS.

ABBOTT BROS, arc ordering large numbers of
this beautiful race of BEES, and will be prepared to
send out QUEENS as soon as the weather will permit their
forwardment from Switzerland and Italy. Prices : May, 12s ;
June, lis. ; July, 10s. Safe arrival guaranteed.

COMB FOUNDATION.— The best American,
as per Abbott's Catalogue. EAITT'S FOUNDATION
at his prices, from Abbott Bros., Fairlawn, Southall, Mid-
dlesex.

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL. [May 1, 1879.

ITALIAN BEES.

Price Current, in Gold, for the year 1879, of the Apicultural Establishment of
L. R. LAMBERTENGHI, Bergamo, per Gorlago, Italy.

July & Aug.

Sept. & Oct.

£0 10 0

£0 8 0

0 18 0

0 10 0

1 10 0

2 0 0

FOR ENGLAND. ■ Aprilj May, & June.

A. — A fecunded Queen, pure race, with the necessary ac-
companiment of Bees, post free to London . . £0 12 0
B. —A Swarm, or Colony, •with fecunded Queen .. .. 10 0

C— A Common Hive " 1 10 0

1). — A Hive with moveable Combs . . . . . . . . 2 0 0

The ransport, letter A, post free to London, from thence continues to its destination at expense of the person
who gives the order; on the contrary, B., C, and D. are entirely at their charge. For an order of Ten articles, an
Eleventh is included gratis as a recompense in case of eventual loss during the travels.

An order for more than Twenty-five Queens at a time is entitled to a discount of 5 per cent ; and one for more
than Fifty, a discount of 10 per cent. The necessary nutrition for the journey, and packing, is included in the price.
I guarantee for the purity and fertility of the Queens that I send, it being my interest to merit your commands.
The orders must be accompanied with its relative sum anticipated, or at least a half for those given a month or two
back, paying the other half at the appointed date, before the exportation. Post-office Orders, either International
or Consular, offer the easiest and securest way of payment.

In order to fulfil everything according to the wish of those who honour me with their commands, I beg the
same to forward me, as soon as possible, their orders, with their precise address, that of the Post Office, and nearest
Railway Statiovj, or Sea-port, indicating at the same time the Commission Agent with whom they wish their goods
to be left "ii tin ir arrival at London, to be re-forwarded to their destination.

With profound respect,

to. 4. LTJIGI RLTGGERO LAMBERTENGHI.

ETABLISSEMENT D'APICULTURE

pour Felevage et Importation iTAbeilles-meres pure race Italienne,

DE

Ml\ PXETR0 PILATI, premiato eon Medaille cV argent do V Exposition
Universelle de Paris, 1878, Strath Stefano, X. 88, Bologna iltalie).

Prix Courant, 1879.

Aviiil Iuin Aour October

et et et et

Mai. Icillet. Septemb. November.
Une Mere fecondec accompagnee d'une

poignee d'abeilles 10 fr. 9 fr. 8 fr. 7 fr.

Un Essnim de lj2 kilo avec sor^abeillcs-

mere fecondeo 23 „ 21 „ 19 „ 17 „

Une Ruchee du pays bien garnie . . 30 ,, 28 ,, 2G ,, 25 ,,

Une Colouie en ruche k cadres mobiles 40 „ 38 ,, 36 „ 35 „

Si une Abeille-mere perit en voyage et on la remet avec un Certificat de la poste on ne recevera sans
ddlai une autre en compensation.

Les payments auront lieu moyennant mandat de poste en or. On desire que les adresses et les
gares du chemin de fer soient indiquees avec precision. fo. 5.

May 1, 1879.] ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

SUBSCRIBERS' COLUMN.

To meet the wants of 'Subscribers who require a cheap
made of advertising their wants, we hare opened an
Advertising Column, for. non-trading Subscribers on/g,
wherein, tlieg mag make their wants or wishes hnovm
at the rate of One Penny for every six words, or part
of sir words, but no advertisement must contain more
than thirty-six words.

Stomps tn accompany in all eases, and there can be no
reduction fnr repetitions.

PLASTER CASTS from Worker Comb?, for making
comb foundations up to 14 inches by 9 inches, 2s. 6(7. ;
Drone for Sectional Supers, 8 inches by 4 inches, Is. each, or
3s. per pair, packed. R. Iliffe, Hinckley. fo. 6.

GLASS HONEY BOTTLES (best flint glass) with wide
neck for feeding. Hold 8 or 9 lbs. each, properly
packed, 3s. each. C. J. Smith. fo. 7.

OR SALE.— Vol. III. of British Bee Journal, complete.
Unbound, 4s. Letters to Editor.

F

L

ANCiSTROTH on ' The Hire and Honey Bee.' 9s.
Free. Letters to the Editor. fo. 101

Q

UINBY on ' The Mysteries of the Bee-hive,' 8s. 6(7.
Free. Letters to the Editor. fo. 102

I

710R SALE.— Nos. 2, 3, 4, 8, and 10, of B. B. Journal,
Is. each. Apply to the Editor. fo. 104

YOL. II. /;. B. Journal, with Index, minus the No. for
May, 5s. Office of Journal. fo. 105

YOL. II. B. B. Journal, minus May and Aug. Nos., 3s.
Office of Journal. fo. 106

TNDEX, Vol. I. Price 6(7. Apply to Editor. fo. 100

VOL. I. B. B. Journal, very scarce, 30s. Apply to Editor.
fo. 104

VOL. II. 73. B. Journal, scarce and valuable, 21s. Apply
to Editor. fo. 106

WANTED.— Wax in Cake, cleared, ready for use. E.
W. Listeb, Kirkburton. fo. 8.

FOR SALE. — A Neighbour's Bee House, to hold two
Hives. Original cost £4 4s. (has been newly roofed
and well painted), price 50s. Editor.

FOR SALE. — The well-known Italian ' Anatomy of the
Bee, and its Enemies.' Highly instructive. Indis-
pensable for Winter Lecturing on Bees. Price 21s., un-
bound. John Camaschella, Derby Villas, Fores tHill. fo.9.

WANTED. — Any quantity of clean White Drone Comb,
for use in supers. Letters to P. S. N., under cover
to the Editor. fo. 10.

FOR SALE.— Five Strong Stocks of Bees. Two in
Abbott's No. 1 Standard, and Three in Straw Skeps.
P. C. Duthoit, Heath, Leighton, Beds. fo. 11.

BEAUTIFUL Bell-glass Super of Honeycomb, 20 lbs.
net, price 30s. John Walton, Honey Cott, Weston,
Leamington, fo. 12

STOCKS of BEES, with Pure Ligurian Queens, in Straw
Skeps, or Bar-frame Hives. John Walton, Weston,
Leamington. fo. 12.

O END Two Stamps for Abbott Bros'. Catalogue. Southall,
O Middlesex.

ANTED.— May No. of Vol. II. B. B. J., or will ex-
hange. Letters to Editor.

w

FOR SALE.— Ten Stocks of Bees in flat top Straw Hives,
all doubled last September, and in good condition
Also Two Bar-frame Hives, well stocked with Bees, with a
quantity of Supers, &c. The whole will be sold cheap, ' as I
am leaving and do not know where I am going to.' Joseph
Allan, Ashfield Lodge, Branston, near Lincoln.

STRONG STOCKS in Skeps Wanted. Liberal exchange
offered in Bar-frame Hives. L., 10 Camberwell New
Road, London. fo. 15.

WANTED to exchange Journals Nov. 1877, Jan. Feb.
and May 1878, for Sept. 1876 and March 1878.
Address H. Yates, Grantham.

THREE Cottage Woodburys. Bees from Ligurian Stock.
Each, 30s. Also Two ditto Hives with Comb, each
15s. Brentford. fo. 2'.)

1710R SALE.— Vols. 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, of Bee Journal.
Price for the whole, 25s. Will not sell Sfparately.
Letters to Editor, under cover, G. G S. fo. 30

NEW STRAW HIVES, flattened tops, Snpering-hole
at top, with Queen and Prone Excluder. Three for
4s. 9(7., Six for 9s. 6<7. Isaiah G.u>d, Wokingham, Berks.

4 TDOYAL FOREST' STRAW HIVES, Cane-worked,
A_\i good size, Lathe Turned, Feeding and Supering-
hole, with Queen and Drone Excluder and Quilt, price >S .-. Gd.
each. Supers as above, 2s. 6<7. each. Isaiah CIaoh, Wok-
ingham, Berks.

Y7EGETABLE PARCHMENT for Covering
V Glasses and Jars of Honey, Ac, 2s. per lb. Sample
Sheet, 4(7. Prices for larger quotations on application.
Letters to Editor.

THE GREAT HAMPSHIRE BEE FARM,
near Stockbridge : Its Principles and Method of
Working. Also,

THE BEE-KEEPER'S ALMANAC, which contains
Prognostications of Weather expected, and What to Do in
Bee Management. By P. E. Martin, Master Mariner, Bee
Master, Proprietor and Manager of the Bee Farm, Inventor
of the ' Sailors' Bee-Hive,' now the ' Standard ' Bar-frame
Hive for the United Kingdom. Price Gd. each, per post 7(7.

Choice Honey, in 5 lb. Tins, sent, Railway carriage paid,
as far as S. W. R. Co. have through rates, on receipt of
P. O.O. for 6s. Gil. payable at Stockbridge.

STOCKS AND SWARMS.
Illustrated Price List Post Free. fo. 17.

A LADY BEE-KEEPER wants to Sell a, good
Pair of ANTWERP PIGEONS, long Faced Blue and
Blue Chequered, for 8s. the pair. She believes them to bo
worth a great deal more, but as an Amateur cannot find a

sale for them. Locality . Letters under cover to

Editor. fo- 18

WANTED to Exchange, a STOCK of BLACK
BEES in Adam's Hives, with taper Frames and
Roof, for a Strong LIGURIAN SWARM, with PURE
QUEEN, in May, without Hive. Letters G. P. C, under
cover to Editor. fo. 29

FOR SALE. — One WOODBURY HIVE,
Abbott's Economic, 12s. 6(7. Two NEW IDEA
FRAMES, 4s. ADAPTER, 2s. Cost 18s. 6(7. Will take
15s. Worthing, Sussex. Letters to Editor.

THE TRUE STEWARTON HIYE, of Two
Stocks and One Super, lis. Gd.; Three Stocks and
Two Supers, 18s. 6(7. RENFREWSHIRE STEWARTON,
Two Stocks and One Super, 13s. 0(7.; Three Stocks and
Two Supers, 17. Is. Please apply, with P. 0. Order for the
same, to James Allan, Stewarton, N.B. fo. 22.

PARTNERSHIP. — A Gentleman, aged 25,
wishes to enter a Manufacturing Firm where the con-
tribution of about 3007. would be considered equivalent to a

knowledge of the business. He is competent to take Charge
of Books, act as Cashier, or Superintendent of a Depart-
ment. Nothing speculative, or experimental, will be enter-
tained. Address W. F., care of Editor.

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BEITISH BEE JOURNAL. [May 1, 1879.

PRICE SIXPENCE.

THE GAEDENEE.

A MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE AND FLORICULTURE.
EDITED BY DAVID THOMSON,

Author of ' Handy Book of the Flower- Garden,' ' Fruit Culture under Glass,' &c.
ASSISTED BY A STAFF OF PRACTICAL GARDENERS.

The Number for
GLADIOLUS-CULTURE.
NOTES FROM THE PAPERS.
THE THINNING AND SWELLING OF FORCED

PEACHES.
HEATING BY HOT "WATER.
CHOICE HARDY SPRING FLOWERS.
NOTES ON DECORATIVE GREENHOUSE PLANTS—

THE FUCHSIA.
HARDY FRUITS.
ASTILBE JAPONICA— (HOTEIA).
THE GARDENER'S PRIMER— No. 2.
DOUBLE PRIMULA SINENSIS.

May contains : —

THE AMATEUR'S GARDEN— CELERY AND SALADS
GENERALLY.

HEATING BY HOT WATER,

THE PENTSTEMON.

HINTS ON THE HEATING OF FORCING HOUSES.

TODEA SUPERBA.

RAISING VINES FROM EYES ON TURVES.

SCOTTISH HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATION.

ROYAL CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S
SPRING SHOW.

CALENDAR — KITCHEN GARDEN — FORCING DE-
PARTMENT.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Yearly Subscription, free by Post, 7s, Payable in advance.

//; the March Number of ' THE GARDENER ' was commenced the first of an important Series of
Papers under the headimj of ' The Gardener's Primer.'

WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS, EDINBURGH AND LONDON.

NEW AND ENLARGED SERIES.

THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST

A PICTORIAL MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF

FLOWERS, FRUITS, AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE.

ESTABLISHED AS 'THE FLORIST' IN 1848.

The FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST has heen enlarged to Imperial 8vo. size. Each Number will consist of Two
Coloured Plates, with Text equivalent in quantity to that of the numbers of the former Series. The price will continue to
be One Shilling.

The Florist and Pomologist is issued iu a form suitable for admission to the Drawing-room, and from its practical
character is equally adapted for the Garden House and the Bothy. The information it gives is such as to keep its readers
informed as to all Novelties of importance, and to supply instruction on the best forms of Gabden Piiactice ; to furnish
a digest of Cubrent Information on all Gardening Matters of interest, and to give Seasonable Hints on Gabden
Management.

Advertisers will find the FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST one of the best monthly mediums for circulating their
several announcements amongst readers who are necessarily purchasers of garden requisites of all kinds.

1 Enlarged in order to afford fuller scope for the plates, &c. The
alteration is a real improvement.' — Gardeners' Magazine, Jan. 5, 1878.

and improved in quality.
-Hereford Jourr

' A couple of gorgeous illustrations attract the eye at oncc.'-
OH/brd rimes, July 15, 1876.

SI affor.l shire Times,

'The onlv monthly linrliriiltural publication worthy of attention."
- Gardonors Ma.jaxiae, Nov. 17, 1S77.

'The splrnilul rnlniircd illu-tratioi^ aic the distinctive feature of
this magazine.'— Bath Herald, Jan. 12, 1878.

' The illustrations are always most artistic and attractive, and
compare most favourably with other publications of a similar class.' —
Onford Journal, Jan. 19, 1878.

' Good judgment and enlightenment i
Mercury, Jan. 18, 1871.

rk this periodical.' — Derby
-Hereford

LONDON: W. KENT & Co., 23 PATERNOSTER ROW, E.C.

1st.

2nd.

3rd.

25/0
10/0
10/0

15/0
7/6
7/6

7/6
5/0
5/0

10/0

7/6

5/0

20/0
10/0
15/0

10/0
7/6
10/0

7/6
5/0
5/0

May 1, 1870.] ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

CALEDONIAN APIARIAN AND ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

Instituted 28tli October, 1874.

THE SIXTH GRAND SHOW of Honey, Hives, and Bees, will be held at PERTH,
in connexion with The Highland and Agbiculturax Society's Show, on the 29th,
30th, -'list July, and 1st August, 1870.

Subject to alteration ut Committee Meeting before Show.

PEIZE LIST.

CLOVER OR FLOWER HONEY.

1. For the two best Supers above 20 lbs. each

2. For the best Super above 20 lbs. ... ... ...

3. For the best filled and finished Super above 10 lbs. and uuder 20

4. For the best sample of Run or Extracted Honey, not less than 4 lbs., to be exhibited in

the Society's Glasses, which will be provided at the Show

5. For the best Exhibition of Pure Honey in Sectional Supers, separable, and of not more than

4 lbs.; total weight of each entry to be not less than 20 lbs. ...

6. For the best glass Super above 10 lbs. weight ... ...

7. Prettiest design in Honey-comb, worked by the bees ... ... ... ...

8. For the best Exhibition of Sectional Supers in an attractive and saleable form, no Section to

be over 2 lbs 10/0 7/6 5/0

9. Special Prize, offered by Mr. R. Steele, Hivemaker, Fowlis, Dundee, and the Rev. John

Irvine, Innellan — For the best Exhibition of Pure Honey in Sectional Supers, each
Section to be separable, and not more than 1 lb. ; the total weight of each entry to be not
less than 20 lbs A Double-walled Bar-frame Hive, with Cover and Stand complete. 10/0 5/0

10. Special Prize, offered by Mr. R. J. Bennett and Mr. Wii. Swokd — For the best Exhibition

of Pure Honey in Sectional Supers, each Section to be separable, and not more than 3 lbs.
each ; total weight of each entry to be not less than 12 lbs. ; the Hone}' to be submitted

to analysis if required by the Judges ... ... ... ... 25/0 1 j/0 10/6

Special Prize, offered by Mr. W. W. Young, Hivemaker, 150 High Street, Perth — For the
best Table Display of Pure Honey and Comb, the product of any One Apiary during 1879

Honey Extractor, or, if preferred, Bee Furniture to the value of 25/0
The Glass can again be exhibited in No. 6 Class.

HIVES AND WAX. (All Hives to be fitted with Guides ready for use.)

11. For the best Hive for observation purposes, all Combs to be visible on both sides, Stocked

with Bees and their Queen Silver Medal and 10/0. Bronze Medal and 7/6. Bronze Medal.

12. For the best and most perfect Bar-frame Hive with Super, or set of Sectional Supers, and

Cover complete Silver Medal. Bronze Medal. Certificate and 7/6

13. For the most perfect Hive on the storifying principle, with the best arrangement for securing

harvest of Comb Honey Silver Medal. Bronze Medal. Certificate.

14. For the best Straw Hive of any description Small Bronze Medal. Certificate.

15. For the two best samples of Wax, in cakes of not less than 1 lb. each... 7/6 5/0 2/6

16. For the best sample of AVax Guide Sheets, not less than Six Sheets 7/6 5/0 2/6

17. For the best Bar-frame Hive on the Moveable Comb Principle, with Cover and Stand com-

plete, stocked with Bees and their Queen Silver Medal. Bronze Medal. Certificate.

COMESTIBLES.

18. For the best Liqueur or Wins made from Honey, with recipe attached, not less than two quarts.

Silver Medal. Bronze Medal. Certificate.

19. For the best Mead or Beer made from Honey, with recipe attached, not less than two quarts.

Small Silver Medal. Small Bronze Medal. Certificate.

20. For the best Sweetmeats, made with Honey, not less than 2 lbs., with recipe attached.

Silver Medal. Bronze Medal. Certificate.

21. For the best Cakes made with Honey, with recipe attached, not less than 2 lbs.

Silver Medal. Bronze Medal. Certificate.

The samples to which 1st Prize is awarded in Classes 18, 19, 20, and 21, s7iaZZ become the property of the Society, to be used

at the Judges' Dinner.

MISCELLANEOUS.

22. For the best and largest collection of Hives, Bee Furniture, Bee Gear, and Apiculturists'

necessaries, no two articles to be alike Silver Cup and 20/0. 30/0. 20/0

23. For the best Bee Feeder Small Bronze Medal.

24. For the cheapest, neatest, and best Supers for producing Honey-comb in a saleable form ...

Small Bronze Medal. Certificate.

25. For the best Honey Extractor, cost to be taken into consideration ... Silver Medal. Bronze Medal. Certificate.

26. For any new invention calculated in the opinion of the Judges to advance the Culture of Bees Bronze Medal. Certificate.

27. For the best Chemical or other test for detecting spurious from genuine honey — to be

practically demonstrated to the Judges' satisfaction within 15 minutes

Silver Medal and 10/0. Bronze Medal and 7/6. Certificate and 5/0.

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL. [May 1, 1879.

MISCELLANEOUS— Continued.

28. For the best and most interesting Collection of Natural Objects, Models, or Diagrams con-

nected with Apiculture, and illustrating the Natural History and Economy of the Honey

Bee Silver Medal. Small Silver Medal. Small Bronze Medal.

29. For the best and largest display of Hone}' Producing Plants, in a dried state or otherwise,

such Plants to have a card attached, stating time of flowering, duration of bloom, and any

other particulars calculated to be of interest to Bee-keepers

' Langstroth on Bees.' ' Neighbour's Apiary.' ' Hunter's Bee Manual.'

30. Driving Competition, extending through the four days of the Show — For the Competitor who,

without assistance, and without veil or gloves, shall in the neatest, quickest, and most
complete manner drive out the bees from a straw skep, of not less than 14 ins. diameter,

and capture and exhibit the Queen Silver Medal. Small Silver Medal. Bronze Medal.

Note. — The Competitors in No. 30 who gain the First Prize on the Three days, will, on the Fourth, compete for

the Highland and Agricultural Society's Medal.

Further particulars of R. J. BENNETT, Hon. Sec, 50 Gordon Street, Glasgow.

DR. PINE'S WOVEN WIRE VEILS

PHOTOGRAPH

Price 2s. 9<Z. post free. Strips of Wire Cloth, for making
them, Is. 8</. each, post free. Letters to Editor. fo. 15

IDIR. PINE'S
BEE-KEEPERS' LOTION.

This Lotion will be found to almost instantly remove the
pain of a sting and prevent subsequent inflammation. It is
also a remedy for scalds, burns, and the stings and bites of
other insects besides Bees.

Price Is. 6d. per bottle, or Post-free for Is. 8d.

Agent —
Me. C. N. ABBOTT, Editor of B. B. Journal,
Fairlawn, Southall. fo. 15

HONEY.

TT7E arc open to Sell on Commission PURE

W HONEY in large or small quantities. All parcels
must be sent to us Carriage Paid. PBOMPT SETTLE-
MENTS. Terms, &&, on application. Address Petees
and Co., 17 Queen's Parade, Stapleton Koad, Bristol.

COMB FOUNDATION.

Of pure Home Wax.

ROOT'S MACHINES.— To meet the wishes of
many inquirers for DBONE CELL FOUNDATION,
I have imported a Machine, specially made to my order, to
produce Sheets of unsurpassed thinness, for Supers only ;
and am prepared to supply both Worker and Drone Cell
Foundation at reduced rates.

Send Stamp for Samples to John T. Kinnear, West
Newport on Tay.

A large importation of Dove-tailed SECTIONAL BOXES
expected daily. Prices and particulars in next month's
Journal.

COMB FOUNDATION.

RM. GREIG having imported a 9-inch
. COMB FOUNDATION MACHINE from America,
is now prepared to supply the Finest IMPBESSED
SHEETS, manufactured from selected Wax.

Send Stamp for Sample and Price List.
Address— Parkhill, Aberdeen, N.B. fo. 27

THE BERKSHIRE BEE HIVeT

Silver Medal.

STOBE BOX and TWO SUPEES, with 7 Glass Windows.

The best Hive for watching Bees without risk.

Price 20s. to order.

Berkshire Bee Sheds, ' unique and handsome.'

J. SADLEB, Sonning, near Beading, Berks.

pENUINE LIUURIAN QUEENS, lis. each
V J in May. Small Swarms, 21s. Large Swarms, 35s.
All Queens warranted pure and imported. Printed Instruc-
tions sent with each. English Swarms, 18s. in May. Be-
mittance to H. Ham, New Street, Ba-ingstoke.

ECONOMY with EFFICIENCY.

THE EXCELSIOR PRIZE HIVE.— This Hive
has Eight Frames, Dummy Floor Board and Boof,
and will be found second to none at the low price of Cs. 6(7.
THE EUREKA PRIZE HIVE has Ten

V-shaped wide-shouldered Frames, and jDuramy Floor-
board, large Boof, Window in side Porch, and Super. Fully
described in I). II. J. for September. Price 12s.

THE COTTAGEB'S EXTBACTOB, strongly made,
thoroughly efficient, takes Frames of Standard size, com-
plete, with Tin Dish, for 12s. Gel.

QUILTS, of good material, Is. each.

BAITT'S COMB FOUNDATION. QUEEN EXCLUD-
ING ZINC.

COMBINATION, and other HIVES to Order on the
most reasonable terms.

HEEBEET FUGGLE, Apiarian and Hive Maker,
Brede, Sussex.

Bronze Medal awarded for Straw Sleeps at the Great
Crystal Palace Show, 1875.

Sixteenth Edition. Price One Shilling.

SEVENTY POUNDS A -YEAR:

HOW I MAKE IT BY MY BEES.

By the late J. W. Pagden.

Also, bj' the same Author, price Sixpence.

Eaely Aetificial Bee-Swaeming.

No watching required.

Apply to Mrs. J. W. Pagden, the Chestnuts, Alfriston,
Sussex, by whom the same manufacturers of ' Economical
Bee Fittniture ' are employed as formerly. fo. 23.

London : Printed by John Stkangewats, at his Printinir Office, 28 Castle Street, Leicester Square, in the Parish of St. Martin's-iu-the-Fields,
ill the County of Middlesex ; and Published for the Proprietor by Kent & Co., 23 Paternoster Row, in the same county.— April 30, 1879.

July 1, 1879.] ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

SUBSCRIBERS' COLUMN.

To meet the wants of Subscribers who require a cheap
mode of advertising their wants, we have opened an
Advertising Column, for non-trading Subscribers only,
wherein they may make their wants or wishes known
at the rate of One Penny for every six words, or part
of six words, but no advertisement must contain more
than thirty-six words.

Stamps to accompany in all cases, and there can be no
reduction for repetitions.

PLASTEE CASTS from Worker Combs, for making
comb foundations up to 14 inches by 9 inches, 2s. &d. ;
Drone for Sectional Supers, 8 inches by 4 inches, Is. each, or
3>. per pair, packed. B. Iliffe, Hinckley. fo. 6.

GLASS HONEY BOTTLES (best flint glass) with wide
neck for feeding. Hold 8 or 9 lbs. each, properly
packed, 3s. each. C. J. Smith, Stroud, Glos. fo. 7.

OE SALE.— Vol. HI. of British Bee Journal, complete.
Unbound, 4s. Letters to Editor.

F

ANGSTEOTH on 'The Hive and Honey Bee.' 9s.
J Free. Letters to the Editor. fo. 101

Q

UINBY on ' The Mysteries of the Bee-hive,' 8s. 6d.
Free. Letters to the Editor. fo. 102

F

OB SALE.— Nos. 2, 3, 4, 8, and 10, of B. B. Journal,
Is. each. Apply to the Editor. fo. 104

YOL. H. B. B. Journal, with Index, minus the No. for
May, 5s. Office of Journal. fo. 105

YOL. II. B. B. Journal, minus May and Aug. Nos., 3s.
Office of Journal. fo. 106

"TNDEX, Vol. I. Price 6d. Apply to Editor. fo. 100

V

OL. I. B. B. Journal, very scarce, 30s. Apply to Editor.

fo. 104

VOL. H. B. B. Journal, scarce and valuable, 21s. Apply
to Editor. fo. 106

WANTED. — Wax in Cake, cleared, ready for use. E.
W. Lister, Kirkburton. fo. 8.

FOE SALE. — A Neighbour's Bee House, to hold two
Hives. Original cost £i 4s. (has been newly roofed
and well painted), price 50s. Editor.

END Two Stamps for Abbott Bros'. Catalogue. Southall,
Middlesex.

s

WANTED.— May No. of Vol. H. B. B. J., or will ex-
change. Letters to Editor.

T\BY PUFF BALL, Is. per packet. F. S. Clutten,
XJ Fressingfield, Harleston, Norfolk. fo. 32

FOE SALE.— Two double- walled Bar-frame Hires, taper
frames, hinged Super Cover, reversable Floor-board,
good, at about half cost. T. Joyce, Farnboro', Hants, fo. 35

FOE SALE.— Vols. I. to VI. inclusive, B. B. Journal,
complete. First Four Vols, bound in Two. V. and
VI. in parts. Price 21. J. Y. Sturge, Thornbury, Glou-
cestershire.

FOE SALE.— Walton's Honey Extractor. Takes Two
Frames, 18 in. by 12 in. Used successfully for two
seasons. In perfect condition. Cost 50s., price 30s. Giving
up Bee-keeping. J. Y. Sturge, Thornbury, Gloucestershire.

fo. 34

THE GREAT HAMPSHIRE BEE FARM,
near Stockbridge : Its Principles and Method of
Working. Also,

THE BEE-KEEPEE'S ALMANAC, which contains
Prognostications of Weather expected, and What to Do in
Bee Management. By P. E. Martin, Master Mariner, Beo
Master, Proprietor and Manager of the Bee Farm, Inventor
of the ' Sailors' Bee-Hive,' now the ' Standard ' Bar- frame
Hive for the United Kingdom, Price 6rf. each, per post Id.

Choice Honey, in 5 lb. Tins, sent, Eailway carriage paid
as far as S. W. E. Co. have through rates, on receipt of
P. O.O. for 6s. 6<7. payable at Stockbridge.

STOCKS AND SWAEMS.

Illustrated Price List Post Free, fo.17.

Clje §rittslj |ke fnumal

AND BEE-KEEPER'S ADVISER

The British Bee Journal is published monthly, and
contains the best practical information for the time being,
showing what to do, and when and how to do it.

Subscribers to the Journal are first, second, and third
class. First class are those who subscribe 10s. 6d. per
annum, from any date, who are entitled to immediate re-
plies, per post, to their queries, when a stamped directed
envelope is sent. Second class are those who subscribe 6s.
per annum, and whose queries can only be replied to through
the columns of the Journal ; and Third are Clubs of Cot-
tagers, each consisting of not less than six, to whom the
charge will be 4s. 6rf. each Member.

Subscriptions, Correspondence, and Inquiries to be addressed to

C. N. ABBOTT, Bee Master,

School of Apiculture, Fairlawn, Southall, London.

MANUAL OF THE APIARY,

By A. J. COOK,

Professor of Entomology in the Michigan State Agricultural College.

286 pp. large 12mo. 112 Illustrations.

Published by THOMAS G. NEWMAN & SON, Chicago.

It comprises a full delineation of the anatomy and physio-
logy of the Honey-bee, illustrated with costly wood engravings
— the Products of the Honey Bee ; the Eaces of Bees ; full
descriptions of Honey-producing plants, trees, shrubs, &c,
splendidly illustrated — and last, though not least, detailed
instructions for the various manipulations necessary in the
apiary.

This work is a masterly production, and one that no
Bee-keeper, however limited his means, can afford to do
without. It is fully up with the times on every conceivable
subject that interests the Apiarist. It is not only instructive,
but intensely interesting and thoroughly practical.

Within 20 days after this work was issued from the press,
600 copies were disposed of — a sale unprecedented in Bee
literature. Price, bound in cloth, 7s. 6d. Postage, id.

ABBOTT BEOS., FAIELAWN, SOUTHALL.

THE SMOKER'S BEE PIPE, two Pipes for
one. Price Is. 8rf. post free.
Office of the British Bee Journal, Fairlawn, Southall.

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL. [July 1, 1879.
PEICE SIXPENCE.

THE GAEDENEE.

A MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE AND FLORICULTURE.

EDITED BY DAVID THOMSON,

Author of ' Handy Book of the Flower-Garden,' ' Fruit Culture under Glass,' &o.
ASSISTED BY A STAFF OF PRACTICAL GARDENERS.

The Number for

EARLY-RIPENING VARIETIES OF FRUITS, AND
HALES'S EARLY PEACH IN PARTICULAR,

THE PHLOX.

ON THE SUMMER MANAGEMENT OF FORCING-
HOUSES.

CHOICE HARDY SPRING FLOWERS.

THE VITALITY OF SEEDS.

THE AMATEUR'S GARDEN— ROOT CROPS.

HARDY FRUITS.

MANAGEMENT OF VINE-BORDERS.

NOTES ON DECORATIVE GREENHOUSE PLANTS—
THE CHRYSANTHEMUM.

BOILERS AND PIPES.

KALOSANTHES.

PYRUS MAULEH.

July contains: —

REMARKS ON FRUIT-CULTURE.

CYPERUS ALTERNIFOLIUS.

HEATING BY HOT WATER.

THE GARDENER'S PRIMER— No. 4.

THE GRAPES AT ERNESPIE, NEAR CASTLE
DOUGLAS.

CHAJVLEDOREA HARTWEGH.

SCOTTISH HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATION.

GRAND SUMMER SHOW.

"JACK FROST" in the 'GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.'

OBITUARY NOTICE.

CALENDAR — KITCHEN GARDEN — FORCING DE-
PARTMENT.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Yearly Subscription, free by Post, 7s. Payable in advance.

%* In the March Number of ' THE GARDENER ' was commenced the first of an important Series of
Papers under the heading of ' The Gardener's Primer.'

WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS, EDINBURGH AND LONDON.

NEW AND ENLARGED SERIES.

THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOQIST

A PICTOEIAL MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF

FLOWERS, FRUITS, AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE.

ESTABLISHED AS 'THE FLORIST' IN 1848.

The FLORIST AND POMOLOGTST has been enlarged to Imperial 8vo. size. Each Number will consist of Two
Coloured Plates, with Text equivalent in quantity to that of the numbers of the former Series. The price will continue to
be One Shilling.

The Flokist and Pomologist is issued in a form suitable for admission to the Drawing-room, and from its practical
character is equally adapted for the Garden House and the Bothy. The information it gives is such as to keep its readers
informed as to all Novelties of importance, and to supply instruction on the best forms of Garden Practice ; to furnish
a digest of Current Information on all Gardening Matters of interest, and to give Seasonable Hints on Garden
Management.

Advertisers will find the FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST one of the best monthly mediums for circulating their
several announcements amongst readers who are necessarily purchasers of garden requisites of all kinds.

' Enlarged in order to afford fuller scope for the plates, <fcc. The
alteration is a real improvement.' — Gardeners' Magazine, Jan. 5, 1878.

' The cheapest shillingsworth ever
gardening serial.' — Gardeners' Record.

' Commences the year enlarged in size and
Gloucester Journal, Jan. 5, 1878.

*A couple of gorgeous
Oxford Times, July 15, 1876.

the form of a monthly
nproved in quality.' —
Hereford Journal,
illustrations attract the eye at once.' —

'The only monthly horticultural publication worthy of attention.'
— Gardeners' Magazine, Nov. 17, 1877.

' The illustrations are always most artistic and attractive, and
compare most favourably with other publications of a similar class.' —
Oxford Journal, Jan. 19, 1878.

' Good judgment and enlightenment mark this periodical.' — Derby
Mercury, Jan. 18, 1871.

' The coloured illustrations are invariably well executed.' — Hereford
Journal, Dec. 9, 1871.

LONDON: W. KENT &; Co., 23 PATERNOSTER ROW, E.C.

THE

saanaL

CONDUCTED BY CHARLES NASH ABBOTT, BEE-MASTER, SCHOOL OP APICULTURE,
FAIRLAWN, SOUTHALL, near LONDON.

Guarantees to its Subscribers sound practical Replies to all Queries on Bee Management, and in urgent
cases of difficulty immediate replies by post, or telegraph if desired.

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION, HALF-A-GUINEA, Payable in Advance.

P. 0. Orders for Subscriptions should be made payable at the Southall Post Office, W. Cheques crossed L. & S. Western Branch.
Special Terms to Clubs and Literanj Institutions. Single Numbers Qd. each. Free by Post on day of Publication.

[entered at stationers' hall.]

[No. 74. Vol. VII.]

JUNE, 1870.

[Published Monthly.]

CONTE3STTS.

Editorial, Notices, Ac. :— P:

June

Useful Hints — Strengthening Weak Stocks — Artificial Swarm-
ing—Supering— Supers— Extracting— Gettin"- Bees out of

Steps

Dysentery

Responsibilities of Vendors of Bees

Comb-Foundation — How deep may it be put into Frames ?

County Associations

British Bee-keepers' Association

Kilbnrn Show

Forthcoming Shows, 1879

Engagements for the Bee-Tent for 1S79

Letter from the Rev. H. R. Peel

British Bee-keepers' Association: Committee Meeting
Lincolnshire Bee-keepers' Association Show at Long Sutton
Surrey Bee-Keepers' Association

e-keepers" Association

i and Entomological Society

By John Hunter

East of Scotland Be
Caledonian Apiariai
On the Queen-Bee.
Lectures on Bees

Correspondence :—

Conversazione Report, Correction

Another Correction

Improved Feeder— Old Fogyism

An Irish Bee-keepers' Association

The Quilt

Catching Bee Enemies

Wintering.— Spring Flowers for Bees

Winter Evils

The Season — Comb Foundation

The Scotch Bar-Fran e Feeder

The Bar-Frame Feeder

Feeding with Quilt on

A Grumble

Foot-power Circular Saws

Comb Foundation in Supers

Queenlessuess.— Bees Refusing to Make Queen-cells, 4c.

Bees Dying (Poisoning?)

Queen Exrlurlers at Hive Entrances. — ' Be wise in time'

Queen Fertilisation, Flight, and Ovipositing

Cheap Hives

A Bee Company

Important Sale of Bees at Dairy

Notes from my Diary

Bee-keeping made Easy. By a Cottager

After Four Years' Experience

Single and Double-walled Hives

Bee Societies

Recollections of Bee-keeping

A Few Words to Country Ministers aboxit Bees— By One of
Themselves

Extracts from the Diarv of a Lady Bee-keeper

Items of Importance. By Mrs. Tupper

Echoes from the Hives

Queries and Replies

Notices to Correspondents and Inquirers

The Natural History op the Bees. By Abbe" Collin ...
British Bee-keepers' Association : Annual Show

Hertfordshire Bee-keepers' Association

Caledonian Apiarian and Entomological Society.

Certificate of Merit, South Kensington, 1878.

THE DIVISIONAL HIVE.

Complete (including Stand, Cover, Reversible Floor-board,

Honey Sections, and Wax Guides throughout),

for 27s. 6</., well painted.

FRAMES ARE PERFECTLY RIGID.

PROPOLISING REDUCED TO A MINIMUM.

EASILY MANIPULATED.

FRAMES ALWAYS ACCESSIBLE.

May he used with any number of Frames, from 6 to 10, or
more ; either number forming a completely closed-up Hive.

Particulars, and Illustrations, of

SAMUEL SIMMINS, The Apiaries, Crawley.

fo. 1.

B

BEE-KEEPERS.

EFOEE purchaeing HIVES, &c, for the Season,
send for STEELE'S LIST OF APPLIANCES, in
which you will get over 30 Illustrations of the best HIVES
and BEE-FURNITUBE now in use. E. S. has gained,
within the past two Seasons, over 50 Prizes, including the
Caledonian Apiarian Society's Silver Cup of 1878.

HIVES from 4s. 6</. to 32i£ 6rf. STEELE'S EX-
TBACTOE, 29s. By means of this machine you can throw
out the thickest of Flower or Clover Honey in a few seconds.

The best made COMB FOUNDATION at from 3s. to
3s. 9rf. per lb., according to quantity taken. SMOKEES,
SUPERS, &c. Dove-tailed SECTIONS, Gs. 5<7. and 8s. per
100. 1 lb. SECTIONS, wood J inch thick, ready to nail,
Cs. per 1C0 boxes; if nailed together, C«. per 1C0. 21b.
SECTIONS, ready to nail, 7s. per 100; if nailed, 10s.
R. Steele, Hive Maker, Fowlis by Dundee.

LIGURIAN QUEENS.

ABBOTT BROS, arc ordering large numbers of
this beautiful race of BEES, and will be prepared to
send out QUEENS as soon as the weather will permit their
forwardnient from Switzerland and Italy. Prices : June,
10s. ; July, 9s. Safe arrival guaranteed.

OMB FOUNDATION — The best American
as per Abbott's Catalogue. RAITT'S FOUNDATION
at his prices, from Abbott Bros., Fairlawn, Southall, Mid-
dlesex.

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BEITISH BEE JOURNAL. [June l,jl879.

ETABLISSEMENT D'APICULTURE

pour l'dlevage et l'exportation d'Abeilles-meres pure race Italieuue,

DE

Mr. PIETRO PILATI, premiato con MedaiUe aV argent de V Exposition
TJnkerselle de Paris, 1878, Strada Stefano, N. 88, Bologna {Italie).

Prix Conrant, 1879.

AvRIL IuiN AouT OCTOBEB

et et et et

Mai. Icillet. Septemb. November.

8fr.

7fr.

Une Mere fecoud^e accompagnee d'uiie

poignee d'abeilles 10 fr. 9 fr.

Un Essaini de Ij2 kilo avec sou abeilles-

mere fecoudee 23 „ 21 „ 19 „ 17 „

Une Ruchee du pays bien garnie . • 30 „ 28 ,, 26 „ 25 „

Une Colonic en ruche a cadres mobiles 40 „ 38 „ 36 „ 35 ,,

Si une Abeille-merc perit en voyage et on la reniet avec un Certificat de la poste on ne recevera sans
djlai line autre en compensation.

Les payments auront lieu moyenuant mandat de poste en or. On desire que les adresses et les
gares du chemin de fer soient indiquees avec precision. £o. 5

Oldest Established Apicultural House in Italy.

Prof. CHEV. LTJIOI SAETOEI, Proprietor.

Thirty Gold and Silver Medals, Diplomas, &c.

Fertilized Queens, pure breed (April to August), each . . . £0 10

,, „ ,, (September to October), each

Swarms, or Natural Colonies, each ....
Italian Standard Hive, with Moveable Frames, best
„ „ „ „ » Plain .

Address— PEOF. CHEV. L.

0 7

1 0
1 5
0 12

SARTORI, Milan, Italy.

THE HIVE FOR THE MILLION.

Price 8s.

THE PRACTICAL STANDAED, a marvel of
efficiency with economy, price, complete, 18s.
ABBOTT'S NORTHERN STANDARD, a Prize Hive,
price, complete, 27s. Gil.

ROOT'S MACHINE FOUNDATION, 3s. 6d. per lb.
Samples on receipt of Stamped Envelope. Send Two Stamps
for Catalogue, containing full description of our Hires, and
How to Work them, to E. W. Lister, Oakwood, Kirkburton,
Yorkshire. fo. 8 j

Q WARMS of BEES WANTED, in large or
O small Lots, or Stocks can be treated for, Address
Abboit Bros., Fairlawn, Southall.

BEE-HIVE EMPORIUM.

WILLIAM W. YOUNG,
150 HIGH STREET, PERTH, SCOTLAND,
Having obtained the FIRST PRIZE for the Best Collection
of BEE FURNITURE at various Shows, both in England
and Scotland, in 1879, he is now in a position to supply
every article that is best adapted for the successful Manage-
ment of the Honey Bee. fo. 24

Illustrated Price Lists free on receipt of Stamped Envelope.

TTEGETABLE PARCHMENT for Covering

V Glasses and Jars of Honey, &c, 2s. per lb. Sample
Sheet, id. Prices for larger quotations on application.
Letters to Editor.

June 1, 1870.] ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

SUBSCRIBERS' COLUMN.

To meet the wants of Subscribers who require a cheap
mode of advertising their wants, we hare opened an
Advertising Column, for non-trad int/ Subscribers only,
wherein the// may make their wants or wishes known
at the rate of One Penny for every six words, or part
of six words, but no advertisement must contain more
than thirty-six words.

Stamps to accompany in all cases, and there can be no
reduction for repetitions.

PLASTER CASTS from Worker Combs, for making
comb foundations up to 14 inches by 9 inches, 2s. &d. ;
Drone for Sectional Supers, 8 inches by 4 inches, Is. each, or
3s. per pan-, packed. R. Iliffe, Hinckley. fo. G.

(^ LASS HONEY BOTTLES (best flint glass) with wide
X neck for feeding. Hold 8 or 9 lbs. each, properly
packed, 3s. each. C. J. Smith, Stroud, Glos. fo. 7.

OE SALE.— Vol. III. of British Bee Journal, complete.
Unbound, 4s. Letters to Editor.

F

LANGSTROTH on ' The Hive and Honey Bee.' 9s.
Free. Letters to the Editor. fo. 101

Q

UINBY on ' The Mysteries of the Bee-hive,' 8s. Sd.
Free. Letters to the Editor. fo. 102

F

OR SALE.— Nos. 2, 3, 4, 8, and 10, of B. B. Journal,
Is. each. Apply to the Editor. fo. 104

VOL. II. B. B. Journal, with Index, minus the No. for
May, 5s. Office of Journal. fo. 105

V

OL. II. B. B. Journal, minus May and Aug. Nos., 3s.
Office of Journal. fo. 106

TNDEX, Vol. I. Price 6<J. Apply to Editor. fo. 100

VOL. I. B. B. Journal, very scarce, 30s. Apply to Editor.
fo. 104

YOL. II. B. B. Journal, scarce and valuable, 21s. Apply
to Editor. fo. 106

ANTED. — Wax in Cake, cleared, ready for use. E.
W. Lister, Kirkburton. fo. 8.

w

FOE SALE. — A Neighbour's Bee House, to hold two
Hives. Original cost £i 4s. (has been newly roofed
and well painted), price 50s. Editor.

s

END Two Stamps for Abbott Bros'. Catalogue. Southall,
Middlesex.

w

ANTED.— May No. of Vol. H. B. B. J., or win ex-
change. Letters to Editor.

■ TlRY pUFF BALL, Is. per packet. F. S. Clutter,
\ \ ±J Fressingfield, Harleston, Norfolk. fo. 32

STRONG and useful STRAW HIVES, new, flat
Top, Supering Hole, with Queen and Drone Excluder,
Three for 4s. 9rf. ; Six, 9s. G<(.; Twelve, 18s. Isaiah Gadd,
Wokingham, Berks. fo. 14

OR SALE. — One WOODBURY HIVE,

Abbott's Economic, 12s. dd. Two NEW IDEA
FEAMES, 4s. ADAPTEE, 2s. Cost 18s. 6rf. Will take
15s. Worthing, Sussex. Letters to Editor.

COMB FOUNDATION.

WILLIAM RAITT offers Finest Impressed
Sheets, for next Season, at Reduced Prices. Sheets,
9 ins. deep, for Brood Combs ; 5 ins. deep, very thin make,
for Supers. Safe arrival guaranteed.

See opinions of the Rev. G. A. Procter, and J. S., in B. B. J.
for November and December.
Send stamp for Sample and Price List.
ABBOTT'S ZINC EXCLUDES at his own prices.

Address — Beecroft, Blairgowrie, N.B. fo. 10

E

ENGLISH BAR-FRAME HIVES, Woodbury
size, 10 bars, 8s. each.
ITALIAN BAR-FRAME HIVES, 10 bars, two for 8s.
' Commended for simplicity and cheapness.' —

Alexandra Palace, 1877.
Directions for Management, 3d. each. Post-office Orders
payable at Horncastle.
Isaac Hale, Maker, Lincoln Eoad, Horncastle. fo. 3.

THE GREAT HAMPSHIRE BEE FARM,
near Stockbridge : Its Principles and j Method of
Working. Also,

THE BEE-KEEPEE'S ALMANAC, which contains
Prognostications of Weather expected, and What to Do in
Bee Management. By P. E. Martin, Master Mariner, Beo
Master, Proprietor and Manager of the Bee Farm, Inventor
of the ' Sailors' Bee-Hive,' now the ' Standard ' Bar- frame
Hive for the United Kingdom. Price Grf.Leach, per post Id.

Choice Honey, in 5 lb. Tins, sent, Eailway carriage paid
as far as S. W. E. Co. have through rates, on receipt of
P. O.O. for 6s. 6rf. payable at Stockbridge.

STOCKS AND SWAEMS.

Illustrated Price List Post Free, fo.17.

AND BEE-KEEPER'S ADVISER.

The British Bee Journal is published monthly, and
contains the best practical information for the time being,
showing what to do, and when and how to do it.

Subscribers to the Journal are first, second, and third
class. First class are those who subscribe 10s. Grf. per
annum, from any date, who are entitled to immediate re-
plies, per post, to their queries, when a stamped directed
envelope is sent. Second class are those who subscribe 6s.
per annum, and whose queries can only bo replied to through
the columns of the Journal ; and Third are Clubs of Cot.
tagers, each consisting of not less than six, to whom the
dirge will be 4s. 6rf. each Member.

Subscrijitions, Correspondence, and Inquiries to be addrestcd to

C. N. ABBOTT, Bee Master,

School of Apiculture, Fairlawn, Southall, London.

MANUAL OF THE APIARY,

By A. J. COOK,

Professor of Entomology in the Michigan State Agricultural College.

286 pp. largo 12mo. 112 Illustrations.

Published by THOMAS G. NEWMAN & SON, Chicago.

It comprises a full delineation of the anatomy and physio-
logy of the Honey-bee, illustrated with costly wood engravings
— the Products of the Honey Bee ; the Races of Bees ; full
descriptions of Honey-producing plants, trees, shrubs, &c,
splendidly illustrated — and last, though not least, detailed
instructions for the various manipulations necessary in the
apiary.

This work is a masterly production, and one that no
Bee-keeper, however limited his means, can afford to do
without. It is fully up with the times on every conceivable
subject that interests the Apiarist. It is not only instructive,
but intensely interesting and thoroughly practical.

Within 20 days after this work was issued from the press,
600 copies were disposed of — a sale unprecedented in Bee
literature. Price, bound in cloth, 7s. Gd. Postage, id.

ABBOTT BEOS., FAIELAWN, SOUTHALL.

THE SMOKER'S BEE PIPE, two Pipes for
one. Price Is. 8<f. post free.
Office of the British Bee Journal, Fairlawn, Southall.

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL. [June 1, 1879.
PEICE SIXPENCE.

THE GAEDBNEE,

A MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE AND FLORICULTURE.
EDITED BY DAVID THOMSON,

Author of ' Handy Book of the Flower-Garden,' ' Fruit Culture under Glass,' <Src.
ASSISTED BY A STAFF OF PRACTICAL GARDENERS.

The Number for June contains: — ■

HEATING BY HOT WATEB.

THE CULTIVATION OF CLEMATIS.

NOTES ON DECOBATIVE GEEENHOUSE PLANTS-

BOUVAEDIAS.
CHOICE HAEDY SPEING FLOWEES.
THE GAEDENEE'S PEIMEE— No. 3.
NEW ZEALAND FOEESTS.
LIBONIA FLOEIBUNDA.
GLOXINIA-CULTUEE.
HAEDY FEUITS.
HEATING BY HOT WATEB.
HOT-WATEE CIRCULATION.
LILIUM GIGANTEUM.

A PLANT-HOUSE.

THE FLOWEE-GABDEN.

THE AMATEUE'S GAEDEN— SALADS.

A FEW WOEDS ON THE MAEECHAL NIEL EOSE.

CALADIUM- CULTUEE.

NOTES FEOM THE PAPEES.

GAEEYA ELLIPTICA.

THYBSACANTHUS BUTILANS.

THE NEW BAMBOO SHADING.

SCOTTISH HOETICULTUBAL ASSOCIATION.

OBITUAEY NOTICE.

CALENDAR.

NOTICES TO COBBESPONDENTS.

Yearly Subscription, free by Post, 7s. Payable in advance.

k* In the March Number of ' THE GARDENER ' was commenced the first of an important Series oj
Papers under the heading of ' The Gardener s Primer.'

WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS, EDINBURGH AND LONDON.

NEW AND ENLARGED SERIES.

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST

A PICTORIAL MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF

FLOWERS, FRUITS, AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE.

ESTABLISHED AS 'THE FLORIST' IN 1848.

The FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST has been enlarged to Imperial 8vo. size. Each Number will consist of Tw>
Coloured Plates, with Text equivalent in quantity to that of the numbers of the former Series. The price will continue t
be One Shilling.

The Flokist and Poiiologist is issued in a form suitable for admission to the Drawing-room, and from its practic
character is equally adapted for the Garden House and the Bothy. The information it gives is such as to keep its reader
informed as to all Novelties of importance, and to supply instruction on the best forms of Garden Peactice ; to furnis!
a digest of Current Information on all Gardening Matters of interest, and to give Seasonable Hints on Garde
Management.

Advertisers will find the FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST one of the best monthly mediums for circulating thei
several announcements amongst readers who are necessarily purchasers of garden requisites of all kinds.

' The cheapest shillingsworth ever offered in the form of a monthly
gardening Berial.' — Gardeners' Record.

' Commences the year enlarged in size and improved in quality.' —
Gloucester Journal, Jan. 5, 1878.

•The illustrations are marvels of excellence.' — Hereford Journal,
Jan. 12, 1878.

'A. coxiple of gorgeous illustrations attract the eye at once.' —
Oxford Times, July 15, 1876.

' A very excellent pictorial monthly magazine.' — Staffordshire Times,
Jan. 13, 1877.

(The only monthly horticultural publication worthy of attention.'
— Gardeners' Magazine, Not. 17, 1877.

' Enlarged in order to afford fuller scope for the plates, &c.
alteration is a real improvement.' — Gardeners' Magazine, Jan. 5, 1878

' The splendid coloured illustrations are the distinctive feature
this magazine.'— Bath Herald, Jan. 12, 1878.

* The illustrations are always most artistic and attraotive, a)
compare most favourably with other publications of a similar class.'
Oxford Journal, Jan. 19, 1878.

'Good judgment and enlightenment mark this periodical.' — L r
Mercury, Jan.~18, 1871.

-Herefo

LONDON: W. KENT & Co., 23 PATERNOSTER ROW, E.C.

June 1, 1879.] ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

CALEDONIAN APIARIAN AND ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

Instituted 28th October, 1874.

THE SIXTH GRAND SHOW of Honey, Hives, and Bees, will be held at PERTH,
in connexion with The Highland and Agricultural Society's Show, on the 29th,
30th, 31st July, and 1st August, 1879.

1st.

2nd.

3rd.

25/0
10/0
10/0

15/0

7/6
7/6

7/6
5/0
5/0

10/0

7/6

5/0

20/0
10/0
15/0

10/0
7/6
10/0

7/6
5/0
5/0

Subject to alteration at Committee Meeting before Show,

p:riz:e list.

OLOVEE OR FLOWER HONEY.

1 . For the two best Supers above 20 lbs. each ...

2. For the best Super above 20 lbs

3. For the best filled and finished Super above 10 lbs. and under 20 ... ...

4. For the best sample of Bun or Extracted Honey, not less than 4 lbs., to be exhibited in

the Society's Glasses, which will be provided at the Show

5. For the best Exhibition of Pure Honey in Sectional Supers, separable, and of not more than

4 lbs. ; total weight of each entry to be not less than 20 lbs

6. For the best glass Super above 10 lbs. weight ...

7. Prettiest design in Honey-comb, worked by the bees ... ...

8. For the best Exhibition of Sectional Supers in an attractive and saleable form, no Section to

be over 2 lbs 10/0 7/6 5/0

9. Special Prize, offered by Mr. E. Steele, Hivemaker, Fowlis, Dundee, and the Hev. John

Irvine, Innellan — For the best Exhibition of Pure Honey in Sectional Supers, each
Section to be separable, and not more than 1 lb. ; the total weight of each entry to be not
less than 20 lbs A Double-walled Bar-frame Hive, with Cover and Stand complete. 10/0 5/0

10. Special Prize, offered by Mr. B. J. Bennett and Mr. Wm. Sword — For the best Exhibition

of Pure Honey in Sectional Supers, each Section to be separable, and not more than 3 lbs.
each ; total weight of each entry to be not less than 12 lbs. ; the Honey to be submitted

to analysis if required by the Judges ... ... ... ... ... 25/0 15/0 10/6

Special Prize, offered by Mr. W. W. Young, Hivemaker, 150 High Street, Perth — For the
best Table Display of Pure Honey and Comb, the product of any One Apiary during 1879

Honey Extractor, or, if preferred, Bee Furniture to the value of 25/0
The Glass can again be exhibited in No. 6 Class.

HIVES AND WAX. [All Hives to be fitted with Guides ready jor use.)

11. For the best Hive for observation purposes, all Combs to be visible on both sides, Stocked

with Bees and their Queen Silver Medal and 10/0. Bronze Medal and 7/6. Bronze Medal.

12. For the best and most perfect Bar-frame Hive with Super, or set of Sectional Supers, and

Cover complete ... Silver Medal. Bronze Medal. Certificate and 7/6

13. For the most perfect Hive on the storifying principle, with the best arrangement for securing

harvest of Comb Honey ... Silver Medal. Bronze Medal. Certificate.

14. For the best Straw Hive of any description Small Bronze Medal. Certificate.

15. For the two best samples of Wax, in cakes of not less than 1 lb. each ... ... ... ... 7/6 5/0 2/6

16. For the best sample of Wax Guide Sheets, not less than Six Sheets 7/6 5/0 2/6

17. For the best Bar-frame Hive on the Moveable Comb Principle, with Cover and Stand com-

plete, stocked with Bees and their Queen Silver Medal. Bronze Medal. Certificate.

COMESTIBLES.

18. For the best Liqueur or Wine made from Honey, with recipe attached, not less than two quarts.

Silver Medal. Bronze Medal. Certificate.

19. For the best Mead or Beer made from Honey, with recipe attached, not less than two quarts.

Small Silver Medal. Small Bronze Medal. Certificate.

20. For the best Sweetmeats, made with Honey, not less than 2 lbs., with recipe attached.

Silver Medal. Bronze Medal. Certificate.

21. For the best Cakes made with Honey, with recipe attached, not less than 2 lbs.

Silver Medal. Bronze Medal. Certificate.

1'lie samples to which 1st Prize is awarded in Classes 18, 19, 20, and 21, sliall become the property of the Society, to be used

at the Judges' Dinner.

MISCELLANEOUS.

22. For the best and largest collection of Hives, Bee Furniture, Bee Gear, and Apicultuiists'

necessaries, no two articles to be alike Silver Cup and 20/0. 30/0 20/0

23. For the best Bee Feeder Small Bronze Medal.

24. For the cheapest, neatest, and best Supers for producing Honey-comb in a saleable form ...

Small Bronze Medal. Certificate.

25. For the best Honey Extractor, cost to be taken into consideration ... Silver Medal. Bronze Medal. Certificate.

26. Forany new invention calculated in the opinion of the Judges to advance the Culture of Bees Bronze Medal. Certificate.

27. For the best Chemical or other test for detecting spurious from genuine honey — to be

practically demonstrated to the Judges' satisfaction within 15 minutes

Silver Medal and 10/0. Bronze Medal and 7/6. Certificate and 5/0.

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL. [June 1, 1879.

MISCELLANEOUS— Continued.

28. For the best and most interesting Collection of Natural Objects, Models, or Diagrams con-

nected with Apiculture, and illustrating the Natural History and Economy of the Honey

Bee Silver Medal. Small Silver Medal. Small Bronze Medal.

29. For the best and largest display of Honey Producing Plants, in a dried state or otherwise,

such Plants to have a card attached, stating time of flowering, duration of bloom, and any

other particulars calculated to be of interest to Bee-keepers

' Langstroth on Bees.' ' Neighbour's Apiary.' ' Hunter's Bee Manual.'

30. Driving Competition, extending through the four days of the Show— For the Competitor who,

without assistance, and without veil or gloves, shall in the neatest, quickest, and most
complete manner chive out the bees from a straw skep, of not less than 14 ins. diameter,

and capture and exhibit the Queen Silver Medal. Small Silver Medal. Bronze Medal.

Note.— The Competitors in No. 30 who gain the First Prize on the Three days, will, on the Fourth, compete fo

the Highland and Agricultural Society's Medal.

Further particulars of B. J. BENNETT, Hon. Sec, 50 Gordon Street, Glasgow.

DR. PINE'S WOVEN WIRE VEILS

1-3 w

K 1-3

FROM A PHOTOGRAPH &

Price 2s. 9rf. post free. Strips of Wire Cloth, for malting
them, Is. 8rf. each, post free. Letters to Editor. fo. 15

DIR. PINE'S
BEE-KEEPERS' LOTION.

This Lotion will be found to almost instantly remove the
pain of a sting and prevent subsequent inflammation. It is
also a remedy for scalds, burns, and the stings and bites of
other insects besides Bees.

Price Is. 6d. per bottle, or Post-free for Is. 8d.

Agent —
Me. C. N. ABBOTT, Editor of B. B. Journal,
Fairlawn, Southall. fo. 15

COMB FOUNDATION.

Of pure Home Wax.

ROOT'S MACHINES.— To meet the wishes of
many inquirers for DRONE CELL FOUNDATION,
I have imported a Machine, specially made to my order, to
produce Sheets of unsurpassed thinness, for Supers only ;
and am prepared to supply both Worker and Drone Cell
Foundation at reduced rates.

Send Stamp for Samples to John T. Kin-near, West
Newport on Tay.

A large importation of Do%-e-tailed SECTIONAL BOXES
expected daily. Prices and particulars in next month's
Journal.

TEN STEWARTON BODY, and Five HONEY
BOXES, no worse than new, for Sale, cheap. Also
One ABBOTT'S No. 1 STANDARD HIVE, entirely new.
Apply Wm. Atkinson, Helmsley, Yorks. fo. 32

COMB FOUNDATION.

RM. GREIG having imported a 9-inch
, COMB FOUNDATION MACHINE from America,
is now prepared to supply the Finest IMPBESSED
SHEETS, manufactured from selected Wax.
Send Stamp for Sample and Price List.

Address— Parkhill, Aberdeen, N.B. fo. 27

THE BERKSHIRE BEE HIVE.

SlLVEK MeD.IL.

STORE BOX and TWO SUPERS, with 7 Glass Windows.

The best Hive for watching Bees without risk.

Price 20s. to order.

BEBKsnrnE Bee Sheds, ' unique and handsome.'

J. SADLER, Sonning. near Reading, Berks, fo. 31

pENULNE LIGURIAN QUEENS, 10s. each

V_T in June. Small Swarms, 21s. Large Swarms, 35s.
All Queens warranted pure and imported. Printed Instruc-
tions sent with each. English Swarms, 15s. in June. Re-
mittance to H. Ham, New Street, Basingstoke. fo. 27

ECONOMY with EFFICIENCY.

THE EXCELSIOR PRIZE HIVE.— This Hive
has Eight Frames, Dummy Floor Board and Roof,
and will be found second to none at the low price of 6s. 6<7.
THE EUREKA PRIZE HIVE has Ten

V-shaped wide-shouldered Frames, and [Dummy Floor-
board, large Roof, Window in side Porch, and Super. Fully
described in 11. 11. J. for September. Price 12s.

THE COTTAGER'S EXTRACTOR, strongly made,
thoroughly efficient, takes Frames of Standard size, com-
plete, with Tin Dish, for 12s. Gd.

QUILTS, of good material, Is. each.

liAITT'S COMB FOUNDATION. QUEEN EXCLUD-
ING ZINC.

COMBINATION, and other HIVES to Order on the
most reasonable terms.

HERBERT FUGGLE, Ajiakian and Hive Maker,
Bkede, Sussex.

Bronze Medal awarded for Straw Sleeps at the Great
Crystal Palace Show, 1875.

Sixteenth Edition. Price One Shilling.

SEVENTY POUNDS A-YEAR:

HOW I MAKE IT BY MY BEES.

By the late J. W. Pagden.

Also, by the same Author, price Sixpence.

Early Artificial Bee- Swarming;

No watching required.

Apply to Mrs. J. W. Pagden, the Chestnuts, Alfriston,
Sussex, by whom the same manufacturers of ' Economical
Bee Furniture ' are employed as formerly. fo. 23.

London : Printed by John Strangeways, at his Printing Office, Tower Street, Upper St. Martin's Lane, i
in the County of Middlesex ; and Published for the Proprietor by Kent & Co., 23 Paternoster Row, :

l the Parish of St. Giles's.in-the-Fields,
i the same county.— May 31, 1879.

THE

tttmml

CONDUCTED BY CHAKLES NASH ABBOTT, BEE-MASTER, SCHOOL OF APICULTURE,
FAIRLAWN, SOUTHALL, near LONDON.

Guarantees to its Subscribers sound practical Replies to all Queries on Bee Management, and in urgent
cases of difficulty immediate replies by post, or telegraph if desired.

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION, HALF-A-GUINEA, Payable in Advance.

P. 0, Orders for Subscriptions should be made payable at the Southall Post Office, W. Cheques crossed L. & S. Western Branch.
Special Terms to Clubs and Literary Institutions. Single Numbers 6d. each. Free by Post on day of Publication.

[entered at stationers' hall.]

[No. 75. Vol. VII.]

JULY, 1879.

[Published Monthly.]

cohsttie nsr ts.
Editorial, Notices, &c. :—

July

Useful Hints— Queenless Stocks— Swarms— White Bees-
Wax Moth — Examine Hives— Honey Glut — Extractors —
Sections — Late Season — Former Hints

Supering-— Getting Comb-honey

Dummies

Inserting Queen-cells

Comb-Foundation

Swarming

American Honey

British Bed-keepers' Association

Kilburn Show

South Kensington Show

Instructions to the Judges for Awarding the Prizes in the
Driving Competition at Kilburn and South Kensington ...

Bees at the Birmingham Botanical and Horticultural
Society's Show, 1879

Berks and Bucks Bee-keepers' Association

Forthcoming Shows, 1879

Engagements for the Bee-Tent for 1S79

Surrey Bee-Keepers' Association

British Bee-keepers' Association

Shropshire Bee-keepers' Association

Arbroath Horticultural Society

St. Mary Cray Show

Peterborough Agricultural Show a

Surrey Bee-keepers' Association — Bees at Croydon Show ...

The Value of Different Races of Bees. By Dr. Dzierzon ...

Climatic Influences — What? a DiifeVence ! By Di\ Dzierzon

Singular Death at Peterborough— Swallowing a Bee, and
Poisoned by Ammonia .'.. ...* ... ■ ... * ...

Cook's * New Manual of the Apiary '

Lecture on Bees. By Mr. Baldwin ...• ... •

Bees in Australia. By Dr. Pollniann

Correspondence : —

Flashing to Promote Swarming. — Piping before First
Swarms, &c.

Loss of Queens.— Birds as Bee Enemies

Queenlessness. — Bees Refusing to make Queen-cells

Swarm Prevention (?)

Beginning Bee-keeping.— The Folly of Purchasing Stocks .,.

An Irish Bee-keepers' Association

Hive Entrances — A Caution

The Season in Hertfordshire— Cheap Hives

Bee-keepiug in Yorkshire

Queen Encasement

Insects in Pollen

A Bee-keepir,g Report

White-eyed Drones

Comb Foundation. — Skepv. Bar*frame. — Swarms naturally
Uniting

Paris Universal Exhibition of 1878

Death of Rev. W. 0. Cotton

Bees in London

Echoes from the Hives

Queries and Replies

Notices to Correspondents and Inquirers

Surrey Bee-keepers' Association

British Bee-keepers' Association : Annual Show

Hertfordshire Bee-keepers' Association.
Caledonian Apiaman and Entomological Society.
Birmingham Exhibition of Bees, Ho.mei, kc.

Bronze Medal awarded for Straw Skeps at the Great
Crystal Palace Show, 1875.

Sixteenth Edition. Price One Shilling.

SEVENTY POUNDS A-YEAR:

HOW I MAKE IT BY MY BEES.

By the late J. W. Pagden.

Also, by the same Author, price Sixpence.

Early Artificial Bee- Swarming.

No watching required.

Apply to Mrs. J. W. Pagden, the Chestnuts, Alfriston,

Sussex, by whom the same manufacturers of ' Economical

Bee Furniture ' are employed as formerly. fo. 23.

BEE-KEEPERS.

BEPOEE purchasing' HIVES, &c, for the Season,
send for STEELE'S LIST OF APPLIANCES, in
which you will get over 30 Illustrations of the best HIVES
and BEE-FURNITURE now in use. R. S. has gained,
within the past two Seasons, over 50 Prizes, including the
Caledonian Apiarian Society's Silver Cup of 1878.

HIVES from is. 6d. to 32s. 6d. STEELE'S EX-
TRACTOR, 29s. By means of this machine you can throw
out the thickest of Flower or Clover Honev in a few seconds.

The best made COMB FOUNDATION at from 3s. to
3s. 9rf. per lb., according to quantity taken. SMOKERS,
SUPERS, &c. Dove-tailed SECTIONS, 6s. 5d. and 8s. per
100. 1 lb. SECTIONS, wood J inch thick, ready to nail,
6s. per 100 boxes; if nailed together, 9s. per 100. 21b.
SECTIONS, ready to nail, 7s. per 100; if nailed, 10s.
R. Steele, Hive Maker, Fowlis by Dundee.

LIGURIAN QUEENS.

ABBOTT BEOS, are ordering; lare-e numhers of
this beautiful race of BEES, and will be prepared to
send out QUEENS as soon as the weather will permit their
forwardment from Switzerland and Italy. Prices ; July,
9s.; August, 8s. Safe arrival guaranteed.

~THE BERKSHIRE BEE HIVE.

Silver Medal.

STORE BOX and TWO SUPERS, with 7 Glass Windows.

The best Hive for watching Bees without risk.

Price 20s. to order.

BER'isnniE Bee Sheds, ' unique and handsome.'

J. SADLER, Sonning. near Reading, Berks, fo. 31

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL. [July 1, 1879.

ETABLISSEMENT D'APICULTURE

poiir l'dlevage et 1' exportation d'Abeilles-meres pure race Italierme,

DE

Mr. PIETRO PILATI, premiato con Medaille d? argent de V Exposition
Unkerselle de Paris, 1878, Strada Stefano, N. 88, BolOgTia (Italie).

Prix Courant, 1879.

Une Mere fecondee accompagnee d'une
poign6e d'abeilles

Un Essaim de lf2 kilo avec sou abeilles-
niere fecondee

Une Rucbie du pays bien gamie

Uue Colonie eu ruche a cadres mobiles

Aveil

et
Mai.

10 fr.

JulN

et

Aour
et

OCTOBBE

et

JurLLBT. Sepiemb. Noyebibbe,

9 fr. 8 fr. 7 fr.

23 „

21 „

19 „

17 »

30 „

28 „

26 „

25 „

40 „

38 „

36 „

35 „

Si une Abeille-niere perit en voyage et on la remet avec un Certificat de la poste on ne recevera sans
delai une autre en compensation.

Les payments auront lieu moyennant mandat de poste en or. On desire que les adresses et les
gares du cheniin de fer soient indiquees avec precision. fo. 5

Oldest Established Apicultural House in Italy.

Prof. CHEV. LTIIGP SAETOEI, Proprietor.

Thirty Gold and Silver Medals, Diplomas, &c.

Fertilized Queens, pure breed (April to August), each .

„ „ ,, (September to October), each .

Swarms, or Natural Colonies, each

Italian Standard Hive, with Moveable Frames, best
„ „ » >, » Plain •

Address-PROF. CHEV. L. SARTORI, Milan, Italy.

£0 10

0

0 7

0

1 0

0

1 5

0

0 12

0

THE HIVE FOR THE MILLION.

Price 8s.

THE PRACTICAL STANDARD, a marvel of
efficiency -with economy, price, complete, 18s.
ABBOTT'S NORTHERN STANDARD, a Prize Hive,
price, complete, 27s. £>d.

ROOT'S MACHINE FOUNDATION, 3s. 6d. per lb.
Samples on receipt of Stamped Envelope. Send Two Stamps
for Catalogue, containing full description of oivr Hives, and
How to Work them, to E. W. Listeb, Oakwood, Eirkburton,
Yorkshire. fo- 8

TEN STEWARTON BODY, and Five HONEY
BONES, no worse than new, for Sale, cheap. Also
One ABBOTT'S No. 1 STANDARD HIVE, entirely new.
Apply Wji. Atkinson, Helmsley, Yorks. fo. 32

BEE-HIVE EMPORIUM.

WILLIAM W. YOUNG,
150 HIGH STREET, PERTH, SCOTLAND,
Having obtained the FIRST PRIZE for the Best Collection
of BEE FURNITURE at various ShowB, both in England
and Scotland, in 1879, he is now in a position to supply
every article that is best adapted for the successful Manage-
ment of the Honey Bee. fo. 24
Illustrated Price Lists free on receipt of Stamped Envelope.

VEGETABLE PARCHMENT for Covering
Glasses and Jars of Honey, &c, 2s. per lb. Sample
Sheet, id. Prices for larger quotations on application.
Letters to Editor.

July 1, 1879.] ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

CALEDONIAN APIARIAN AND ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

Instituted 28th October, 1874.

THE SIXTH GRAND SHOW of Honey, Hives, and Bees, will be held at PERTH,
in connexion with The Highland and Agricultural Society's Show, on the 29th,
30th, 31st July, and 1st August, 1879.

1st.

2nd.

3rd.

25/0

15/0

7/6

10/0

7/6

5/0

10/0

7/6

6/0

10/0

7/6

5/0

20/0

10/0

7/6

10/0

7/6

5/0

15/0

10/0

5/0

Subject to alteration at Committee Meeting before Shoio.

PEIZE LIST.

CLOVER OR FLOWER HONEY.

1. For the two best Supers above 20 lbs. each

2. For the best Super above 20 lbs

3. For the best filled and finished Super above 10 lbs. and under 20

4. For the best sample of Run or Extracted Honey, not less than 4 lbs., to be exhibited in

the Society's Glasses, which will be provided at the Show

5. For the best Exhibition of Pure Honey in Sectional Supers, separable, and of not more than

4 lbs.; total weight of each entry to be not less than 20 lbs. ...

6. For the best glass Super above 10 lbs. weight

7. Prettiest design in Honey-comb, worked by the bees

8. For the best Exhibition of Sectional Supers in an attractive and saleable form, no Section to

be over 2 lbs 10/0 7/6 5/0

9. Special Prize, offered by Mr. E. Steele, Hivemaker, Fowlis, Dundee, and the Eev. John

Ibvine, Innellan — For the best Exhibition of Pure Honey in Sectional Supers, each
Section to be separable, and not more than 1 lb. ; the total weight of each entry to be not
less than 20 lbs A Double-walled Bar- frame Hive, with Cover and Stand complete. 10/0 5/0

10. Special Prize, offered by Mr. E. J. Bennett and Mr. Wii. Swokd — For the best Exhibition

of Pure Honey in Sectional Supers, each Section to be separable, and not more than 3 lbs.
each ; total weight of each entry to be not less than 12 lbs. ; the Honey to be submitted

to analysis if required by the Judges 25/0 15/0 10/6

Special Prize, offered by Mr. W. W. Youno, Hivemaker, 150 High Street, Perth — For the
best Table Display of Pure Honey and Comb, the product of any One Apiary during 1879

Honey Extractor, or, if preferred, Bee Furniture to the value of 25/0
The Glass can again be exhibited in No. 6 Class.

HIVES AND WAX. [All Hives to be fitted with Guides ready Jor use.)

11. For the best Hive for observation purposes, all Combs to be visible on both sides, Stocked

with Bees and their Queen Silver Medal and 10/0. Bronze Medal and 7/6. Bronze Medal.

12. For the best and most perfect Bar-frame Hive with Super, or set of Sectional Supers, and

Cover complete Silver Medal. Bronze Medal. Certificate and 7/6

13. For the most perfect Hive on the storifying principle, with the best arrangement for securing

harvest of Comb Honey ... Silver Medal. Bronze Medal. Certificate.

14. For the best Straw Hive of any description Small Bronze Medal. Certificate.

15. For the two best samples of Wax, in cakes of not less than 1 lb. each... 7/6 5/0 2/6

16. For the best sample of Wax Guide Sheets, not less than Six Sheets 7/6 5/0 2/6

17. For the best Bar-frame Hive on the Moveable Comb Principle, with Cover and Stand com-

plete, stocked with Bees and their Queen Silver Medal. Bronze Medal. Certificate.

COMESTIBLES.

18. For the best Liqueur or Wine made frona Honey, with recipe attached, not less than two quarts.

Silver Medal. Bronze Medal. Certificate.

19. For the best Mead or Beer made from Honey, with recipe attached, not less than two quarts.

Small Silver Medal. Small Bronze Medal. Certificate.

20. For the best Sweetmeats, made with Honey, not less than 2 lbs., with recipe attached.

Silver Medal. Bronze Medal. Certificate.

21. For the best Cakes made with Honey, with recipe attached, not less than 2 lbs.

Silver Medal. Bronze Medal. Certificate.

Tlie samples to which 1st Prize is aicarded in Classes 18, 19, 20, and 21, shall become the property of the Society, to be used

at the Judges' Dinner.

MISCELLANEOUS.

22. For the best and largeit collection of Hives, Bee Furniture, Bee Gear, and Apicultuiists'

necessaries, no two articles to be alike Silver Cup and 20/0. 30/0 20/0

23. For the best Bee Feeder Small Bronze Medal.

24. For the cheapest, neatest, and best Supers for producing Honey-comb in a saleable form ...

Small Bronze Medal. Certificate.

25. For the best Honey Extractor, cost to be taken into consideration ... Silver Medal. Bronze Medal. Certificate.

26. For any new invention calculated in the opinion of the Judges to advance the Culture of Bees Bronze Medal. Certificate.

27. For the best Chemical or other test for detecting spurious from genuine honey — to be

practically demonstrated to the Judges' satisfaction within 15 minutes

Silver Medal and 10/0. Bronze Medal and 7/6. Certificate and 5/0.

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH -BEE JOURNAL. [July 1, 1879.

MISCELLANEOUS— Continues,.

28. For the best and most interesting Collection of Natural Objects, Models, or Diagrams con-

nected with Apiculture, and illustrating the Natural History and Economy of the Honey

Bee Silver Medal. Small Silver Medal. Small Bronze Medal.

29. For the best and largest display of Honey Producing Plants, in a dried state or otherwise,

such Plants to have a card attached, stating time of flowering, duration of bloom, and any

other particulars calculated to be of interest to Bee-keepers

' Langstroth on Bees.' ' Neighbour's Apiary.' ' Hunter's Bee Manual.'

30. Driving Competition, extending through the four days of the Show — For the Competitor who,

without assistance, and without veil or gloves, shall in the neatest, quickest, and most
complete manner drive out the bees from a straw skep, of not less than 14 ins. diameter,

and capture and exhibit the Queen Silver Medal. Small Silver Medal. Bronze Medal.

Note. — The Competitors in No. 30 who gain the First Prize on the Three days, will, on the Fourth, compete fo

the Highland and Agricultural Society's Medal.

Further particulars of E. J. BENNETT, Hon. Sec, 50 Gordon Street, Glasgow.

EXHIBITION OF BEES, HIVES, HONEY, AND
BEE MANIPULATIONS;

IN CONJUNCTION WITH

A FLOWER AND FRUIT SHOW,

AND AN

OPEN-AIR VOCAL AND INSTRUMENTAL CONCERT,

AT THE

BOTANICAL GARDENS, EDGBASTON, BIRMINGHAM,

FRIDAY and SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 and 9, 1879.

For Schedules of Prizes, Forms for Entry, and other information, apply, with Postage Stamp, to
Mr. VILLIERS BLAKEMORE, Hon. Sec. of the Botanical Society, Birmingham.

The Rev. H. R. Peel, Hon. Sec. of the British Bee-Keepers' Association, has kindly promised to
lend the Bee Tent of the Association, and arrange for the Exhibitions of Driving, Transferring, making
Artificial Swarms, and Capturing Queens.

The Gardens of the Society are 1J miles from the centre of the Town. Cab fare Is. id, from the
Railway Stations to the Gardens.

Makers of Hives and Bee Furniture are informed that this will afford them one of the best possible
opportunities for introducing their manufactures to the Residents of North Warwickshire, East
Worcestershire, and South Staffordshire.

DR. PINE'S WOVEN WIRE VEILS

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FROM A PHOTOGRAPH W

Price 2s. 9<f. post free. Strips of Wire Cloth, for making
thern, Is. 8d, each, post free. Letters to Editor. fo. 15

DH. PIISTE'S
BEE-KEEPERS' LOTION.

This Lotion will be found to almost instantly remove the
pain of a sting and prevent subsequent inflammation. It is
also a remedy for scalds, burns, and the stings and bites of
other insects besides Bees.

Price Is. 6d. per bottle, or Post-free for Is. 8d.

Agent —
Mr. C. N. ABBOTT, Editor of B. B. Journal,
Fairlawn, Southall. fo. 15

COMB FOUNDATION — The best American,
as per Abbott's Catalogue. EAITT'S FOUNDATION
at his prices, from Abbott Beos., Fairlawn, Southall, Mid-
dlesex,

XiOndon : Printed by John Stkangeways, at his Printing' Office, Tower Street, Upper St. Martin's Lane,
in the County of Middlesex ; and Published for the Proprietor by Kent & Co,, t-3 Paternoster Row,

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL. [Aug. 1, 1879.

PRICE SIXPENCE.

THE GAEDENBE.

A MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE AND FLORICULTURE.
EDITED BY DAVID THOMSON,

Author of ' Handy Book of the Flower-Garden,' ' Fruit Culture under Glass,' etc.
ASSISTED BY A STAFF OF PRACTICAL GARDENERS.

MAKING AND PLANTING ROCKWORK.

NOTES ON DECORATIVE GREENHOUSE PLANTS—

THE CYCLAMEN.
DWARF POINSETTIAS.
STOVE-CLIMBERS— STEPH4NOTIS FLORIBUNDA,

DIPLADENIAS.
FRUIT CULTURE.
THE AMATEUR'S GARDEN — THE CABBAGE

FAMILY.
MIGNONETTE CULTURE.
HARDY FRUITS— AUGUST.
THE FLOWER GARDEN.

The Number for August contains : —

NOTES FROM THE PAPERS.
CUCUMBER SIR GARNET WOLSELEY.
HEATING BY HOT WATER.
ROUND LONDON.
HIBISCUS COOPERII.

SCOTTISH HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATION.
ROYAL CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S
SUMMER EXHIBITION.

CALENDAR— KITCHEN GARDEN — FORCING DE-
PARTMENT.
NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Yearly Subscription, free by Post, 7s. Payable in advance.

In the March Number of ' THE GARDENER ' was commenced the first of an important Series of
Papers under the heading of ' The Gardener's Primer.'

WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS, EDINBURGH AND LONDON.
NEW AND ENLARGED SERIES.

THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST

A PICTORIAL MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF

FLOWERS, FRUITS, AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE.

ESTABLISHED AS 'THE FLORIST' IN 1848.

The FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST has been enlarged to Imperial 8vo. size. Each Number will consist of Two
Coloured Plates, with Test equivalent in quantity to that of the numbers of the former Series. The price will continue to
be One Shilling.

The Florist and Pomologist is issued in a form suitable for admission to the Drawing-room, and from its'practical
character is equally adapted for the Garden House and the Bothy. The information it gives is such as to keep its readers
informed as to all Novelties of importance, and to supply instruction on the best forms of Garden Practice ; to furnish
a digest of Current Information on all Gardening Matters of interest, and to give Seasonable Hints on Garden
Management.

Advertisers will find the FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST one of the best monthly mediums for circulating their
several announcements amongst readers who are necessarily purchasers of garden requisites of all kinds.

* The cheapest slnllingsworth ever offered in the form of a monthly I 1 Enlarged in order to afford fuller scope for the plates, 4c. The
gardening serial.'— Gardeners' Record. alteration is a real improvement.'— Gardeners' Magazine, Jan. 5, 1878.

' The splendid coloured illustrations are the distinctive feature of
this magazine."— Bath Herald, Jan. 12, 1878.

' The illustrations are always most artistic and attractive, and
compare most favourably with other publications of a similar cla98 ' —
'A couple of uorLriTiu* illu-tratlOM attract the eye at once. — Oxford Journal Jan 19 1878
Oxford Times, July 15, 1876. '

, . „ ., ,. „,■„,.„,.;„, „„„ii,i„ „„„„„;„„ . a*„fl\,.,7oj,.v„ tv,»,„. ' Good judgment and enlightenment mark this periodical.'— Derbu

Jan 13 1877 Mercury, Jan. 18, 1871.

'The only monthly horticultural publication worthy of attention.' ' The coloured illustrations are invariably well executed.'— Hereford

— Gardeners' Magazine, Nov. 17, 1877. Journal, Dec. 9, 1871.

LONDON: W. KENT & Co., 23 PATERNOSTER ROW, E.C.

Aug. 1, 1879.] ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

SUBSCRIBERS' COLUMN.

To meet the wants 'of Subscribers who require a cheap
mode of advertising their wants, we have opened an
Advertising Column, for non-trading Subscribers only,
wherein they may make their wants or loishes known
at the rate of One Penny for every six words, or part
of six words, but no advertisement must contain more
than thirty-six words.

Stamps to accompany in all cases, and there can be no
reduction for repetitions.

PLASTEB CASTS from Worker Combs, for making
comb foundations up to 14 inches by 9 inches, 2s. 6rf. ;
Drone for Sectional Supers, 8 inches by 4 inches, Is. each, or
3s. per pair, packed. B. Iliffe, Hinckley. fo. 6.

f^ LASS HONEY BOTTLES (best flint glass) with wide
vj neck for feeding. Hold 8 or 9 lbs. each, properly
packed, 3s. each. C. J. Smith, Stroud, Glos. fo. 7.

OB SALE.— Vol. III. of British Bee Journal, complete.
Unbound, 4s. Letters to Editor.

F

ANGSTEOTH on ' The Hive and Honey Bee.' 9s.
i Free. Letters to the Editor. fo. 101

Q

UINBY on ' The Mysteries of the Bee-hive,' 8s. 6d.
Free. Letters to the Editor. fo. 102

F

OB SALE— Nos. 2, 3, 4, 8, and 10, of B. B. Journal,
Is. each. Apply to the Editor. fo. 104

YOL. II. B. B. Journal, with Index, minus the No. for
May, 5s. Office of Journal. fo. 105

YOL. H. B. B. Journal, minus May and Aug. Nos., 3s.
Office of Journal. fo. 106

TNDEX, Vol. I. Price 6d. Apply to Editor. fo. 100

VOL. I. B. B. Journal, very scarce, 30s. Apply to Editor.
fo. 104

YOL. H. B. B. Journal, scarce and valuable, 21s. Apply
to Editor. fo. 106

WANTED.— Was in Cake, cleared, ready for use. E.
W. Lister, Kirkburton. fo. 8.

FOE SALE. — A Neighbour's Bee House, to hold two
Hives. Original cost .£4 4s. (has been newly roofed
and well painted), price 30s. Editor.

END Two Stamps for Abbott Bros'. Catalogue. Southall,
Middlesex.

s

WANTED.— May No. of Vol. H. B. B. J., or will ex-
change. Letters to Editor.

DEY PUFF BALL, Is. per packet. F. S. Clutten,
Fressingfield, Harleston, Norfolk. fo. 32

I710B SALE.— B. B. Journal, first Four or Five Volumes.
' Best Cash offer accepted. Unbound. J. Potter,
Lindenhurst, Finch Boad, Birmingham.

CAPITAL STEAW HIVES, Flat Tops, Queen Excluders.
New. Is. 8d. each. I. Gadd, Wokingham, Berks.

fo. 14.

NEARLY NEW, Neighbour's Bar-frame Hive, Straw
and Wood combined, in Body-box, with Glass Win-
dows and Shutters. Also Glass Super to fit with outside
Case, and Boot painted. Complete, cost '21. '2s., price 18s. 6<i
Isaiah Gadd, Wokingham, Berks. fo. 14

CAN make a few Skeleton Straw Hives (as described in
Bee Journal for March, page 207) to take Frames.
Price, etc., on application to Isaiah Gadd, Wokingham,
Berks. fo. 14

DEVON AND EXETER

BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION.

President :
The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Exeter (W. H. Ellis, Esq.)

rpHE Association will hold its Fourth Exhibition of
JL BEES, HIVES, HONEY, HONEY -FATE, and
Apiarian Manipulations, on

Tuesday and Wednesday, 19th and 20th August, 1879,
On the HOE, PLYMOUTH,

in connexion with the Eotal Western Horticultural
Society.

Good Prizes will be offered for Hives, Honey, Bee-
Furniture, etc.

Schedules of Prizes and particulars can be obtained of
WM. N. GEIFFIN,
Bock House, Honorary Secretary.

Alphington, Exeter. fo. 37

FOR SALE in One or Three Lots.— 1. Three
CAEB'S PATENT BAE-FEAME HIVES, contain
good Stocks of Ligurian Bees. 2. Eight ditto, containing
Comb only, with sundry Apiary Appliances, &c. 3. CEN-
TBIFUGAL HONEY EXTBACTOE, complete, nearly new.
Offers. Address Beta, B. B. Journal Office.

CIjc Irithlj |kc loitnral

AND BEE-KEEPER'S ADVISER.

The British Bee Journal is published monthly, and
contains the best practical information for the time being,
showing what to do, and when and how to do it.

Subscribers to the Journal are first, second, and third
class. First class are those who subscribe 10s. 6<i per
annum, from any date, who are entitled to immediate re-
plies, per post, to their queries, when a stamped directed
envelope is sent. Second class are those who subscribe 6s.
per annum, and whose queries can only be replied to through
the columns of the Journal : and Third are Clubs of Cot-
tagers, each consisting of not less than six, to whom the
charge will be 4s. 6d. each Member.
Subscriptions, Correspondence, and Inquiries to be addressed to

C. N. ABBOTT, Bee Master,
School of Apiculture, Fairlawn, Southall, London.

MANUAL OF THE APIARY,

By A. J. COOK,

Professor of Entomology in tlw lliclii'jan State Agricultural College.

286 pp. large 12mo. 112 Blnstrations.

Published by THOMAS G. NEWMAN & SON, Chicago.

It comprises a full delineation of the anatomy and physio-
logy of the Honey-bee, illustrated with costly wood engravings
— the Products of the Honey Bee ; the Baces of Bees ; full
descriptions of Honey-producing plants, trees, shrubs, <fcc,
splendidly illustrated — and last, though not least, detailed
instructions for the various manipulations necessary in the
apiary.

This work is a masterly production, and one that no
Bee-keeper, however limited his means, can afford to do
without. It is fully up with the times on every conceivable
subject that interests the Apiarist. It is not only instructive,
but intensely interesting and thoroughly practical.

Within 20 days after this work was issued from the press,
600 copies were disposed of — a sale unprecedented iu Bee
literature. Price, bound in cloth, 7s. Gd. Postage, id.

ABBOTT BEOS., FAIELAWN, SOUTHALL.

VEGETABLE PARCHMENT for Covering
Glasses and Jars of Honey, tic., 2s. per lb. Sample
Sheet, id. Prices for larger quotations on application.
Letters to Editor.

Sept. 1, 1879.] ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

SUBSCRIBERS' COLUMN.

To meet the wants of Subscribers luho require a cheap
mode of advertising their wants, we have opened an
Advertising Column, for non-tradiny Subscribers only,
wherein they may make their .wants or wishes known
at the rate of One Penny for every six wo?-ds, or part
of sir woi-ds, but no advertisement must contain more
than thirty-six words.

Stamps to accompany in all cases, and there can be no
reduction for repetitions.

PLASTEE CASTS from Worker Combs, for making
comb foundations up to 14 inches by 9 inches, 2s. 6<Z. ;
Drone for Sectional Supers, 8 inches by 4 inches, Is. each, or
3s. per pair, packed. E. Idiffe, Hinckley. fo. 6.

GLASS HONEY BOTTLES (best flint glass) with wide
neck for feeding. Hold 8 or 9 lbs. each, properly
packed, 3s. each. C. J. Smith, Stroud, Glos. fo. 7.

OE SALE.— Vol. III. of British Bee Journal, complete.
Unbound, 4s. Letters to Editor.

F

L

ANGSTEOTH on ' The Hive and Honey Bee.' 9s.
Free. Letters to the Editor. fo. 101

Q

UINBY on ' The Mysteries of the Bee-hive,' 8s. 6d.
Free. Letters to the Editor. fo. 102

IpOE SALE.— Nos. 2, 3, 4, 8, and 10, of B. B. Journal,
' Is. each. Apply to the Editor. fo. 104

VOL. II. B. B. Journal, with Index, minus the No. for
May, 5s. Office of Journal. fo. 105

YOL. II. B. B. Journal, minus May and Aug. Nos., 3s.
Office of Journal. fo. 106

TNDEX, Vol. I. Price 6d. Apply to Editor. fo. 100

VOL. I. B. B. Journal, very scarce, 30s. Apply to Editor.
fo. 104

VOL. II. B. B. Journal, scarce and valuable, 21s. Apply
to Editor. fo. 106

WANTED.— Wax in Cake, cleared, ready for use. E.
W. Lister, Kirkburton. fo. 8.

FOE SALE. — A Neighbour's Bee House, to hold two
Hives. Original cost £i 4s. (has been newly roofed
and well painted), price 30s. Editor.

END Two Stamps for Abbott Bros'. Catalogue. Southall,
Middlesex.

s

WANTED.— May No. of Vol. H. B. B. J., or will ex-
change. Letters to Editor.

D

EY PUFF BALL, Is. per packet. F. S. Clutten,
Fressingfield, Harleston, Norfolk. fo. 32

AT ONCE, several Stocks of Bees for Sale, also Driven
Bees, at per lb. Some Abbott's Makeshifts, with
Comb, and a lot of Bee-gear, all at very cheap prices. For
particulars, apply to J. Venables, Wellington, Salop.

FOE SALE (New Barnet, Herts).— Abbott's Little
Wonder Extractor, 10s., good as new, cost 15s. ;
owner too ill to attend to his bees. A good chance for a
Hertfordshire Bee-keeper. Letters to Editor. fo. 26

WANTED. — Stocks of Driven Bees ; Italians, Hybrids,
or Commons. State price per Swarm, and sort, to
James Foot, 21 North Eoad, Hersham, Walton-on-Thames,
Surrey. fo. 34

BEES FOE SALE. — A quantity of Stocks and Swarms
in good condition, all in Woodbury Hives, nearly
new. For particulars, apply to Charles Oglesly, Bigby
Eoad, Brigg, Lincolnshire. fo. 34

ADVEETISEE would be glad to know of any Gentleman
who supplies pure- bred Fowls or Eggs — e.g. Bl*ck
Hamburgh, Creve, Houdan, Brahmah, etc. Address G. M.,
4 Turle Eoad, Tollington Park, London, N. fo. 34

EIGHT STEAW HIVES, not quite new, some Cane
worked. What offers in exchange for them ? Isaiah
Gadd, Wokingham, Berks. fo. 14

NEIGHBOUE'S BAE-FEAME HIVE, with Outer Case
and Glass Windows for Observation. Painted green,
nearly new. Will take 19s. 6d., or exchange, offers. Isaiah
Gadd, Wokingham, Berks. fo. 14

GOOD STEAW HIVES, flat top, hole for Supering, &c,
with new pattern Zinc Excluder. Price Is. 8d. each.
Isaiah Gadd, Wokingham, Berks. fo. 14

MANUAL OF THE APIARY, by A. J. Cook,
Professor of Entomology in the Michigan State Agri-
cultural College. 286 pp. large 12mo. 112 Illustrations.
Published by Thomas G. Newman & Son, Chicago. Price,
bound in cloth, 5s. ; postage, id. Abbott Bkos., Fairlawn,
Southall.

\ BBOTT'S BEE BARLEY SUGAR, best Food

x\ for Bees in Winter. Made expressly, so that it shall
all deliquesce and not leave a white shell to be thrown out
by the Bees. lOd. per lb., in 14 lb. Tins, or 7 lb. Boxes ;
tins, boxes, and packing not charged for. Address Abbott
Bros., Fairlawn, Southall.

PRIME BEES' WAX at Is. 9^. per lb., in large
or small quantities. Address Abbott Bbos., Fairlawn,
Southall.

PURE EXTRACTED HONEY, Is. U. per lb.
in Glass Jars, jars included. Address Abbott Bbos.,
Fairlawn, Southall.

HONEY JARS. — First Prize at South Ken-
sington. 1 lb., 15s. per gross ; 2 lb., 18s. per gross,
direct from the Works at Birmingham.

OECOND-HAND HIVES, OUTER CASES,

O EOOFS, a BEE-HOUSE to hold Two Hives, FLOOE
BOARDS (a lot of Bound Floor Boards at 6s. a dozen).
NEW HIVES and NEW GEAR of all kinds. Address
Abbott Bros., Fairlawn, Southall.

CUCUMBER PERSUADERS.— By the use of
these Glasses Cucumbers are induced to grow straight,
and to an enormous size very quickly.

The young Fruit is placed in the tube, which is 16 inches
long, and the glass bulb-end is luted to it by a clay graft,
and the bulb is partly filled with water. The effect on a
strong healthy plant is extraordinary. Price 81s. a dozen,
direct from the Works, Birmingham. Address Abbott
Bkos., Fairlawn, Southall.

American Implements for the Apiary.

MESSRS. THOMAS G. NEWMAN & SON,
of Chicago (Editor of the American Bee Journal),
have appointed us as their Sole Agents for Europe, so that
the various articles of BEE FUENITUEE sold by them
may shortly be procured at either of our establishments.

We have made a Selection from Messrs. Newman's Cata-
logue, and the Goods are on their way here.

'Cook's Manual of the Apiary,' price 5s., postage 5d. ;
' Newman's Bee Culture,' English or German, price Is. Od. ;
and a Pamphlet, ' Honey as Food or Medicine,' 2d. per copy,
can now be supplied. Address Geo. Nbighboub & Sons,
149 Eegent Street, or 127 High Holborn, London,

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL. [Sept. 1, 1879.

HERTFORDSHIRE BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION,

President

IlsTSTIT'D'TED 1878.
THE EARL OF VERULAM.

THE ASSOCIATION will hold its FIRST GREAT EXHIBITION of Honey, Bees, Hives,
&c, and Practical Apiarian Manipulations, during 1879, at Hemel Hempstead, on
"Wednesday and Thursday, October 1st and 2nd, in connexion with the Hemel Hempstead
Poultry Show.

Classes 1 to 8 open to aU England. Classes 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and the Honey Fair, open to
Members of the Hertfordshire Association, and other residents in the County of Herts.

SCHEDULE OF PRIZES.

Class. BEES.

1. — For the best Stock of Ligurian or any other Foreign

Bees. 20,0 10/0 5 0

2.— For the best Stock of English Bees 20/0 10/0 5/0

Tlu Bees to be exhibited living with their Queen in

Observatory Hives.

HIVES, &e.

3. For the best and most complete Hive on the moveable

comb principle, to include covering, stand, floor-
board, and facilities for storing surplus honey.

20/0 10 0 5/0

4. For the best complete Hive on the moveable comb

principle for Cottager's use, to include cover, floor-
board, and facilities for storing surplus honey. Price
not to exceed 10/0. 2/00 10,0 5/0

5. — For the best Straw Hive on the moveable comb principle.

15/0 7/6 5/0

6. — For the best and neatest Supers for producing honey

in the comb in the most attractive and saleable form.

7/6 5 0 2 ij

7. — For the best Honey Extractor, calculated to meet the

wants of Cottagers. 20/0 10/0 5/0

8. — For the best and most complete Collection of Hives

and Bee Furniture ; no two articles to be alike.

20/0 10/0 5/0
AU Hives, etc., in the above Classes, to be made or
designed by the Exhibitor.
The Judges are empowered to increase the Prizes in this
Class, and to award Extra Prizes if the collections are in
their opinion of sufficient merit.

HONEY.
All Honey to be Judged according to Quality and Purity,
being the produce of 1879, and gathered by the
Exhibitor's own Bees in the Natural way.
8a. — Same as Class 9, but open to all Competitors — English
or Foreign. Entrance Fee, 2/6. 20/0 10,0 5/0

9. — For the best Exhibition of Honey in Supers, or Sec-
tions of Supers, separable, and each not more than
2 lbs. in weight ; the total weight of each entry to be
not les3 than 10 lbs. 10,0 7/6 5/0 2/6

10. — For the best Single Section in the Comb, weighing not
more than 3 lbs. 7/6 5/0 2/6

11. — For the best Exhibition of Pure Extracted Honey in
Glass Jars ; not to exceed 2 lbs. each ; each entry to
consist of not less than eight jars. 10/0 7/6 5,0 2,6
A Bar-frame Hive, value II., will be given as a Special
Prize for the best Exhibit made by a bona tide Cottager in
Classes 9, 10, and 11 j the Exhibitor being a Member of the
Hertfordshire Association.

12. — For the best Exhibition of Honey in the Comb, taken
from one Hive without destroying the Bees. Open
to all bona fide Cottagers residing in Hertfordshire.
(No entrance fee). 7/6 5/0 2/6

DRIVING COMPETITION.

13. — For the Competitor who shall in the neatest, quickest,
and most complete manner, drive out the Bees from
a Straw Skep, capture and exhibit the Queen. Each
Competitor to provide his own Bees. 20/0 10/0 5/0

The system of Open Driving shall be adopted, the Re-
ceiving Hive to be inclined at such an angle as shall permit
the passage of the Bees to be seen by the Spectators. Veils
and gloves may be worn by the Competitors. Members of
the ' Herts Bee-keepers' Association ' will be admitted to the
Bee Tent to witness the Driving Competitions, on produc-
tion of their Member's Ticket. An Admission Fee of 6d.
each for the two first displays, and of 3d. each to all subse-
quent displays will be charged to Non-Members. These
Competitions will commence at 2 o'clock in the afternoon.
13a. — Driving and Transferring Competition^ open to all
Competitors, English or Foreign, to be held on Thurs-
day, October 2nd, at 2 p.m. No veils or gloves to be
worn. Competitors to provide their own Bees and
Hives. Entrance Fee 2/6. 30/0 20/0 10/0

HONEY FAIR.

14. — A distinct Counter will be appropriated at botb Shows
for the Sale of Honey in the Comb and in Glass Jars,
and in this department Sales will be permitted, and
Goods delivered at all times during the Show. In-
voices must be sent with each consignment of Goods,
stating the prices and weights of the various Supers,
Glasses, &c.
14a. — Open to all Persons not residing in the County of
Hertford.
The Association will provide Salesmen, but will not un-
dertake to break bulk, nor allow it to be done.

The British Bee-keepers' Association offer a Silver
Medal, Bronze Medal, and Certificate, to the three Exhi-
bitors (being Members of the Hertfordshire Association), to
whom shall have been awarded the three largest amounts of
Prize Money in Classes 9, 10, and 11.

No Entrance Fees in Classes 14 and 14a.

RULES.

1. Entrance Fees for Members of the Association, 1/0 for
each entry. Non-Members, 2/6 each entry.; Exhibitors will
be charged Id. in the 1/0 on all Sales effected throughout
the Show.

2. Each intending Exhibitor must return his (or her)
Entry Form properly filled up. stating the price at which
they will sell their Exhibits (which must in all cases include
the package in which it is sent), and accompanied with the
requisite fees, addressed to the Bev. H. B. Peel, Abbot's
Hill, Hemel Hempstead, on or before Saturday, Sep. 20th.

3. All Exhibits must have a label attached, distinctly
marked with the number of the Class in which they are
intended to be exhibited.

4. All Exhibits sent by rail or carrier must be delivered
at the place of exhibition carriage paid.

5. No Exhibits will be received for CompethVon after 11
o'clock on the morning of the Show.

6. Any person exhibiting Honey for competition which
is not this year's produce and gathered by his or her own
Bees, or committing Fraud in any other way, will be dis-
qualified, and their Exhibits marked accordingly.

Note. — Entry forms will be supplied on application to the
Hon. Secretary. The Committee will take every care
of all Exhibits ; but will not be responsible for any loss
or damage.

Entries will net be received after Saturday, September 20th.

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL. [Aug. 1, 1879.

ETABLISSEMENT D'APICULTURE

pour l'elevage et l'exportation d'Abeilles-nieres pure race Italieune,

DE

Mr. PIETRO PILATI, premiato con Medaille (V argent de V Exposition
Universelle de Paris, 1878, St rada Stefano, N. 88, Bologna (Balie).

Prix Courant, 1879.

Une Mere fecondSe accompagnfie d'une
poign£e d'abeilles

Un Essaiin de lf2 kilo avec son abeilles-
mere fecond£e

Une Ruchfie du pays bien gamie

Une Colonie en ruche k caches mobiles

Ateil

et
Mai.

10 fr.

Juin Ao6t Octobbe

et et et

JUILLET. SePTEMB. NoVEMBBE.

9fr.

8fr.

7fr.

23 „

21 „

19 „

17 „

30 „

28 „

26 „

25 „

40 „

38 „

36 „

35 „

Si une Abeille-mere perit en voyage et on la reniet avec un Certificat de la poste on ne recevera sans
dalai une autre en compensation.

Les payments auront lieu moyeuuant mandat de poste en or. On desire que les adresses et les
gares du chemin de fer soient indiquees avec precision, fo. 5

Oldest Established Apicultural House in Italy.

Prof. CHBV. LTIIGP SAETOEI, Proprietor.

Thirty Gold and Silver Medals, Diplomas, &c.

Fertilized Queeus, pure breed (April to August), each .

,, „ ,, (September to October), each

Swarms, or Natural Colonies, each ....

Italian Standard Hive, with Moveable Frames, best
» M » >» » plain

Address— PROF. CHEV. L. SARTORI, Milan, Italy.

£0 10

0

0 7

0

1 0

0

1 5

0

0 12

0

THE HIVE FOR THE MILLION.

Price 8s.

THE PRACTICAL STANDARD, a marvel of
efficiency with economy, price, complete, 18s.
ABBOTT'S NORTHERN STANDARD, a Prize Hive,
price, complete, 27a. 6d.

BOOT'S MACHINE FOUNDATION, 3s. 6d, per lb.
Samples on receipt of Stamped Envelope. Send Two Stamps
for Catalogue, containing full description of our Hives, and
How to Work them, to E. W. Listeb, Oakwood, Kirkburton,
Yorkshire. fo. 8

TEN 8TEWARTON BODY, and Five HONEY
BOXES, no worse than new, for Sale, cheap. Also
One ABBOTT'S No. 1 STANDARD HIVE, entirely new.
Apply Wii. Atkinson, Helmsley, Torks. fo. 32

THE GREAT HAMPSHIRE BEE FARM,
near Stockbridge : Its Principles and Method of
Working. Also,

THE BEE-KEEPER'S ALMANAC, which contains
Prognostications of Weather expected, and What to Do in
Bee Management. By P. E. Martin, Master Mariner, Bee
Master, Proprietor and Manager of the Bee Farm, Inventor
of the ' Sailors' Bee-Hive,' now the ' Standard ' Bar- frame
Hive for the United Kingdom. Price Gci. each, per post Id.
Choice Honey, in 5 lb. Tins, sent, Railway carriage paid
as far as S. W. R. Co. have through rates, on receipt of
P.O.O. for 6s. 6rf. payable at Stockbridge.

STOCKS AND SWARMS.
Illustbated Peice List Post Feee. fo.17.

THE SMOKERS BEE PIPE, two Pipes for
one. Price Is. 8<Z. post free.
Office of the British Bee Journal, Fahiawn, Southall.

THE

it Jfltmml,

CONDUCTED BY CHAELES NASH ABBOTT, BEE-MASTER, SCHOOL OF APICULTURE,
FAIRLAWN, SOUTHALL, near LONDON.

Guarantees to its Subscribers sound practical Replies to all Queries on Bee Management, and in urgent
cases of difficulty immediate replies by post, or telegraph if desired.

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION, HALF-A-GUINEA, Payable in Advance.

P. 0. Orders for Subscriptions should be made payable at the Soutball Post Office, W. Cheques crossed L. & S. Western Branch.
Special Terms to Clubs and Literary Institutions. Single Numbers 6d. eoch. Free by Post on day of Publication,

[ENTERED AT STATIONERS' HAT.T..J

[No. 76. Vol. VII.]

AUGUST, 1879.

[Published Monthly.]

NOTICE. — The British Bee Journal is on sale at
Kent & Co.'s, 23 Paternoster Roiv.

COHTE3STTS.
Editorial, Notices, &c. :—

August

Useful Hints — Extracting — Supering — Queenlessness —
Robbing;— "Wasps— Young Bees for Wintering— Bad Look-
out—Latest Note

The Kilburu and Kensington Shows

American Honey

New Bee-trap

Our Visitors

Forthcoming Shows, 1879

Engagements for the Bee-tent for 1879

Kilburu Show— Official Report of the Judges of Bees,
Hives, and Honey

Official Reports of the Judges of the South Kensington Show

Committee Meeting, July 9th

Quarterly Meeting, July 22nd

Conversazione — Mr. Ingram's Paper on the Plants and
Flowers most worthy of Cultivation as Honey Producers

Extraordinary Committee Meeting, July 23rd

General Meeting

Official Award of Prizes

Donations to the Prize Fund

Devon and Exeter Bee-keepers' Association

Surrey Bee-Keepers' Association

Dorchester Bee-keepers' Association

Berks and Bucks Bee-keepi.*rs' Assudation

Postponement of the Herefordshire Bee Show

Postponement of the Lincolnshire Bee Show

Correspondence :—

The late W. C Cotton

The late Abbe- Collin

Queen Piping— Why?

Queen Piping

Bee-keeping in Algeria

Bees with Lofty Notion? (with Engraving)

Bee-keeping at Warminster

Bee-keeping at Blairgowrie

Prospects in Lincolnshire

Indian Bees

White-eyed Drones

Saving Bee Life

Cook's Manual

Bee-keeping Made Easy

The Bull's Mill Bee Farm

The Apiary, Herbert Road, Wimbledon

My Bees Sixty Tears Ago

Cheap Hives

Importance of Bees

Echoes from the Hives

Queries and Replies

Notices to Correspondents and Inquirers

Lincolnshire Bee-keepers' Association

Birmingham Exhibition of Bees, Honey, &c

THE LECTURE.— A few Copies on hand.
Price 2s. 2d. post free. Letters to Editor.

DR. PINE'S WOVEN WIRE VEILS

Price 2s. 9d. post free. Strips of Wire Cloth, for making
them, Is. Sd. each, post free. Letters to Editor. fo. 15

d:r. pine's
bee-keepers' lotion.

This Lotion will be found to almost instantly remove the
pain of a sting and prevent subsequent inflammation. It is
also a remedy for scalds, burns, and the stings and bites of
other insects besides Bees.

Price Is. 6d. per bottle, or Post-free for Is. 8d.

Agent —
Me. C. N. ABBOTT, Editor of B. B. Journal,
Fairlawn, Southall. fo. 15

LIGURIAN QUEENS.

ABBOTT BROS, are ordering large numbers of
this beautiful race of BEES, and will be prepared to
send out QUEENS as soon as the weather will permit their
forwardment from Switzerland and Italy. Prices : August,
8s. ; September, 7s. Safe arrival guaranteed,

THE

ounmi

CONDUCTED BY CHARLES NASH ABBOTT, BEE-MASTER, SCHOOL OF APICULTURE,
FAIRLAWN, SOUTHALL, near LONDON.

Guarantees to its Subscribers sound practical Replies to all Queries on Bee Management, and in urgent
cases of difficulty immediate replies by post, or telegraph if desired.

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION, HALF-A-GUINEA, Payable in Advance.

P. 0. Orders for Subscriptions should be made payable at the Southall Post Office, W. Cheques crossed L. & S. Western Branch.
Special Terms to Clubs and Literary Institutions. Single Numbers Gd. each. Free by Post on day of Publication,

[entered at stationers' hall.]

[No. 77. Vol. VII.]

SEPTEMBER, 1879.

[Published Monthly.]

NOTICE.— The British Bee Journal
Kent & Co.'s, 23 Paternoster Roiv.

COITTEITTS.

Editorial, Notices, &c.

Useful Hiuts — Preserve the Caloric — Queenless Stocks —
Old Bees — Drones — Wasps — Mice — Dry Hives — Bee Plants
— Uniting Weak Stocks — Barley Sugar

A Red-letter Day

The Proposed Langstroth Fund

Cyprian Bees — Building up Stocks

Wintering

Abbott's Wooden Foundation

Abbott's Proposed Foundation Machine

First Prize Honey Jars

Forthcoming Shows, 1879

Engagements for the Bee-tent for 1879

Official Reports of the Judges of the South Kensington Show

The Caledonian Apiarian Entomological Society's Show at
Perth: Prize List

Caledonian Apiarian and Entomological Society: Meeting

Birmingham Bee Show

Bee Show at Plymouth

Cray Valley Show

The Shropshire Bee-Keepers' Association at Shrewsbury ...

Bee Show at Halberton, Devon ...

Fifeshire Bee Association — Postponement of Exhibition ...

Hertfordshire Bee-keepers' Association. — County Show ...

Death of Sir Thomas Moncreiffe, Bart.

Correspondence : —

The Langstroth Memorial Fund

Young Bees for Winter. — Requeening Old Bees

Queen Piping

Building a Bee-house

Queen Losses

Maiden Swarms.— Uniting.— Strong Stocks.— Opening Hives

Mr. Raitt on the Limited Increase of Bees

Abnormal Bees

Abbott's Queen Excluder Zinc

A Prolific Stock

Extraordinary Fecundity

Age of Bees

Comb Foundation

Cook's New Manual on Bee-keeping

A Caution

Echoes from the Hives

Queries and Replies

Notices to Correspondents and Inquirers

Hertfordshire Bee-keepers' Association.
Lincolnshire Bee-keepers' Association.
Nottingham and Notts Bee-keepers' Association.

THE LECTURE.— A few Copies on hand.
Price 2.?. 2d. post free. Letters to Editor.

DR. PINE'S WOVEN WIRE VEILS

tl

O

5<

a
o

O
1-3

a

b

H

a

H

U

til

H

K

S w

w

FROM A PHOTOGRAPH
First Prize for best Bee Dress, at South Remington, 1879.
Price 2s. 9rf. post free. Strips of Wire Cloth, for making
them, Is. Sd. each, post free. Letters to Editor. fo. 15

BEE

DH. PINE'S
KEEPERS' LOTION.

This Lotion will be found to almost instantly remove the
pain of a sting and prevent subsequent inflammation. It is
also a remedy for scalds, burns, and the stings and bites of
other insects besides Bees.

Price Is. 6d. per bottle, or Post-free for Is. 8d.

Agent —
Mb. C. N. ABBOTT, Editor of B. B. Journal,
Fairlawn, Southall. fo. 15

LIGURIAN QUEENS.

ABBOTT BROS, are ordering large numbers of
this beautiful race of BEES, and will be prepared to
send out QUEENS as soon as the weather will permit their
forwardment from Switzerland and Italy. Price, Sep-
tember, 7s. Safe arrival guaranteed.

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL. [Sept. 1, 1879.

ETABLISSEMENT D'APICULTURE

pour l'elevage et l'exportation d'Abeilles-meres pure race Italiemie,

DE

Mr. PIETRO PILATI, pfemmto con Medaille cPargent de FExposition
Universelle de Paris, 1878, Strada Stefano, N. 88, Bologna {Italie).

Prix Courant, 1879.

AoUT OCTOBRE

AvRIL JuiN

et et et et

Mai. JniLLET. Septemb. Novembke.

7fr.

Une Mere fecondfie accompagn6e d'uue

poignee d'abeilles 1 0 fr. 9 fr. 8 fr.

Un Essaim de lf2 kilo avec sou abeilles-

mere fecondge 23 „ 21 „ 19 „ 17 „

Une Ruch6e du pays bien garnie . . 30 „ 28 „ 26 „ 25 ,,

Une Colonie en ruche a cadres mobiles 40 „ 38 ,, 36 „ 35 „

Si une Abeille-mere perit en voyage et ou la remet avec un Certificat de la poste on ne recevera sans
delai une autre en compensation.

Les payments auront lieu moyennant mandat de poste en or. On desire que les adresses et les
garas du chemin de fer soient indiquees avec precision. fo. 5

Oldest Established Apicultural House in Italy.

Prof. CHEV. INITIO! SAETOEI, Proprietor.

Thirty Gold and Silver Medals, Diplomas, &c.

Fertilized Queens, pure breed (April to August), each .

n „ ,, (September to October), each

Swarms, or Natural Colonies, each ....
Italian Standard Hive, with Moveable Frames, best

» ., » Plain •

Address— PROF. CHEV. L.

£0 10 0

0 7 0

1 0 0
1 5 0
0 12 0

SARTORI, Milan, Italy.

THE HIVE FOR THE MILLION.

Price 8s.

THE PRACTICAL STANDARD, a marvel of
efficiency with economy, price, complete, 18s.
ABBOTT'S NOBTHEEN STANDARD, a Prize Hive,
price, complete, 27s. 6<J.

BOOT'S MACHINE FOUNDATION, 3s. 6<Z. per lb.
Samples on receipt of Stamped Envelope. Send Two Stamps
for Catalogue, containing full description of our Hives, and
How to Work them, to E. W. Listek, Oakwood, Kirkburton,
Yorkshire. fo. 8

VEGETABLE PARCHMENT for Covering
Glasses and Jars of Honey, &c„ 2s. per lb. Sample
Sheet, id. Prices for larger quotations on application.
Letters to Editor.

THE GREAT HAMPSHIRE BEE FARM,
near Stockbridge : Its Principles and Method of
Working. Also,

THE BEE-EEEPEB'S ALMANAC, which contains
Prognostications of Weather expected, and What to Do in
Bee Management. By P. E. Martin, Master Mariner, Bee
Master, Proprietor and Manager of the Bee Farm, Inventor
of the ' Sailors' Bee- Hive, ' now the ' Standard ' Bar- frame
Hive for the United Kingdom. Price 6rf. each, per post Id.
Choice Honey, in 5 lb. Tins, sent, Bailway carriage paid
as far as S. W. B. Co. have through rates, on receipt of
P.O.O. for 6s. 6d. payable at Stockbridge.

STOCKS AND SWAEMS.
Illustrated Price List Post Free. fo. 17.

THE SMOKER'S BEE PIPE, two Pipes for
one. Price Is. 8d. post free.
Office of the British Bee Journal, Fairlawn, Southall.

Sept. 1, 1879.] ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITIISH BEE JOURNAL.

RULES, &o.~ Continued.

Entrance Fees. — For any number of Exhibits in either of
Classes Nos. 1, 2, 3, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22,
Two Shillings for each Class. In all other Classes, One
Shilling for each Class.

Entry Forms will be supplied on application to the Hon.
Sec. of the Lincolnshire Bee-keepers' Association, Grantham,
or to J. W. Swain, Secretary of the Long Sutton Agricultural
Society.

All Exhibits must have a label attached, distinctly marked,
with number of the Class for which they are intended, and
if for Sale the price must also be distinctly marked on, and
in the Honey Classes the net weight and price, which must
include the vessel or package containing it, The Association
will not undertake to break bulk, nor allow it to be done.

No Exhibit shall be allowed to compete in more than one
Class.

Any person Exhibiting Honey for Competition which is
not this year's produce, and gathered by his or her own Bees
in the natural way, will be disqualified in all Classes
throughout the Show, and all such Exhibits will be marked
Disqualified for fraud,. The Judges will be specially in-
structed to enforce this Rule.

The Association will provide Salesmen, through whose
hands all monies must be paid; the Exhibitor will be charged
One Penny in the Shilling commission on all Sales.

The Committee are desirous that all Exhibits should be
delivered at the place of Exhibition by 6 p.m. on Tuesday,
October 7th. None will be admitted after 10 a.m. on
the day of Exhibition.

The Judges are empowered to withhold Prizes if the
Exhibits in any Class are not considered of sufficient merit.

A Free Ticket of Admission will be furnished to Members
and Exhibitors.

No Exhibit to be removed until after the close of the
Exhibition, except Honey, which purchasers may remove by
permission of the Committee, provided that the same has
not obtained a Prize.

The Committee will take every care of all Exhibits en-
trusted to them for competition, sale, or otherwise, but they
will not be responsible for any loss or damage from any cause
whatever.

Entries close onMonday, September 29th, 1879.

MANIPULATION WITH LIVE BEES.

Practical illustrations of Manipulation with Live Bees,
showing the best methods of Driving, Making Artificial
Swarms, transferring Combs from Straw Skeps to Bar-frame
Hives, finding Queens, &c. will be given during the days of
Exhibition, by the great Bee-master, Mr. C. N. Abbott; also
by Mr. J. G. Desborough, Mr. B. Symington, and other able
Bee-masters. Arrangements will be made by which visitors
may view with safety the mysteries of the Hive, and witness
the perfect command the Scientific Apiarian has over his
Bees.

The Committee will feel obliged by Bee-keepers making
the Association and its object, as well as the forthcoming
Exhibition, known amongst all who take an interest in Api-
culture and the welfare of our Cottagers. The Committee
have given careful consideration to the Prize Schedule which
they hope will give general satisfaction. Win, Carr, Esq.
and other Eminent Apiarists have kindly promised to be
present, and will explain the various Exhibits.

By order of the Committee,

B. B. GODFBEY, Hon. Sec, Grantham.
Entry Forms and Schedules may be had of R. R. GODFREY, Grantham, Hon. Secretary of the Lincoln-
shire Bee-keepers' Association ; or
J. W. SWAIN, Long Sutton, Secretary of the Long Sutton Agricultural Society.

PBICE SIXPENCE.

THE GARDENER.

A MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE AND FLORICULTURE.
EDITED BY DAVID THOMSON,

Author of ' Handy Book of the Flower-Garden,' ' Fruit Culture under Glass,' &c.
ASSISTED BY A STAFF OF PEACTICAL GARDENERS.

The Number for September contains :

THE COLDNESS OF THIS SEASON AND NEXT
YEAR'S FBUIT CBOPS.

LUCULIA GBATISSIMA.

WALKS AND FOOTPATHS.

HEBBACEOUS P.EONIAS.

HARDY FEUITS— SEPTEMBER.

NOTES ON DECORATIVE GREENHOUSE PLANTS:—
THE CHINESE PRIMULA.

ORNAMENTAL TREES AND SHRUBS:—
COTONEASTER (THE COTONEASTER).

THE AMATEUR'S GARDEN — LEEKS, ONIONS, GAR-
LIC, AND OTHER ALLIACEOUS PLANTS.

FRUIT CULTURE.

A NOTE ON PELARGONIUMS.

HEATING BY HOT WATER.

THE GARDENER'S PRIMER, No. V.

ABUTILON BOULE DE NEIGE.

ECONOMY OF FUEL IN HOETICULTURAL ES-
TABLISHMENTS.

SMALL CHBYSANTHEMUMS FOR HOUSE FUR-
NISHING.

PLUMS FROM THE PLUM-HOUSE AT CHATS-
WORTH.

ROUND LONDON.

SCOTTISH HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATION.

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

CALENDAR— KITCHEN GARDEN — FORCING DE-
PARTMENT.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Yearly Subscription, free by Post, 7s. Payable in advance.

*.* In the March Number of ' THE GARDENER ' was commenced the first of an important Series of
Papers under the heading of ' Tlie Gardener's Primer.'

WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS, EDINBURGH AND LONDON.

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL. [Sept. 1, 1879.

NOTTINGHAM AND NOTTS BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION.

THE ASSOCIATION will hold their EXHIBITIONS of Honey, Bees, Hives, &c, and
Practical Apiarian Manipulations, during 1879, in the Arboretum, on Friday and
Saturday, September 5th and 6th.

Classes 1 to 8 open to all England. Classes 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and the Honey Fair, open to
Memhers of the Nottingham & Notts Association, and other residents in the County of Notts.

SCHEDULE

Class. BEES.

1. — For the test Stock of Ligurian or any other Foreign

Bees. 20/0 10/0 5/0

2.— For the best Stock of English Bees. 20/0 10/0 5/0

The Bees to be exhibited living with their Queen in

Observatory Hives.

HIVES, &c.
3. — For the best and most complete Hive on the moveable
comb principle, to include covering, stand, floor-
board, and facilities for storing surplus honey.

20/0 10/0 5/0

4. — For the best complete Hive on the moveable comb

principle for Cottager's use, to include cover, floor-.

board, and facilities for storing surplus honey. Price

not to exceed 10/0. 20/0 10/0 5/0

5. — For the best Straw Hive on the moveable comb principle.

15/0 7/6 5/0

6. — For the best and neatest Supers for producing honey

in the comb in the most attractive and saleable form.

7/6 5/0 2/6

7. — For the best Honey Extractor, calculated to meet the

wants of Cottagers. 20/0 10/0 5/0

8. — For the best and most complete Collection of Hives

and Bee Furniture ; no two articles to be alike.

20/0 10/0 5/0
All Hives, etc., in the above Classes, to be made or
Designed by the Exhibitor.

HONEY.
All Honey to be Judged according to Quality and Purity,
being the produce of 1879, and gathered by the
Exhibitor's own Bees in the Natural way.
9. — For the best Exhibition of Honey in Supers, or Sec-
tions of Supers, separable, and each not more than
2 lbs. in weight ; the total weight of each entry to be
not less than 10 lbs. 10/0 7/6 5/0 2/6

10. — For the best Single Section in the Comb, weighing not
more than 3 lbs. 7/6 5/0 2/6

11. — For the best Exhibition of Pure Extracted Honey m
Glass Jars, not to exceed 2 lbs. each ; each entry to
consist of not less than eight jars. 10/0 7/6 5/0 2/6
Bar-frame Hives will be given as Special Prizes for the
best Exhibit made by bona fide Cottagers in Classes 9, 10,
and 11 ; the Exhibitor being a Member of the Notts
Association.

OF PRIZES.

Class. HONEY— continued.

12. — For the best Exhibition of Honey in the Comb, taken
from one Hive without destroying the Bees. Open
to all bona fide Cottagers residing in Nottinghamshire.
(No entrance fee). 7/6 5/0 2/6

DRIVING COMPETITION.

13.— For the Competitor who shall in the neatest, quickest,
and most complete manner, chive out the Bees from
a Straw Skep, capture and exhibit the Queen. Each
Competitor to provide his own Bees. 20/0 10/0 5/0

The system of Open Driving shall be adopted, the Re-
ceiving Hive to be inclined at such an angle as shall permit
the passage of the Bees to be seen by the Spectators. Veils
and gloves may be worn by the Competitors. Members of
the ' Notts Bee keepers' Association ' will be admitted to the
Bee Tent to witness the Driving Competitions on produc-
tion of their Member's Ticket. An Admission Fee of &d.
each for the two first displays, and of Sd. each to all subse-
quent displays, will be charged to Non-Members. These
Competitions will commence at the Arboretum, at 2 o'clock
in the afternoon of each day.

HONEY FAIR.

14. — A distinct Counter will be appropriated at the Show
for the Sale of Honey in the Comb and in Glass Jars, and
in this department Sales will be permitted, and Goods
delivered at all times during the Show. Invoices must be
sent with each consignment of Goods, stating the prices and
weights of the various Supers, Glasses, &c.

The Association will provide Salesmen, but will not un-
dertake to break bulk, nor allow it to be done.

The British Bee-keepers' Association offer a Silver
Medal, Bronze Medal, and Certificate, to the three Exhi-
bitors (being Members of the Nottingham and Notts Asso-
ciation), to whom shall have been awarded the three largest
amounts of Prize Money in Classes 9, 10, and 11.

Further particulars may be obtained of
Mr. W. C. CHESHIRE,

Gelding, Notts.

FOB SALE.

FIFTEEN HIVES of BEES, mostly in Bar-
frame Hives and Cottage Covers; several Empty
HIVES, STEELE'S SLINGER, VEIL, GLO VES, KNIFE,
•fee, 20;. the lot. They are very cheap, as there is a good
Crop of Honey, and the Hives have not been opened this
year. The owner is moving into London. To be seen at
Wye Cottage, Lion Boad, Bexley Heath.

The COTTAGE, Eight Booms, with Stabling, Green-
house, and large Garden full of Fruit Trees, a most charming
resort, to LET at the low rent of 551. fo. 38

COMB FOUNDATION — The best American,
as per Abbott's Catalogue. EAITT'S FOUNDATION
at his prices, from Abbott Bros., Fairlawn, Southall, Mid-
dlesex.

Bronze Medal awarded for Straw Skejis at the Great
Crystal Palace Show, 1875.

Sixteenth Edition. Price One Shilling.

SEVENTY POUNDS A-YEAR:

HOW I MAKE IT BY MY BEES.

By the late J. W. Pagden.

Also, by the same Author, price Sixpence.

Early Artificial Bee- Swarming.

No watching required.

Apply to Mrs. J. W. Pagden, the Chestnuts, Alfriston,

Sussex, by whom the same manufacturers of ' Economical

Bee Furniture ' are employed as formerly. fo. 23.

London : Printed by Stkangeways & Sons, at their Printing Office, Tower Street, Upper St. Martin's Lane, in the Parish of St. Giles' s-in-the-Fields,
in the County of Middlesex ; and Published for the Proprietor by Kent & Co. , 23 Paternoster Row, in the same county.— Aug. 31, 1879.

Oct. 1, 1879.] ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITIISH BEE JOURNAL.

LINCOLNSHIRE BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION,

INSTITUTED OCTOBBB 1875.

President : The Right Rev. the Bishop Suffragan of Nottingham.

THE ASSOCIATION will hold their FOURTH GREAT ANNUAL EXHIBITION of
Honey, Bees, Hives, &c, and Practical Apiarian Manipulations, in conjunction with
the Long Sutton Agricultural Society's Show, at Long Sutton, on Wednesday and
Thursday, October 8th and 9th, 1879.

SCHEDULE OF PRIZES.

Class. BEES.

1. — For the best Stock, or Specimen of Ligurian Bees, to

be Exhibited with the Queen in an Observatory Hive.

20/0 10/0 5/0

2. — For the best Stock, or Specimen of English Bees, to be

Exhibited with the Queen in an Observatory Hive.

15(0 7/6 5/0

3. — For the best Stock, or Specimen of any Distinct Species

of Honey Bees, other than Ligurians, or the British

Black Bees, to be Exhibited with the Queen in an

Observatory Hive. 20/0 10/0 5/0

HONEY.

4. — For the largest and best Supers of Honey, the produce

of one Hive. 20/0 15/0 10/0 7/6

SPECIAL PKIZE, presented by Mr. C. N. Abbott, Fair-

lawn, Southall, a Honey Slinger, for the largest and best

Exhibition in Class 4, by a Cottager, who shall be a Member

of the Association.

5. — For the best Glass Super, under 20 lbs. nett weight.

15/0 10/0 7/6 5/0 2/6
6. — For the best Glass Super, under 10 lbs. nett weight.

10/0 7/6 5/0 2/6
SPECIAL PRIZE, presented by Mr. J. Bolton, Grantham,
a Complete Bar-Frame Hive, for the best and largest Super
of Honey Exhibited in Class 5 or 6, by a Cottager, who shall
be a Member of the Association.
7. — For the best Wood, or Wood in combination with either
Glass or Straw, Super of Honey.

20/0 15/0 10/0 7/6 5/0 2/6

8. — For the best Exhibition of Honey in Supers, or Sections

of Supers, separable, in the most attractive form and

each not more than 3 lbs. in weight, the total weight

of each Entry to be not less than 12 lbs.

15/0 10/0 7/6 5/0 2/6
SPECIAL PRIZE, presented by Mr. E. W. Lister, of
Oakwood, Kirkburton, Yorkshire, Lister's Hive for the
Million, for the best Exhibit in Class 8, by a Cottager, who
shall be a Member of the Association.
9.— For the best Straw Super. 10/0 7/6 5/0 2/6

SPECIAL PRIZE, presented by Mr. R. R. Godfrey,
Grantham, Current Vol. of B. B. Journal, for the best
Exhibit in Class 9, by a Cottager, who shall be a Member of
the Association.

10. — For the best Glass of Extracted or Run Honey, of not
less than 5 lbs. nett weight, quality to be the chief
point of excellence. No Exhibitor will be allowed to
take more than one prize in this Class.

10/0 7/6 5/0 2/6

SPECIAL PRIZE, presented by Mr. J. Plowright, of

Grantham, Four Crystal Palace Supers (Wood and Glass),

for the best Exhibit in Class 10 by a Cottager, who shall be

a Member of the Association.

11. — For the best and largest Exhibition of Extracted or Run
Honey, in Glass or other Jars, quality as well as
weight will be taken into consideration.

20/0 15/0 12/6 10/0 7/6 5/0
AU Honey must be bona fide the produce of 1879, gathered by
the Exhibitor's own Bees. (See Rules.)

SPECIAL PRIZE , presented by Mr. G. Brett, of Grantham ,
Brett's Bar-Frame Hive, for the best designed Super, Sec-
tional or otherwise, by an Amateur, who shall be a Member
of the Association.

SILVER CUP.

The Silver Cup of the Association, open to Members only,
for the best and largest Exhibition, in all or any of the
Honey Classes, of Honey taken without destroying the Bees.
The Cup to become the property of the Member who shall
win it Three Times.
Class.
12. — For the finest sample of pure Bees' Wax, in cakes of

not less than 2 lbs. 5/0 2/6

13 For the best Liqueur, Wine, or Mead made from Honey,

with the recipe attached. 10/0 5/0 2/6

HIVES.

14. — For the best Hive for Observation purposes. 20/0 10/0

15. — For the best Complete Hive, on the moveable comb
principle, with facilities for storing surplus honey.

20/ 10,0 5/0

16. — For the best and cheapest Complete Hive, on the
moveable comb principle, suitable for Cottagers, price
not to exceed 10/0. 15/0 10/0 7/6 5/0

17. — For the best and cheapest Straw Skep, of any
description. 7/6 5/0 2/6

18. — For the best and cheapest Sectional Supers for pro-
ducing Honey in the Comb in a saleable form.

10/0 5/0 2/6

19. — For the best Honey Extractor, portability and cheap-
ness to be considered. 20/0 10/0 5/0

20. — For the best and most complete Collection of Hives,
Bee Furniture, and Apieulturist's necessaries, no two
Articles to be alike. 30/0 20/0 10/0

21. — For the best and most interesting Collection of Natural
Objects, Models, or Diagrams, connected with Apicul-
ture, and illustrating the Natural History and
Economy of the Honey Bee. 20/0 15/0 10/0

22. — For the best and largest display of Honey Producing
Plants, in dried state or otherwise, such Plants to
have a card attached, stating time of flowering,
duration of bloom, and any other particulars calculated
to be of interest to Bee-keepers. 1st Prize, Langstroth
on Bees. 2nd Prize, Current Volume of B, B.
Journal.
EXTRA EXHIBITS.— The Judges will be empowered to

award Prizes for any Exhibit not included in the above

Classes, having a bearing on the science of Bee Culture.

Entry Forms and Schedules may be had of

R. R. GODFREY, Grantham,
Hon. Secretary of the Lincolnshire Bee-keepers' Association ;
or J. W. SWAIN, Long Sutton,

Secretary of the Long Sutton Agricultural Society.

RULES.

Every intending Exhibitor must send his Name and
Address, enclosing Entrance Fee, to the Hon. Secretary before
the 4th of October, 1879.

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL. [Oct. 1, 1879.

RULES, &c— Continued.

Entrance Pees. — For any number of Exhibits in either of
Classes Nos. 1, 2, 3, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22,
Two Shillings for each Class. In all other Classes, One
Shilling for each Class.

Entry Forms will be supplied on application to the Hon.
Sec. of the Lincolnshire Bee-keepers' Association, Grantham,
or to J. W. Swain, Secretary of the Long Sutton Agricultural
Society.

All Exhibits must have a label attached, distinctly marked,
with number of the Class for which they are intended, and
if for Sale the price must also be distinctly marked on, and
in the Honey Classes the net weight and price, which must
include the vessel or package containing it, The Association
will not undertake to break bulk, nor allow it to be done.

No Exhibit shall be allowed to compete in more than one
Class.

Any person Exhibiting Honey for Competition which is
not this year's produce, and gathered by his or her own Bees
in the natural way, will be disqualified in all Classes
throughout the Show, and all such Exhibits will be marked
Disqualified for fraud. The Judges will be specially in-
structed to enforce this Rule.

The Association will provide Salesmen, through whose
hands all monies must be paid; the Exhibitor will be charged
One Penny in the Shilling commission on all Sales.

The Committee are desirous that all Exhibits should be
delivered at the place of Exhibition by 6 p.m. on Tuesday,
October 7th. None will be admitted after 10 a.m. on
the day of Exhibition.

The Judges are empowered to withhold Prizes if the
Exhibits in any Class are not considered of sufficient merit.

A Free Ticket of Admission will be furnished to Members
and Exhibitors.

No Exhibit to be removed until after the close of the
Exhibition, except Honey, which purchasers may remove by
permission of the Committee, provided that the same has
not obtained a Prize.

The Committee will take every care of all Exhibits en-
trusted to them for competition, sale, or otherwise, but they
will not be responsible for any loss or damage from any cause
whatever.

Entries close on Saturday, October 4th, 1879.

MANIPULATION WITH LIVE BEES.

Practical illustrations of Manipulation with Live Bees,
showing the best methods of Driving, Making Artificial
Swarms, transferring Combs from Straw Skeps to Bar-frame
Hives, finding Queens, &c. will be given during the days of
Exhibition, by the great Bee-master, Mr. C. N. Abbott; also
by Mr. J. G. Desborough, Mr. R. Symington, and other able
Bee-masters. Arrangements will be made by which visitors
may view with safety the mysteries of the Hive, and witness
the perfect command the Scientific Apiarian has over his
Bees.

The Committee will feel obliged by Bee-keepers making
the Association and its object, as well as the forthcoming.
Exhibition, known amongst all who take an interest in Api-
culture and the welfare of our Cottagers. The Committee
have given careful consideration to the Prize Schedule which
they hope will give general satisfaction. Wm, Carr, Esq.
and other Eminent Apiarists have kindly promised to be
present, and will explain the various Exhibits.

By order of the Committee,

R, R, GODFREY, Hon. Sec, Grantham.
Entry Forms and Schedules may be had of R. R. GODFREY, Grantham, Hon. Secretary of the Lincoln-
shire Bee-keepers' Association ; or
J. W. SWAIN, Long Sutton, Secretary of the Long Sutton Agricultural Society.

PRICE SIXPENCE.

THE GAEDENER,

A MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE AND FLORICULTURE.
EDITED BY DAVID THOMSON,

Author of ' Handy Book of the Flower-Garden,' ' Fruit Culture under Glass,' Ac.
ASSISTED BY A STAFF OF PRACTICAL GARDENERS.

The Number for October contains
FLOWER-GARDENING OF THE SEASON.

NOTES FROM THE PAPERS.

THE RIPENING OF WINTER-FLOWERING PLANTS.
THE AMATEUR'S GARDEN— PEAS AND BEANS.
NOTES ON DECORATIVE GREENHOUSE PLANTS:—

THE CINERARIA.
KALOSANTHES COCCINEA.
HARDY FRUITS— OCTOBER.
MARKET-GARDENING IN ESSEX.
TUBEROUS BEGONIAS AS BEDDING-PLANTS.
NOTES ON THE HOLLYHOCK.
THE FLOWER GARDEN.

THINNING AND MULCHING ROSES IN AUTUMN.

A SUGGESTION.

HEATING BY HOT WATER.

HARRISON'S MUSK FOR BEDS.

ARRANGEMENT OF VEGETABLES AT ROYAL
CALEDONIAN SOCIETY'S SHOW.

POTS FOR STRAWBERRIES.

FRUIT CULTURE.

SCOTTISH HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATION.

ROYAL CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

CALENDAR — KITCHEN GARDEN — FORCING DE-
PARTMENT.

Yearly Subscription, free by Post, 7s. Payable in advance.

%* In the March Number of ' THE GARDENER ' was commenced the first of an important Series of
Papers under the /leading of ' Tlw Gardener's Primer. '

WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS, EDINBURGH AND LONDON.

THE

flimwl,

CONDUCTED BY CHARLES NASH ABBOTT, BEE-MASTER, SCHOOL OF APICULTURE,
FAIRLAWN, SOUTHALL, near LONDON.

Guarantees to its Subscribers sound practical Replies to all Queries on Bee Management, and in urgent
cases of difficulty immediate replies by post, or telegraph if desired.

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION, HALF-A-GUINEA, Payable in Advance.

P. 0. Orders for Subscriptions should be made payable at the Southall Post Office, W. Cheques crossed L. & S. Western Branch.

Special Terms to Clubs and Literary Institutions. Single Numbers 6d. each. Free by Post on day of Publication.

[entered at stationers' hall.]

[No. 78. Vol. VII.]

OCTOBER, 1879.

[Published Monthly.]

COKTEKTS.
Editorial, Notices, &c. : —

October — Preparation for Winter — Uniting-, &c

Useful Hints — Bee Food— Quilts — Crown-boards— Wasps'
Nests— Wax Moth— Condemned Bees— Narrow Entrances

Cyprian Bees

Abbott's Royal Standard Hive

Lincolnshire Bee-keepers' Association

Circulation round Frame Ends

Queens Feeding-

The Langstroth Fund

Letter from Herr Gravenhorst

Latest from Mr. Newman

Forthcoming Shows, 1879

Engagements for the Bee-tent for 1879

British'Bee-keepers' Association

A Bee-keepers' Association for the Midland Counties

East of Scotland Bee-keepers' Society

Caledonian Apiarian and Entomological Society

Caledonian Apiarian and Entomological Society's Observa-
tory Hive

Dorchester Bee and Honey Show

Arbroath Bee and Honey Show

Cray Valley District Branch of the British Bee-keepers' As-
sociation

Hertford Labourers' Friend Society

Bee Show at Falkirk

Bees at the Somerton Horticultural Society's Show

A Bee Farm

An Alarming Label

The Bee-keeper's Guide

Bee Flora

CORRESPONDENCE : —

A Timely Appeal

Winter Lectures

Abbott's Proposed Foundation Machine (page 96) ...
Mr. Tenny Braddy's Bee-trap.— Preventing Robbing

A New Hive

Queen Encasement Extraordinary

Bee-keeping in Essex

Bee-keeping in Fifeshire

Bees and the Season

Bee-keeping in Switzerland

The Season in Renfrewshire

Bee-keeping in Sheffield, and in General

A Caution to Amateur Boe-keepers

Application of Electricity

Saving Bee Life

Wax-moths

Gloves for Handling Bees

Uniting Bees ...

Fun at the Plymouth Bee Show

An Aged Stock

Foul Brood (?)

A Visit to Mr. J. Walton's Apiary

Echoes from the Hives

Queries and Replies

Notices to Correspondents and Inquirers
llncolnshiue bee-keepers' association.

NOTICE.

ABBOTT BROS, have purchased the whole of
the BEES, HIVES, and BEE-FUBNITURE of a
Gentleman, whose extended business prevents his giving
the attention required by his Pets, so that presently a
GBEAT SALE will be announced at which everything will
be sold by Auction, without reserve, at Fairlawn, Southall,
within easy distance of London.

DR. PINE'S WOVEN WIRE VEILS

5j t!
H S

iotocrap;i

FROM A

First Prize for best Bee Dress, at South Kensington, 1879.
Price 2s. 9<t post free. Strips of Wire Cloth, for making
them, Is. 8d. each, post free. Letters to Editor. fo. 15

DR. PINE'S
BEE-KEEPERS' LOTION.

This Lotion will be found to almost instantly remove the
pain of a sting and prevent subsequent inflammation. It is
also a remedy for scalds, burns, and the stings and bites of
other insects besides Bees.

Price Is. 6d. per bottle, or Post-free for Is. 8d.

Agent —
Mr. C. N. ABBOTT, Editor of B. B. Journal,
Fairlawn, Southall. fo. 15

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[Oct. 1, 1879.

ETABLISSEMENT D'APICULTURE

pour l'elevage et l'exportation d'Abeilles-rneres pure race Italienne,

DE

Mr. PIETRO PILATI, premiato con Medaitte cVargent de V Exposition
Universelle de Paris, 1878, Brack Stefano, N. 88, Bologna {Itcdie).

Prix Courant, 1879.

tine Mere fecondee accompagn6e d'une
poignee d'abeilles

Un Essaim de lf2 kilo avec son abeilles-
mere fecondee

Une Ruch6e du pays bien gamie

Une Colonie en ruche a cadres mobiles

Avkil

et
Mai.

10 fr.

23 „
30 „
40 ..

Jdin
et

JUILLET.

9 fr.

21 „
28 „
38 „

Aout Octoeke

et et

Sepieme. Novehbre.

8fr.

19 „
26 „
36 „

7fr.

17 „
25 „
35 „

Si une Abeille-mere perit en voyage et on la remet avec un Certificat de la poste on ne recevera sans
dslai une autre en compensation.

Les payments auront lieu moyennant mandat de poste en or. On desire que les adresses et les
gares du chemin de fer soient indiquees avec precision. fo. 5

Oldest Established Apicultural House in Italy.

Prof. CHEV. LXJIGI SAETOEI, Proprietor.

Thirty Gold and Silver Medals, Diplomas, &c.

Fertilized Queens, pure breed (April to August), each .

„ „ ,, (September to October), each

Swarms, or Natural Colonies, each ....
Italian Standard Hive, with Moveable Frames, best
» u >i ';> ji plain

Address— PROF. CHEV. L. SARTORI, Milan, Italy.

£0 10

0

0 7

0

1 0

0

1 5

0

0 12

0

THE HIVE FOR THE MILLION.

Price 8s.

THE PRACTICAL STANDARD, a marvel of
efficiency with economy, price, complete, 18s.
ABBOTT'S NOBTHEEN STANDARD, a Prize Hive,
price, complete, 27s. 6<i

BOOT'S MACHINE FOUNDATION, 3s. 6d. per lb.
Samples on receipt of Stamped Envelope. Send Two Stamps
for Catalogue, containing full description of our Hives, and
How to Work them, to E. W. Listee, Oakwood, Kirkburton,
Yorkshire. fo. 8

EGETABLE PARCHMENT for Covering
Glasses and Jars of Honey, &c„ 2s. per lb. Sample
Sheet, id. Prices for larger quotations on application.
Letters to Editor.

THE GREAT HAMPSHIRE BEE FARM,
near Stockbridge : Its Principles and Method of
Working. Also,

THE BEE-KEEPEB'S ALMANAC, which contains
Prognostications of Weather expected, and What to Do in
Bee Management. By P. E. Martin, Master Mariner, Bee
Master, Proprietor and Manager of the Bee Farm, Inventor
of the ' Sailors' Bee- Hive,' now the ' Standard ' Bar-frame
Hive for the United Kingdom. Price 6d. each, per post Id.
Choice Honey, in 5 lb. Tins, sent, Bailway carriage paid
as far as S. W. B. Co. have through rates, on receipt of
P.O.O. for 6s. 6rf. payable at Stockbridge.

STOCKS AND SWAEMS.
Illustrated Price List Post Free, fo.17.

1HE SMOKERS BEE PIPE, two Pipes for

one. Price Is. 8d. post free.
Office of the British Bee Journal, Fairlawn, Soutball.

Oct. 1, 1879.] ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

SUBSCRIBERS' COLUMN.

To meet the wants of Subscribers who require a cheap
mode of advertising their wants, we have opened an
Advertising Column, for non-trading Subscribers only,
wherein they may make their wants or ivishes known
at the rate of One Penny for every six toords, or part
of six words, but no advertisement must contain more
than thirty-six zoords.

Stamps to accompany in all cases, and there can be no
reduction for repetitions.

F

OE SALE.— Vol. III. of British Bee Journal, complete.
Unbound, 4s. Letters to Editor.

Q

ANGSTEOTH on ' The Hive and Honey Bee.' 9s.
1 Free. Letters to the Editor. fo. 101

UINBY on ' The Mysteries of the Bee-hive,' 8s. 6d.
Free. Letters to the Editor. fo. 102

F

OESALE.— Nos. 2, 3, 4, 8, and 10, of B. B. Journal,
Is. each. Apply to the Editor. fo. 104

VOL. II. B. B. Journal, with Index, minus the No. for
May, 5s. Office of Journal. fo. 105

VOL. II. B. B. Journal, minus May and Aug. Nos., 3s.
Office of Journal. fo. 106

TN.DEX, Vol. I. Price 6d. Apply to Editor. fo. 100

VOL. I. B. B. Journal, very scarce, 30s. Apply to Editor,
fo. 104

YOL. II. B. B. Journal, scarce and valuable, 21s. Apply
to Editor. fo. 106

WANTED.— Wax in Cake, cleared, ready for use. E.
W. Lister, Kirkburton. fo. 8.

FOE SALE. — A Neighbour's Bee House, to hold two
Hives. Original cost £i is. (has been newly roofed
and well painted), price 30s. Editor.

s

END Two Stamps for Abbott Bros'. Catalogue. Southall,
Middlesex.

WANTED.— May No. of Vol. II. B. B. J., or will ex-
change. Letters to Editor.

D

BY PUFF BALL, Is. per packet. F. S. Clutten,
Fressingfield, Harleston, Norfolk. fo. 32

COMB FOUNDATION — The best American,
as per Abbott's Catalogue. EAITT'S FOUNDATION
at his prices, from Abbott Bros., Fahiawn, Southall, Mid-
dlesex.

ABBOTT'S BEE BARLEY SUGAR, best Food
for Bees in Winter. Made expressly, so that it shall
all deliquesce and not leave a white shell to be thrown out
by the Bees. lOrf. per lb., in 14 lb. Tins, or 7 lb. Boxes ;
tins, boxes, and packing not charged for. Address Abbott
Bros., Fairlawn, Southall.

RIME BEES' WAX at Is. 9d. per lb., in large
or small quantities. Address Abbott Bros., Fairlawn,
Southall.

P~URE EXTRACTED HONEY, Is. M. per lb.
in Glass Jars, jars included. Address Abbott Bkos.,
Fairlawn, Southall.

ONEY JARS.— First Prize at South Ken-

sington. 1 lb., 15s. per gross ; 2 lb., 18s. per gross,
direct from the Works at Birmingham.

SECOND-HAND HIVES, OUTER CASES,

O EOOFS, a BEE-HOUSE to hold Two Hives, FLOOE
BOAEDS (a lot of Bound Floor Boards at 8». a dozen).
NEW HIVES and NEW GEAE of all kinds. Address
Abbott Bros., Fairlawn, Southall.

E

TMPORTED LIGURIAN QUEENS. A few
Jl for Sale, price 6s. 6d. Apply to W. Eaitt, Blairgowrie.

pOMB FOUNDATION.— Special Terms to
\J those who may order before January 1st. Apply to
W. Baitt, Blairgowrie.

RAITT'S POCKET BELLOWS SMOKER.
Free by Post, 4s. Apply to W. Eaitt, Blairgowrie.

NGLISH BAR-FRAME HIVES, Woodbury
size, 10 bars, 8s. each. •
ITALIAN BAE-FEAME HIVES, 10 bars, two for 8s.
' Commended for simplicity and cheapness.'—

Alexandra Palace, 1877.

Directions for Management, M. each. Post-office Orders
payable at Homcastle.
Isaac Hale, Maker, Lincoln Eoad, Horncastle. fo. 3.

Bronze Medal awarded for Straiv Skcps at the Great

Crystal Palace Show, 1875.

Sixteenth Edition. Price One Shilling.

SEVENTY POUNDS A-YEAR:

HOW I MAKE IT BY MY BEES.

By the late J. W. Pagden.

Also, by the same Author, price Sixpence.

Eaely Aetificial Bee-Swaeming.

No watching required.

Apply to Mrs. J. W. Pagden, the Chestnuts, Alfriston,

Sussex, by whom the same manufacturers of ' Economical

Bee Furniture ' are employed as formerly. fo. 23.

MANUAL OF THE APIARY, by A. J. Cook,
Professor of Entomology in the Michigan State Agri-
cultural College. 286 pp. large 12mo. 112 Illustrations.
Published by Thomas G. Newman & Son, Chicago. Price,
bound in cloth, 5s.; postage, id. Abbott Bros., Fairlawn,
Southall. .

pUCUMBER PERSUADERS.— By the use of
\J these Glasses Cucumbers are induced to grow straight,
and to an enormous size very quickly.

The young Fruit is placed in the tube, which is 16 inches
long, and the glass bulb-end is luted to it by a clay graft,
and the bulb is partly filled with water. The effect on a
strong healthy plant is extraordinary. Price lis. a dozen,
direct from the Works, Birmingham. Address Abbott
Bros., Fairlawn, Southall.

American Implements for the Apiary.

GEO. NEIGHBOUR & SONS regret that
through unavoidable detention the BEE FUENI-
TUEE from America has not yet arrived, but will be here
in a few days.

THOS. G. NEWMAN & SON, of Chicago (Proprietors
of the AmericaA Bet Journal), having appointed GEO.
NEIGHBOUB & SON their Agents for Europe, the various
Implements sold by this Firm may be obtained at either of
G. N. & Son's Establishments.

'Cook's Manual of the Apiary,' price 5s., postage od. ;
' Newman's Bee Culture,' English and German, price Is. 6rf. ;
and a Pamphlet, ' Honey as Food or Medicine,' 2d. per copy,
can now be supplied. Address Geo. Neighbour <t Son,
149 Eegent Street, W., or 127 High Holborn, W.C., London.

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BEITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[Oct. 1, 1870.

4?\^

ABBOTT

BEOTHEES,

SCHOOL OF APICULTURE,

FAIRLAWN, SOUTHALL, LONDON,

INVENTORS and MANUFACTURERS of BAR-FRAME HIVES

AND APISTICAL NECESSARIES.

Importers anb ^rccticrs of MTiauvian %tt&.

First Prizes innumerable, including many Silver and Bronze
Medals and First Certificates: —

Silver Medals at Paris Exhibition, 1878, for Hives and Observatory Hives.

First Prize for Best Hives at Royal Agricultural Show at Kilburn. First Prize

for Manipulation, and Third Prize for Observatory Hives.
Four Silver Medals, Two Bronze Medals, Three Money Prizes, One Certificate,

One Highly Commended, and One Commended, at South Kensington, 1879.
Three First Prizes, and One Second, at Edgbaston, 1879.
Three First Prizes, and One Second, at Shrewsbury, 1879.
First Prize at Doncaster, 1879.
Five First Prizes, and a Second at Atherstone, 1879.

The Originators and Successful Promoters of BEE ASSOCIATIONS and SHOWS.
EDITORS OF 'BRITISH BEE JOURNAL,'

The only Journal in the United Kingdom devoted to the Culture of Bees.

The Originators of Public Exhibitions of Manipulation with Live Bees,
now the most interesting feature in the Bee World.

ABBOTT Bros., Fairlawn, Southall, London.

Send Tiro Stamps for Illustrated Catalogue of Hires and Bee Furniture.

London rPmited by Sxrasgewats 4 Soss, at their Printing Office, Tower Street, Upper St. Martin's Lane, in the Parish of St. Gue^s-im-tliL-Fields,
in the Connty 01 Middlesex ; and Published for the Proprietor by Krai & Co., S Paternoster Bow, in the same connty.— Sept. 3U, 1879.

THE

mrrnai

ADVISER,

CONDUCTED BY CHARLES NASH ABBOTT, BEE-MASTER. SCHOOL OF APICTLTUEE.
FAIRLAWN, SOUTHALL, neae LONDON.

Guarantees to its Subscribers sound practical Replies to all Queries on Bee Management, and in urgent
cases of difficulty immediate replies by post, or telegraph if desired.

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION, HALF-A-GUINEA, Payable in Advance.

P.O. Orders for Subscriptions should be made payable at the SouthaU Green Post Office, Middlesex. Cheques crossed L. & S. Western Branch.

Special Terms to Clubs and Literary Institutions. Single Numbers 6d. each. Free by Post on day of Publication.

[extebed at stationebs' hall.]

[No. 79. Vol. TIL]

NOVEMBER, 1879.

[Published Monthly.]

COiTTElTTS.

Editorial, Notices, &c. : — Page

November 131

Useful Hints : — Barley-sugar Feeding — Winter Passages —
Preventing Draught — Narrowing Entrances — Transfer-
ring— Uniting and Feeding — Preserving Empty Combs —
Keeping Foundation — Wooden Foundations — Flowers for

Bees — Boiling up Old Combs

Abbott's Prize Observatory Hive 133

British Bee-keepers' Association 134

,, „ „ Quarterly Conversazione... 134

Wintering Bees. By T. W. Cowan, Esq 135

Nottingham and Notts Bee-keepers' Association 140

Lincolnshire Bee-keepers' Association at the Long Sutton

Agricultural Society's thow 141

Bee Flora 142

COBBESPONDEXCE: —

Wingless Queen 144

Upward Ventilation 144

Bees' Yaearies 144

The Season— Hitchin 144

„ Newton Kyme, near Tadcaster 145

„ Maidstone 145

The Season — Bee Poison and its Antidotes 145

Bee-gloves— Bees on Windows 145

Dry Sugar for Bees ... 145

Bee-keeping in America — Which is the best Location ? ... 146

Bee-keeping in Ireland 146

Bees in Tropical Queensland I4ti

Bee-keeping in Australia 146

An Oriental Story 147

Yankee Honev 147

To Destrov Wasp-Nests 147

Makeshift Hives 147

An Amateur's Experience 147

A Bee-Farm in prospect 148

Solution of Puzzle, No. 1 148

Puzzle, No. 2 148

Echoes from the Hives 148

Queries and Replies 149

Notices to Correspondents and LvQriRERS 149

THE GREAT HAMPSHIRE BEE FARM,
near Stockbridge : Its Principles and Method of
Working. Also,

THE BEE- KEEPER'S ALMANAC, which contains
Prognostications of Weather expected, and What to Do in
Bee Management. By P. E. Mabtix. Master Mariner, Bee
Master, Proprietor and Manager of the Bee Farm. Inventor
of the ' Sailors' Bee-Hive,' now the ' Standard ' Bar-frame
Hive for the United Kingdom. Price 6d. each, per post Id.
Choice Honey, in 5 lb. Tins, sent. Bailway carriage paid
ae far as S. W. B. Co. have through rates, on receipt of
P.O.O. for 6s. 6rf. payable at Stockbridge.

STOCKS AND SWARMS.
Illustrated Pbioz List Post Free, fo.17.

NOTICE.

ABBOTT BROS, have purchased the whole of
the BEES, HIVES, and BEE-FURNITURE of a
Gentleman, whose extended business prevents his giving
the attention required by his Pets, so that presently a
GREAT SALE will be announced at which everything will
be sold by Auction, without reserve, at Fairlawn, Southall.
within easy distance of London.

DR. PINE'S WOVEN WIRE VEILS

2 -

w 3

PrlOIOCRAPh

FROM A

First Prize for best Bee Dress, at South Kensington, 1879.
Price 2s. 9d. post free. Strips of Wire Cloth, for making
them. Is. 8d. each, post free. Letters to Editor. fo. 15

DH. PINE'S
BEE-KEEPERS' LOTION.

This Lotion will be found to almost instantly remove the
pain of a sting and prevent subsequent inflammation. It is
also a remedy for scalds, burns, and the stings and bites of
other insects besides Bees.

Price Is. 6d. per bottle, or Post-free for Is. 8d.

Aqe.vt —
Mr. C. N. ABBOTT, Editor of B. B. Journal.
Fairlawn, Southall. fo. 15

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BEITIISH BEE JOURNAL. [Nov. 1, 1879.

BEE-KEEPERS should use the HAMPSHIRE
TUBULAR BEE-FEEDER. It is the cheapest and
most simple. Supplies a steady, continuous flow of Syrup.
Can be applied to any kind of Hive in an instant. Only
needs a hole in cover the size of a quill, and when once
there can be refilled without removal or disturbance to the
Bees ; and neither stranger Bees nor Insects can rob the
Syrup, except they go up through the Hive to do so.
A trial will secure its adoption !
Price 6d. each, 2d. extra postage, to W. Hunt, The
Apiary, South Warnborough, Hants.

WANTED, a COTTAGE in a good Bee-pasturage
District. — An unpretending, roomy, detached Country
Cottage, or Small Farm-house (not less than 4 Bedrooms),
within 100 miles of London, and say 2 of a Bailway Station,
and where an acre or two of rough land adjoining could be
had. Bent about 20/. or 25/. If with some Out-buildings,
preferred. Full particulars to J. Silvester Hooker, Epsom,
Surrey.

THE HIVE FOR THE MILLION.

Price 8s.

THE PRACTICAL STANDARD, a marvel of
efficiency with economy, price, complete, 18s.
ABBOTT'S NORTHERN STANDARD, a Prize Hive,
price, complete, 27s. 6<i.

BOOT'S MACHINE FOUNDATION, 3s. Gd. per lb.
Samples on receipt of Stamped Envelope. Send Two Stamps
for Catalogue, containing full description of our Hives, and
How to Work them, to E. W. Lister, Oakwood, Eirkburton,
Yorkshire. fo. 8

To DAIRYMEN and COW-KEEPERS.

TO LET, on Lease or otherwise, at LESSNESS
HEATH, good COBNEB PBEMISES, containing
excellent Shop, Parlour adjoining, and Kitchen in rear, with
Scullery, and side Dairy opening to road, Three large Bed-
rooms, plenty of Cupboards. Gas laid on. Sheds and Stalls
for twelve Cows. Two-stall Stable, with Lofts over ; two
Cart-sheds, good Dairy, Coal-shed, Wash-house, large Yard
with side gateway, Manure-pit, Water-butt with water laid
on, and every convenience for the large business which was
carried on there until the premises got into bad hands.

Lessness Heath has a splendid neighbourhood for busi-
ness, and to a pushing Tradesman the premises must be
invaluable. One mile from Belvedere Bailway Station,
facing the Heath.

The premises would suit a Butcher or Horsekeeper.
Bent 45/. Lease by Agreement. Apply to view, to Abbott's
Grocery Warehouse, close by ; or by letter to Editor B.B.J.,
Southall.

THE AMERICAN BEE JOURNAL.

Established in 1861 by the late SAMUEL WAGNER.
Is published monthly, at Chicago, III. at 2 dollars a-year.
Its contributors are the best, most experienced, and success-
ful Apiarists in America and Europe. It is the oldest,
largest, best, and most reliable Bee paper in the English
language.

Published by Thomas G. Newman, 196-198 South Clark
Street, Chicago, Blinois. Price, including Postage, 6s. 6d.

All Orders must be accompanied by Cheque or P. 0. Order,
payable to C. N. Abbott, Fairlawn, Southall.

ANUAL OF THE APIARY, by A. J. Cook,

Professor of Entomology in the Michigan State Agri-
cultural College. 286 pp. large 12mo. 112 Illustrations.
Published by Thomas G. Newman & Son, Chicago. Price,
bound in cloth, 5s. ; postage, id. Abbott Bros., Fairlawn,
Southall,

ARABIS ALPINUS.— Plants for Spring flower-
ing, Is. 6<2. per 100 ; free to Bailway Station, 10s. per
1000. Address Abbott Bros., Southall, Middlesex.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC.

The Carnival of Venice

Neu Wien Waltzes

Sonatas

Flora Macdonald's Lament
Norah, the Pride of Kildare
The South Winds Sigh (Mazurka)
Three Waltzes (Musical Box) ...

Le Corsaire (Galop)

Weiner Kinder (Waltzes)

The Dream of St. Jerome

Le Chant de Niades

Ben e Bidicolo

The Lover and the Bird

Bobinson Crusoe Lancers

Balouka (Grand Valse)

Maritana (Duet)

Bing on ! Sweet Angelus

When we went a Gleaning

Loved and Lost, Waltz

The Bapids, Valse

Pastourelle (Caprice elegant)

Le Zephyr

The Flower Song, from ' Fanchette

Irish Melodies

Spring Dew

Oberon (Fantaisie)

The Nightingale's Trill

Kathleen Mavourneen

Neck or Nothing Galop

Dors, mon Enfant

The Fun of the Fair (Comic Fantasia)

Comin' thro' the Bye

Last Eose of Summer

Thine is my Heart

Fantasia on ' King Bene's Daughter ' (Smart)

Arranged by Kuhe

' Stradella '

The Bloom is on the Eye . . .
Mulligan Guards' March ...

Bric-a-Brae Polka

The Deep, Deep Sea

Love's Young Dream

Home, Sweet Home

The Fairy's Wing (Mazurka)
Girofle-Girofla (Fantasia) ...
Spring, Gentle Spring

(from ' Babil and Bijou ') B. Richards

SONGS.

The Baft

Thinking of Thee

Twice my Love half-smiled on Me ...

Best (Sacred)

Bose of Boses. Words by F. Havergal.

Music by Franz Abt

... Jules Schulhoff

Strauss

Beetlwven

A. Christiany

W. Layland

Blumenthal

A. T. Macdonald

T. Mattss

Strauss

Beetlwven

J. Ascher

Kuhe

Emile Berger
...Henri F. Henry
Antoine de Koutski

Osborne

Gounod

TV. Ganz

Mutter

James Walch

De Grau

J. W. Harmston

Brinley Richards

... W.V. Wallace

... Lindsay Sloper

. . . Rene Favarger

W. Ganz

Kuhe

... H.T. Swatton
F. E. Bache
H. Parker
G. A. Osborne
Thalberg
... S. Heller

W. Kulie

Mattel

A. F. Mullen

C. Coote, Junr.

... F. Mattini

... W. Kuhe

Thalberg

...Blumenthal

R. de Vilbac

Ciro Pinsuti

. . . Blumenthal

Molloy

Miss Lindsay

V. Gabriel
... V. Gabriel
J. L. Hatton
Wrighton
M. W. Balfe
E. Weatherly
...Blumenthal

Ganz

... G. Operti

That Evening

Tender and True

True Music

Fair Spring is Coming

Falling Biver

In the Twilight

Sailor Boy's Farewell
Sing, Birdie, Sing
Song of the Pirate

The above and many other pieces of Vocal and Instru-
mental Music, by the best composers, sent post-free at one-
fourth the published price. Nearly all new.

One dozen pieces, assorted, post-free, 9s. Gd.

A large assortment of Christmas Cards, Illuminated
Texts, and Present Books, at all prices, sent per post to
all parts of the kingdom.

Address Music Department,

TOWNLEY'S FANCY DEPOT,

6 VICTORIA TERRACE, SURBIT0N, SURREY.

• Reference to Editor permitted.

Nov. 1, 1879.] ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

SUBSCRIBERS' COLUMN.

To meet, the tvants of Subscribers who require a cheap
mode of advertisiny their wants, we have opened an
Advertising Column, for non-trading Subscribers only,
wherein they may make their wants or wishes known
at the rate of One Penny for even/ sir words, or part
of sir words, but no advertisement must contain more
than thirty-sir words.

Stamps to accompany in all cases, and there can be no
reduction for repetitions.

FOR SALE.— Vol. III. of British Bee Journal, complete.
Unbound, is. Letters to Editor.

ANGSTROTH on ' The Hive and Honey Bee.' 9s.
Free. Letters to the Editor. fo. 101

UINBY on ' The Mysteries of the Bee-hive,' 8s. 6<2.
Free. Letters to the Editor. fo. 102

Q

F

OR SALE.— Nos. 2, 3, 4, 8, and 10, of B. B. Journal,
Is. each. Apply to the Editor. fo. 104

VOL. II. B. B. Journal, with Index, minus the No. for
May, 5s. Office of Journal. fo. 105

VOL. II. B. B. Journal, minus May and Aug. Nos., 3s.
Office of Journal. fo. 106

TNDEX, Vol. I. Price 6d. Apply to Editor. fo. 100

VOL. I. B. B. Journal, very scarce, 30s. Apply to Editor.
fo. 104

VOL. II. B. B. Journal, scarce and valuable, 21s. Apply
to Editor. fo. 106

WANTED. — Wax in Cake, cleared, ready for use. E.
W. Lister, Kirkbtirton. fo. 8.

END Two Stamps for Abbott Bros'. Catalogue. Southall,
Middlesex.

s

w

ANTED.— May No. of Vol. II. B. B. J., or will ex-
change. Letters to Editor.

D

RY PUFF BALL, Is. per packet. F. S. Clutten,
Fressingfield, Harlesten, Norfolk. fo. 32

FOR SALE.— The well-known Italian 'Anatomy
of the Bee, and its Enemies.' Highly instructive.
Indispensable for Winter Lecturing on Bees. Price 21s. un-
bound. John Camaschella, Derby Villas, Forest Hill. fo. 9

COMB FOUNDATION.— The best American,
as per Abbott's Catalogue. RAITT'S FOUNDATION
at his prices, from Abbott Beos., Fairlawn, Southall, Mid-
dlesex.

A BBOTT'S BEE BARLEY SUGAR, best Food
J\ for Bees in Winter. Made expressly, 60 that it shall
all deliquesce and not leave a white shell to be thrown out
by the Bees. Wd. per lb., in 14 lb. Tins, or 7 lb. Boxes ;
tins, boxes, and packing not charged for. Address Abbott
Bros., Fairlawn, Southall.

PRIME BEES' WAX at Is. 9d, per lb., in large
or small quantities. Address Abbott Bros., Fairlawn,
Southall.

1)URE EXTRACTED HONEY, Is. M per lb.

X in Glass Jars, jars included. Address Abbott Bros.,
Fairlawn, Southall.

HONEY JARS. — First Prize at South Ken-
sington, lib., 15s. per gross ; 2 lb., 18s. per gross,
direct from the Works at Birmingham.

SECOND-HAND HIVES, OUTER CASES,

k J ROOFS, a BEE-HOUSE to hold Two Hives, FLOOR
BOARDS (a lot of Round Floor Boards at 6s. a dozen).
NEW HIVES and NEW GEAR of all kinds. Addiesa
Abbott Bros., Fairlawn, Southall.

MPORTED LIGURIAN QUEENS. A few
for Sale, price 6s. 6rf. Apply to W. Raitt, Blairgowrie.

pOMB FOUNDATION.— Special Terms to

\J those who may order before January 1st. Apply to
W. Raitt, Blairgowrie.

RAITT'S POCKET BELLOWS SMOKER.
Free by Post, 4s. Apply to W. Raitt, Blairgowrie.

ENGLISH BAR-FRAME HIVES, Woodbury
size, 10 bars, 8s. each.

ITALIAN BAR-FRAME HIVES, 10 bars, two for 8s.
' Commended for simplicity and cheapness.' —

Alexandra Palace, 1877.

Directions for Management, 3d. each. Post-office Orden
payable at Horncastle.
Isaac Hale, Maker, Lincoln Road, Horncastle. fo. S.

Bronze Medal awarded for Straw Skeps at the Great
Crystal Palace Slurw, 1875.

Sixteenth Edition. Price One Shilling.

SEVENTY POUNDS A-YEAR:

HOW I MAKE IT BY MY BEES.
By the late J. W. Pagden.

Also, by the same Author, price Sixpence.

Early Artificial Bee- Swarming.

No watching required.

Apply to Mrs. J. W. Paoden, the Chestnuts, Alfriston,
Sussex, by whom the same manufacturers of ' Economical
Bee Furniture ' are employed as formerly. fo. 23.

CUCUMBER PERSUADERS.— By the use of
these Glasses Cucumbers are induced to grow straight,
and to an enormous size very quickly.

fat

The young Fruit is placed in the tube, which is 16 inches
long, and the glass bulb-end is luted to it by a clay graft,
and the bulb is partly filled with water. The effect on a
strong healthy plant is extraordinary. Price 21s. a dozen,
direct from the Works, Birmingham. Address Abbott
Bros., Fairlawn, Southall.

American Implements for the Apiary,

G^ EO. NEIGHBOUR & SONS have the
T pleasure to announce that they have just received a
large consignment of BEE FURNITURE from Messrs.
T. G. Newman & Son, of Chicago, which is now being un-
packed and placed on view.

The Collection consists of the EXCELSIOR EX-
TRACTORS, BINGHAM & HETHERINGTON'S UNCAP-
PING KNIVES, Unproved LANGSTROTH'S HIVES and
SECTIONAL SUPERS, LEWIS' SECTIONS, all in one
piece; BINGHAM SMOKERS, WIRED WAX FOUNDA-
TIONS, which are not liable to curl in Stock Hives ; THIN
WAX FOUNDATIONS for Supers. SWISS WAX EX-
TRACTOR, and NOVICE'S QUEEN CAGES; also a
renewed supply of ' Cook's Manual of the Apiary,' bound
in cloth, price 5s.; 'Newman's Bee Culture,' Is. 6<i. ; and
' Honey as Food and Medicine,' 2d. per copy.
An Inspection of the above Novelties Is respectfully solicited.
Address GEO. NEIGHBOUR & SONS,

149 Regent Street, and 137 Holborn, London.

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL. [Nov. 1, 1879-

ABBOTT

BEOTHEES,

SCHOOL OF APICULTURE,

FAIRLAWN, SOUTHALL, LONDON,

INYENTORS and MANUFACTURERS of BAR-FRAME HIVES

AND APISTICAL NECESSARIES.

Impnrfm anfc |$rccbtrs 0f yiprian $tes.

First Prizes innumerable, including many Silver and Bronze
Medals and First Certificates, 1878, and preceding: —

Silver Medals at Paris Exhibition, 1878, for Hives and Observatory Hives.

First Prize for Best Hives at Royal Agricultural Show at Kilburn. First Prize

for Manipulation, and Third Prize for Observatory Hives.
Four Silver Medals, Two Bronze Medals, Three Money Prizes, One Certificate,

One Highly Commended, and One Commended, at South Kensington, 1879.
Three First Prizes, and One Second, at Edgbaston, 1879.
Three First Prizes, and One Second, at Shrewsbury, 1879.
First Prize at Doncaster, 1879.
Five First Prizes, and a Second at Atherstone, 1879.

The Originators and Successful Promoters of BEE ASSOCIATIONS and SHOWS.
EDITORS OF 'BRITISH BEE JOURNAL,'

The only Journal in the United Kingdom devoted to the Culture of Bees.

The Originators of Public Exhibitions of Manipulation with Live Bees,
now the most interesting feature in the Bee "World.

ABBOTT Bros., Fairlawn, Southall, London.

Send Tioo Stamps for Illustrated Catalogue of Hires and Bee Furniture.

London : Printed by STRAHOBWiTS 4 Bonb, at their Printing- Office, Tower Street, Upper Bt. Martin'B Lane, in the Parish of St. Giles's-in-the-Fields
in the County of Middlesex ; and Published for the Proprietor by Kbkt ft Co., 33 Paternoster How, in the same county.— Oct. 31, 1879.

THE

CONDUCTED BY CHARLES NASH ABBOTT, BEE-MASTER, SCHOOL OF APICULTURE,
FAIRLAWN, SOUTHALL, near LONDON.

Guarantees to its Subscribers sound practical Replies to all Queries on Bee Management, and in urgent
cases of difficulty immediate replies by post, or telegraph if desired.

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION, HALF-A-GUINEA, Payable in Advance.

P.O. Orders for Subscriptions should be made payable at the Southall Green Post Office, Middlesex. Cheques crossed L. & S. Western Branch.

Special Terms to Clubs and Literary Institutions. Single Numbers Qd. each. Free by Post on day of Publication.

[entered at stationers' hall.]

[No. 80. Vol. VII.]

DECEMBER, 1879.

[Published Monthly.]

CONTENTS.
Editorial, Notices, &c. :—

December

Controlling- Fertilization

Preventing Propolising

Frames Across the Hives

Mead

Metheg-lin

To Make Barley Sugar

The Langstroth Fund

British Bee-keepers* Association

Erith and Belvedere Natural History and Scientific Society

America and Europe— Mr, Newman's Report

On the Amount of Honev Necessary for the Bees in Winter
(From the Abbe" Collin)

Bee-Culture among the Antients : Columella

The Tongue of the Honey Bee. By Prof. A. 3. Cook
Correspondence : —

Artificial Pollen and Feeding

'Those Singing Masons building Roofs of Gold-
Hive Ventilation— Pollen — New Journal

Cyprian Queens

Bee Flora

Antidote to Bee Poison

Bee Poison and its Antidotes

Keeping Foundation

Bee Enemies — Robbing Bees — Bees in "Windows

Bees in Ireland— Driving in Winter Weather

Bee-keeping in Ireland

Preserving Empty Combs

Bee-houses

Artificial Heat for Breeding

Queen Introducing— Volunteer Lecturer

Lectures on Bee-keeping

Solution of Puzzle No. 2

Echoes from the Hives

Queries and Replies

Notices to Correspondents and Inquirers

THE GREAT HAMPSHIRE BEE FARM,
near Stockbridge : Its Principles and Method of
Working. Also,

THE BEE-KEEPER'S ALMANAC, which contains
Prognostications of Weather expected, and What to Do in
Bee Management. By P. E. Martin, Master Mariner, Bee
Master, Proprietor and Manager of the Bee Farm, Inventor
of the ' Sailors' Bee-Hive,' now the ' Standard ' Bar-frame
Hive for the United Kingdom. Price 6d. each, per post Id.

Choice Honey, in 5 lb. Tins, sent, Railway carriage paid
as far as S. W. R. Co. have through rates, on receipt of
P.O.O. for 6s. 6rf. payable at Stockbridge.

STOCKS AND SWARMS.
Illustrated Price List Post Free, fo.17.

NOTICE.

ABBOTT BROS, have purchased the whole of
the BEES, HIVES, and BEE-FURNITURE of a
Gentleman, whose extended business prevents his giving
the attention required by his Pets, so that presently a
GREAT SALE will be announced at which everything will
be sold by Auction, without reserve, at Fairlawn, Southall,
within easy distance of London.

DR. PINE'S WOVEN WIRE VEILS

First Prize for lest Bee Dress, at South Kensington, 1879.

Price 2s. 9<f. post free. Strips of Wire Cloth, for making

them, Is. 8d. each, post free. Letters to Editor. fo. 16

r>n. pines

BEE-KEEPERS' LOT

ON.

This Lotion will be found to almost instantly remove the
pain of a sting and prevent subsequent inflammation. It is
also a remedy for scalds, burns, and the stings and bites of
other insects besides Bees.

Price Is. 6d. per bottle, or Post-free for Is. 8d.

Agent —
Mr. C. N. ABBOTT, Editor of B. B. Journal,
Fairlawn, Southall. fo. IS

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITIISH BEE JOURNAL. [Dec. 1, 1879.

BEE-KEEPERS should use the HAMPSHIRE
TUBULAE BEE-FEEDEE. It is the cheapest and
most simple. Supplies a steady, continuous flow of Syrup.
Can he applied to any kind of Hive in an instant. Only
needs a hole in cover the size of a quill, and when once
there can be refilled without removal or disturbance to the
Bees ; and neither stranger Bees nor Insects can rob the
Syrup, except they go up through the Hive to do so.
A trial will secure its adoption I
Price 6d. each, 2d. extra postage, to W. Hunt, The
Apiary, South Warnborough, Hants. fo. 20

WANTED, a COTTAGE in a good Bee-pasturage
District. — An unpretending, roomy, detached Country
Cottage, or Small Farm-house (not less than 4 Bedrooms),
within 100 miles of London, and say 2 of a Eailway Station,
and where an acre or two of rough land adjoining could he
had. Bent about 20/. or 251. If with some Out-buildings,
preferred. Full particulars to J. Silvester Hooker, Epsom,
Surrey. fo. 39

THE HIVE FOR THE MILLION.

Price 8s.

THE PRACTICAL STANDARD, a marvel of
efficiency with economy, price, complete, 18s.
ABBOTT'S NOETHEBN STANDARD, a Prize Hive,
price, complete, 27s. Gd.

BOOT'S MACHINE FOUNDATION, 3s. Qd. per lb.
Samples on receipt of Stamped Envelope. Send Two Stamps
for Catalogue, containing full description of our Hives, and
How to Work them, to E. W. Lister, Oakwood, Kirkburton,
Yorkshire. fo. 8

To DAIRYMEN and COW-KEEPERS.

TO LET, on Lease or otherwise, at LESSNESS
HEATH, good COENEE PEEMISES, containing
excellent Shop, Parlour adjoining, and Kitchen in rear, with
Scullery, and side Dairy opening to road, Three large Bed-
rooms, plenty of Cupboards. Gas laid on. Sheds and Stalls
for twelve Cows. Two-stall Stable, with Lofts over ; two
Cart-sheds, good Dairy, Coal-shed, Wash-house, large Yard
with side gateway, Manure-pit, Water-butt with water laid
on, and every convenience for the large business which was
carried on there until the premises got into bad hands.

Lessness Heath has a splendid neighbourhood for busi-
ness, and to a pushing Tradesman the premises must be
invaluable. One mile from Belvedere Eailway Station,
facing the Heath.

The premises would suit a Butcher or Horsekceper.
Eent 45/. Lease by Agreement. Apply to view, to Abbott's
Grocery Warehouse, close by ; or by letter to Editor B.B.J.,
Southall.

THE AMERICAN BEE JOURNAL.

Established in 1861 by the late SAMUEL WAGNEE.
Is published monthly, at Chicago, HI. at 2 dollars a-year.
Its contributors are the best, most experienced, and success-
ful Apiarists in America and Europe. It is the oldest,
largest, best, and most reliable Bee paper in the English
language.

Published by Tuomas G. Newman, 196-198 South Clark
Street, Chicago, Illinois. Price, including Postage, 6s. 6d.

All Orders must be accompanied by Cheque or P. 0. Order,
payable to C. N. Abbott, Fairlawn, Southall.

MANUAL OP THE APIARY, by A. J. Cook,
Professor of Entomology in the Michigan State Agri-
cultm'al College. 286 pp. large 12mo. 112 Illustrations.
Published by Thomas G. Newman & Son, Chicago. Price,
bound in cloth, 5s.; postage, id. Abbott Bros., Fairlawn,
Southall.

ARABIS ALPINUS.— Plants for Spring flower-
ing, Is. 6rf. per 100 ; free to Eailway Station, 10s. per
1000. Address Abbott Bros., Southall, Middlesex.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC.

The Carnival of Venice
Neu Wien Waltzes

... Jules Schulhoff

Strauss

Beetlwven

.. A. Ghristiany

IF. Layland

Blumenthal

A. T. Macdonald

T. Mauss .

Strauss

Beetlwven

J. Ascher

Flora Macdonald's Lament
Norah, the Pride of Kildare
The South Winds Sigh (Mazurka)
Three Waltzes (Musical Box) ...

Le Corsaire (Galop)

Werner Kinder (Waltzes)

The Dream of St. Jerome

Le Chant de Niades

Ben A Eidicolo Kuhe

The Lover and the Bird Emile Berger

Eobinson Crusoe Lancers Henri F. Henry

Balouka (Grand Valse) Antoine de Koutski

Maritana (Duet) Osborne

Eing on I Sweet Angelus Gounod

When we went a Gleaning IF. Ganz

Loved and Lost, Waltz Mutter

The Eapids, Valse James Walch

Pastourelle (Caprice elegant) Be Grau

Le Zephyr J. W. Harmston

TheFlower Song.from 'Fanchette' Brinley Richards

Lish Melodies IF. V. Wallace

Spring Dew Lindsay Sloper

Oberon (Fantaisie) Rene Favarger

The Nightingale's Trill W. Ganz

Kathleen Mavourneen Kulie

Neck or Nothing Galop H. T. Swatton

Dors, mon Enfant F.E.Bache

The Fun of the Fair (Comic Fantasia) H. Parker

Comin' thro' the Eye G.A.Osborne

Last Eose of Summer Thalberg

Thine is my Heart S. Heller

Fantasia on ' King Bene's Daughter ' (Smart)

Arranged by Kuhe

'Stradella' W. Kuhe

The Bloom is on the Eye Mattel

Mulligan Guards' March A. F. Mullen

Brie- a-Brae Polka C. Goote, Junr.

The Deep, Deep Sea F. Mattini

Love's Young Dream IF. Kuhe

Home, Sweet Home Thalberg

The Fairy's Wing (Mazurka) Blumenthal

Gjrofle-Girofla (Fantasia) R. de Vilbac

Spring, Gentle Spring

(from 'Babil and Bijou') B. Richards 3 0

SONGS.

TheEaft Ciro Pinsuti 4 0

Thinking of Thee Blumenthal 4 0

Twice my Love half-smiled on Me Molloy 4 0

Eest (Sacred) Miss Lindsay 3 0

Eose of Eoses. Words by F. Havergal.

Music by Franz AM 3 0

That Evening V.Gabriel 3 0

Tender and True V.Gabriel 3 0

True Music J. L. Hatton 3 0

Fair Spring is Coming Wrighton 3 0

Falling Eiver M.W.Balfe 3 0

In the Twilight ... F. E. Weatherly 4 0

Sailor Boy's Farewell Blumenthal 4 0

Sing, Birdie, Sing Ganz 4 0

Song of the Pirate G. Operti 4 0

The above and many other pieces of Vocal and Instru-
mental Music, by the best composers, sent post-free at one-
fourth the published price. Nearly all new.

One dozen pieces, assorted, post-free, 9s. Gd.

A large assortment of Christmas Cards, Illuminated
Texts, and Present Books, at all prices, sent per post to
all parts of the kingdom.

Address Music Department,

TOWNLEY'S FANCY DEPOT,

6 VICTORIA TERRACE, SURBIT0N, SURREY.

Reference to Editor permitted.

Dec. 1, 1879.] ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL,

SUBSCRIBERS' COLUMN.

To meet the wants of Subscribers who require a cheap
mode of advertising their wants, we have opened an
Advertising Column, for non-trading Subscribers only,
wherein they may make their wants or xoishes known
at the rate of One Penny for every six toords, or part
of six words, but no advertisement must contain more
than thirty-six ivords.

Stamps to accompany in all cases, and there can be no
reduction for repetitions.

OR SALE. — Vol. III. of British Bee Journal, complete.
Unbound, 4s. Letters to Editor.

F

L

ANGSTROTH on 'The Hive and Honey Bee.' 9s.
Free. Letters to the Editor. fo. 101

Q

F

UINBY on ' The Mysteries of the Bee-hive,' 8s. 6rf.
Free. Letters to the Editor. fo. 102

OR SALE.— Nos. 2, 3, 4, 8, and 10, of B. B. Journal,
Is. each. Apply to the Editor. fo. 104

VOL. II. B. B. Journal, with Index, minus the No. for
May, 5s. Office of Journal. fo. 105

YOL. II. B. B. Journal, minus May and Aug. Nos., 3s.
Office of Journal. fo. 106

TNDEX, Vol. I. Price 6d. Apply to Editor. fo. 100

VOL. I. B. B. Journal, very scarce, 30s. Apply to Editor.
fo. 101

YOL. II. B. B. Journal, scarce and valuable, 21s. Apply
to Editor. fo. 106

for use. E.
fo. 8.

WANTED.— Wax in Cake, cleared, rea
W. Lister, Kirkburton.

s

END Two Stamps for Abbott Bros'. Catalogue. Southall,
Middlesex.

WANTED.— May No. of Vol. H. B. B. J., or wiU ex-
change. Letters to Editor.

D

RY PUFF BALL, Is. per packet. F. S. Clutten,
Fressingfield, Harlesten, Norfolk. fo. 32

FOR SALE.— The well-known Italian ' Anatomy
of the Bee, and its Enemies.' Highly instructive.
Indispensable for Winter Lecturing on Bees. Price 21s. un-
bound. John Camaschella, Derby Villas, Forest Hill. fo. 9

COMB FOUNDATION.— The best American,
as per Abbott's Catalogue. BAITT'S FOUNDATION
at his prices, from Abbott Bros., Fairlawn, Southall, Mid-

ABBOTT'S BEE BARLEY SUGAR, best Food
for Bees in Winter. Made expressly, so that it shall
all deliquesce and not leave a white shell to be thrown out
by the Bees. lOrf. per lb., in 14 lb. Tins, or 7 lb. Boxes ;
tins, boxes, and packing not charged for. Address Abbott
Bros., Fairlawn, Southall.

PRIME BEES' WAX at Is. 9d. per lb., in large
or small quantities. Address Abbott Beos., Fairlawn,
Southall.

PURE EXTRACTED HONEY, Is. 3d. per lb.
in Glass Jars, jars included. Address Abbott Bros.,
Fairlawn, Southall.

ONEY JARS. — First Prize at South Ken-

sington. 1 lb., 15s. per gross ; 2 lb., 18s. per gross,
direct from the Works at Birmingham.

OECOND-HAND HIVES, OUTER CASES,
l ? ROOFS, a BEE-HOUSE to hold Two Hives, FLOOR
BOARDS. NEW HIVES and NEW GEAR of all kinds.
Address Abbott Bros., Fairlawn, Southall.

IMPORTED LIGURIAN QUEENS. A few
X for Sale, price 6s. 6d. Apply to W. Raitt, Blairgowrie.
fo. 16

pOMB FOUNDATION— Special Terms to

\J those who may order before January 1st. Apply to
W. Raitt, Blairgowrie. f0. 16

AITT'S POCKET BELLOWS SMOKER.

Free by Post, 4s. Apply to W. Raitt, Blairgowrie.

fo. 16

R

ENGLISH BAK-FHAME HIVES, Woodbury
size, 10 bars, 8s. each.
ITALIAN BAR-FRAME HIVES, 10 bars, two for 8«.
1 Commended for simplicity and cheapness.' —

Alexandra Palace, 1877.
Directions for Management, 3d. each. Post-office Orders
payable at Horncastle.
Isaac Hale, Maker, Lincoln Road, Horncastle. fo. 8.

Bronze Medal awarded for Straw Skeps at the Great

Crystal Palace Show, 1875.

Sixteenth Edition. Price One Shilling.

SEVENTY POUNDS A-YEAR:

HOW I MAKE IT BY MY BEES.

By the late J. W. Pagden.

Also, by the same Author, price Sixpence.

Early Artificial Bee- Swarming.

No watching required.

Apply to Mrs. J. W. Pagden, the Chestnuts, Alfriston,
Sussex, by whom the same manufacturers of ' Economical
Bee Furniture ' are employed as formerly. fo. 23.

CUCUMBER PERSUADERS.— By the use of
these Glasses Cucumbers are induced to grow straight,
and to an enormous size very quickly.

"7>

The young Fruit is placed in the tube, which is 16 inches
long, and the glass bulb-end is luted to it by a clay graft,
and the bulb is partly filled with water. The effect on a
strong healthy plant is extraordinary. Price 21s. a dozen,
direct from the Works, Birmingham. Address Abbott
Bros., Fairlawn, Southall.

American Implements for the Apiary.

GEO. NEIGHBOUR & SONS have the-
pleasure to announce that they have just received a
large consignment of BEE FURNITURE from Messrs.
T. G. Newman & Son, of Chicago, which is now being un-
packed and placed on view.

The CoDeotion consists of the EXCELSIOR EX-
TRACTORS, BINGHAM & HETHERINGTON'S UNCAP-
PING KNIVES, Improved LANGSTROTH'S HIVES and
SECTIONAL SUPERS, LEWIS' SECTIONS, all in one
piece; BINGHAM SMOKERS, WIRED WAX FOUNDA.
TIONS, which are not liable to curl in Stock Hives ; THIN
WAX FOUNDATIONS for Supers, SWISS WAX EX-
TRACTOR, and NOVICE'S QUEEN CAGES; also a
renewed supply of ' Cook's Manual of the Apiary,' bound
in cloth, price 5s.; 'Newman's Bee Culture,' Is. lid. ; and
' Honey as Food and Medicine,' 2d. per copy.

An Inspection of the above Novelties is respectfully solicited.
Address GEO. NEIGHBOUR & SONS,

149 Regent Street, and 127 Holborn, London, fo. 28

ADVEETISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL. [Dec. 1, 1879.

ABBOTT

BEOTHEES,

SCHOOL OF APICULTURE,

FAIRLAWN, SOUTHALL, LONDON,

INVENTORS and MANUFACTURERS of BAR-FRAME HIVES

AND APISTICAL NECESSARIES.

Importers anb §rtctes ai ^xgxxxxmx $**»♦

First Prizes innumerable, including many Silver and Bronze
Medals and First Certificates, 1878, and preceding:—

Silver Medals at Paris Exhibition, 1878, for Hives and Observatory Hives.

First Prize for Best Hive at Royal Agricultural Show at Kilburn. First Prize for

Manipulation, and Third Prize for Observatory Hives, 1879.
Four Silver Medals, Two Bronze Medals, Three Money Prizes, One Certificate,

One Highly Commended, and One Commended, at South Kensington, 1879.
Three First Prizes, and One Second, at Edgbaston, 1879.
Three First Prizes, and One Second, at Shrewsbury, 1879.
First Prize at Doncaster, 1879.

Five First Prizes, and a Second at Atherstone, 1879.
One First Prize at Dorchester, 1879.

Five First Prizes, and One Second, at Warwickshire, 1879.
Three Firsts, One Second, Two Thirds, and One Fourth Prize at Long Sutton, 1879.

The Originators and Successful Promoters of BEE ASSOCIATIONS and SHOWS.
EDITORS OF 'BRITISH BEE JOURNAL,'

The only Journal in the United Kingdom devoted to the Culture of Bees.

The Originators of Public Exhibitions of Manipulation ■with Live Bees,
now the most interesting feature in the Bee "World.

ABBOTT Bros., Fairlawn, Southall, London.

Send Two Stamps for Illustrated Catalogue of Hives and Bee Furniture.

-London : Printed br Strangewats & Sons, at their Printing Office, Tower Street. Upper St. Martin's Lane, in the Pariah of St. Giles's-in-the-Fields,
in the County of Middlesex ; and Published for the Proprietor by Kent & Co., 23 Paternoster Row, in the same county.— Nov. 30, 1879.

THE

tt Journal,

CONDUCTED BY CHARLES NASH ABBOTT, BEE-MASTER, SCHOOL OF APICULTURE,
FAIRLAWN, SOUTHALL, near LONDON.

Guarantees to its Subscribers sound practical Replies to all Queries on Bee Management, and in urgent
cases of difficulty immediate replies by post, or telegraph if desired.

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION, HALF-A-GUINEA, Payable in Advance.

P.O. Orders for Subscriptions should be made payable at the Southall Green Post Office, Middlesex. Cheques crossed L. & S. 'Western Branch.

Special Terms to Clubs and Literary Institutions. Single Numbers Qd. each. Free by Post on day of Publication.

[entered at stationebs' hall.]

[No. 81. Vol. VII.]

JANUARY, 1880.

[Published Monthly.]

C O ZfcTTE 3ST TS .

Editorial, Notices, &c. :— Fi

January

Foul Brood

Dysentery and Foul Brood

Winter Feeding

Bee-keeping and Farming

Hive Construction

American and British Bee Journals

British Bee-keepers' Association : Monthly Meeting — Balance

Sheet

Letter from Rev. H. R. Peel

Rev. William Charles Cotton

Letter from Herr Gravenhorst

The Tongue of the Honey Bee. By Prof. A. J. Cook
Correspondence : —

Cyprian Bees. By J. P. Jackson

Cyprian Bees. By Herr Gravenhorst

Bee-houses

Bee-houses

Bee-stings: A Cure for Gout and Rheumatism

Gold in Beeswax

Humble Bees

Artificial Heat — Top Entrances

Hive Ventilation — Wintering

Bee-keeping in California

Bee Incubator

Artificial Comb

One of the Authorities

Observations on Bees. By a Lady Bee-keeper

Bee-Culture among the Antients: Columella

Lengthened Sweetness long drawn out

Echoes from the Hives

Notices to Correspondents and Inquirers

T

HE SMOKER'S BEE PIPE, two Pipes for

one. Price Is. 8d. post free.
Office of the British Bee Journal, Fairlawn, Southall.

THE GREAT HAMPSHIRE BEE FARM,
near Stockbridge : Its Principles and Method of
Working. Also,

THE BEE-KEEPER'S ALMANAC, which contains
Prognostications of Weather expected, and What to Do in
Bee Management. By P. E. Martin, Master Mariner, Bee
Master, Proprietor and Manager of the Bee Farm, Inventor
of the ' Sailors' Bee- Hive,' now the ' Standard ' Bar- frame
Hive for the United Kingdom. Price 6d. each, per post Id.

Choice Honey, in 5 lb. Tins, sent, Railway carriage paid
as far as S. W. R. Co. have through rates, on receipt of
P.O.O. for 6s. 6d. payable at Stockbridge.

STOCKS AND SWARMS.
Illustrated Price List Post Free. fo. 17.

NOTICE.

ABBOTT BROS, have purchased the whole of
the BEES, HIVES, and BEE-FURNITURE of a
Gentleman, whose extended business prevents his giving
the attention required by his Pets, so that presently a
GREAT SALE will be announced at which everything will
be sold by Auction, without reserve, at Fairlawn, Southall,
within easy distance of London.

DR. PINE'S WOVEN WIRE VEILS

3 «

o

FROM A PH070CRAPH W

First Prize for best Bee Dress, at South Kensington, 1879.
Price 2s. 9d. post free. Strips of Wire Cloth, for making
them, Is. 8d. each, post free. Letters to Editor. fo. 15

DH. PINE'S
BEE-KEEPERS' LOTION.

This Lotion will be found to almost instantly remove the
pain of a sting and prevent subsequent inflammation. It is
also a remedy for scalds, burns, and the stings and bites of
other insects besides Bees.

Price Is. 6d. per bottle, or Post-free for Is. 8d.

Agent —
Mr. C. N. ABBOTT, Editor of B. B. Journal,
Fairlawn, Southall. fo. 15

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[Jan. 1, 1880.

BEE-KEEPERS should use the HAMPSHIRE
TUBULAR BEE-FEEDER. It is the cheapest and
most simple. Supplies a steady, continuous flow of Syrup.
Can be applied to any kind of Hive in an instant. Only
needs a hole in cover the size of a quill, and when once
there can be refilled without removal or disturbance to the
Bees ; and neither stranger Bees nor Insects can rob the
Syrup, except they go up through the Hive to do so.
A trial will secure its adoption !
Price Qd. each, 2d. extra postage, to W. Hunt, The
Apiary, South Warnborough, Hants. fo. 20

WANTED, a COTTAGE ma good Bee-pasturage
District. — An unpretending, roomy, detached Country
Cottage, or Small Farm-house (not less than 4 Bedrooms),
within 100 miles of London, and say 2 of a Railway Station,
and where an acre or two of rough land adjoining could be
had. Rent about 201. or 251. If with some Out-buildings,
preferred. Full particulars to J. Silvester Hooker, Epsom,
Surrey. fo. 39

THE HIVE FOR THE MILLION.

Price 8s.

THE PRACTICAL STANDARD, a marvel of
efficiency with economy, jirice, complete, 18s.
ABBOTT'S NORTHERN STANDARD, a Prize Hive,
price, complete, 27s. &d.

ROOT'S MACHINE FOUNDATION, 3s. 6d. per lb.
Samples on receipt of Stamped Envelope. Send Two Stamps
for Catalogue, containing full description of our Hives, and
How to Work them, to E. W. Lister, Oakwood, Kirkburton,
Yorkshire. fo. 8

T(

To DAIRYMEN and COW-KEEPERS.

^0 LET, on Lease or otherwise, at LESSNESS
HEATH, good CORNER PREMISES, containing
excellent Shop, Parlour adjoining, and Kitchen in rear, with
Scullery, and side Dairy opening to road, Three large Bed-
rooms, plenty of Cupboards. Gas laid on. Sheds and Stalls
for twelve Cows. Two-stall Stable, with Lofts over ; two
Cart-sheds, good Dairy, Coal-shed, Wash-house, large Yard
with side gateway, Manure-pit, Water-butt with water laid
on, and every convenience for the large business which was
carried on there until the premises got into bad hands.

Lessness Heath has a splendid neighbourhood for busi-
ness, and to a pushing Tradesman the premises must be
invaluable. One mile from Belvedere Railway Station,
facing the Heath.

The premises would suit a Butcher or Horsekeeper.
Rent 45/. Lease by Agreement. Apply to view, to Abbott's
Grocery Warehouse, close by ; or by letter to Editor B.B.J.,
Southall.

THE AMERICAN BEE JOURNAL.

Established in 1861 by the late SAMUEL WAGNER.
Is published monthly, at Chicago, 111. at 2 dollars a-year.
Its contributors are the best, most experienced, and success-
ful Apiarists in America and Europe. It is the oldest,
largest, best, and most reliable Bee paper in the English
language.

Published by Thomas G. Newman, 196-198 South Clark
Street, Chicago, Illinois. Price, including Postage, 6s. 6d.

All Orders must be accompanied by Cheque or P. O. Order,
payable to C. N. Abbott, Fairlawn, Southall.

]\/TANUAL OF THE APIARY, by A. J. Cook,

_Ly'J_ Professor of Entomology in the Michigan State Agri-
eultural College. 286 pp. large 12mo. 112 Illustrations.
Published by Thomas G. Newman & Son, Chicago. Price,
bound in cloth, 5s.; postage, id. Abbott Bkos. , Fairlawn,
Southall.

A RABIS ALPINUS.— Plants for Spring flower-

J\ ing, Is. 6<(. per 100 ; free to Railway Station, 10s. per
1000. Address Abbott Bros., Southall, Middlesex.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC.

The Carnival of Venice

... Jules Schulhoff

4

0

Neu Wien Waltzes

Strauss

4

0

Sonatas

Beethoven

5

0

Flora Macdonald's Lament

A. Christiany

4

0

Norah, the Pride of Kildare

W. Layland

2

0

The South Winds Sigh (Mazurka)

Blumenthal

4

0

Three Waltzes (Musical Box) . . .

A. T. Macdonald

1

6

Le Corsaire (Galop)

T. Mams

3

0

Weiner Kinder (Waltzes)

Strauss

4

0

The Dream of St. Jerome

Beethoven

3

0

Le Chant de Niades

J. Ascher

5

0

Ben e Ridicolo

Kulie

4

0

The Lover and the Bird

Emile Berger

4

0

Robinson Crusoe Lancers

...Henri F. Henry

5

0

Balouka (Grand Valse)

intoine de Koutski

5

0

Maritana (Duet)

Osborne

6

0

Ring on ! Sweet Angelus

Gounod

4

0

When we went a Gleaning

IF. Ganz

4

0

Loved and Lost, Waltz ...

Miiller

4

0

The Rapids, Valse

James Wal-ch

4

0

Pastourelle (Caprice elegant)

De Grau

4

0

Le Zephyr

J. W. Harmston

3

0

The Flower Song, from ' Fanchette '

Brinley Richards

3

0

Lish Melodies

... W.V. Wallace

3

0

Spring Dew

.. Lindsay Sloper

3

0

Oberon (Fantaisie)

. . Bene Favarger

4

0

The Nightingale's Trill

W. Ganz

4

0

Kathleen Mavourneen

Kulie

4

0

Neck or Nothing Galop

.. H.T. Swatton

3

0

Dors, mon Enfant

F.E.Bachc

3

0

The Fun of the Fair (Comic Fantasia) H. Parker

4

0

Comin' thro' the Rye

.. G. A. Osborne

2

6

Last Rose of Summer

Thalberg

4

0

Thine is my Heart

S. Heller

2

6

Fantasia on ' King Rene's Daughter ' (Smart)

Arranged by Kuhe

4

0

' Stradella '

W. Kuhe

4

0

The Bloom is on the Rye

Mattel

4

0

Mulligan Guards' March

.. A. F. Mullen

3

0

Bric-a-Brac Polka

.. C. Cootc, Junr.

4

0

The Deep, Deep Sea

F. Mattini

3

0

Love's Young Dream

W. Kuhe

4

0

Home, Sweet Home

Thalberg

3

0

The Fairy 's Wing (Mazurka) . . .

Blumenthal

4

0

Girofle-Girofla (Fantasia)

E. de Vilbac

4

0

Spring, Gentle Spring

(from ' Babil and Bi

ou ') B. Richards

3

0

SONGS

The Raft

Ciro Pinsuti

4

0

TliinMng of Thee

Blumenthal

4

1)

Twice my Love half-smiled on Me .

Molloy

4

0

Rest (Sacred)

.. Miss Lindsay

3

0

Rose of Roses. Words by F. Havergal.

Music by Franz Abt

3

0

That Evening

V. Gabriel

3

0

Tender and True

V. Gabriel

3

0

True Music

J. L. Hatton

3

0

Fair Spring is Coming

Wrighton

3

0

Falling River

.. M. W.Balfe

3

0

In the Twilight

F. E. Weatherly

4

0

Sailor Boy's Farewell

Blumenthal

4

0

Sing, Birdie, Sing

Ganz

4

0

Song of the Pirate

G. Operti

4

0

The above and many other pieces of Vocal and Instru-
mental Music, by the best composers, sent post-free at one-
fourth the published price. Nearly all new.

One dozen pieces, assorted, post-free, 9s. Gil.

A large assortment of Christmas Cards, Illuminated
Texts, and Present Books, at all prices, sent per post to
all parts of the kingdom.

Address Music Department,

TOWNLEY'S FANCY DEPOT,
6 VICTORIA TERRACE, SURBIT0N, SURREY.

Reference to Editor permitted.

Jan. 1, 1880.] ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

SUBSCRIBERS' COLUMN.

To meet, the wants of Subscribers who require a cheap
mode of advertising their wants, we have opened an
Advertising Column, for non-trading Subscribers imlg,
wherein they mag make their wants or wishes known
at the rate of One Penny for every six words, or part
of six words, but. no advertisement must contain more
than thirty-six words.

Stamps to accompany in all cases, and there can be no
reduction for repetitions.

OR SALE.— Vol. III. of British Bee Journal, complete.
Unbound, 4s. Letters to Editor.

F

L

ANGSTROTH on 'The Hive and Honey Bee.' 9s.
Free. Letters to the Editor. fo. 101

Q

F

UINBY on ' The Mysteries of the Bee-hive,' 8s. 6d.
Free. Letters to the Editor. fo. 102

OB SALE.— Nos. 2, 3, 4, 8, and 10, of B. B. Journal,
Is. each. Apply to the Editor. fo. 104

VOL. II. B. B. Journal, with Index, minus the No. for
May, 5s. Office of Journal. fo. 105

OL. II. B. B. Journal, minus May and Aug. Nos., 3s.
Office of Journal. fo, 106

V

TNDEX, Vol. I. Price 6d. Apply to Editor. fo. 100

VOL. I. B. B. Journal, very scarce, 30s. Apply to Editor.
fo. 104

YOL. II. B. B. Journal, scarce and valuable, 21s. Apply
to Editor. fo. 106

WANTED.— Wax in Cake, cleared, ready for use. E.
W. Lister, Kirkburton. fo. 8.

END Two Stamps for Abbott Bros'. Catalogue. Southall,
Middlesex.

s

w

ANTED.— May No. of Vol. H. B. B. J., or will ex-
change. Letters to Editor.

D

RY PUFF BALL, Is. per packet. F. S. Clutten,
Fressingfield, Harleston, Norfolk. fo. 32

FOR SALE. — The well-known Italian ' Anatomy
of the Bee, and its Enemies.' Highly instructive.
Indispensable for Winter Lecturing on Bees. Price 21s. un-
bound. John Camaschella, Derby Villas, Forest Hill. fo. 9

COMB FOUNDATION.— The best American,
as per Abbott's Catalogue. RAITT'S FOUNDATION
at his prices, from Abbott Bbos., Fairlawn, Southall, Mid-

ABBOTT'S BEE BARLEY SUGAR, best Food
for Bees in Winter. Made expressly, so that it shall
all deliquesce and not leave a white shell to be thrown out
by the Bees. lOd. per lb., in 14 lb. Tins, or 7 lb. Boxes;
tins, boxes, and packing not charged for. Address Abbott
Bbos., Fairlawn, Southall.

PRIME BEES' WAX at Is. 2d. per lb., in large
or small quantities. Address Abbott Bros., Fairlawn,
Southall.

PURE EXTRACTED HONEY, Is. U. per lb.
in Glass Jars, jars included. Address Abbott Bros.,
Fairlawn, Southall.

ONEY JARS. — First Prize at South Ken-

sington. 1 lb., 15s. per gross ; 2 lb., 18s. per gross,
direct from the Works at Birmingham.

SECOND-HAND HIVES, OUTER CASES,
ROOFS, a BEE-HOUSE to hold Two Hives, FLOOR
BOARDS. NEW HIVES and NEW GEAR of all kinds.
Address Abbott Bros., Fairlawn, Southall.

COMB FOUNDATION.

THREE SHILLINGS and SIXPENCE per lb.
downwards, according to quantity. Special Terms to
Dealers. All Metal HONEY EXTRACTOR, 27s. Gd.

POCKET-BELLOWS SMOKER, 4s., Post free.
WAX SMELTER, 2s. 9d. EXCLUDER ZINC.
LIGDRIAN QUEENS during the Season.
Address WILLIAM RAITT, Blairgowrie, N.B.

E

NGLISH BAR-FRAME HIVES, Woodbury
size, 10 bars, 8s. each.
ITALIAN BAR-FRAME HIVES, 10 bars, two for 8s.
' Commended for simplicity and cheapness.' —

Alexandra Palace, 1877.

Directions for Management, 3d. each. Post-office Orders
payable at Horncastle.
Isaac Hale, Maker, Lincoln Road, Horncastle. fo. 3.

Bronze Medal awarded for Straw Skeps at tlie Great

Crystal Palace Slww, 1875.

Sixteenth Edition. Price One Shilling.

SEVENTY POUNDS A-YEAR:

HOW I MAKE IT BY MY BEES.

By the late J. W. Pagden.

Also, by the same Author, price Sixpence.

Early Artificial Bee- Swarming.

No watching required.

Apply to Mrs. J. W. Pagden, the Chestnuts, Alfriston,
Sussex, by whom the same manufacturers of ' Economical
Bee Furniture ' are employed as formerly. fo. 23.

CUCUMBER PERSUADERS.— By the use of
these Glasses Cucumbers are induced to grow straight,
and to an enormous size very quickly.

The young Fruit is placed in the tube, which is 16 inches
long, and the glass bulb-end is luted to it by a clay graft,
and the bulb is partly filled with water. The effect on a
strong healthy plant is extraordinary. Price 21s. a dozen,
direct from the Works, Birmingham. Address Abbott
Bros., Fairlawn, Southall.

American Implements for the Apiary.

GEO. NEIGHBOUR & SONS have the
pleasure to announce that they have received a
large consignment of BEE FURNITURE from Messrs.
T. G. Newman & Son, of Chicago, which is now on view.
The Collection consists of the EXCELSIOR EX-
TRACTORS, BINGHAM & HETHERINGTON'S UNCAP-
PING KNIVES, Improved LANGSTHOTH'S HIVES and
SECTIONAL SUPERS, LEWIS' SECTIONS, all in one
piece ; BINGHAM SMOKERS, WIRED WAX FOUNDA-
TIONS, which are not liable to curl in Stock Hives ; THIN
WAX FOUNDATION'S for Supers. SWISS WAX EX-
TRACTOR, and NOVICE'S QUEEN CAGES; also a
renewed supply of ' Cook's Manual of the Apiary,' bound
in cloth, price 5s.; 'Newman's Bee Culture,' Is. 6d.\ and
' Honey as Food and Medicine,' 2d. per copy.
An inspection of the above Novelties is respectfully solicited.
PRICE LISTS forwarded on application.
Address GEO. NEIGHBOUR & SONS,

149 Regent Street, and 127 Holborn, London, fo. 28

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL. [Jan. 1, 1880.

— — -^S/Sg^rsfca— —

ABBOTT

BEOTHEES,

SCHOOL OF APICULTURE,

FAIRLAWN, SOUTHALL, LONDON,

INVENTORS and MANUFACTURERS of BAR-FRAME HIVES

AND APISTICAL NECESSARIES.

fmpnrters antr jJrM&jers rrf ^x^nxmn §^s.

First Prizes innumerable, including many Silver and Bronze
Medals and First Certificates, 1878, and preceding: —

Silver Medals at Paris Exhibition, 1878, for Hives and Observatory Hives.

First Prize for Best Hive at Royal Agricultural Show at Kilburn. First Prize for

Manipulation, and Third Prize for Observatory Hives, 1879.
Four Silver Medals, Two Bronze Medals, Three Money Prizes, One Certificate,

One Highly Commended, and One Commended, at South Kensington, 1879.
Three First Prizes, and One Second, at Edgbaston, 1879.
Three First Prizes, and One Second, at Shrewsbury, 1879.
First Prize at Doncaster, 1879.

Five First Prizes, and a Second at Atherstone, 1879.
One First Prize at Dorchester, 1879.

Five First Prizes, and One Second, at Warwickshire, 1879.
Three Firsts, One Second, Two Thirds, and One Fourth Prize at Long Sutton, 1879.

The Originators and Successful Promoters of BEE ASSOCIATIONS and SHOWS.
EDITORS OF 'BRITISH BEE JOURNAL,'

The only Journal in the United Kingdom devoted to the Culture of Bees.

The Originators of Public Exhibitions of Manipulation with. Live Bees,
now the most interesting feature in the Bee World.

ABBOTT Bros., Fairlawn, Southall, London.

Send Two Stamps for Illustrated Catalogue of Hives and Bee Furniture.

London : Printed by Steansewats & Sons, at their Printing Office, Tower Street, Upper St. Martin's Lane, in the Parish of St. Ctiles's-in-tbe-Fields,
in the County of Middlesex ; and Published for the Proprietor by Kent & Co,, 23 Paternoster Row, in the same county.— Dec. 31, 1879.

THE

antmi

CONDUCTED BY CHARLES NASH ABBOTT, BEE-MASTER, SCHOOL OF APICULTURE,
FAIRLAWN, SOUTHALL, near LONDON.

Guarantees to its Subscribers sound practical Replies to all Queries on Bee Management, and in urgent
cases of difficulty immediate replies by post, or telegraph if desired.

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION, HALF-A-GUINEA, Payable in Advance.

P.O. Orders for Subscriptions should be made payable at the Southall Green Post Office, Middlesex. Cheques crossed L. & S. Western Branch.

Special Terms to Clubs and Literary Institutions. Single Numbers Qd. each. Free by Post on day of Publication.

[entered at stationers' hall.]

[No. 82. Vol. VII.]

FEBRUARY, 1880.

[Published Monthly.]

Editorial, Notices, &c. : — I

February

Foul Brood— Remedies in its Early Stage— Our Convictions
and Mode of Treatment

Bee-keeping and Fanning

Our August Bee Picture

Winter Feeding with Barley Sugar

American Fixings

British Bee-keepers' Association : The Fourth Quarterly
Conversazione — Annual Report

The Bee-keepers' Almanack

Bee-keepers at Bow Street

Bee Exhibition, Colmar, Alsace

Correspondence .- —

Honey Salesman

Moveable Porch

Economy of Humble Bees

An Inflammatory Pipkin, and the Gold Currency

Honey as Medicine— The Value of Mead „,

Introduction ; or Early History of Bees and Honey. No. VI.

Cyprian Queens

Bees Dying

Is Syrup Feeding Wrong ?

Paper Felt as an Extra Covering for Hives

Aids to Bee-Culture

Echoes from the Hives

Queries and Replies

Notices to Correspondents and Inquirers

THE SMOKER'S BEE PIPE, two Pipes for
one. Price Is. Sd. post free.
Office of the British Bee Journal, Fairlawn, Southall.

THE GREAT HAMPSHIRE BEE FARM,
near Stockbridge : Its Principles and Method of
Working. Also,

THE BEE- KEEPER'S ALMANAC, which contains
Prognostications of Weather expected, and What to Do in
Bee Management. By P. E. Martin, Master Mariner, Bee
Master, Proprietor and Manager of the Bee Farm, Inventor
of the ' Sailors' Bee-Hive,' now the ' Standard ' Bar-frame
Hive for the United Kingdom. Price 6d. each, per post Id.

Choice Honey, in 5 lb. Tins, sent, Railway carriage paid
as far as S. W. R. Co. have through rates, on receipt of
P.O.O. for 6s. 6tf. payable at Stockbridge.

STOCKS AND SWARMS.

Illustrated Price List Post Free, fo.17.

/ ^ LEANINGS IN BEE CULTURE. Edited by
\J A. I. Root, Medina, Ohio, United States. A Monthly
Publication by one of the most experienced of American
Bee Masters, and one who has contributed in no small
degree to place America in its present advanced position
amongst Bee-keeping nations. Arrangements have been
made by which ' Gleanings ' will be sent in bulk to, and
delivered from this Office, about the middle of each month.
Price 6s. per year, Post free, payable in advance.

Office of British Bee Journal, Southall, London.

DR. PINE'S WOVEN WIRE VEILS

FROM A PHOTCCRAPH

First Prize for best Bee Dress, at South Kensington, 1879.
Price 2s. 9<Z. post free. Strips of Wire Cloth, for making
them, Is. 8d. each, post free. Letters to Editor. fo. 15

d;r. fines

BEE-KEEPERS' LOTION.

This Lotion will be found to almost instantly remove the
pain of a sting and prevent subsequent inflammation. It is
also a remedy for scalds, burns, and the stings and bites of
other insects besides Bees.

Price Is. 6d. per bottle, or Post-free for Is. 8d.

Agent —
Mr. C. N. ABBOTT, Editor of B. B. Journal,
Fairlawn, Southall. fo. 15

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[Feb. 1, 1880.

R. STEELE,
FOWLIS BY DUNDEE,

Having now on hand a large Stock of

HIVES, EXTRACTORS, & BEE-KEEPERS' APPLIANCES,

Begs to offer a Eeduction of 5 per cent, on Orders
received before 1st March.

AMERICAN, all in one piece, SECTIONS, 4J by 4£
(to hold 1 lb.), and 5 by 5 (the right size to cover a Wood-
bury Hive), price 6s. per 100 boxes. 1 lb. DOVE-TAILED
SECTIONS, 6s. per 100 : 2 lb. ditto, 7s. SECTIONS ready
to nail, planed on both sides, and grooved for Foundation,
price for lib. boxes, 4s. 6(7. ; for 2 lb. ditto, 5s. per 100 boxes.

AMERICAN MACHINE-MADE COMB FOUNDATION,
1 to 5 lbs., 3s. 3(7. per lb. ; 5 to 10 lbs., 3s. per lb. Parties
requiring over that quantity, send for particulars. Very
thin DRONE FOUNDATION for Supers, 3s. 9(7. per lb.

A. I. ROOT'S A B C of BEE CULTURE. A work
embracing 'everything pertaining to the Culture of the
Honey Bee.' Price, neatly bound in cloth, 5s.; in paper, 4s.

FOOT-POWER CIRCULAR SAW, very useful to Bee-
keepers and others, strongly made of iron. Guaranteed
fiirn in every part. Greatly improved, and will cut 1J in.
pine freely. One Month's Free Trial ! Price, £2 15s. ;
packed in crate, £3.

Illustrated Catalogue for 1879, post free on application.

NEW CATALOGUE IN PEEPARATIOX.

A Few Agents Wanted, apply immediately.

Great Sale of BEES, HIVES, FLOORS,

STRAW HACKLES, &e.

A LARGE SALE of the above, the Property of
T. BEALE BROWNE, Esq., is arranged to be held
in the Bee-Gabden, on Salkerton Park, Hasleton, near
Cheltenham, on Wednesday. 10th March, 18S0.

There are a Hundred-and-Fortv STOCKS of BEES a
large number of IMPROVED HIVES. STRAW SKEPS
BEECH FLOORS, excellent STRAW HACKLES, SPARE
FRAMES, GLASS FEEDERS, &c.

Cheltenham, nine miles, is nearest Railway Station frorn
Western and Southern Counties; and Bourton-on- Water,
seven miles, from North and Midland.

SURREY.

SALE of BEES, HIVES, &c.

A SALE of TWENTY-FIVE LOTS of BEES,

£\_ a number of useful HIVES, SUPERS. FLOORS <Src
the Property of T. BEALE BROWNE, Esq., is arranged to
take place at the Bee -Shed, Chukt, near Haslejiere,
Surrey, on Wednesday, 17th March, 1880.

Haslemere, four miles; Farnham, eight miles; are
nearest Railway Stations.

The whole Property is for Sale, price £2500.

To DAIRYMEN and COW-KEEPERS.

rpo LET, on Lease or otherwise, at LESSNESS

1 HEATH, good CORNER PREMISES, containing
excellent Shop, Parlour adjoining, and Kitchen in rear, with
Scullery, and side Dairy opening to road, Three large Bed-
rooms, plenty of Cupboards. Gas laid on. Sheds and Stalls
for twelve Cows. Two-stall Stable, with Lofts over ; two
Cart-sheds, good Dairy, Coal-shed, Wash-house, large Yard
with side gateway, Manure-pit, Water-butt with water laid
on, and every convenience for the large business which was
carried on there until the premises got into bad hands.

Lessness Heath has a splendid neighbourhood for busi-
ness, and to a pushing Tradesman the premises must be
invaluable. One mile from Belvedere Railway Station,
facing the Heath.

The premises would suit a Butcher or Horsekeeper.
Rent 457. Lease by Agreement. Apply to view, to Abbott's
Grocery Warehouse, close by ; or by letter to Editor B.B.J.,
SouthaU.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC.

The Carnival of Venice

... Jules Schulhoff

4

0

Neu Wien Waltzes

Strauss

4

0

Sonatas

Beethoven

5

0

Flora Maedonald's Lament

A. Christiany

4

0

Norah, the Pride of Kildare

W. Layland

2

0

The South Winds Sigh (Mazurka)

Blumenthal

4

0

Three Waltzes (Musical Box) . . .

A. T. Macdonald

1

6

Le Corsaire (Galop)

T. Mauss

3

0

Weiner Kinder (Waltzes)

Strauss

4

0

The Dream of St. Jerome

Beethoven

3

0

Le Chant de Niades

J. Asclier

5

0

Ben e Ridicolo

Kulie

4

0

The Lover and the Bird

Emile Berger

4

0

Robinson Crusoe Lancers

...Henri F. Henry

5

0

Balouka (Grand Valse)

intoine de Koutsli

5

0

Maritana (Duet)

Osborne

6

0

Ring on ! Sweet Angelus

Gounod

4

0

When we went a Gleaning

TI". Ganz

4

0

Loved and Lost, Waltz

Miiller

4

0

The Rapids, Valse

James Walch

4

0

Pastourelle (Caprice elegant)

Be Grau

4

0

Le Zephyr

J. W. Harmston

3

0

The Flower Song, from 'Fanehette'

Brinley Richards

3

0

Irish Melodies

... W. V. Wallace

3

0

Spring Dew

... Lindsay Sloper

3

0

Oberon (Fantaisie)

... Bene Fararqer

4

0

The Nightingale's Trill

W. Ganz

4

0

Kathleen Mavourneen

Kuhe

4

0

Neck or Nothing Galop

... H.T. Swatton

3

0

Dors, mon Enfant

F. E. Bache

3

0

The Fun of the Fair (Comic Fanta

jia) H. Parker

4

0

Comin' thro' the Rye

... G. A. Osborne

2

6

Last Rose of Summer

Thalberq

4

0

Thine is my Heart

S. Heller

2

6

Fantasia on ' King Rene's Daught

er ' (Smart)

Arranged by Kuhe

4

0

' Stradella '

J(". Kuhe

4

0

The Bloom is on the Rye

Mattel

4

0

Mulligan Guards' March

.. A. F. Mullen

3

0

Bric-a-Brac Polka

.. C. Coote, Junr.

4

0

The Deep, Deep Sea

F. Mattini

3

0

Love's Young Dream

W. Kuhe

4

0

Home, Sweet Home

Thalberg

3

0

The Fairy's Wing (Mazurka) ...

Blumenthal

4

0

Girofle-Girofla (Fantasia)

E. de Vilbac

4

0

Spring, Gentle Spring

(from ' Babil and Bijou ') B. Richards

3

0

SONGS

The Raft

Ciro Pinsuti

4

0

Thinking of Thee

Blumenthal

4

0

Twice my Love half-smiled on Me

Molloy

4

0

Rest (Sacred)

Miss Lindsay

3

0

Rose of Roses. Words by F. Have

rqal.

Music by Franz Abt

3

0

That Evening

7'. Gabriel

3

0

Tender and True

V. Gabriel

3

0

True Music

J. L. Hatton

3

0

Fair Spring is Coming

Wriqhton

3

0

Falling River

.. M. W.Balfe

3

0

In the Twilight

F. E. Weatherly

4

0

Sailor Boy's Farewell

Blumenthal

4

0

Sing, Birdie, Sing

Ganz

4

0

Song of the Pirate

G. Operti

4

0

The above and many other pieces of Vocal and Instru-
mental Music, by the best composers, sent post-free at one-
fourth the published price.. Nearly all new.

One dozen pieces, assorted, post-free, 9s. 6(7.

A large assortment of Christmas Cards, Illuminated
Texts, and Present Books, at all prices, sent per post to
all parts of the kingdom.

Address Music Depabtjient,

TOWNLEY'S FANCY DEPOT,

6 VICTORIA TERRACE, SURBIT0N, SURREY.

Reference to Editor permitted.

Feb. 1, 1880.] ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

SUBSCRIBERS' COLUMN.

To meet the wants of Subscribers who require a cheap
mode of advertising tlieir wants, we have opened an
Advertising Column, for non-trading Subscribers only,
wherein they nun/ male their wants or wishes known
at the rate of One Penny for every six words, or part
of six words, but no advertiserru nt must contain more
titan thirty-six words.

Stamps to accompany in all cases, and there can be no
reduction for repetitions.

F

OR SALE.— Vol. III. of British Bee Journal, complete.
Unbound, 4s. Letters to Editor.

LANGSTROTH on ' The Hive and Honey Bee.' 9s.
Free. Letters to the Editor. fo. 101

Q

UINBYon 'The Mysteries of the Bee-hive,' 8s. &d.
Free. Letters to the Editor. fo. 102

IriOKSALE.— Nos. 2, 3, 4, 8, and 10, of B. B. Journal,
Is. each. Apply to the Editor. fo. 104

VOL. II. B. B. Journal, with Index, minus the No. for
May, 5s. Office of Journal. fo. 105

VOL. II. B. B. Journal, minus May and Aug. Nos., 3s.
Office of Journal. fo. 106

TNDEX, Vol. I. Price Gd. Apply to Editor. fo. 100

VOL. I. B. B. Journal, very scarce, 30s. Apply to Editor.
fo. 104

YOL. II. B. B. Journal, scarce and valuable, 21s. Apply
to Editor. fo. 106

WANTED.— Wax in Cake, cleared, ready for use. E.
W. Listee, Erkburton. fo. 8.

s

^ END Two Stamps for Abbott Bros'. Catalogue. Southall,
Middlesex.

WANTED.— May No. of Vol. H. B. B. J., or will ex-
change. Letters to Editor.

D

RY PUFF BALL, Is. per packet. F. S. Clutten,
Fressingfield, Harlestcn, Norfolk. fo. 32

FOR SALE. — The well-known Italian [ Anatomy
of the Bee, and its Enemies.' Highly instructive.
Indispensable for Winter Lecturing on Bees. Price 21s. un-
bound. John Camaschella, Derby Villas, Forest Hill. fo. 9

pOMB FOUNDATION.— The best American,

V_7 as per Abbott's Catalogue. RAITT'S FOUNDATION
at his prices, from Abbott Bkos., Fairlawn, Southall, Mid-
dlesex.

TBBOTT'S BEE BARLEY SUGAR, best Food

XI for Bees in Winter. Made expressly, so that it shall
all deliquesce and not leave a white shell to be thrown out
by the Bees. lOrf. per lb., in 14 lb. Tins, or 7 lb. Boxes;
tins, boxes, and packing not charged for. Addiess Abbott
Bros., Fairlawn, Southall.

PRIME BEES' WAX at Is. 9d. per lb., in large
or small quantities. Address Abbott Bkos., Fairlawn,
Southall.

1)URE EXTRACTED HONEY, Is. 3d per lb.

X iii Glass Jars, jars included. Address Abbott Bkos.,
Fairlawn, Southall.

HONEY JARS. — First Prize at South Ken-
sington. 1 lb., 15s. per gross ; 2 lb., 18s. per gross,
direct from the Works at Birmingham.

SECOND-HAND HIVES, OUTER CASES,

f> ROOFS, a BEE-HOUSE to hold Two Hives, FLOOR
BOARDS. NEW HIVES and NEW GEAR of all kinds.
Address Abbott Bros., Fairlawn, Southall.

COMB FOUNDATION.
rTHIREE SHILLINGS and SIXPENCE per Hi.

J_ downwards, according to quantity. Special Terms to

Dealers. All Metal HONEY EXTRACTOR, 27s. dd.

POCKET-BELLOWS SMOKEB, 4s., Post free.

WAX SMELTER, 2s. '.!</. EXCLUDER ZINC.

LIGURIAN QUEENS during the Season.

Address WILLIAM RAITT, Blairgowrie, N.B.

ENGLISH BAR-FRAME HIVES, Woodbury
size, 10 bars, 8s. each.

ITALIAN BAR-FRAME HIVES, 10 bars, two for 8s.
' Commended for simplicity and cheapness.' —

Alexandra Palace, 1877.

Directions for Management, 3d. each. Post-office Orders
payable at Horncastle.
Isaac Hale, Maker, Lincoln Road, Horncastle. fo. 3.

Bronze Medal awarded for Straw Skeps at the Great
Crystal Palace Show, 1875.

Sixteenth Edition. Price One Shilling.

SEVENTY POUNDS A-YEAR:

HOW I MAKE IT BY MY BEES.

By the late J. W. Pagden.

Also, by the same Author, price Sixpence.

Early Artificial Bee- Swarming.

No watching required.

Apply to Mrs. J. W. Pagden, the Chestnuts, Alfriston,
Sussex, by whom the same manufacturers of ' Economical
Bee Furniture ' are employed as formerly. fo. 23.

pUCUMBER PERSUADERS.— B j the use of

V_V these Glasses Cucumbers are induced to grow straight,
and to an enormous size very quickly.

The young Fruit is placed in the tube, which is 16 inches
long, and the glass bulb-end is luted to it by a clay graft,
and the bulb is partly rilled with water. The effect on a
strong healthy plant is extraordinary. Price 21s. a dozen,
direct from the Works, Birmingham. Address Abbott
Bros., Fairlawn, Southall.

American Implements for the Apiary.

GEO. NEIGHBOUR & SONS have the
pleasure to announce that they have received a
large consignment of BEE FURNITURE from Messrs.
T. G. Newman & Son, of Chicago, which is now on view.
The Collection consists of the EXCELSIOR EX-
TRACTORS, BINGHAM & HETHERINGTON'S UNCAP-
PING KNIVES, Improved LANGSTROTH'S HIVES and
SECTIONAL SUPERS, LEWIS' SECTIONS, all in one
piece ; BINGHAM SMOKERS, WIRED WAX FOUNDA-
TIONS, which are not liable to curl in Stock Hives ; THIN
WAX FOUNDATIONS for Supers. SWISS WAX EX-
TRACTOR, and NOVICE'S QUEEN CAGES; also a
renewed supply of ' Cook's Manual of the Apiary,' bound
in cloth, price 5s.; 'Newman's Bee Culture,' Is. Gd. ; and
' Honey as Food and Medicine,' 2(7. per copy.
An inspection of the above Novelties is respectfully solicited.
PRICE LISTS forwarded on application.
Address GEO. NEIGHBOUR & SONS,

149 Regent Street, and 127 Holborn, London, fo. 28

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL. [Feb. 1, 1880.

ABBOTT

BEOTHEES,

SCHOOL OF APICULTURE

FAIRLAWN, SOUTHALL, LONDON,

INVENTORS and MANUFACTURERS of BAR-FRAME HIVES

AND APISTICAL NECESSARIES.

Importers anfr § xttbtx* rrf IJxrjitnait $**».

First Prizes innumerable, including many Silver and Bronze
Medals and First Certificates, 1878, and preceding: —

Silver Medals at Paris Exhibition, 1878, for Hives and Observatory Hives.

First Prize for Best Hive at Royal Agricultural Show at Kilburn. First Prize for

Manipulation, and Third Prize for Observatory Hives, 1879.
Four Silver Medals, Two Bronze Medals, Three Money Prizes, One Certificate,

One Highly Commended, and One Commended, at South Kensington, 1879.
Three First Prizes, and One Second, at Edgbaston, 1879.
Three First Prizes, and One Second, at Shrewsbury, 1879.
First Prize at Doncaster, 1879.

Five First Prizes, and a Second at Atherstone, 1879.
One First Prize at Dorchester, 1879.

Five First Prizes, and One Second, at Warwickshire, 1879.
Three Firsts, One Second, Two Thirds, and One Fourth Prize at Long Sutton, 1879.

The Originators and Successful Promoters of BEE ASSOCIATIONS and SHOWS.
EDITORS OF 'BRITISH BEE JOURNAL,'

The only Journal in the United Kingdom devoted to the Culture of Bees.

The Originators of Public Exhibitions of Manipulation -with Live Bees,
now the most interesting feature in the Bee "World.

ABBOTT Bros., Fairlawn, Southall, London.

Send Two Stamps for Illustrated Catalogue of Hives and Bee Furniture,

London : Printed by Strangeways k Sons, at their Printing- Office, Tower Street, Upper St. Martin's Lane, in the Parish of St. Giles' s-in-the-Fields,
in the County of Middlesex ; and Published for the Proprietor by Kent & Co., 23 Paternoster Row, in the same county.— Jan. 31, 1880.

THE

anrml

CONDUCTED BY CHARLES NASH ABBOTT, BEE-MASTER, SCHOOL OF APICULTURE,
FAIRLAWN, SOUTHALL, near LONDON.

Guarantees to its Subscribers sound practical Replies to all Queries on Bee Management, and in urgent
cases of difficulty immediate replies by post, or telegraph if desired.

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION, HALF-A-GUINEA, Payable in Advance.

P.O. Orders for Subscriptions should be made payable at the Southall Green Post Office, Middlesex. Cheques crossed L. & S. Western Branch.

Special Terms to Clubs and Literary Institutions. Single Numbers 6d. each. Free by Post on day of Publication.

[entered at stationers' hall.]

[No. 83. Vol. VII.]

MARCH, 1880.

[Published Monthly,]

CONTE1TTS.

Editorial, Notices, &c. :—

March

Useful Hints — Stimulative Feeding — Artificial Pollen —
Overhauling — Purchasing Stocks — Entrances — Queen-
lessness — Queen Wasps— Foul Brood — Bee Plants- Hives
for Use

Cyprian Bees

Bee-keeping and Farming

Hive Construction

The Bee-Tent in Ireland

British Bee-keepers' Association: Annual Meeting

Association for the Promotion of Minor Food Production
and Country Pursuits

Surrey Bee-keepers' Association

Berks and Bucks Bee-keepers' Association

An Irish Bee-keepers' Association

Bees at the Swiss Agricultural Exhibition at Lucerne, 1881

Bee and Honey Shows fixed for 1880

Lecture

Correspondence : —

An Inflammatory Pipkin — Gold Currency

Humble Bees

Comb -Foundation — Facts and Theories

Hive Improvement ...

The Regicides

Cyprian QueenB

The Opening Season

Feeding

Bees and New Zealand

Uncapping Mature Food .,

Dry Sugar for Bees

Zinc for ' Runners '

Bee Poison and its Antidotes

Rat in a Hive

Pollen Carrying in Relation to Breeding

Domestication of the Honey Bee in England

Echoes prom the Hives

Queries and Replies

Notices to Correspondents and Inquirers

THE GREAT HAMPSHIRE BEE FARM,
near Stockbridge : Its Principles and Method of
Working. Also,

THE BEE-KEEPER'S ALMANAC, which contains
Prognostications of Weather expected, and What to Do in
Bee Management. By P. E. Martin, Master Mariner, Bee
Master, Proprietor and Manager of the Bee Farm, Inventor
of the ' Sailors' Bee-Hive,' now the ' Standard ' Bar- frame
Hive for the United Kingdom. Price 6rf. each, per post Id.

Choice Honey, in 5 lb. Tins, sent, Railway carriage paid
as far as S. W. R. Co. have through rates, on receipt of
P.O.O. for 6s. 6d. payable at Stockbridge.

STOCKS AND SWARMS.
Illustrated Price List Post Free, fo.17.

(^ LEANINGS IN BEE CULTURE. Edited by

VJ A. I. Root, Medina, Ohio, United States. A Monthly
Publication by one of the most experienced of American
Bee Masters, and one who has contributed in no small
degree to place America in its present advanced position
amongst Bee-keeping nations. Arrangements have been
made by which ' Gleanings ' will be sent in bulk to, and
delivered from this Office, about the middle of each month.
Price 6s. per year, Post free, payable in advance.

Office of British Bee Journal, Southall, London.

DR. PINE'S WOVEN WIRE VEILS

H pa

W H

a
o

FROM A PHOTOGRAPH W

First Prize for best Bee Dress, at South Kensington, 1879.
Price 2s. 9d. post free. Strips of Wire Cloth, for making
them, Is. 8d. each, post free. Letters to Editor. fo. 15

r>IR. PINE'S
BEE-KEEPERS' LOTION.

This Lotion will be found to almost instantly remove the
pain of a sting and prevent subsequent inflammation. It is
also a remedy for scalds, burns, and the stings and bites of
other insects besides Bees.

Price Is. 6d. per bottle, or Post-free for Is. 8d.

Agent —
Mr. C. N. ABBOTT, Editor of B. B. Journal,
Fair lawn, Southall. fo. 15

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL. [Mar. 1, 1880.

R. STEELE,
FOWLIS BY DUNDEE,

Having now on hand a large Stock of

HIYES, EXTRACTORS, & BEE-KEEPERS' APPLIANCES,

Begs to offer a Reduction of 5 per cent, on Orders
received before 1st March.
AMERICAN, all in one piece, SECTIONS, 4J by 4f
(to hold 1 lb.), and 5 by 5 (the right size to cover a Wood-
bury Hive), price 6s. per 100 boxes. 1 lb. DOVE-TAILED
SECTIONS, 6s. per 100 : 2 lb. ditto, 7s. SECTIONS ready
to nail, planed on both sides, and grooved for Foundation,
price for lib. boxes, 4s. 6rf. ; for 2 lb. ditto, 5s. per 100 boxes.
AMERICAN MACHINE-MADE COMB FOUNDATION,
1 to 5 lbs., 3s. 3d. per lb. ; 5 to 10 lbs., 3s. per lb. Parties
requiring over that quantity, send for particulars. Very
thin DRONE FOUNDATION for Supers, 3s. 9<i. per lb.

A. I. ROOT'S ABC of BEE CULTURE. A work
embracing ' everything pertaining to the Culture of the
Honey Bee.' Price, neatly bound in cloth, os. ; in paper, 4s.
FOOT-POWER CIRCULAR SAW, very useful to Bee-
keepers and others, strongly made of iron. Guaranteed
firm in every part. Greatly improved, and will cut 1| in.
pine freely. One Month's Free Trial ! Price, £2 15s. ;
packed in crate, £3.

Illustrated Catalogue for 1879, post free on application.
NEW CATALOGUE IN PEEPAHATION.
A Few Agents Wanted, apply immediately. fo. 2

Great Sale of BEES, HIVES, FLOORS,

STRAW HACKLES, &c.

A LARGE SALE, by AUCTION, of the abore,
the Property of T. BEALE BROWNE, Esq., is
arranged to be held in the Bee-Garden, on Salperton Park,
Hasleton, near Cheltenham, on Wednesday, 10th March,
1880.

There are a Hundred-and-Fortv STOCKS of BEES, a
large number of IMPROVED HIVES, STRAW SEEPS,
BEECH FLOORS, excellent STRAW HACKLES, SPARE
FRAMES, GLASS FEEDERS, &o.
Auctioneer :
Mr. O. POOLE, of Weston-super-Mare.
Cheltenham, nine miles, is nearest Railway Station from
Western and Southern Counties ; and Bourton-on-Water,
seven miles, from North and Midland.

Assistance will be given to Purchasers in the conveyance
of Lots within a few miles of Salperton, and also to the
Railway Stations. fo. 18

SURREY.

SALE of BEES, HIVES, &c.

A SALE of TWENTY-FIVE LOTS of BEES,
a number of useful HIVES, SUPERS, FLOORS, &c,
the Property of T. BEALE BROWNE, Esq., is arranged to
take place at the Bee- Shed, Churt, near Haslemere,
Surrey, on Wednesday, 17th March, 1880.

Haslemere, four miles; Farnham, eight miles; are
nearest Railway Stations.

The whole Property is for Sale, price £2500. fo. 18

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL

TO BEE-KEEPERS.

WE have some hundreds of Surplus Numbers of
the Journal, of various dates, yet not complete as
Sets, and shall be glad to send out any number of them, for
distribution amongst Cottagers and intending Bee-keepers,
at 2s. per dozen, post free. Every number contains valuable
information, and their perusal may cause many to adopt
the better system of Bee-keeping. They will never be out
of date because they contain the truth.

Office : Fairlawn, Southall, London.

BEFORE purchasing vour Supplies, send Post-
card, with Name and Address, for PRICE LIST, to

JOHN T. KINNEAR,

Importer of all kinds of American Bee Appliances,

who has just to hand SEVERAL TONS
of the above, direct from some of the most famous Manu-
facturers in the United States, which are all of the best
quality they can produce, and which will be sold very cheap.

The latest Editions of ROOT'S ABC, and COOK'S
MANUAL, 4s. 6d. bound, and 3s. 6<2. paper covers, each.

Address John T. Kinnear, West Newport on Tay, and
8 Reform Street, Dundee. fo. 28

COMB FOUNDATION.

T1HREE SHILLINGS and SIXPENCE per lb.
downwards, according to quantity. Special Terms to
Dealers. All Metal HONEY EXTRACTOR, 27s. U.
POCKET-BELLOWS SMOKER, 4s., Post free.
WAX SMELTER, 2s. 9tf. EXCLUDER ZINC.
LIGTJRIAN QUEENS during the Season.
Address WILLIAM RAITT, Blairgowrie, N.B. fo. 16

ENGLISH BAR-FRAME HIVES, Woodbury
size, 10 bars, 8s. each.
ITALIAN BAR-FRAME HIVES, 10 bars, two for 8s.
' Commended for simplicity and cheapness.' —

Alexandra Palace, 1877.

Directions for Management, 3d. each. Post-office Orders
payable at Homcastle.
Isaac Hale, Maker, Lincoln Road, Homcastle. fo. 3.

LIGURIAN QUEENS.

JOSEPHINE CHINNI offers to supply QUEENS

(J of Purity and Splendour from her New Establishment,
as follow : — March, April, and May, 8 frs. ; June, 7 frs,
July, 6 frs.; August, 5 frs. ; September, 4 frs.

SWARMS OF BEES, March, April, and May, 18 frs,
and Two Francs less per month after, to September.

RUSTIC BEE-HIVES, March, April, and May, 12 frs.
June, 20 frs. ; July, 18 frs. ; August, 16 frs. ; September.
15 frs. Free of Carriage to the Railway Station at Bologna,

Josephine Chinni, Bologna fuora porta Saragossa, N 144",
Italie. fo. 19

LIGURIAN BEES.

STOCKS and SWARMS of these beautiful and
superior BEES, from the finest strain of Ligurian
Bees to be found in Europe, containing imported Queens
from Switzerland, specially selected.

Also CARR'S IMPROVED HUMANE STANDARD
BAR-FRAME HIVES. Apply to Mr. Caer, Newton Heath
Apiary, near Manchester. fo. 30

SWARMS! SWARMS!!

PRIME FIRST SWARMS booked for Spring
delivery at 19s. 6rf. each. Send Stamp for Catalogue
of ' SUSSEX HIVES.' The best in the market.

Address Alfred Rusbridge, Hive Manufactory,

Sidlesham, Chichester. fo. 40

FOR SALE.

FOUR Strong STOCKS of BRITISH BEES
(Swarms of 1879), in extra size New Straw Hives,
with Crown-hole for Supers. Apply to W. Maelow, Bank,
Wantage, Berks.

Mar. 1, 1880.] ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

SUBSCRIBERS' COLUMN.

To meet, the wants of Subscribers who require a cheap
mode of advertising their wants, ive have opened an
Advertising Column, for non-trading Subscribers only,
wherein they may make their wants or wishes known
at the rate of One Penny for every six words, or part
of sir words, but no advertisement must contain more
than thirty-six words.

Stamps to accompany in all cases, and there can be no
reduction for repetitions.

OB SALE.— Vol. III. of British Bee Journal, complete.
Unbound, 4s. Letters to Editor.

F

ANGSTROTH on ' The Hive and Honey Bee.' 9s.
I Free. Letters to the Editor. fo. 101

Q
P

UINBY on ' The Mysteries of the Bee-hive,' 8s. 6d.
Free. Letters to the Editor. fo. 102

OB SALE.— Nos. 2, 3, 4, 8, and 10, of B. B. Journal,
Is. each. Apply to the Editor. fo. 104

VOL. II. B. B. Journal, with Index, minus the No. for
May, 5s. Office of Journal. fo. 105

VOL. II. B. B. Journal, minus May and Aug. Nos., 3s.
Office of Journal. fo. 106

XNDEX, Vol. I. Price 6d. Apply to Editor. fo. 100

VOL. I. B. B. Journal, very scarce, 30s. Apply to Editor,
fo. 104

s

D

END Two Stamps for Abbott Bros'. Catalogue. Southall,
Middlesex.

ANTED.— May No. of Vol. H. B. B. J., or will ex-
change. Letters to Editor.

BY PUFF BALL, Is. per packet. F. S. Clutten,
Fressingfield, Harleston, Norfolk. fo. 32

GOOD STBAW HIVES, flattened top, with centre hole,
and new pattern Zinc Excluder. Is. 8<l. each.
Isaiah Gadd, Wokingham, Berks.

I HAVE Nine Bell-shape Glasses for Supers, new, various
sizes. Take 10s. 6rf. the lot. Cheap. Isaiah Gadd,
Wokingham, Berks.

NEW, strongly-made Nucleus Hive, for Queen-rearing.
Mahogany frames. Price 7s. 6rf. Isaiah Gadd,
Wokingham, Berks. fo. 14

STEONG Stocks of Bees in flat topped Straw Hives,
securely packed, carriage paid, 24s. each. Less for a
quantity. March delivery. C. Greaves, Provision Merchant,
Every Street, Manchester. fo. 32

FOB SALE.— Cheap, strong Stocks Hybrid and Black
Bees, in Straw Hives. Apply Jno. Dring, Billinghay,
Lincolnshire.

OFFEBS Wanted for the Bee Journal from the com-
mencement, either in single volumes or together.
First Volume bound in cloth. Charles Lyne, Arley,
Bewdley. fo. 41

AN Eight-inch Circular Saw, on Stand, with Driving-
wheel, Crank, &c, complete, for 20s. Fret-cutting
ditto, same price. David Ling, Bochford, Essex.

COMB FOUNDATION.— The best American,
as per Abbott's Catalogue. EAITT'S FOUNDATION
at his prices, from Abbott Bros., Fairlawn, Southall, Mid-
dlesex.

A BBOTT'S BEE BARLEY SUGAR, best Food

J\ for Bees in Winter. Made expressly, so that it shall
all deliquesce and not leave a white shell to be thrown out
by the Bees. lOrf. per lb., in 14 lb. Tins, or 7 lb. Boxes,
or J lb. Bottles; tins, boxes, and packing not charged for.
Address Abbott Bros., Fairlawn, Southall.

PRIME BEES' WAX at Is. 9d. per lb., in large
or small quantities. Address Abbott Bros., Fairlawn,
Southall.

PURE EXTRACTED HONEY, Is. 3d. per lb.
in Glass Jars, jars included. Address Abbott Bros.,
Fairlawn, Southall.

HONEY JARS.— First Prize at South Ken-
sington. 1 lb., 15s. per gross ; 2 lb., 18s. per gross,
direct from the Works at Birmingham.

QECOND-HAND HIVES, OUTER CASES,
f> EOOFS, a BEE-HOUSE to hold Two Hives, FLOOE
BOARDS. NEW HIVES and NEW GEAB of all kinds.
Address Abbott Bros., Fairlawn, Southall.

ARABIS ALPINUS.— Plants for Spring flower-
ing, Is. 6rf. per 100; free to Eailway Station, 10s. per
1000. Address Abbott Bros., Southall, Middlesex.

VEGETABLE PARCHMENT for Covering
Glasses and Jars of Honey, Ac, 2s. per lb. Sample
Sheet, id. Prices for larger quotations on application.
Letters to Editor.

BEE-KEEPERS should use the HAMPSHIRE
TUBULAE BEE-FEEDEE. It is the cheapest and
most simple. Supplies a steady, continuous flow of Syrup.
Can be applied to any kind of Hive in an instant. Only
needs a hole in cover the size of a quill, and when once
there can be refilled without removal or disturbance to the
Bees ; and neither stranger Bees nor Insects can rob the
Syrup, except they go up through the Hive to do so.
A trial will secure its adoption !
Price 6d. each, 2d. extra postage, to W. Hunt, The
Apiary, South Warnborough, Hants. fo. 20

CUCUMBER PERSUADERS.— By the use of
these Glasses Cucumbers are induced to grow straight,
and to an enormous size very quickly.

The young Fruit is placed in the tube, which is 16 inches
long, and the glass bulb-end is luted to it by a clay graft,
and the bulb is partly tilled with water. The effect on a
strong healthy plant is extraordinary. Price 21s. a dozen,
direct from the Works, Birmingham. Address Abbott
Bros., Fairlawn, Southall.

American Implements for the Apiary.

GEO NEIGHBOUR & SONS have the
pleasure to announce that they have received a
large consignment of BEE FUBNITUEE from Messrs.
T. G. Newman & Son, of Chicago, which is now on view.
The Collection consists of the EXCELSIOE EX-
TEACTOES, BINGHAM & HETHEKINGTON'S UNCAP-
PING KNIVES, Improved LANGSTKOTH'S HIVES and
SECTIONAL SUPEES, LEWIS' SECTIONS, all in one
piece; BINGHAM SMOKEES, WIEED WAX FOUNDA-
TIONS, which are not liable to curl in Stock Hives ; THIN
WAX FOUNDATIONS for Supers, SWISS WAX EX-
TEACTOB, and NOVICE'S QUEEN CAGES ; also a
renewed supply of ' Cook's Manual of the Apiary,' bound
in cloth, price 5s.; 'Newman's Bee Culture,' Is. 6rf. ; and
' Honey as Food and Medicine,' 2d. per'copy.
An inspection of the above Novelties is respectfully solicited.
PRICE LISTS forwarded on application.
Address GEO. NEIGHBOUE & SONS,

149 Eegent Street, and 127 Holbom, London, fo. 28

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL. [Mar. 1, 1880.

ABBOTT

BEOTHEES,

SCHOOL OF APICULTURE,

FAIRLAWN, SOUTHALL, LONDON,

INVENTORS and MANUFACTURERS of BAR-FRAIE HIVES

AND APISTICAL NECESSARIES.

Importers antr grccfccrs ai ^iguriaix ^ees.
AMERICAN FLAT-BOTTOMED COMB FOUNDATION.

Messrs. ABBOTT BEOS., Fairlawn, Southall, London, have been
appointed Sole Agents in the United Kingdom for the 'VAN DEUSEN
NELLIS IMPEOVED COMB FOUNDATION.'

THE PATENT FLAT- BOTTOMED COMB FOUNDATION, with or without
Wire, is one of the greatest and most successful Novelties ever introduced into the Apiary, entirely superseding the
ordinary fragile material. That with Wire running through it, for Stock Hives, cannot stretch; Frames may be
filled with it with safety. That without Wire is very light, and in Supers, Sections, &c. does not form a back-bone
in the honey -comb raised upon it.

Prices of either kind:— 1 too lb., 3s. id.; 5 to 10 lb., 3*. 3d.; 10 to 25 lb., 3». 2d. ; 25 to 50 lb., 3«.; 50 to 100
lb., 2s. 9d. per lb. If cut to sizes, Gd. per lb. extra must be charged.

Messes. ABBOTT BROS, have to apologize for their inability to advertise Prices of other Goods which were
supposed to have been forwarded, but have not yet come to hand.

There are a few each of the NELLIS VAN DEUSEN SIMPLICITY, the HALF-STORY ditto, and the
LANGSTROTH SIMPLICITY HIVES. They arrived in pieces, and to the uninitiated would be puzzling ; but
they will be put together and sold as Patterns to those who desire to have them.

ABBOTT BROS, have ordered large Consignments of PRIZE BOXES, SECTIONS, &c, which they hope to
Catalogue at low prices in fidl time for the coming campaign.

The First Prize EVERETT HONEY EXTRACTOR, exhibited at the Kilburn and Kensington Shows, 1879,
for Sale, price £i 10s. A very great bargain. The only one in England.

The BINGHAM HETHERINGTON SMOKER, the best thing of the kind known in America. Prices:—
Sizes, If inch, 4s, Gd.; 2 inch, 6s. Gd.; 2J inch, 7s. Gd.

ABBOTT Bros., Fairlawn, Southall, London.

Send Two Stamps for Illustrated Catalogue of Hives and Bee Furniture.

London : Printed by Stkangewats & Sons, at their Printing Office, Tower Street, Upper St. Martin's Lane, in tie Parish of St. OKles's-in-the-Fields,
in the County of Middlesex ; and Published for the Proprietor by Kemt & Co., 23 Paternoster Row, in the same county.— Feb. 29, 1880.

THE

n Journal,

CONDUCTED BY CHARLES NASH ABBOTT, BEE-MASTER, SCHOOL OF APICULTURE,
FAIRLAWN, SOUTHALL, near LONDON.

Guarantees to its Subscribers sound practical Replies to all Queries on Bee Management, and in urgent
cases of difficulty immediate replies by post, or telegraph if desired.

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION, HALF-A-GUINEA, Payable in Advance.

P.O. Orders for Subscriptions should be made payable at the Southall Green Post Oflioe, Middlesex. Cheques crossed L. & S. Western Branoh.

Special Terms to Clubs and Literary Institutions. Single Numbers Qd. each. Free by Post on day of Publication.

[entered at stationers' hall.]

[No. 84. Vol. VII.]

APKIL, 1880.

[Published Monthly.]

SCALE OF CHARGES FOR ADVERTISEMENTS.

PAYABLE IN ADVANCE.

£ s. d.

Three lines of ten words each 016

Per line afterwards 006

„ inch of space .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 0 3 6

„ quarter column 0 10 6

„ half „ or quarter page 10 0

,, column or half page 1 15 0

„ Fullpage 3 3 0

No Advertisements can be received after the 24th of each, month

NOTICE. — The British Bee Journal is on sale at
Kent & Co.'s, 23 Paternoster Row.

COUTE1TTS.
Editorial, Notices, &c. -.—

April

Useful Hints — Weak Stocks — Queenless Stocks — Trans-
ferring— Feeding — Hard Sugar in Feeding-bottles — Tin
Separators for Sections

Illustrations of Queen, Worker, and Drone Bees. Premium
offered

The Law respecting Bees ; are they a Nuisance ?

American Bee Periodicals

Reading Lessons for Children

End of Volume VII.

Volume VIII

Bee Tent Engagements

Bee and Honey Shows fixed for 1880

British Bee-keepers' Association

British Bee-keepers' Association and County Associations ...

Caledonian Apiarian and Entomological Society. — Sixth
Session

Surrey Bee-keepers' Association, Croydon District

Hertfordshire Bve -keepers' Association. — Annual Meeting

West Kent Bee-keepers' Association

Lecture at Mary kirk

„ Wisbech

The Humble Bee

Floral Gold

Early Drones

Early Drones

Cottagers' Bees

Bees in Scotland

Experience with Hives. — Thick v. Thin Walls

Dry Sugar for Bees

Bees in Cheshire. — Liguriauisiug ... ■

Wintering

Artificial Pollen. — The Journal

Protective Porches

Bees in Wiltshire

Honey Jars

Freak of Bees in Alsace.— Queen Encasement (?)

Profits of Bee-keeping

Echoes from the Hives

Notices to Correspondents and Inquirers

Contributors to Vol. VII

Title and Index to Vol. VII.

British Bee-keepers' Association j Schedule of Prizes.

p LEANINGS IN BEE CULTURE. Edited by
VjT A. I. Root, Medina, Ohio, United States. A Monthly
Publication by one of the most experienced of American
Bee Masters, and one who has contributed in no small
degree to place America in its present advanced position
amongst Bee-keeping nations. Arrangements have been
made by which ' Gleanings ' will be sent in bulk to, and
delivered from this Office, about the middle of each month.
Price 6s. per year, Post free, payable in advance.

Office of British Bee Journal, Southall, London.

DR. PINE'S WOVEN WIRE VEILS

FH0M A PHOTOCRAPH

3 w

w

First Prize for best Bee Dress, at South Kensington, 1879.
Price 2s. Qd. post free. Strips of Wire Cloth, for making
them, Is. 8d. each, post free. Letters to Editor. fo. 15

BEE

DR. PINE'S
KEEPERS' LOTION.

This Lotion will be found to almost instantly remove the
pain of a sting and prevent subsequent inflammation. It is
also a remedy for scalds, burns, and the stings and bites of
other insects besides Bees.

Price Is. 6d. per bottle, or Post-free for Is. 8d.
Agent —
Mr. C. N. ABBOTT, Editor of B. B. Journal,
Fairlawn, Southall. fo. 15

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[April 1, 1880.

OBSERVATORY HIVES.

First Prize, Kensington, and many other places.

ABBOTT BROTHERS, Southall, Middlesex,

IX manufacture all kinds of OBSEBVATOBY HIVES,
simplicity of construction being their forte. Those wishing
for these interesting objects would do well to apply, stating
whether if intended for indoors or to stand in the open.

TJNICOMB HIVES, newest design, of light and elegant
construction, made of solid mahogany, French polished, to
hang against a wall or window, to contain two, three, or four
Frames, at 12s. 6d. per Frame. These are beautiful orna-
ments. Cases for same when desired, fanciful or otherwise,
by arrangement.

ABBOTT BEOTHEES, Southall, Midblesex.

R. STEELE,
FOWLIS BY DUNDEE,

Begs to intimate that he has on hand a large Stock of

HIVES and BEE-KEEPERS' APPLIANCES,

which he will sell at prices that will compare favourably
with the cheapest in the market.

HIVES, EXTEACTOES, SECTIONS, COMB FOUNDA-
TION, and all kinds of American Goods.

Send Stamp or Newsjmper Wrapper for 30 page Illustrated
Catalogue for 1880. fo. 2

1880.

COMB FOUNDATION.

1880.

BEFORE purchasing send me Post Card, with
your Name and Address, for my Price List. Cheapest
in the Trade.

E. M. GEEIG, Pakkhill, near Aberdeen, fo. 27
THE HIVES FOR THE MILLION.

THESE Hives are arranged on the best modern
principles, contain Standard Frames, and are capable
of expansion to over 3000 c. ins. (in the larger)', with the
greatest variety of facilities for storing PUEE SUBPLUS
HONEY, or of reduction to the smallest desirable compass,
with perfect protection against the hardest frosts of winter,
with thorough, but insensible ventilation.

The Hive for the Million, complete 8/0

The Practical Standard 18/6

The Improved Standard 28/0

The Northern Standard 27/6

Boot's Machine Foundation, 3s. 6d. per lb. A reduction

for larger quantities.

Send Two Stamps for Catalogue to

E. W. LISTEB, Oakwood, Kiekbubton, Toekshibe.

fo. 8

TO BEE-KEEPERS.

BEFORE purchasing your Supplies, send Post-
card, with Name and Address, for PEICE LIST, to

JOHN T. KINNEAR,

Importer of all kinds of American Bee Appliances,

who has just to hand SEVEEAL TONS
of the above, direct from some of the most famous Manu-
facturers in the United States, which are all of the best
quality they can produce, and which will be sold very cheap.

The latest Editions of BOOT'S ABC, and COOK'S
MANUAL, 4s. 6d. bound, and 3s. 6d. paper covers, each.

Address John T. Kinneae, West Newport on Tay, and
8 Eeform Street, Dundee. fo. 28

COMB FOUNDATION.

11HREE SHILLINGS and SIXPENCE per lb.
downwards, according to quantity. Special Terms to
Dealers. All Metal HONEY EXTEACTOE, 27s. 6d.
POCKET-BELLOWS SMOKEE, 4s., Post free.
WAX SMELTEE, 2s. 9ri. EXCLUDEE ZINC.
LIGURIAN QUEENS during the Season,
Address WILLIAM EAITT, Blairgowrie, N.B. fo. 16

ENGLISH BAR-FRAME HIVES, Woodbury
size, 10 bars, 8s. each.
ITALIAN BAE-FEAME HIVES, 10 bars, two for 8s.
' Commended for simplicity and cheapness.' —

Alexandra Palace, 1877.

Directions for Management, 3d. each. Post-office Orders
payable at Horncastle.
Isaac Hale, Maker, Lincoln Eoad, Horncastle. fo. 3.

LIGURIAN QUEENS.

JOSEPHINE CHINNI offers to supply QUEENS

(J of Purity and Splendour from her New Establishment,
as follow: — April and May, 8 frs. ; June, 7 frs. ; July, 6 frs. ;
August, 5 frs. ; September, 4 frs.

SWARMS OF BEES, April and May, 18 frs.; and Two
Francs less per month after, to September.

EUSTIC BEE-HIVES, April and May, 12 frs.; June,
20 frs.; July, 18 frs. ; August, 16 frs. ; September, 15 frs.
Free of Carriage to the Bailway Station at Bologna,

Josephine Chinni, Bologna fuora porta Saragossa, N 1442,
Italie. fo. 19

LIGURIAN BEES.

STOCKS and SWARMS of these beautiful and
superior BEES, from the finest strain of Ligurian
Bees to be found in Europe, containing imported Queens
from Switzerland, specially selected.

Also CARE'S IMPROVED HUMANE STANDARD
BAE-FEAME HIVES. Apply to Mr. Cake, Newton Heath
Apiary, near Manchester. fo. 30

SWARMS! SWARMS!!

PRIME FIRST SWARMS booked for Spring
delivery at 19s. 6c/. each. Send Stamp for Catalogue
of ' SUSSEX HIVES.' The best in the market.

Address Alfeed Eusbeidge, Hive Manufactory,

Sidlesham, Chichester. fo. 40

FOR SALE.— Two good STOCKS in nine-frame
Woodbury HIVES. Queens of last year, one home-
bred Ligurian, the other English. Near Manchester. Apply
to Editor. fo. 43

April l, 1880.] ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

PRICE SIXPENCE.

THE GAEDENEE.

A MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE AND FLORICULTURE.
EDITED BY DAVID THOMSON,

Author of ' Handy Book of the Flower-Garden,' ' Fruit Culture under Glass,' &c.
AIDED BY A STAFF OF PRACTICAL GARDENERS.

The April Number contains: —

Early Vegetables: No. IV. — On Hardy Cyclamens. — Stove Plants: No. IV., The Dipladenia. — Improving Potatoes.

— Hints for Amateurs: April. — Notes on Preparing Plants for Winter Blooming. — Notes from the Papers. —

Notes on Greenhouse Plants: Celosia, Pyramidalis, Aurea, and Kubra. — The Orchard House. — Jottings from

New Zealand: A New Zealand Garden. — Flower-Garden Notes. — Exhibition China Asters. — Remarks on

Growing Peas in Fen Soils The Darwinian Theory of the Development of Species. — A Norwegian Ked

Currant. — The Effect of the Frost of December last at Kelso. — The Effects of the Frost in Lincolnshire. —
Prizes for Asparagus. — A Monster Vine. — Scottish Horticultural Association. -The Weather near London. —
The Best Bourardias. — Notices of Books.— Calendar: Kitchen Garden, Forcing Department. — Notices to

Correspondents.

Yearly Subscription, free by Post, 7s. Payable in advance.

WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS, EDINBURGH AND LONDON.

AND BEE-KEEPER'S ADVISER.

The British Bee Journal is published monthly, and
contains the best practical information for the time being,
showing what to do, and when and how to do it.

Subscribers to the Journal are first, second, and third
class. First class are those who subscribe 10s. 6d. per
annum, from any date, who are entitled to immediate re-
plies, per post, to their queries, when a stamped directed
envelope is sent. Second class are those who subscribe 6s.
per annum, and whose queries can only be replied to through
the columns of the Journal ; and Third are Clubs of Cot-
tagers, each consisting of not less than six, to whom the
charge will be 4s. 6d. each Member.
Subscriptions, Correspondence, and Inquiries to be addressed to

C. N. ABBOTT, Bee Master,

School of Apicoltdre, Fairlawn, Southall, London.

THE AMERICAN BEE JOURNAL.

Established in 1861 by the late SAMUEL WAGNEB.
Is published monthly, at Chicago, 111. at 2 dollars a-year.
Its contributors are the best, most experienced, and success-
ful Apiarists in America and Europe. It is the oldest,
largest, best, and most reliable Bee paper in the English

Published by Thomas G. Newman,

972 and 974 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois.

Price, including Postage, 6s. 6d.

All Orders must be accompanied by Cheque or P. 0. Order,

payable to T. G. Newman, as above.

Now Beady.

THE A B C OF BEE CULTURE. By A. I.
Boot, Medina, Ohio, U. S., Editor of ' Gleanings.'
' Invaluable to beginners, and also as a book of reference.'
Price, in paper covers, 4s.; in cloth, 5s., Post free
Abbott Brothers, Southall, London.

riUIE LECTURE.— A few Copies on hand.

1

Price 2«. 2d. post free. Letters to Editor.

Just Published.

HINTS TO BEGINNERS

In the Study and Practice of APICULTURE.

By the Bev. H. M. STALLYBEASS, of Wikksworth.

Price 2J<J. post free, direct from the Author, fo. 30

Bronze Medal awarded for Straw Skejis at the Great
Crystal Palace Show, 1875.

Sixteenth Edition. Price One Shilling.

SEVENTY POUNDS A-YEAR:

HOW I MAKE IT BY MY BEES.

By the late J. W. Pagden.

Also, by the same Author, price Sixpence.

Eaely Artificial Bee- Swarming.

No watching required.

Apply to Mrs. J. W. Pagden, the Chestnuts, Alfriston,
Sussex, by whom the same manufacturers of ' Economical
Bee Furniture ' are employed as formerly. fo. 23.

MANUAL OF THE APIARY,

By A. J. COOK,

Professor of Entomology in the Michigan State Agricultural College.

286 pp. large 12mo. 112 Illustrations.

Published by THOMAS G. NEWMAN & SON, Chicago.

Price, bound in cloth, os.; postage, id.

ABBOTT BEOS., FAIELAWN, SOUTHALL.

LIBRARY NOVELS.

/""\NE, Two, and Three Volume LIBRARY

\ / NOVELS. Too much worn for First-class Library,
but complete and readable. Good chance for Amatei r
Bookbinder. Thirty Volumes for 10s. id. in box, free ou
Bail, List sent on receipt of Stamp. Letters to Editor.

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL. [April 1, 1880.

SUBSCRIBERS' COLUMN.

To meet the wants of Subscribers who require a cheap
mode of advertising their wants, we have opened an
Advertising Column, for non-trading Subscribers only,
wherein they may make their wants or wishes known
at the rate of One Penny for eveiij six words, or part
of six ivords, but no advertisement must contain more
than thirty-six words.

Stamps to accompany in all cases, and there can be no
reduction for repetitions.

F

OB SALE.— Vol. III. of British Bee Journal, complete.
Unbound, 4s. Letters to Editor.

ANGSTEOTH on ' The Hive and Honey Bee.' 9s.
J Free. Letters to the Editor. fo. 101

Q

UINBT on ' The Mysteries of the Bee-hive,' 8s. 6d.
Free. Letters to the Editor. fo. 102

F

OB SALE.— Nos. 2, 3, 4, 8, and 10, of B. B. Journal,
Is. each. Apply to the Editor. fo. 104

VOL. II. B. B. Journal, with Index, minus the No. for
May, 5s. Office of Journal. fo. 105

YOL. II. B. B. Journal, minus May and Aug. Nos., 3s.
Office of Journal. fo. 106

TNDEX, Vol. I. Price 6<2. Apply to Editor. fo. 100

VOL. I. B. B. Journal, very scarce, 30s. Apply to Editor.
fo. 104

SEND Two Stamps for Abbott Bros'. Catalogue. Southall,
Middlesex.

BY PUFF BALL, Is. per packet. F. S. Clutten,
Fressingfield, Harleston, Norfolk. fo. 32

D

T)RIME Swarms of British and Hybrid Bees for Spring
XL delivery, at 18s. 2s. returned if the box be returned.
Address Geo. Beynolds, St. Mary's Street, Eynesbury,
St. Neots.

FOE SALE. — Two Stewarton Hives: one square, four
body-boxes, and one octagon, three body-boxes ; all
complete, with supers, floor-boards, slides, &c. Been once
used. Price, half cost — square, 12s. 6<i. ; octagon, 16s.
Forfarshire. Letters to Editor. fo. 42

SPLENDID cane-worked new straw Hives, flat top,
straight up at sides, lathe-turned centre supering-hole,
thick oak hoop at bottom. A first-class hive. Price, only
3s. 6if. each. Write to Isaiah Gadd, Wokingham, Berks. 1 ,
fo. 14

I HAVE several Straw Hives, little used ; also an American
Bar-framed Hive. Will sell them cheap. Also various-
sized Bell-glass Supers. Isaiah Gaud, Wokingham, Berks.
fo. 14

FOUB good Stocks of Bees in new Straw Hives, flat tops,
price 24s. each. Isaiah Gadd, Wokingham, Berks.

fo. 14

COMB FOUNDATION.— The best American,
as per Abbott's Catalogue. EAITT'S FOUNDATION
at his prices, from Abbott Bros., Fairlawn, Southall, Mid-

PRIME BEES' WAX at Is. dd. per lb., in large
or small quantities. Address Abbott Bros., Fairlawn,
Southall.

SECOND-HAND HIVES, OUTER CASES,
EOOFS, a BEE-HOUSE to hold Two Hives, FLOOR
BOARDS. NEW HIVES and NEW GEAR of all kinds.
Address Abbott Bros., Fairlawn, Southall.

LIGURIAN BEES.

BEAUTIFUL LIGURIAN BEES and Stocks,
headed by imported Queens. Address John Walton,
Honey Cott, Weston, Leamington. fo. 12

ARABIS ALPINUS.— Plants for Spring flower-
ing, Is. 6<Z. per 100 ; free to Railway Station, 10s. per
1000. Address Abbott Beos., Southall, Middlesex.

HONEY JARS.— First Prize at South Ken-
sington. 1 lb., 15s. per gross; 2 lb., 18s. per gross,
direct from the Works at Birmingham. Address Abbott
Bros., Southall, Middlesex.

VEGETABLE PARCHMENT for Covering
Glasses and Jars of Honey, &c, 2s. per lb. Sample
Sheet, id. Prices for larger quotations on application.
Letters to Editor.

BEE-KEEPERS should use the IMPROVED
HAMPSHIRE TUBULAR BEE-FEEDER. It is the
cheapest and most simple. Supplies a steady, continuous
flow of Syrup. Can be applied to any kind of Hive in an
instant. Only needs a hole in cover the size of a quill, and
when once there can be refilled without removal or disturb-
ance to the Bees ; and neither stranger Bees nor Insects can
rob the Syrup, except they go up through the Hive to do so.

OPINIONS OF PURCHASERS.

' A simple and admirable arrangement for conveying syrup into a
hive.'— Hon. Col. Welleslet.

' The most convenient and cheapest feeder ever sent out. You
ought to sell them by hundreds.'— John Saki.l, Esq.

A trial will secure its adoption !
Price 6d. each, 2d. extra postage, to W. Hunt, The
Apiary, South Warnborough, Hants. fo. 20

CUCUMBER PERSUADERS.— By the use of
these Glasses Cucumbers are induced to grow straight,
and to an enormous siz« very quickly.

The young Fruit is placed in the tube, which is 16 inches
long, and the glass bulb-end is luted to it by a clay graft,
and the bulb is partly filled with water. The effect on a
strong healthy plant is extraordinary. Price 21s. a dozen,
direct from the Works, Birmingham. Address Abbott
Bros., Fairlawn, Southall.

American Implements for the Apiary.

GEO. NEIGHBOUR & SONS have the
pleasure to announce that they have received a
large consignment of BEE FURNITURE from Messrs.
T. G. Newman & Son, of Chicago, which is now on view.
The Collection consists of the EXCELSIOR EX-
TRACTORS, BINGHAM & HETHERINGTON'S UNCAP-
PING KNIVES, Improved LANGSTROTH'S HIVES and
SECTIONAL SUPERS, LEWIS' SECTIONS, all in one
piece ; BINGHAM SMOKERS, WIRED WAX FOUNDA-
TIONS, which are not liable to curl in Stock Hives ; THIN
WAX FOUNDATIONS for Supers, SWISS WAX EX-
TRACTOR, and NOVICE'S QUEEN CAGES; also a
renewed supply of ' Cook's Manual of the Apiary,' bound
in cloth, price 5s. ; ' Newman's Bee Culture,' Is. 6<f. ; and
' Honey as Food and Medicine,' 2d. per copy.
An inspection of the above Novelties is respectfully solicited.

PRICE LISTS forwarded on application.
Address GEO. NEIGHBOUR & SONS,

149 Regent Street, and 127 Holbora, Loudon, fo. 28

April 1, 1880.]

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

BRITISH BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION.

INSTITUTED 1874.

PRESIDENT

THE BARONESS BURDETT-COUTTS.

THE ASSOCIATION will hold their SIXTH GREAT EXHIBITION of Bees
and their Produce, Hives, and Bee Furniture, and HONEY FAIR, at the
Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens, South Kensington, in connexion
with the Society's FLOWER SHOW, on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday,
Saturday, July 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, and Monday, August 2, 1880.

RULES AND REGULATIONS.

1. That all persons intending to exhibit shall return
their Entry Forms (on or before Saturday July 17th) to
the Secretary, stating distinctl}' the number of entries to
be made in each class, the space which will be occupied
by the articles exhibited, and the prices at which they
will sell their exhibits.

2. That all articles exhibited in competition must be
bond Jide the property of the Exhibitor. All honey
must have been gathered in the natural way during the
current year. Exhibitors to whom prizes may have been
awarded shall sign a declaration to the above effect (if
required to do so); and should any infringement of this
rule be discovered all awards shall be forfeited, and the
so offending person be disqualified from exhibiting for
three years.

3. That all Exhibitors are required to state on their
Entry Forms the prices at which they will sell their ex-
hibits, otherwise they will be entered in the catalogue
Not for Sale, and so labelled at the Show.

4. A Label will be sent for each entry made, and the
Exhibitor must write his name legibly and distinctly on
the reverse side for the return journey. All Exhibits must
be delivered, carriage paid, at the place of exhibition on
Monday, July 26th. Exceptions : — Exhibits in the classes
for Honey may be delivered by the Exhibitor himself, or
his assistants on the morning of the Show, not later than
ten o'clock.

•5. That all articles exhibited shall be considered as en-
trusted to the care of the Committee from the time they
are delivered at the place of exhibition until the close of the
same, and that no interference shall be allowed with the
exhibits during that time without the special permission
of the Committee, who will take every care of them, but
will not be responsible for any loss or damage that may
occur.

6. That the Judges be appointed by the Committee,
and that their decision be final in all cases.

7. That the Judges shall have the power of withholding
any prize in the case of an exhibit of insufficient merit,
and shall also have the power of awarding an extra or
special prize to any exhibit which they may consider spe-
cially meritorious.

8. That no person other than the Secretary and his
assistants can be allowed, on any pretence whatever, to
be present during the examination of the exhibits by the
Judges, except at the special invitation of the latter.

9. That a Judge shall not be allowed to adjudicate in
any class in which he may be an Exhibitor.

Note. — Exhibitors are requested to read all the Rules
and Regulations carefully, as no Exhibitor will be absolved
from the effects of them on any allegation whatever.

SCHEDULE OF PRIZES.

HIVES and BEES.
All frame hives to be fitted with guides ready for use.
Class. Prizes.

1. For the best Frame Hive, fully stocked
with bees and combs, with sectional
supers in process of filling, sepa-
rators and end glass to be in posi-
tion ; due consideration to be given
to straightness of combs, scarcity
of drone cells in Breeding Hive,
amount of brood and strength of
population, cleanliness of the whole.
The facilities afforded by the hive
for examination when supers are
filling to be taken into considera-
tion. The bees will be located in
the gardens.

1st Prize, silver medal and 40/0
2nd ,, bronze medal and 20/0
3rd ,, certificate and 10/0

*2. For the best stock of Ligurian bees

1st Prize, silver medal.
2nd Prize, bronze medal. 3rd Prize, certificate.

Class. Prizes.

*3. For the best stock of Cyprian

bees 1st Prize, silver medal.

2nd Prize, bronze medal. 3rd Prize, certificate.
*4. For the best stock of other Foreign

bees 1st Prize, silver medal.

2nd Prize, bronze medal. 3rd Prize, certificate.
* The bees to be exhibited living with their Queen in
Observatory hives. All combs to be visible on both
sides. These classes are distinct from Class 5.

5. For the best hive for observation pur-

poses, all combs to be visible on
both sides, to be exhibited stocked
with bees and their Queen. 1st Prize, silver medal.
2nd Prize, bronze medal. 3rd Prize, certificate.

6. For the best moveable comb hive.

This hive must be exhibited in du-
plicate, firstly, for summer use, with
facilities for harvesting honey ;
secondly, with arrangements for

winter use 1st Prize, silver medal

2nd ,, bronze medal
3rd ,. certificate

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

[April 1, 1880.

SCHEDULE OF PRIZES-Continued.

Class. Prizes.

7. For the best frame hive of a substan-

tial character for general use in an
apiary. Price not to exceed 15/0.

1st Prize, silver medal.
2nd Prize, bronze medal. 3rd Prize, certificate.

8. For the most economical (best and

cheapest) hive, on the moveable
comb principle, for Cottagers,
with arrangements for summer and
winter use. Price not to exceed

10/6 1st Prize, silver medal.

2nd Prize, bronze medal. 3rd Prize, certificate.

9. For the best straw hive for depriving

purposes, cost to be taken into
consideration. Price not to ex-
ceed 5/0 Bronze medal.

Note. — Duplicate hives may be exhibited for the pur-
pose of explanation, without any entrance-fee being
charged. In Classes 7, 8, and 9, the Judges shall
exercise their discretion as to whether the Hives can
be made and sold with a reasonable profit at the prices
stated.

SUPERS.

10. For the cheapest, neatest, and best

supers for harvesting honey in the
comb in a saleable form ... 1st Prize, silver medal.
2nd Prize, bronze medal. 3rd Prize, certificate.

HONEY.

Quality to be taken into Consideration.

11. For the best exhibition of super honey

from one apiary 40/0 20/0 10/0

12. For the best super of honey . The super

to be of wood, straw, or of wood in
combination with glass or straw.

Five Prizes— 20/0 15/0 12/6 7/6 5/0

13. For the best glass super of honey.

Five Prizes— 20/0 15/0 12/6 7/6 5/0

14. For the best exhibition of comb

honey in sections, each not more
than 3 lbs. in weight, the total
weight of each entry not to be less
than 20 lbs 30/0 20/0 15/0 10/0 5/0

15. For the best 10 sections of comb

honey, each section weighing not

more than 3 lbs 20/0 10/0 5/0

16. For any fanciful device in comb honey

worked by bees 1st Prize, 15/0

2nd „ 10/0

17. For the largest and best exhibition of

run or extracted honey in glasses,

not to exceed 2 lbs. each ... 30/0 20/0 12/6 7/6

18. For the best sample of comb founda-

tion (worker cells) made of pure
bees1 wax, not less than 10 lbs. in
weight, manufactured in the United
Kingdom, with price per pound

attached Silver medal

In Class 14, aggregate weight not to be taken into con-
sideration.

COTTAGERS' CLASSES (No Entrance Fee).

19. For the largest and best exhibition of

comb honey, the property of one
exhibitor, and gathered by his own
bees —

Special Prizes — 1st Prize, 20/0 and hive.

2nd ,, 10/0 and hive.

3rd ,, 5/0 and certificate.

20. For the best super of honey ... 20/0 15/0 10/0 5/0

21. For the largest and best exhibition

of comb-honey in sections, each
section not to exceed 3 lbs. in
weight 20/0 16/0 |0/0 3/0

Class. Prizes.

22. For the best exhibition of run or ex-

tracted honey in small glass jars,
not to exceed 2 lbs. each. Total
weight of each entry not to be less

than 10 lbs 20/0 15/0 10/0 5/0

Classes 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, are
open to British Exhibitors only, and the Honey
exhibited in these Classes must be bona fide the
produce of 1880, and gathered in the natural way by
the Exhibitor's own bees, in the United Kingdom.

FOREIGN AND COLONIAL CLASSES.

23. For the largest and best exhibit of

honey in the comb, either in sec-
tional or other supers, the total
weight of each entry to be not less
than 12 lbs 40/0 30/0 20/0

24. For the best exhibition of run or ex-

tracted honey in glass jars, not to

exceed 2 lbs. each 20/0 15/0 10/0

25. For the best sample of comb founda-

tion (worker cells) made of pure
bees' wax, not less than 10 lbs. in
weight, with price per pound at-
tached Silver medal

Classes 23, 24, and 25 are open to Foreign and Colonial
Exhibitors only.

COMESTIBLES.

26. For the best mead or metheglin made

from honey, with recipe attached

1st Prize, bronze medal
2nd ,, certificate

MISCELLANEOUS.

27. For the best and largest collection of

hives, bee-furniture, most applic-
able to modern Bee-keeping, no two
articles to be alike 1st Prize, silver medal

2nd ,, bronze medal
3rd „ certificate

28. For the best honey extractor — 1st Prize, silver medal

2nd ,, bronze medal
3rd „ certificate

29. For the finest sample of pure bees'

wax, not less than 3 lbs. in weight
produced by the Exhibitor's own
bees 10/0 7/6 5/0 2/6

30. For any invention calculated in the

opinion of the Judges to advance
the culture of bees — ■
Silver or bronze medal, at the discretion of the Judges.

31. For the best microscopic slides illus-

trating the natural hiBtory of the

honey bee Silver medal

32. For the best and largest display of

British Bee Flora in a dried state
or otherwise, each plant or speci-
men must have a card attached
stating time of flowering, duration
of bloom, and any other particulars
calculated to be of interest to bee-
keepers 1st Prize, silver medal

2nd ,, bronze medal
3rd „ certificate

33. For the best and cheapest pair of

honey jars, with covers and fasten-
ings complete, to contain 1 lb. and

21b. each of extracted lionet 1st Prize, 10/0

2nd „ 7/8
3rd „ 5/0

April 1, 1880.

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

SCHEDULE OF PRIZES-Contincld.

Prizes.

Bronze Medal

Class.

34. For the best set of diagrams illustra-

ting the honey bee

35. A separate Class will be open for the exhibition of hives

and apiarian appliances at present used in other
countries, as well as any utensils, obsolete or curious,
which are likely to prove attractive and interesting to
Bee-keepers. No entrance fee will be required in this
Class, and gentlemen in a position to send such ob-
jects of interest, will oblige by communicating with
the Honorary Secretary as early as possible.

36. HONEY FAIR. — A distinct counter will be appropriated

to the exhibition and sale of honey in the comb and
in glass|jars, bees' wax, and small apiarian appliances,
and in this department goods may be purchased and
delivered at all times during the show. Every exhibit
at this counter must have distinctly marked upon it
the price, which must include the package that con-
tains it. The Association will provide a salesman,
but will not undertake to break bulk. Invoices of the
weights and prices of each consignment must be
forwarded to the Secretary previous to the goods
being placed^upon the counter for sale, unless such
Invoice has been received the Association will not be
responsible for them.

Class. Prizes.

37. Driving Competition. — For the com-
petitor, who shall in the neatest,
quickest, and most complete man-
ner, drive out the bees from a straw
skep, capture and exhibit the queen

1st Prize, silver medal and 20/0
2nd „ bronze medal and 10/0
3rd „ certificate and 5/0
Each competitor shall bring his own bees in the straw
skep in which they have worked and bred. The system
of open driving shall be adopted ; the receiving hive to be
inclined at such an angle as shall permit the passage of the
bees to be viewed by the spectators. The driving shall be
considered complete notwithstanding a few straggling bees
may be left in the hive, but total removal should be aimed
at. No combs shall be wilfully removed, nor broken. The
queen must be captured and confined in a glass-covered
cage (to be provided by the Association) and handed to the
Judges for their inspection. No veils or gloves to be worn.
Any dispute, or difference of opinion, shall be referred to
the Judges present, whose decision shall be final. The bees
may be returned to their hives, and removed or sold at their
owner's pleasure. No commission will be charged on bees
so sold. The competitors must be ready to commence the
competition at 2 o'clock.

The Classes for Hives, Supers, Bees, and Comestibles, together with the Miscellaneous Class, the Honey Fair, and
the Driving Competition, are open to Foreigners or Residents in the English Colonies, as well as to dwellers in the
United Kingdom.

Advertisements will he inserted in the Catalogue of the South Kensington Show, July 27 to August 2, at the rates
of — Whole page, 1/. Is. ; Half page, 12s. 6d. ; Quarter page, 7s. 6d. Persons desirous of Advertising in the same are
requested to communicate with the Secretary as early as possible.

One Penny in the Shilling will he charged as commission on all orders taken, and Sales effected in the various
Classes throughout the Show. All Sales (with the exception of those in the Honey Fair) must he effected at the
Secretary's Office, where all orders for Hives and other articles exhibited in the various classes must also he registered.
All Honey remaining unsold at the close of the Show will he sold by auction to the highest bidder if the Exhibitor
give his written consent to such an arrangement when he returns his Entry Form to the Secretary.

A Ticket for Free Admission to the Show for three days will be forwarded to each Exhibitor, and to all Members
of the Association who have paid their Subscriptions for the current year.

Donations in aid of the Prize Fund for the South Kensington Show, and for the Prizes offered by the
Association for Bees, Hives, and Honey at the Dairy Show, to be held at the Agricultural Hall, Islington,
October 26th and following days, will be thankfully received by the Hon. Secretary.

HEEBEET E. PEEL, Hon. Sec.

|kttrsb fkc-heenn's' ^ssoriation.

EXPERTS WANTED to accompany the Bee
Tent to Horticultural and other Shows, conduct
Manipulations, and give short and practical Lectures on
the best Methods of Bee Management, Terms : 10s. &d.
per day, and Third Class Railway fare. Allowance made
for necessary expenses.

DEVON AND EXETEE ASSOCIATION.

FIXTURES FOR LECTURES.

Mr. F. R. CHESHIRE.

April 12. Museum, Exeter, in connexion with the General

Meeting of the Association.

April 13. Exeter. April 1.3. Torquay.

„ 14. Tiverton. „ 16. Plymouth.

Full particulars of

W. N. GRIFFIN, Rock House, Ai.phington, Exeter.

SELLING OFF. — A number of Bar-frame
HIVES, Supers, Feeders, two ' Slingers,' Fumigators,
&c. Address C. Lyon, Oakleigh, Sunninghill. fo. 42

THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL.

WE have some hundreds of Surplus Numbers of
the Journal, of various dates, yet not complete as
Sets, and shall be glad to send out any number of them, for
distribution amongst Cottagers and intending Bee-keepers,
at 2s. per dozen, post free. Every number contains valuable
information, and their perusal may cause many to adopt
the better system of Bee-keeping. They will never be out
of date because they contain the truth.

Office : Fairlawn, Southall, London.

THE GREAT HAMPSHIRE BEE FARM,
near Stockbridge : Its Principles and Method of
Working. Also,

THE BEE-KEEPER'S ALMANAC, which contains
Prognostications of Weather expected, and What to Do in
Bee Management. By P. E. Martin, Master Mariner, Bee
Master, Proprietor and Manager of the Bee Farm, Inventor
of the ' Sailors' Bee- Hive,' now the ' Standard ' Bar- frame
Hive for the United Kingdom. Price 6d. each, per post Id.
Choice Honey, in 5 lb. Tins, sent, Railway carriage paid
as far as S. W. R. Co. have through rates, on receipt of
P.O.O. for 6s. &d, payable at Stockbridge.

STOCKS AND SWARMS.
Illustrated Price List Post Free, fo.17.

ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL. [April 1, 1880.

ABBOTT

BROTHERS,

SCHOOL OF APICULTURE,

FAIRLAWN, SOUTHALL, LONDON,

INVENTORS and MANUFACTURERS of BAR-FRAME HIYES

AND APISTICAL NECESSARIES.

Importers antr §rectrers ai *§x%nx%KU ^ns.
AMERICAN FLAT-BOTTOMED COMB FOUNDATION.

Messrs. ABBOTT BROS., Fairlawn, Southall, London, nave been
appointed Sole Agents in the United Kingdom for the ' VAN DEUSEN
NELLIS IMPROVED COMB FOUNDATION.'

THE PATENT FLAT- BOTTOMED COMB FOUNDATION, with or without
Wire, is one of the greatest and most successful Novelties ever introduced into the Apiary, entirely superseding the
ordinary fragile material. That with Wire running through it, for Stock Hives, cannot stretch; Frames may be
filled with it with safety. That without Wire is very light, and in Supers, Sections, &c. does not form a back-bone
in the honey-comb raised upon it.

Prices of either kind:— 1 to 5 lb., 3s. 4d.; 5 to 10 lb., 3s. 3d.; 10 to 25 lb., 3s. 2d, ; 25 to 50 lb., 3s.; 50 to 100
lb., 2s. 9d. per lb. If cut to sizes, Qd. per lb. extra must be charged.

Messrs. ABBOTT BROS, have to apologize for their inability to advertise Prices of other Goods which were
supposed to have been forwarded, but have not yet come to hand.

There are a few each of the NELLIS VAN DEUSEN SIMPLICITY, the HALF-STORY ditto, and the
LANGSTROTH SIMPLICITY HIVES. They arrived in pieces, and to the uninitiated would be puzzling; but
they will be put together and sold as Patterns to those who desire to have them.

ABBOTT BROS, have ordered large Consignments of PRIZE BOXES, SECTIONS, See., which they hope to
Catalogue at low prices in full time for the coming campaign.

The First Prize EVERETT HONEY' EXTRACTOR, exhibited at the Kilburn and Kensington Shows, 1870,
for Sale, price £4 10s. A very great bargain. The only one in England.

The BLNGHAM HETHERINGTON SMOKER, the best thing of the kind known in America. Prices:—
Sizes, If inch, 4s. 6d.; 2 inch, 6s. 6d.; 2| inch, 7s. 6d.

ABBOTT Bros., Fairlawn, Southall, London.

Send Two Stamps for Illustrated Catalogue of Hives and Bee Furniture.

London : Printed by Stkangewats & Sons, at their Printing Office, Tower Street, Upper St. Martin's Lane, in the Parish of St. Giles's-in-the-Fields,
m the County of Middlesex ; and Published for the Proprietor by Keht & Co., 23 Paternoster Row, in the same comity.— Mar. 31, 1880.