1 1 m& 1 ^ ®i|e ^. ^. ^m pbrarg 5F5£5 O^ "illflii.iii.Tpiiiiiig LTION. ^ >^^''-'^ a:i.jdliii,ailllk, .-^.^A,.,*^*,^,^ .iiltafc,.A«l,, ^^ >-■■, AKEN FI brary. I urn At Onu« S00707135 N Date Due JuUSn^l ii'm i Fe47X UHBL 2^1 JIJN2 ^i^Hr 12Jiin'5| mL 4^W9- f !i1^ iViAY -^ JJAtM 1Q79 iri97^ 6 \995 ^. € 7 a Uv^JLO ^^^!?tl Digitized by tine Internet Arciiive in 2009 with funding from NCSU Libraries littp://www.arcliive.org/details/quinbysnewbeekeeOOquin QUINBY'S NE^v Bee-Keeping. The Mysteries of Bee-Keeping Explained. COMBrSING THE RESULTS OF FIFTY TEARS EXPERIENCE, WITH THE LATEST PISCOVERIES AND ISTESTIOSS, A>"D PRESENTING THE MOST APPROVED METHODS, FORKING A COMPLETE GUIDE TO STJOCESSFUL BEE-CULTURE. BY L. C. ROOT, PBACTICAI, APIABIAX. WITH 100 ILLlSTRATIO\S. A\D A PORTBAIT OF 31. QIIXBY. K£W AND REVISED EDITION. NEW YORK: ORANGE JUDD COMPANY, 1891. Entered, according to Act of Congress, 5a the year im, by the ORANGE JUDB COMPANi', lu the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. CONTENTS, PREFACE IX- XI MEMORIAL OF M. QUINBY XIII INTRODUCTION 17 Bee Keeping ; The Old and tub New H CHAPTER I.— Thb Hone^-Bke. Simple Facts in Its Natural History— The Queen— Workers— Drones— Construction of Comb— Gathering and Storing Pollen— Gathering and Storing Honey— Propolis and Its Use — Brood Rearing - When it Begins— Form of the Brood-nest— Process of Egg-laying— Prep- . arations for Swarming — Facts and Theories Concerning Generation — I ertile Workers 23-39 CHAPTER n.— Italian Bees. Italian or Ligurian Bees— First Introduced into America— Characteristics —How to Procure Italians -Color not an Absolute Test of Purity- Other Viirieties 3n«y ioxw — Section Frames Objectionable— Two-comb Boxes— Block for Setting up Boxes— Siugle-comb, or Section Boxes —Construction of Section Box— Guide Combs— Separalors-Tlic Clamp 95-185 CHAPTER VII.— Transferring. Advantages— Time to Transfer— Preliminaries— Process 133-139 CHAPTER VIII.— Queens. Importance of Selecting Good Stock— Fertilization in Confinement— Bearing Queens: When to Hear- How to Rear Queens— Another Method— Forming Nuclei— Queen Nursery— Queen Cages— Introduc- ing Queens— Clipping Queens' Wings— Process— How to Handle a Queen- Age of Queens— DroncL lying Queens— Loss of Queens- Indications of Loss— More than one Queen in a Hive 129-158 CHAPTER IX.- Natural and Artificial Increase. JVoles. and pears, and sometimes grapes." They then asked if they might see him. Generally, sickness, as a warning for preparation, pre- cedes dissolution, but in the case of our friend, at the small hours of night, when reposing in quiet slumber, the message came. His wife noticed an unusual breath- ing— she immediately called the family, but before they reached the bed, he had answered the summons. A nol)le spirit had lied back to its Maker, a loving family circle was broken, and the earthly life of the Pioneer Bee-keeper closed. Thus, at the age of sixty-five, ended the life-work of our counsellor, friend, and public benefactor. How fit- ting that a life so pure should have so peaceful an end- ing. He passed from earth — '* Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams." INTRODUCTION. BEE-KEEPING: THE OLD AND THE NEW. Fifty years ago, Mr. Quinby, then a lad of nineteen, procured his first hive of bees, and began bee-keeping. He was wholly unaccpiainted with their management, save with the simplest directions for hiving swarms, and the use of brimstone for securing the honey, when desired. A practical, instructive treatise on bee-culture was not to be found, and a periodical devoted to the subject was as yet unthought of. The prevailing ignorance of the simplest facts in their natural history, with the conse- quent inability to rationally explain the causes of pros- perity or failure, was the foundation of a wide-spread be- : lief that " luck" was the presiding genius of the bee-hive. Signs and superstitions of all kinds were current in the lack of more intelligent teachings, and the good old man who warned Mr. Quinby against his habits of study and examination into everything in and about a bee-hive, but reflected popular opinion, when he said : *' Your bees will never do anything if you potter with them so much." In those days, the only hives were sections of hollow logs, boxes of various dimensions, and curious cones built of straw, which certainly attested to the ingenuity, if not to the progress of the age. If honey was wanted, recourse wa3 had to the brimstone pit, and the unhappy bees were doomed to yieid up not only their diligentl}' gathered treasures, but their lives also ; a sacrifice to ignorance, not without parellel in the history of the human rase. By and by, gleams of better methods began to dawn, and the most enterprising saw ghmmers of a more ra- tional system oi treatment, which should secure the pro- ducts without the destruction oi the producers. 17 18 BEE-KEEPING : THE OLD AND THE NEW. Rough, nncoutli, Avoodou boxes Averc constructed and placed upon the hiAe, and the ])ees had access to them through holes ])ored in the top. These Avere succeeded by others more neatly made, Avitli a hole in each end, covered Avith glass that the progress Avithin might be inspected. Thus, the lirst steps in the right direction being taken, it Avas easy to devise boxes Avith glass ddes ; and tAA'enty- tive years ago, Ave find Mr. Quinby recommending boxes six inches square, Avith glass on all four sides, Avith the remark that, '"■ the expense of making is a little more for the same amount of honey, jet, Avhen it is marketed, a few (Customers Avill prefer this size." Up to that date, the chief advance in practice, seems to have been in the better adaptation of the box-hive to the production of surplus. Mr. Quinby's desire to understand the minutest details of everything Avhich came under his observation, led him to become thoroughly familiar Avith tlie habits of his little favorites ; and, unaided by the discoveries of foreign Avriters with Avhich he Avas then Avholly unacquainted, he demonstrated for himself many of the facts and princi- ples Avhich the progi-ess of to-day easily enables us to verify. At the end of a quarter of a century, he had so satisfac- torily established a system of bee-keeping that Avould in- sure reasonable return for a stated investment, that he felt Avarranted in publishing the first edition of this A\'ork en- titled "Mysteries of Bee-keeping Explained." He hoped thereby to benefit others by disseminating the knoAvledge he had acquired, and to encourage an industry, evidently designed by the Creator, Avhen he caused uncounted flow- ers to annually secrete tons of liquid honey, and created a tiny insect with instinct to gather and preserve this '' treasure-troA-e." Simultaneously with this publication, appeared the first edition of ''Langstroth on the Hive and Honey Bee." These two Avorks were the first of any great value that had been Avritten in America. BEE-KEEPING : THE OLD AXD THE XEW. 19 Their coincident appearance was always a great grati- fication to Mr. Quinby, as it afforded no opportunity for either to accuse the other ot profiting by his investiga- tions; and gave to both the honor of much original dis- covery. * These books were subsequently revised, Mr. Laug- stroth's in 1859, and Mr. Quinby's in 1865. About this time, the "Bee-keeper's Directory" by J. S. Harbison, appeared. Mr. Harbison was the pioneer bee-keeper of California, and has done much to develoji bee-culture in that State. Mr. Langstroth's book marked an era in bee-culture ; the invention of movable combs, therein elucidated, open- ing a field which all enterprising apiarians feel to be almost unlimited. A more accurate knowledge of the functions, and habits of the bee, improved methods of obtaining sur- plus, control of the interior economy of the hive, and many other advantages were derived from this invention. From this period, progress began to be more rapid, and with each progressive step the facilities for improve- ment were proportionally increased. The next great discovery, that liquid honey might be removed from the combs without injuring them, gave to bee-keeping a still greater impetus. The last ten years have given us Mr. Quinby's discov- ery concerning the dry faeces of the bee, and his invention of the Bellows Smoker. The latest feature that has marked our progress, is the production of comb-foundation in a practical form. Let us notice for a moment what these changes have done for us in point of production alone. *As an expression oi Mr. Lanarstroth's r.ppreciation of Mr. Quinby's work. I give the following, from his writinge; "I shall here qnote from on-? of tlie most common sense works on practical bec-keepinsr. « hich has ever h(^cn written in our lani^uage. * * * i refer to the 'Mysteries,' etc.. by Mr. Q: inby. This treatise bears marks, on almost every page, of being the work of an accurate, experienced, and thoroughly honest observer."' 20 BEE-KEEPIXG : THE OLD AND THE NEW. I find ia an article written by Mr. Quinby, in 1848, for the "Dollar Newspaper," published in Philadelphia, that he takes decided exception to a statement made by another writer, to the effect that he had known 25 lbs. of honey to be gathered by one colony in two weeks. Mr. Qainby lived to see 57'/, lbs. of extracted honey taken from one colony in two days, and 586 lbs. from a stock during the season. Ee also records a gain of 225 lbs. of box-honey from one colony. That these results are exceptional, is, of course, ad- mitted, but that they have been reached, indicates the possibilities to which we may yet attain. A short time before his death, Mr. Quinby remarked that the past five years had shown more progress than the forty years preceding, and he predicted that the five years to com3 would record even greater advancement. Who shall say that in this he was not correct ? Contemporaneously with these practical achievements, Americans have established a bee-literature which has been a potent agent in disseminating information, and in greatly increasing the number of those engaged in the pursuit. It would be interesting to be able to furnish correct statistics of bee-culture in the United States. Tl^e lists of names in the possession of those Avho deal largely in bee-keeping supplies, prove that the bee-keepers in this country must be counted by thousands, and the large sales of popular works on the subject arc evidence of a constantly growing interest. The oldest "Bee Journal" in this country v.'as founded in 18G1, by Samuel Wagner. Aside from his ability as a scholarly and practical editor, Mr. Wagner has done apiarians great service through liis acquaintance with the best German bee- masters, and his frequent translations from their wriiings, thus forming a link between the scientists of that country BEE-KEEPING : THE OLD AXD THE NEW. 21 and the progressive minds of our own. Mr. Quinby much admired Mr. Wagner, and was Avont to speak of his services in this direction with marked appreciation. This ** American Bee Journal" is now published by Thos. G. Newman, Chicago, Ills., and is the only weekly devoted to this pursuit in this country. It is sustained by an able corps of contributors. *' Gleanings in Bee-Culture," published by A. I. Eoot, Medina, Ohio, is a semi-monthly periodical, well worthy of the patronage of every enterprising bee-keeper. *' The Bee-keeper's Magazine " is an outcome of '^The Bee-keepei''s Journal and National Agriculturist," for- merly published by H. A. King & Co., and sustains its position creditably among the bee-keepers of the country. It is published by King & Aspinwall, New York City. " The Bee-keeper's Guide " is published monthly at Kendallville, Ind., by A. G. Hill. It improves each year. "Kansas Bee-keeper," Scovell & Pond, Columbus, Kansas. This has improved greatly since its first appear- ance, and now having Mr. Pond as associate editor, it will lose nothing in value or reputation. "We have long felt the need of a bee journal edited by a practical bee-keeper wdio would, in the broadest sense, publish it in the interest of scientific and practical apiculture ; one that was in no way connected with a supply trade, and consequently free to speak of every- thing used by bee-keepers as the merits demand. We have had no such journal until the appearance of the "American Apiculturist " in May, 1883, edited and published by S. M. Locke, Salem, Mass. This has more than met the expectations of its friends, and is improving with every numbar. In many of its features it suits me better than any other journal published in the English language. This continued growth will enable it to become instrumental in elevating this branch of agriculture to a much, higher plane than it has ever before occupied. 23 BEE-KEEPIXG : THE OLD AXD THE NEW. Of modern books we liave yet ^'Langstroth on the Honey Bee," a work which Avill never be out of date to those who delight to read of the honey-bee as a Christian gentleman and scholar has delighted to write. Aside from its practical value, which twenty years have failed to greatly depreciate, its perusal will impress all with a more elevated sense of the Avisdom which gave this tiny insect a place in the system of creation. A recent contribution is the " Manual of the Apiary," by Prof. A. J. Cook, of the State Agricultural College, Lansing, Mich. Prof. Cook U an entomologist, and has opened a field in bee-culture, hitherto comparatively un- explored, in his clear and simple elucidations of the nat- ural history of the honey-bee. The ''Xew Bee-keeper's Text Book," by A. J. King, is a revision of the old edition, written by N. H. and H. A. King. It is small, compact, and valuable. "Bee-keeper's Handy Book," by H. Alley, AVenham, Mass. This was published in 1883. It treats largely upon Queen Rearing, in which branch of bee-keeping its author has had twenty-five years' experience. He is one of the best informed bee-keepers in this special direction, and his book should be read by every bee-keeper. I have recently received a prospectus of a new work called a ''Dictionary of Practical Apiculture" by Prof. Thin. I believe that the work will be reliable and of extreme interest, as it treats of a department in bee- culture which has not received mucli attention. I must not fail to recognize the aid we have received from foreign writers in their books and periodicals. There are probably no finer, highiy-magnified illustra- tions of the honey-bee, than those found in the " Anatomy and Physiology of the Honey-Bee," by Michel Girdwoyn, published by J. Rothschild, Paris, France. Mr. Quinby's characteristic benevolence caused him to feel a genuine anxiety that bee-keeping should become a THE HONEY-BEE. 23 generally followed pursuit, and those who were familiar with his line of thought, will remember the enthusiasm with which he always encouraged its adoption as a means of increasing the revenues of the country, and at the same time, saying a product that was annually going to waste. • If this work shall, in any degree, carry out his wishes in performing this offic3, I shall feel amply repaid for the embarrassments under which I have labored, not only in the consciousness of having fulfilled a duty to him to whom I have been under so many obligations, but in the gratification of having, ever so slightly, advanced a call- ing that is not only honorable and lucrative, but elevat- ing and ennobling. CHAPTER I. THE HONEY-BEE. SIMPLE FACTS IX ITS XATUBAL HISTORY. In its natural state, a colony of bees consists of a queen, several thousand workers and. during a part of the year, a few hundred dror.es. THE QUEEN. The Queen is the mother of the entire colony. Her only duty seems to be to lay eggs, of which she sometimes deposits two thousand in twenty-four hours. In shape (fig. 1), she resembles the worker more than the drone, but is longer than either, and, like the worker, possesses a sting, but seldom uses it. except in combat with a rival queen. Her color upon the upper side is darker than that of the others ; the two posterior legs and under-side are of a bright copper color. In some queens a yellow 24 THE HONEY-BEE. stripe nearly encircles the abdomen at the joints. All the colors are bright and giossy, and she has but little of the down or hair that is seen on the drones and workers. Different queens vary much in color, some being much darker than others. A still greater variation is presented in the Italian queens, mo it of which are of a rich golden color, while a few are even darker than the usual shade of the natives. For the first few days after leaving her cell, her size is much less than after she has assumed her maternal duties. The average age attained by the queen, is about three years. The idea that she gov- erns the colony, and directs all their opera- tions, is probably totally erroneous. They manifest a certain regard and affection for her, however, and a half dozen may often be seen gathered around her, as shown in Fie:. i.- dantly prove. 28 THE HONEY BEE. flowers, and pass rapidly over the anthers, the pollen- bearing portion of the stamens, detaching a portion of the dust, whicli lodges on most parts of them, and is brushed together and packed in little pellets in the curi- ous "pollen-baskets" on their posterior legs. This process is much more readily observed, when the bees are collecting rye-meal, which is sometimes given them as a substitute for pollen. That they gather pollen from but one kind of flower at once, is shown by the uniformity of color in the pellets, pollen from different species, varying greatly in color. It is usually packed in worker-cells, and is generally in the vicinity of the brood- combs, but small portions being often found in other parts of the hive. It is easy to observe the bees depositing their loads of pollen. The legs holding the pellets are thrust into the cell, and a motion as if rubbing them together is made for half a minute, when they are withdrawn, and the little loaves may be seen at the bottom. This bee appears to take no further care about them, but another will soon come along, enter the cell head first, and pack the pollen close. The cell is filled about two-thirds of its length in this way, and when scaled over, a little honey is used to fill it out. This is undoubtedly done to keep it fresh. The collected pollen is known as "bee-bread." GATHERING AND STORING HONEY. The bee gathers honey from the flowers, but does not make it, as is frequently supposed. It is taken into the honey-sac or stomach, and on the return to the hive, is expelled for storage in the cells. The process of filling cells Avith honey is curious and instructive. It may be observed by quietly removing the side of a modern hive, when the bees are at work on the outside comb, or l)y arranging a window in a hive, covered with a door or slide. THE HONEY-BEE. 29 The bee goes to the bottom of the cell, deposits a particle of honey, and brashes it into the corners or angles with its tongue, carefully excluding all the air. As it is filled, that nearest the sides of the cells is kept in advance of the center. This is Just as a philosopher would say it should be done. If the cell were filled at once, without attaching the honey to the sides, the external air would not keep it in place, as it now does effectually, Avhen the cell is of ordinary length. When the cell is about one-fourth of an inch deep, bees often commence filling it, and as it is lengthened, they continue to add honey, keeping it within an eighth of an inch of the ends. It is never quite full, until nearly sealed over, and often not then. In worker cells the sealing seldom touches the honey.* But in drone cells the case is different ; in these, honey at the end touches the sealing about half way up. It is kept in the same concave shape while being filled, but being in a larger cell; the atmospheric pressure is less effectual in keeping it in its place ; consequently, Avhen they commence sealing these cells, they begin on the lower side, and finisli at' the top. PEOPOLJS AND ITS USE. Propolis is doubtless the gum or resinous coating which protects the buds of many kinds of trees. It may be found in many species of Populus, particu- larly the Balsam Poplar, [Populus halsamifera), and the variety [candicans) , known as the Balm of Gilead. I have seen the bees collecting it. and have frequently seen them enter the hive with what appeared to be the pure article on their legs, resembling pollen, except that the surface is smooth and glossy. It is of a much lighter color when new, than it is after it gets a little age. I have seen bees when they appeared unable to dislodge the pro- • This is true only of the native bees. 30 THE HONEY-BEE. polis themselves, and were continually running around among those engaged in using it in tlie hive. When one required a little, it seized the pellet with its forceps, and detached a portion. The whole lump will not cleave off at once, but firmly adheres to the leg, and from its tenacity, a string an inch long, will some- times be formed in separating. This substance is used to solder up all the cracks, flaws, and irregularities about the hive. A coat is spread over the inside throughout, and when the hive is full, and many bees cluster outside the latter part of summer, they also spread a coating there. A layer seems to be annually applied, as old hives are coated with a thickness proportionate to their age, provided they have been occupied by a strong family. In August they use a hundred-fold more propolis than at any time before. Boxes filled iiv June contain but very little, sometimes none ; but when filled in August, the corners, and sometimes the top and sides are well lined. Cracks, large enough for the bees to pass through, are sometimes completely filled with it. BROOD-REABIIfG. — ^WHEN IT BEGINS. The period at which the queen commences depositing her eggs, depends upon the strength of the colony, and the amount of honey on hand. If these conditions are favorable, breeding will take place, to a certain extent, during the winter months, but is not carried on largely until warm weather approaches, and honey is gathered freely. FORM OF THE BROOD-lirEST. The first eggs are deposited in that part of the comb which is in the center of the cluster of bees and is tlie warmest part of the hive. A small space is occupied at first, and the cells opposite, in the same comb, are used next. THE HONEY-BEE. 31 If there is sufficient warmth in the hive, produced either by warm weather or generated by the bees, the queen will fill a spot on the adjoining combs corresponding with the first, but not quite so large. The cii'cle of eggs in the first comb is then enlarged, and more added to ti\c next, and so on, continuing to spread, and keeping the dis- tance from the center to the outside of the space occu- pied by eggs about equally on all sides, until they occupy the entire surface of the comb. Long before the outer edge is occupied, the first eggs deposited are matured, and the queen returns to the center, and uses these cells again, but she is not as particular this time to fill so many in exact order as at first, though with the Italian queens, the brood is always very compact. The rapidity Avith which this brood-nest is extended, depends upon the supply of food that is being collected, the strength of the colony, and their ability to properly protect and care for the maturing brood. PEOCESS OF EGG-LAYING. It is yery interesting to watch the queen in this operation. I have frequently lifted out a comb on which an Italian queen was engaged in laying, Avithout inter- rupting her in the least. The light has no immediate effect upon her, as she will quietly continue about her duty, not the least embarrassed by curious eyes. Before depositing an egg, she enters the cell head first, probably to ascertain if it is in proper condition, as a cell partly filled with pollen or honey, is never used. When it is fit to receive the egg, on withdrawing her head, she immediately curves her abdomen and inserts it. After a few seconds she leaves the cell, when an egg may be seen attached by one end to the bottom. It is about one-sixteenth of an inch in length, slightly curved, very small, nearly uniform the whole length, abruptly rounded 32 TUE HUXEY-REE. EGG9 AND LAKT.E. at the ends, semi-transparent, and covered witli a very thin and delicate coat, which will often break at the slightest touch. WHEK THE EGGS HATCH. After the egg has been in the cell aljoiit three days, a small white worm may be se?n coiled in the bottom, sur- rounded l)y a milk-like sub- stance, which, without doubt, is its food. How this food is prepared, is mere conjecture. The supposition is, that it is chiefly composed of pollen ; this is strongly indicated by the quantity which accumu' lates in hives that lose their queen and rear no brood — that is, when a requisite number of workers is left. The workers may be seen entering the cell every few minutes, probably to supply this food. "When the comb is new and white, these operations can be seen more distinctly than when it is old and dark. (Fig. 6.) In about six days after the worm hatches, it is sealed over with a convex waxen lid. It is now hidden from our sight for about twelve days, when it bites off the cover, and comes forth a perfect bee. A very thin silken cocoon remains, which has been spun by the larva. Old combs are sometimes thought to be objectionable, from the accumulation of these cocoons, thereby reducing the cells in size, and diminishing the size of the bees reared in them ; but the extreme thinness of the Iming deprives tliis objection of force. The period from the egg to the perfect bee, varies from twenty to twenty-four days, aver- aging about twenty-one for workers, and twenty-four for drones. The temperature of the hive will vary somevvhat THE HOXEY-BEE. 33 vith the atmosphere ; it is also governed by the number of bees. A low temperature probably retards the develop- ment of brood, while a high one facilitates it. The young bee, when it first hatches from the egg, is termed a larva ; from this state it changes to the shape of the perfect bee, which is said to be three days after finish- ing the cocoon. From the time of this change, until it is ready to leave the cell, the terms j^upa, nymph, and chry- salis, are applied. The lid of the drone cell is rather more convex than that of the worker, and when removed by the young bee in working its way out, is left nearly perfect, beiug cut off around the edges ; a coat or lining of silk keeps it whole. The covering of the worker cell is mostly wax, and is much cut to pieces by the time the bee emerges. The covering to the queen cell is like that of the drone cell, but of greater diameter, and thicker, being lined with a little more silk. The difference between sealed brood-cells, and honey- cells, is chiefly distinguishable by the darker color of the capping of the former, and their slight depression below the plane of the honey-cells. At the proper season, when the hive becomes crowded with bees, and honey is plenty, and they are left to the course which their natural instincts dictate, preparations for swarming will commence. One of the first steps is the construction of more or less queen-cells. THE QUEEX-CELL. The shape of this cell depends on the position of the comb from which it is made : if, from a comb with cells of ordinary length, they are enlarged, lengthened, and turned downward. If the cells are not very deep, or are near the lower edge of the comb where there is abundant room to turn them down, the enlargement and change of direction will be made very soon after they decide upon making a queen-cell. 34 THE HONEY-BEE. Cells that are short, like those on the lower edge of comb not completed, or, on the side, seem to be preferred, and quite a number are often built close together. When these are one-third or one-half dorui, the queen ■will deposit eggs in them. When hatched, the larva is supplied with a super- abundance of food ; this appears from the fact that a quantity is frequently found remaining in the cell after the queen has left. The consistency of this substance is about like cream, the color somewhat lighter, or just tinged with yellow. The time in which an egg, originally destined for a queen, matures, does not vary much from sixteen days. When some of these young queens are sufficiently ad- vanced to be sealed over, the old queen, and the greater part of the workers, abandon the hive for a new location, (this action is termed " swarming"), leaving those remain- ing to maintain the prosperity of the old home. The bees after leaving, soon collect in a cluster, and if put in an empty hive, will commence anew their labors, con- structing combs, rearing brood, and storing honey ; thus establishing a new colony. In ordinary circumstances when a swarm has thus left a stock, the oldest of the young queens is ready to issue from her cell in about seven or eight days. When she appears, she will, if not restrained by the bees, at once proceed to bite into the remaining queen-cells and sting the immature queens to death. But if another swarm is not contemplated they will permit her to accomplish their destruction. In three or four aays thereafter, if the weather is favorable, the queen will leave the hive for connection with the drone. In their preliminary preparations for swarming num- bers of drones have been reared for this purpose. This meeting takes place high in the air. The queen upon her return frequently bears evident marks of the connec- THE HONEY-BEE. 35 tion, and usually begins to lay in three to four days afterwards, and continues throughout the season, unless some special interruption occurs. Except upon this occasion, and in leading out a swarm, the queen j)robably never voluntarily leaves the hive. If, from any cause, the yield of honey fails so far as to make the existence of a swarm in any way hazardous, these preparations are abandoned, and the young queens in all stages, from the egg to maturity, are destroyed. When this takes place the drones are the next vic- tims. But when this scarcity ahd consequent destruction do not occur, the drones are spared until later in the season, still they seldom survive the winter. The presence of drones in a hive at an unusual season, indicates the absence or deficiency of a queen. FACTS AXD THEORIES COXCERNIXG GEXERATIOS". The theory of partheno-genesis demonstrated by Dzier- zon, the able apiarian of Germany, is confirmed by the experiments of Mr. Langstroth aad many others. Mr. Langstroth relates some interesting observations, proving that unimpreguated or virgin queens produce drone progeny only, and that queens or work^s cannot be reared from such eggs. Dzierzon established the fact that all impregnated eggs produce workers or queens. Mr. Quinby was not only a diligent student of all the views and experiments of these scientific apiarians, but in his own investigations, was ceaseless in the endeavor to demonstrate the truths which a genuine enthusiasm prompted him to seek. Many of these facts recorded by other investigators he proved for himself, and during my association wich him 1 assisted him largely in his experiments. That drone- eggs are not affected by the impregnation of the queen, 36 THE HO>fEY-BEE. we clearly demonstrated, as have many others, by the simiile test of an Italian queen, fecundated by a native drone, which produced pure Italian drones, and mixed queens and workers. Also, when a native queen meets an Italian drone, the result is similar ; the drones are pure natives, and the others of mixed blood. These facts being determined, it is easy to understand how the eggs of an unimpregnated queen, will produce drones in whatever cells they may be deposited. The fertilization of the queen fills the spermatheca with the seminal fluid, which impregnates a certain por- tion of the eggs, as they pass from the ovaries, through the oviduct in the process of egg-laying. (Fig. 7). The precise causes which produce the fertilization of this certain portion of eggs, viz., those from which queens and workers are hatched, and the non-fer- tilization of drone-eggs, are yet the basis of some dis- Fig. 7.— OVABIES OF THE QUEEN. ^^^ggjon. Mr. Wagner, the founder of the American Bee Journal, advocated the theory that fertilization was affected by the size of the cells in which the eggs were deposited ; the slight compression produced by the small Avorker cells, being sufficient to force the fluid from the spermatheca as the eggs are laid. Mr. Quinby took this view, all his experience tendmg to corroborate it. In support of this, he says: "When I first saw th(! smallest queen that I THK nOXEY-BEE. 37 ever raised, "whose body was even smaller than that of a worker, it occurred to me at once that if she ever laid, it would be a test of this theory. Her body being small, it could not be compressed like that of others, and a large portion of her progeny, would prove to be drones in work- er-cells. The result was just what I expected ; one half were drones." Capt. Hetherington vouches for similar experience, and approves of this theory. Prof. Cook, who claims that the fertilizing fluid is forced out at will, by voluntary muscular contraction, presents the opposijig statement, that very small queens make no mistakes, and that with no drone-cells, the queen Avill sometimes lay drone-eggs in worker-cells which will hatch drones, and also that she will, if compelled, reluctantly place worker-eggs in drone- cells. I have read and re-read this statement to see if I could not find some qualification, that would harmonize it with my own observations, but in this, our experience differs widely. We, (Mr. Quinby and myself,) gave this point a great deal of earnest thought and study. In hundreds of tests and experiments we were never able to detect a sin- gle variation in the rule, that a worker or queen would never be hatched from an egg, deposited in a drone-cell of ordinary size and depth. This is corroborated by the fact that when furnishing a strong swarm with none but drone-combs, where their natural instinct would lead them to rear workers, if possible, I have never found workers or queens raised under these circumstances. This con- clusion is sustained by some of the best writers of the past and present. Prof. Cook argues against Mr. "Wagner's theory from the fact that fertilized eggs are deposited in queen-cells, which are too large to afford the necesssary compression, and also in unfinished worker-cells whose walls are not euflficiently extended to produce it. 38 THE HONEY-BEE. I would suggest as an explanation of this, that where she is not aided by the size of the cell, as in ordinary worker-cells, the shallowness of these unfinished queen and workar-cells affords her room to curve her body, in order to accomplish the desired fertilization. In reference to this, one fact must be borne in mind, that in all our experience has held good, which is, that an egg is not found to be deposited in a queen-cell after it has been built out to its full length. In my mind this rule is established, (although it is not well to consider these points invariable), that a queen cannot deposit a fertile egg in a full length queen-cell or drone-cell, from the lack of the aid of these requisites to compression. On the whole, I am" inclined to sustain Mr. Wagner's view, to the extent that the size of the worker-cells aids in producing the muscular effort which secures fertiliza- tion ; and also the idea that in cases where eggs are de- posited in incomplete worker or queen-cells, the curving of her body tends to produce the same result. May not the instance which Prof. Cook cites of a worker-egg being deposited in a drone-cell, be accounted for on the supposition that the egg was laid before the cell was complete ? FERTILE WORKERS. There are exceptional instances where workers become able to deposit eggs but. like those of the virgin queen, they invariably produce drones. It may not be very difficult to account for this anoma- lous production of eggs, if we consider workers to be simply undevelojiod females. The deprivation of a queen that always precedes the occurrence, may produce the in- tense desire for the continued welfare of the colony, which develops their internal struccnre to a suf- ficient degree to produce eggs. Mr. Quinby dis- proved the theory of Huber that they are developed by ITALIAN BEES. 39 being reared in the vicinity of queen-cells, and partaking of a small quantity of royal food ; by the fact that he had fertile workers that were taken from a colony that had never reared a queen. Personally, I have great interest in these physiological investigations, but have jireferred to carry out the original design of this book, in dwelling chiefly upon the practical, rather than the theoretical and scientific phases of the subject. The natural history of the bee has been most ably pre-« sented by Prof. Cook, in his "Manual of the Apiary,*' whi:'h I heartily commend to all who are interested iu that branch of apiarian science. CHAPTER II. ITALIAN BEES. ITALIAN OR LIGURIAN BEES. It is only within the past twenty years that American bee-keepers have known of the existence of any other than our native, or dark-colored, bees. ' Classical scholars famil- iar with Aristotle and Virgil, have doubtless read of the different varieties described by them, but would scarcely imagine that the beautiful golden bees of Virgil's song have perpetuated their race in such purity, that their descendants are to-day bred as a distinct variety in our apiaries. Mr. Langstroth, in his valuable treatise, gives much interesting information concerning the cultivation of the Italian bees in Europe, to which I refer those curious upon the subject. FIRST INTRODUCED IN AMERICA. Efforts were made to import Italian bees to America in 40 ITALIAN BEES. 1855 and 1859, but, I believe, none were successful until 1860, when Mr. Malian, Mr. S. B. Parsons, and others, first introduced them. They were at once received with very general approbation. In fact, they met with such favor that, until very recently, I have known of but few instances of dissatisfaction. Nearly every apiarian of note admitted most of the su- perior qualities claimed for them by German bee-keepers, before their introduction here, and which were afterwards set forth by those who first brought them into notice. CH A RACTERISTICS. The Italian bees were said to be larger and more beau- tiful, more prolific, to swarm earlier and of tener, to work earlier and later, and to gather more honey, to work on blossoms that the natives do not, to be less inclined to rob, to defend themselves better, and to be less disposed to sting, besides possessing many minor excellencies. It speaks well for the judgment of our German friends that, where they claimed so much for these bees, their representations should be so well sustained. There are parties who have recently gone to the other extreme, and affirm them to be even inferior to our native bees. AVhile the Italians have been domesticated in nearly every part of this country, and the majority of intelligent bee-keepers have become familiar with their habits and qualities, it is nevertheless true that very many are still unacquainted with them. The history of this race of bees for the past 2,000 years gives us an intelligent idea of their general characteris- tics, but the authority from which I shall sj^ak with most assurance, is my own personal experience with them during the past ten years, combined with that of Mr. Quinby, who had cultivated them, with the patience and enthusiasm for which he was noted, for fifteen years. He ITALIAN BEES. 41 was among the very first to secure Italian queens; reared from the first imported stock in 1860, and subsequently imported them himself. Probably no other bee-keeper, at that date, took more enthusiastic interest in their cultivation or pursued his experiments with less prejudice for or against them, than Mr. Quinby. Being associated in business with him for five years, I received the benefit of his most careful experiments and observations. AVe bred Italians largely for the trade, for which purpose we had stock that equalled any in America. We also operated for honey, each season, from 200 to 400 colonies comprised of both natives and Italians, as well as hybrids of all grades. If there are any tests to which we did not repeatedly subject them, I am unable to imagine what they may be. With the benefit of this experience, then, let us con- sider some of the various excellencies claimed for them. Larger and More Beautiful. — It is an easily verified fact, first noticed by Dzierzon, that the size of the cells in which Italians and natives are reared, is the same, and it must naturally follow that the bees themselves cannot differ perceptibly in size. Our attention has been forcibly called to this point, when we have shipped Italian bees to parties who were disappointed because they were not larger; and I have no doubt that they also failed to meet expectations in regard to their boasted superiority in color and beauty. Yet, I consider this point of beauty one to be appreciated. When the young Italians are flnng thickly in front of their hive on a sunny dav, I pronounce them truly beau- tiful. More Prolific. — This I have demonstrated to my satis- faction. The Italian queen deposits her eggs more com- pactly in the combs than does the native. This is so evident, that I usually have no trcuble, when a card of 43 ITALIAN' IJEES. brood is brought to me, in determining whether the eggs were laid by an Italian or native queen. Another reason why they are more prolific, is, that they venture out in cool, spring weather, bringing in both water and pollen, when the natives are less energetic. Of this, I shall speak further in connection with other points. If taken from winter quarters too early in spring, their disposition prompts them to great activity, and they ven- ture out and are lost, which accounts for their suffering more largely by Avasting in spring, than the natives. Swarm Earlier and Oftener. — The fact that tl)ey are more prolific, indicates that they will become jiopulous earlier in the season, and this being tlie prime requisite for early swarms, it readily follows that they may be ex- pected to swarm earlier. It is noticeable that, whatever the variety, those that swarm soonest also swarm of tcnest. With the present advanced system of management, Avhere swarming is not desired, this tendency is not itself an advantage, but the condition that gives us a large num- ber of bees, is of much importance. AVe thus secure a large force available when swarming is controlled. Worh Earlier and Later, gather more Honey, and Worh on Blossoms that tlie Kalives do not. — This, doubtless, may be the case at times. We have had Italian swarms fill boxes with white honey, not storing a cell of dark, when, at the same time, the natives were working exclu- sively on Buckwheat; that plant 3-ields honey only in the early part of the day, and such swarms of Italians will be found at work much more freely in the afternoon than the others. It is in the nature of the bee that, when honey is abundant, all bees will improve all their time, even fre- quently leaving the hive so late at night, that they do not return until the next morning, if fortuntite enougli to do so at all. That Italians do work upon some kinds of blossoms more freely than natives, as upon the Bed ITALIAN BEES. 43 Clover, lias been confirmed by a variety of testimony. This, may, to some extent, account for the reports we hear of their gathering double as much honey as the na- tives in the same locality. If only buckwheat honey Avere accessible, I should expect the natives to gather the most, as they work much better upon it than do the Italians. It is certain that either they do not maintain the standard claimed in this respect, or else they must take some such advantage as above stated. While I confess to a prefer- ence for the Italians in this regard, our experience Avill hardly justify the extreme superiority claimed. Less Inclined to Rob. — I can hardly imagine how any practical bee-keeper can come to this conclusion. The same characteristics that make them more vigorous in securing stores from other sources, must prompt them to activity, when honey is in any way improperly exposed. In regard to their propensity to rob, Mr. Quinby says: ** Their industry, activity, and keen scent are remarka- ble, enabling them to find honey where the natives are seldom seen." When feeding rye-flour, it is noticeable that the Italians .are first to carry it away with zeal. If this were not true, I should have no faith in the state- ments in regard to their superiority in early increase, etc. If honey in the comb is exposed, they are the first to find it, and if the comb is new and tender, they will appro- priate it, and use it in the construction of their own comb. Although I have never practised it largely, I find, by experiment, that wax made from waste pieces of comb, may be utilized by melting it, and stirring thoroughly with honey or syrup as it cools ; this leaves the wax in particles that may be fed for comb-building. As there are occasionally instances when the Italians are busy upon blossoms which the natives do not frequent, and the latter are, from lack of forage, comparatively idle, they mav from this cause, at times, be first to find a weak 44 ITALIAN BEES. swarm and rob it, tlms furnishing plausible evidence in favor of the better habits of the Italians. Defend Themselves Better, — Here I apply the same test of determination and vigor, and endorse the superi- ority claimed for them in this particular. I have fre- quently observed them, as they alighted near the entrance of a hive of natives, and in almost every instance escaped, after being seized by those belonging there, and I have as often seen the reverse occur, Avhen the natives trespass* ed upon the premises of the Italians. Wiien detected, they were seized, and in nearly every case stung to death. The Italians seem to be more constantly on the watch, and more swift to discern the approach of an enemy. I find that a much smaller swarm of Italians than of natives, may be expected to defend themselves success- fully. Less Inclined to Stinff. — The past record of this variety of the honey-bee, represents them as being much more docile, and manifesting far less inclination to sting. This, no doubt, arose from the fact that they had not been so harshly treated as our natives. Our experience confirms the statement, that if an Italian queen is reared from pure stock, and the swarm handled as gently as it should be, from the outset, they will be found pleasant to man- jige, and less disposed to sting ; but if smoked with tobacco, and roughly treated, the energy displayed- in other directions is here manifested, and the result will be a larger number of stings, and a worse effect than from the natives. Ilj/brids are pronounced by many preferable to either of the pure varieties, and they are unquestionably among the best of boney-gatherers. I much prefer the pure Italians because oi their better disposition. As Box-Honey Workers. — That box-honey usually pre- sents a finer appearance when stored by the natives, I think will he generally conceded. The Italians store the ITALIAN BEES. 45 cells fuller, and cap them over directly against the honey, giving the surface a watery appearance ; while the na- tives leave a little unfilled place which causes the cap- ping to appear whiter. The difEerence is so marked that an expert can usually tell, by examining a box of honey, by which variety of bees it was stored. While this pe- culiarity of the Italians may affect the appearance of box- honey, I conceive that it is an advantage where the honey is stored in combs for winter, as this complete filling of the cells entirely excludes every particle of air. More Peaceable while being Handled. — That the pure Italians are more agreeable to handle, I believe there is no room to dispute. The search for a queen, will con- vince the most prejudiced of the truth of this assertion. The Italians, both queen and workers, will remain quietly upon the combs, while the natives are much more easily disturbed. I prefer the Italians, when extracting, yet the fact that they cling so closely to the comb, is an inconvenience, as it increases the labor of the operation. While the black bees may be nearly all dislodged from the comb by a sud- den movement, many of the Italians must be brushed off with a wing. Mot1i-Larv(B. — W^e find Italians much less liable to be injured by the larvae of the bee-moth, when, from any cause, they become reduced in number. Their superi- ority to the natives in this respect is well marked, as might be inferred from their energetic nature. Late Breeding. — It is affirmed that the natives breed later in the fall, and conseqtiently go into winter quart- ers with more young bees. Let us illustrate with a colony of each variety. Let boxes be placed upon both hives, and furnislied so long as the yield of honey continues. As the yield diminishes, it will be found that breeding continues more largely Avith the natives, and the honey will be stored in the boxes ; while the Italians will fill 46 ITALIAN BEES. the space in the brood-chamber, with stores, earlier in the season, and be much heavier in the fall than the na- tives. When the honey season is over, we have known native colonies that had stored a goodly amount of honey in boxes, to be entirely without in the brood-chamber.* This shows why the Italians rear less brood late in the season. It is not that they do not prolong breeding as late as the others, but their space is more limited. We have tested them extensively, when the combs were emptied in extracting, and invariably found them to breed as late and as freely as the natives. A little fore- thought will easily supply the required conditions, and obviate this cause of complaint. Lotiger Life. — If one desires to determine the relative length of life of the two varieties, it may be done by taking a comb of brood that is just beginning to mature, from each of two colonies, Italian and native. Select such cards as contain nearly equal quantities of brood. Place them in an empty hive with such bees as adhere to them, and leave them to hatch. This should be done when honey is being gathered. If a queen should be reared, she should be removed before depositing any eggs. These bees being so nearly of an age, may be watched as they waste away, and there being no queen to rear more, it may soon be decided which disappear most rapidly. Our experience prove the Italians to be much longer lived. Color not an Absohife Test of Purity. — As a rule, all other things being equal, the brightest colored queens and drones are to be preferred. Nevertheless, I have had some very line Italian (jueens that were quite dark-colored, and I am confident that the very best workers I ever saw, were pure Italian, and yet of a brownish color, with no very distinct bands. I have also had those that were • I Imvo foniui it very (lesiinl)le to take heavy combs from the Italians at •ncii limes, ami give thom to tlic natives. ITALIAN BEES. 47 particularly bright and yellow, witli three distinct bands, which seems to be considered by many the best test of purity, that in other respects showed signs of impurity. Finally, after candid comparison of the two varieties, I must say that ^\"e have obtained the most satisfactory results by keeping both. And this seems to me suflBcient proof that neither race monopolizes all the best qualities. It is unquestionable that their relative value will vary in different localities. My advice to all who have not already done so, is to test both sorts for themselves. How to Procure ItaUans. — There are many reliable persons engaged in rearing Italians, from whom good stock may be secured. Full swarms may be purchased, or a single queen may be introduced to a colony of native bees. In twenty-one days after her introduction, if fer- tile, her progeny will begin to appear, and if the change is made in spring, the native bees will usually all disap- pear during the summer. The details of the process ap- pear in the chapter on Queens. A queen may be purchased for 82.00, that, in 1860, would have cost S20.00 (the price Mr. Quiuby paid for his first queen), and if the investment paid then, as surely was the case, it certainly must do so now. To those who assert tliat they can not perceive any superior qualities in the natives, and that they do not want even one swarm, I say, test both kinds side by side, and compare them carefully. But do not buy Italians as some do, with the expecta- tion that they will of themselves insure success, without intelligent care. They are but valuable assistants. Any- thing which stimulates active investigation in bee-keep- ers, brings experience, upon which success must be based. Cyprians, Syrians, Carniolans, Etc. — Through the efforts of Messrs. D. A. Jones, Frank Benton, and others, who have spent much time and money in this direction, several Aarieties of bees, ncAv to this country, have been introduced, and their value to some extent tested. 48 SOURCES OF HONEY. The Cy2)rians liave some marked characteristies. They have been quite thoroughly tested, but do not grow in favor with the majority. Tliey are far too irritable to be agreeable to handle. Some consider them suj^erior honey- gatherers. I have given them quite a thorough trial, and the only point I could find in their favor, was a tendency to breed late in the fall, which is desirable as affording a good force of young bees when going into winter quarters. I have not tested the Syrians. Mr. Benton jjronounces them among the very best. The Carniolans are said to possess some yery desirable qualities, and a cross between them and the Italians has a good reputation. Much has been said of the Holy Land OTPalesfiiiehees, but my own experience does not corroborate all that is claimed forthem. Mr. Julius Hoffman received an importation of Cau- casian bees in 1880. He has experimented quite exten- sively with them, and is of the opinion that they are superior in many respects. In fact, I have never heard more desirable points claimed for any one variety than Mr. Hoffman claims for these. He is one of our most practical bee-keepers, and his conclusions should be received with confidence. Much credit is due those Avho have been so persevering in securing to us these new varieties. The ultimate results must be of great good, as the future crossing of these different strains will no doubt give us one with a combination of superior traits. CHAPTER III SOURCES OF HONEY. In speaking of the sources from Avhich most of our honey is obtained, I am naturally limited, in a great de- gree, to the consideration of the honey-producing plants of our northern latitude. Even within a limited area. SOUECES OF HOXEY. 49 the chief yield will be found to be derived from entirely dissimilar sources, and I shall therefore speak in general terms, of those which have come more especially within the range of my own experience. SOURCES OF POLLEN". Assuming that bee^ are not to be taken out of their winter quarters until about the time that the Soft or Red Maple blossoms (for reasons which will appear here- after), I shall devote but little space to the pollen-produc- ing plants, which appear before that date. Among these early bloomers are Skunk Cabbage [SynqAocarpus fceti- dus), the Alders, (species of Alnus), and several species of Willow. The value of the pollen from these earlier blossoms is much diminished now that we feed rye- meal as a substitute for pollen. The feeding of rye- meal has in its favor the fact that bees can work upon it with facility in a sheltered situation, when raw and for- bidding weather would prevent their flying any great dis- tance in search of pollen. The appearance of Soft-Maple blossoms {Acer ru- hrum), indicates that the season is sufficiently advanced to permit the bees to fly with safety. Of course, the date will vary in different seasons and in widely separated sec- tions of country. TVhen the weather is fine, the yield of pollen from this Maple is usually bountiful, but as is often the case with early blossoms, these are sometimes injured by the frost. EARLY HOXEY PLAXTS. Golden Willow {Salix alba, var. vitellina), soon fol- lows the Maple, and in favorable weather will afford an abundance of honey of a superior quality. Gooseberry, Currant, Cherry, Pear, and Peach blossoms each contribute a share of both honey and pollen. Sugar 3 50 SOURCES OF HONEY. Maple {Ace?' saccharinum), throws out its thousands of betiutiful chisters with a bounteous yield of tempting nectar. The Dandelion [Taraxacum Dens-leonis), often proves valuable in affording both j)ollen and honey.* About the 20th of May, in this latitude, Apple-blos- soms will appear. As these are more abundant than other flowers named, and the season having progressed considerably, a greater gain may be now expected than at WHITE CLOVER. any previous time. After Apple-blossoms have fallen, tliere is usually an interval of nearly two weeks before the appearance of AVhite Clover (TrifoUiim repens). In sections where Wild Cherry {Prunns serotiiia and P. Vir- giniana), and Locust {Rohiuia Pxeudacacia), abound, this deficiency will be partially supplied. Red Raspberry and White Clover are found in such abundance in many localities, and furnish honey so profusely, that the general * 1 have known sufficient honoy to be gathered from this plant, to be stored in tho combs, quite extensively, and sealed over. This comes at a time when it la a special aid to hrood-rearing. SOURCES OF HOXET. 61 yield will commence with their appearance. The quality of honey from both of these sources is considered to he very superior. Where the Easpberry grows abundantly, bees will be found to frequent it more constantly than they do Clover. Honey is secreted in the blossoms at all hours, and the bees may be seen working upon them very early in the morning, and to continue the entire day, very often not being interrupted by quite brisk showers. White Clover (fig. 8) remains longer in bloom, and re- ceives more attention after Easpberries disappear. Much interest has been manifested of late in re- gard to Alsike Clover {Tri- folium hyhridum, fig. 9). I have furnished the seed to several farmers, that its value might be tested, both as a farm crop and as a source of honey. The hay made from it is fine in quality, being a medium between the coarse Eed Clover and the short White Clover. As a honey yield- ing plant, it is, m my opin- ion, superior to the White Clover. But experiments indi- cate that in dry, sandy soils it is not permanent, and Avill not survive the second winter. It seems to be much better adapted to moist, heavy clay soils, and there is good au- thority for the statement that it will outlive Eed Clover in such localities. Fio;. 9. — ALSIKE CLOVER. 52 SOURCES OF HONEY. Red Clover probably secretes as much honey as the White, but the tube of the corolla being longer, common bees appear to be unable to reach it. I have seen a few at work upon it, but it appeared to be slow business. The Italians work on it sometimes, apparently out of choice, and often to good advantage. Sorrel {Rumex acetosella), the pest of many farmers, is brought under contribution by the bees, and fur- nishes pollen in large quantities. Morning is the only part of the day appropriated to its collection. Catnip {Nepeta Cataria), Motherwort {Leonurus Cardi- aca) (fig. 10), and Hoarhound {Marruhium vulyare), put forth their flowers about the middle of June, rich in sweetness, and, as Avith the Raspberry, the bees visit them at all hours and in nearly all kinds of weather. They remain in bloom from four to six weeks ; in a few instances, I have known Cat- nip to last twelve Avceks, yield- ing honey during the whole time. Mr. Quinby says, " ti there is any plant that I would cultivate especially for honey, it would bo this."* Borage has been recommended as yielding abundantly, and worthy of cultivation. Ox-Eye Daisy, known as AVhite-Weed in many locali- ties, {Chrysanthemum Leucanthemum, or Leiicanthemim vulgare of some botanical works), a showy flower in pas- ture and meadow, and worth but little in either, also contains some honey. The flower is compound, and Fig. 10. — MOTHERWORT. * My individual expcrioncc with these plants, inclines me to give the preter- ence to Motherwort. SOURCES OF HONEY. 53 each little floret secretes so minute a quantity, that the task of obtaining it is a slow one. It is only visited when more copiously yielding flowers are scarce. Bush Honeysuckle {Diervilla trifida), is a particular favorite. SINGULAR FATALITY ATTENDANT ON SILK-WEED. Milk-weed or Silk-weed [Asdcpias Corruti), fig. 11, is another honey-yielding perennial, but a singular fatality Fig. 11. — MILK-WEED. befalls many bees while gathering honey from it. Mr. Quinby observed during the period this plant was in bloom, that a number of the bees belonging to hives not full, were unable to ascend the sides to the comb ; there would be sometimes thirty or more at the bot- tom in the morning. On searching for the cause, he found from one to ten, thin, yellow scales, of a long pear-shape, and about the twentieth part of an inch long, attached to their feet. At the small end, was a black, thread-like substance, from a sixteenth 54 SOURCES OF HONEY. to an eiglith of an inch in length ; on this stem was a ghitinous matter, that firmly adhered to each foot or claw of the bee, preventing it from climbing the sides of the hive. He also found this appendage attached to bees clustered outside of full hives, but it appeared to be no inconvenience to them. Among the scales of wax, and waste matter that accumulate about the swarms to some extent, he found a great many of these scales, which the bees had worked from their feet. The cjuestion then arose, were these scales a foreign substance, accidently en- tangled in their claws, or was it a natural formation ? It was soon decided. From the number of bees carrying it, he concluded that if it were the product of any flower, it belonged to a species somewhat abundant. On making a close examination of all such as were in bloom, he found the flowers of the Milk-weed or Silk-weed, sometimes holding a dead bee by the foot, secured by this appendage. The flower has a most singular structure, which could only be explained by means of elaborate magnified en- gravings ; suffice it to say that the appendage which causes so much trouble to the bees, is the pollen of the Silk-weed, Avhich in all the species has a singular form. Instead of being, as is the case in most flowers, a fine dust, the pollen grains are stuck together in little Avaxy masses or scales, and these are joined iu pairs by the thread-like appendage above noticed. Tliese masses are, in the flower, each lodged in a little pouch with only the attachment exposed, and in such a position that the bee, in moving about over the flower, can hardly fail to touch one of them with its foot and pull it out. Were it not for the agency of bees and other insects, the pollen would not be dislodged from these pouches and brought in con- tact with the pistil of the flower. Other species of Asclepias besides the one mentioned have a similar gtruc- ture, and no doubt aid in the mischief. When I point out a loss among bees, I would like to give a remedy. SOURCES OF HONEY. 55 but here I am unable to do so. I am not sure but honey enough is obtained by such bees as escape, to counter- balance the loss. Whitewood, or Tulip-tree, {Liriodendron Tulipifera), yields something eagerly sought for by the bees, but Fig. 12. — BASSWOOD, OK LINDEN. whether honey or pollen, or both, I have never ascertained, as it is very scarce in Montgomery, Greene, and Herkimer Counties. Mr. Langstroth speaks of it as " one of the greatest honey-producing trees in the world. As its blos- soms expand in succession, new swarms will sometimes fill their hives from this source alone." Basswood {Tilia Americana, fig. 12). This tree is common in the forests of many of our States, and no doubt stands at the head of the list of honey producers. As a shade tree, Basswood, or, as sometimes called, Lin- 56 SOURCES OF HONEY. den, ranks with the iSnest. It is hardy and bears trans- planting better than many other forest trees. This stately tree, with its graceful clusters of fragrant flowers, adorns village or country grounds, while the soft music of the industrious bee, among the branches, is attractive to the dullest ear. The honey resources of the country might be greatly increased by planting such trees. Basswood honey is, without doubt, of the most superior quality and flavor. The blossoms are very numerous, and though there are occasionally seasons when they yield but little, the tree is generally a very reliable source of honey. The yield of honey usually continues for about ten days. In localities where tiie altitude varies from warm valleys to high hills or mountain ranges, tlie yield will often be extended to two or three weeks. The largest yield of honey I have ever known in a given time, was from Basswood. I have seen twenty-five pounds gathered in one day by a single swarm, and larger collections are reported by other parties. Of course, such amounts must be secured by the non-swarm- ing plan under the most favorable conditions. In 1874 I commenced with 100 swarms and did not take any sur- plus honey until Basswood blossomed, July 20th. Dur- ing the next forty days I secured 10,000 lbs. of surplus, and increased the colonies to 119, giving me an average of 100 lbs. each, from my old stocks. I mention these figures to illustrate the value of this tree for bee-forage. I should here explain that I took advantage of the differ- ence in altitude, and moved a number of colonies six miles to higher ground, where the trees did not come into flower for two weeks after they failed in the valley. I have never observed such a profuse peld of honey from Basswood, as in that season. The flowers seemed to be dripping with liquid sweetness, and one had hut to press them between the fingers to obtain a drop of genuine nectar. SOUKCES 0? HONEY. 57 One could easily be pardoned, in even so matter-of-fact a treatise as this, for pausing a moment to contemplate thoughtfully these wonders with which our pursuit so often brings us in contact, that we fail to appreciate their marvellousness. Thousands upon thousands of pounds of sweetness are produced by millions of tender blossoms, and put into our hands, as it were, by a tiny insect, whose life is at the mercy of every passing storm. Teasel. — In those sections where the Fuller's Teasel {Dip- sacus Fullonum, fig. 13 j, is cultivated, the yield of honey is Fig. 13. — fuller's teasel. Fig. 14. — WILD TEASEL. large and of fine quality. I am indebted to Mr. G. M. Doo- little, of Borodino, N". Y. , and Mr. X. X. Betsinger, of Mar- cellus, X. Y., for facts in regard to the value of Teasel a? a source of honey. It is cultivated largely in their vicinity, and their bees profit by it to a considerable extent. Since becoming familiar with its reputation, I have watched the bloom of the Wild Teasel, {Dipsacus sylvcs- tris, fig. 1-4), but as I never could find the bees upon it, and not being informed as to the different species, I could not understandwhy so much value should be placed upon it as a honey-yielding blossom. Mr. Doolittle informs me that the "Wild Teasel, which has a purple blossom, is seldom, if ever, visited by the bees, but the cultivated 58 SOURCES OF HONEY. Teasel, with a Avliite blossom, is that from "which such bounteous yields are obtained. I quote from an article by Mr. D., in " Gleanings," January, 1878 : " The plant is biennial as a rule, although a part of the plants (the smaller ones), may not produce heads until the third year. ***** Ti^e 'kings,' as they are com- monly called, are heads at the top of the stalks, and com- mence to blossom about July 10th, continuing in bloom about a week or ten days, opening first in the center of the head, blossoming toward the tip and base, and ending off at the base. As soon as the blossoms fall off, the head? are cut, and cured for the purpose of raising the nap on cloth. The ' mid- dlings,' as they are termed, commence to b J o s s o m when the * kings ' are about half through, and the "but- tons' come last, making from 30 to 25 days of bloom from the commencing of the * kings ' to the end of the * buttons.' Bees work on them at all hours of the day, and no matter how well Bass- wood may yield honey, you will find them at work on the Teasel at all times. I have never known the Teasel to fail to secrete honey except in 1876. The honey is very thin, and much evaporation is required to bring it to the consistency of Basswood honey when first gathered." Sumach (Rhus glabra, fig. 15), is rich in its quality and yield of lioney. The shrubs coming into bloom in Fig. 15.— SMOOTH SUMACn. SOUKCES OF HOXET. 59 succession, the supply is protracted beyond the duration of one set of flowers. Mustard {Sinapis nigra), is also a great favorite. Its cultivation is remunerative for its seed alone, and when we add its value to the bees, there seems to be a sufficient inducement to raise it. I have now mentioned most of the honey-producing plants which bloom before the middle of July. In sec- tions where Buckwheat is not raised, these furnish the principal supply. Other flowers continue to bloom until cold weather. Where White Clover is abundant, and the fields are used for pasture, it will continue to throw cut fresh flowers, sometimes, throughout the entire summer, yet the bees consume about all they collect, in rearing their brood, etc. Thus, it appears, that in some sections, tne bees have only about six or eight weeks in which to provide for winter. LATER HOXEY PLAXT3. I will now notice the flowers that appear after the mid- dle of July. The Button-bush [Cephalanthus occiden- talis) is much frequented for honey ; also the Melons, Cucumbers, Squashes, and Pumpkins. The latter are visited only in the morning, and honey is the only thing obtained. Xotwithstandiug the bee is covered with pol- len, it is not kneaded into pellets on its legs. It has been stated that bees get pollen early in the morning, instead of honey. It is not best to always take* our word about such matters, but examine for yourselves. Take a look some warm morning, when the Pumpkins are in bloom, and see whether it is honey or pollen of which thev are in quest. Many people seem to think that the vicinity of large flower gardens is of great advantage to their bees, but these are usually of very little value. Mignonette seems to possess some importance when largely cultivated. 60 SOURCES OF HOKEY. The Melilot or Sweet-scented Clover, both yellow and white, deserves a place in our list. It is found in bloom by midsummer, and remains until our latest flowers. AVhere it grows in profusion, as along many of our small streams, the supply it furnishes is by no means inconsiderable. In color the honey is rather dark, but the flavor is much superior to that of Buckwheat honey. BUCKVv'HEAT. This honey is considered by many to be of inferior quality. Its color, when separated from the comb, re- sembles molasses of medium shade. The taste is more pungent than that of clover honey ; it is particularly prized on that account by some, and disliked by others for the same reason. In several counties in this State, so little of this grain is raised, that the honey can not be found in the hive or boxes. But in many places it is the main de- pendence, the bees seldom getting more than a winter supply from the early flowers. In some sections full sets of boxes are often filled from Buckwheat after a fine yield of white honey. This adds materially to the pecuniary returns from apiaries in such localities. The date of sowing Buckwheat varies with different farmers. I have passed through districts where some fields were out of blossom, while the flowers in others were not yet open, and still others at all intermediate stages. This protracts the yield from this source for several weeks. Although the honey commands a less price in market than lighter grades, it is a source of much profit. In some regions the Golden Rods, (several species of Solidago, fig. IG), afford valuable forage, and assist largely in replenishing the combs for winter consumption. I have frequently observed that bees were working vigor- SOURCES OF HONEY. 61 ously in early autumn, when it was almost impossible to determine whence they weie obtaming their supplies. This suggests the idea that there are many minor sources not noticeable in abundance, which the keen scent of the bees is quick to discover. In California, the chief reliance seems to be the "White Sage" {Eurotia lan- ata), of which there are immense quan- tities. The Cotton of the Southern States is mentioned as valuable. There are many plants pe- culiar to different localities, upon which more or less dependence can be placed. And, even in those less favor- ed districts where no first-class sources Fig. 16. — GOLDEN ROD. are found, there will always be a moderate gain from the forage of field and forest, which will justify any careful person in keeping a moderate number of colonies, as ex- perience may dictate. HONEY-DEW. Honey-dew is found in some localities, but personal ex- G2 SOURCES OF HOXEY. perieuce will not ijermit me to speak positively concern- ing it. Yet, during some of our large harvests of honey, I could easily have believed that the honey was furnished from some hidden source, more abundantly than was pos- sible from the blossoms alone. From information gleaned from various sources, I am inclined to think that leaves may, at times, secrete honey, but it has never been my good fortune to discover it, and Mr. Quinby was alike unfortunate, during two-score years of close observation. It is evidently peculiar to certain localities only. Prof. Cook relates an interesting and convincing case of it, which he observed in California. DO BEES IKJTJRE GRAIN" AND FRUIT ? Many people contend that bees are an injury to Buck- wheat, by taking away the substance that would be form- ed into grain. What are the facts ? The flowers open, and honey is secreted. If the bee does not gather it, it is wasted. Now, what is the difference to the plant, whether the honey is lost in this way, or is collected by the bees ? If there is any difference, the advantage appears to be in favor of collection by the bees, for the reason that it thus answers an important end in the economy of na- ture, consistent with her provisions in ten thousand dif- ferent ways in ada])ting means to ends. Abundant authority may be cited to show that, in- stead of benig a hindrance to the perfect development of grain or fruit, bees are indispensable, in the aid they give in fertilization. Those who have only the most super- ficial knowledge of plants, are aware that with many, some of the flowers possess only stamens, and others only pistils, and that the pollen from the staminate blos- soms is necessary to ferMlize the pistillate. This is done in some cases by the wind, which wafts the pollen from the staminate to the pistillate flowers, but in the ma- SOURCES OF HOKET. 63 jority of such cases, the aid of insects is necessary. In the search for honey, the bees yisit numerous flowers of the same species only, in one journey (a fact "which is mentioned by Aristotle), and its body being covered by the pollen, it is next to impossible for it not to leave some of it in the proper place. INJURY TO RIPE FRUIX. There is a prevalent opinion that bees do much injury to ripe fruit, such as grapes, peaches, plums, etc. It is often affirmed chat crops of these fruits, especially grapes, are measurably destroyed by the bees puncturing the skin., and sucking the Juices. A gentleman, whose letter lies before me, states that he does not secure one-twentieth of his grape crop, for this reason. Mr. Quinby, as well as myself, gave this matter much personal attention, from the fact that we were largely in- terested in grape culture, as well as bees, having several hundred vines under ciiltivation. Our experience fully accorded with the testimony of Mr, Langstroth, and other intelligent observers, to the effect that a honey-bee never injures sound fruit. In reply to a gentleman who complained of the bees, Mr. L. gave the following, as among the reasons why the bees could not inflict any ex- tensive injury upon his grapes : " That as the supplies of honey from the blossoms had entirely failed * * * if the bees had been able to help themselves to his round grapes they would have entirely devoured the fruit of his vines. * * * That the Jaws of the bee being adapted chiefly to the manipulation of wax, were too feeble to enable it readily to puncture the skin, even of his most delicate grapes. In reply to these arguments, being invited to go to his vines and see the depredators in the very act, the result Justified my antici- 64 SOURCES OF HONEY. pations. Though many bees were seen banqueting on grapes, not one was seen doing any mischief to sound fruit. Grapes which were bruised, or tlie moist stems, from which grapes had recently been plucked, were cov- ered with bees, while other bees were observed to alight upon bunches, which when found, by careful inspection to be sound, they left with evident disaijpointment. '' Wasps and hornets, which secrete no wax, being fur- nished with strong saw-like jaws for cutting the woody fibre with which they build their combs, can easily pene- trate the skin of the toughest fruits. While the bees, therefore, appeared to be comparatively innocent, multi- tudes of these depredators were seen helping themselves to the best of the grapes. * * * After the mischief has been begun by other insects, or wherever a crack or a spot of decay is seen, the honey-bee hastens to help it- self. * * * In this way they undoubtedly do some mischief, but before war is declared against them, let every fruit grower inquire, if, on the whole, they are not more useful than injurious." The honey crop of 1869 being a total failure with us, we had ample opportunity to observe if the bees were in- clined to commit any unusual depredations upon the pro- ducts of our vines, and I must exonerate them from any malicious intent or deed. It is no uncommon occurrence for bees to frequent cider mills in great numbers, attracted by the juice of tlie crushed apples. It does not always appear to be at- tendant upon a scarcity of honey, for they often do not care anything about it, even when otherwise idle. The Hon. Harris Lewis, a prominent agriculturist of this county, who makes vinegar largely, lias been known to stop his cider mill to avoid the great destruction of bees incident to the operation of crushing the apples. His sense of justice and consideration for the interests of others, at the sacrifice of his own convenience, is char- SOURCES OF HONEY. 65 acfceristic of a man who deservedly occupies a high position among the farmers of our country. HOW FAR WILL BEES GO FOR HONEY ? The precise distance that bees will fly in search of for- age, I am unable to state. Some consider three miles to be the extreme limit, while others place it as high as twelve miles. The most satisfactory results may be ex- pected, if abundant stores can be found within two miles. It is evident that they will work more freely upon blos- soms at some little distance, than when these are very near the apiary. If I were to sow anything with a view to a supply of honey, I should prefer that it should not be in the immediate vicinity of the hives. Their flights are evidently modified by local conditions. During the large yield from Basswood in 187-4, already al- luded to, as the blossoms failed in the vall^, the bees continued bringing in the same quality of honey, fol- lowing the Basswood day by day, as it opened on the hills, until the first week in August, when they still came in heavily loaded, but very tired from a long flight. I drove to the bights, six miles distant, and found that Basswood Avas there Just coming into bloom. I immedi- atsly moved 48 swarms to this location, and in the follow- ing week, these 48 colonies gave me one ton of surplus honey, while the 71 swarms left at home, did not secure one half that amount, yet they continued working upon the same ground during the entire period. This is a fine illustration of the advantage of obtain- ' ing forage within a reasonably short distance. I have never had direct proof to the effect, yet there is ground for the belief that, if honey could not be found nearer, bees would fly the distance named, without being gradu- ally led along by newly opening blossoms as in the case mentioned. 66 THE APIAKY. BEST SEASON FOR UONET. The inquiry is often made, " Which is best for bees, a wot or dry season ? " I have studied this point very closely, and have found that a medium between the two extremes produces the most honey. When farmers begin to express fears of a drouth, then is the time, if in the season of flowers, that most honey is usually ob- tained, but if dry weather is much protracted, the quan- tity is greatly diminished. Of the two extremes, a very wet season is much the worst. This latter is evident from the fact that much rain in- jures the honey, by diluting it, as well as preventing the bees from gathering as much ; whereas, when the weather is moderately dry, the bees are at liberty to work freely, and the honey is evaporated, instead of diluted, improv- ing the quality, and rendering it much more desirable for immediate Sealing up. There is no question but the value of honey is much affected by these circumstances, unless properly cured. The weight of extracted honey will vary to the extent of over 1 lb. to the gallon, according to the yariation in the season. CHAPTEE TV. THE APIARY. THE PREPARATIO?r ITEEDED. If one proposes to make bee-keeping his life-pursuit, he will need very different preliminary instruction from one who, as nearly every farmer may well do, proposes to follow it as an adjunct to other occupation, or the ama- teur, who would keep a few hives for his instruction and amusement. To one, especially a young man, who feels a THE APIARY. 67 preference for, and a personal adaptation to, bee-keeping as an occupation, tc be followed to the exclusion of all others, we would say that he cannot be too thoroughly prepared, not only by reading, but by instruction in the sciences related to the pursuit, and by practical training. In other avocations it is considered necessary to serve an apprenticeship in order to fit one to pursue them prof- itably, and in no calling are preliminary study and prac- tice more important than in bee-keeping as a profession. Fortunately for those who would qualify themselves for the pursuit, the State Agricultural College, Lansing, Mich., offers special advantages. The department of Entomology and the Apiary in that Institution is in charge of Prof. A, J. Cook, a scientific Entomologist and thorough Apiarian. But the great number, who must make bee-keeping a secondary matter, are not in need of this thorough prei>aration, and to these it is hoped that this work will prove a sufficient guide. While it aims to give the most approved apiarian practice, it is in- tended to be so elementary in its teachings as to meet the wants of the novice, as well as those who have already some experience in bee-keeping, and would learn its most profitable methods. LOCATION. In selecting a site for an apiary, there are many con- siderations to be borne in mind, especially if bee-keeping is to be the sole business. The question of very greatest import is that of resources. Study the subject of the best honev-yielding plants and trees, and be sure that you locate Avithin reach of some tolerably reliable source. Another point of much interest is the general contour of the country. To illustrate. I reside in a valley where Basswood begins to blossom about the 15th of July. If the surrounding country were level, this bloom would last but 12 or 15 days, but being at the foot of a hill, where 68 THE APIARY. in a distance of six miles there is a rise of 600 feet, we find that bees continue working upon it for twice that length of time. The same is true of the Apple, the Raspl3erry, and, in fact, all other blossoms that abound ; I find it profitable to locate an apiary about three miles up this hill, where the bees reach up and down, and thus accomplish even better results than when working from the valley. In addition to this, I have observed that the same class of blossoms yield better on elevated ground, than in lower situations. This is a point in favor of choosing a site in elevated regions. This opinion is corroborated by the ex- perience of Mr. P. H. Elwood, Starkville, N. Y., and that of others. IMMEDIATE SURROUNDINGS. A location near ponds, or large bodies of water in- volves some loss. Strong winds fatigue the bees when on the wing, often causing them to alight in the water, whence it is impossible for them to rise again until wafted ashore, and tlien, unless in very warm weather, they are often so chilled as to be past recovery. If possible, the hives should be sheltered from cold, heavy winds. If no natural protection is afforded, a close, high board, fence should be put up for the purpose. The saving of bees will pay the expense. During the spring months, the stocks contain fewer bees than at any other season. It is then that a large family is important to keep the brood warm. One bee is of more value then than a dozen in midsummer. When the hive stands in a bleak place, the bees returning with heavy loads in a high wind, are frequently unable to strike the hive, they are blown to the ground, become chilled and die. "When protected from winds, the hives may front as may be de- sired, an east or south exposure is generally preferred. In building the board fence mentioned, the nails should THE APIARY. 69 not be driven home firmly, but should be so left that they may be easily drawn with a claw-hammer, that more or less of the boards may be removed during the hottest weather, to permit a freer circulation of air. A consideration worthy of mention, is, that the apiary be conveniently near the house or workshop, where the bee-keeper's eye may be frequently upon it. Although swarming may be largely controlled, swarms may occa- sionally issue, thus making some attention necessary, and Fig. 17. — HIVES UPON ROOFS AT ILION, N, T. it is otherwise important that such attention be quickly given. The apiary should be well fenced against the in- trusion of farm stock, and should be as secluded as pos- sible from all farming operations, as well as not too near the highwa}'. BEE-KEEPING IIT CITIES AXD VILLAGES. A limited number of bees can no doubt be kept in our large cities, if, as is generally the case, forage can be found within a reasonable distance. If no plot of ground is available, the hives can be set in an upper room, or attic, before an open window. The 70 THE A PI A in- . observatory hive described iu another chapter, would Ije desirable in such a situation. It is quite common to set the hives upon the roof of a building ; Mr. Muth, of Cincinnati, keeps quite a number of colonies upon the roof of his store, with excellent success. The illustra- tion (fig. 17), shows several colonies arranged upon the roof of a 2)iazza and house, in the village of Ilion, N. Y. ARRAXGEMENT OF TTIE HIVES. Where a large number of hives is to be kept in one yard, it is desirable to have them in as compact form as practicable, as the movements of the bees can thus be more easily observed, and the buildings or rooms occupi- ed in the necessary operations, will be more accessible from all parts of the apiary. AY hen convenient, I prefer arranging the hives in the form of a square. AVhere there are but few colonies, of course then- disjiosition is imma- terial. If a small building is erected, as it should be, for immediate convenience in practical operations, it should be placed at the center of the apiary, or in the most accessible locality. Fig. 18 shows the arrangement of my own apiary, with a tight fence in the rear, and this building m the center. The house should be about 8x10 feet, and made per- fectly bee-tight. In periods of scarcity, bees are attract- ed even by the smallest opening, and will be seen vigor- ously at work, endeavoring to gain admission, it is pre- ferable to cover the bottom of the house with hydraulic cement, instead of ordinary flooring. The door should close with a weight or spring, so that it may never be left open, unless intentionally. Windows eliouid be arranged on opposite sides, to give ample circulation of air, when desired, and the sash made movable or hung with hinges. Lights of glass reaching the entire length of the sash, are best, as m transferring, or like opera- THE U'lAKY. 71 tions, the bees may be more readily brushed down, thau wlien small panes are used. For warm weather, close windows will not be comforta- ble. Wire-cloth screens may be arranged and hung with hinges on the outside. These should be made of stuff at least one inch thick, with the wire-cloth nailed upon both sides. "When bees are being handled inside, and honey is scarce, those on the outside will be seen crowding upon Fiy. IS. — VIEW OF THE author's APIAEV. the wire-cloth ; if but one thickness of wire-cloth is used, the bees inside will feed those upon the outside with the honey to which they have access within. Great confusion sometimes arises in this way. The thick frame, and double wire-cloth fully obviates this difficulty. Tight board shutters will be needed to close the windows more thoroughly, when desired. Convenience should not only be kept in view, but order and neatness as well. Nothing adds more to the attrac- tiveness of an apiary, than a symmetrical disposition of the hives. They should stand iu vows in such a manner 72 THE A PI A It Y, that the hives of each alternate row will face the spaces of the row in front of it. (See fig. 18). The different colored hives or roofs, should be inter- spersed, so that no two of the same color come next each other. This is particularly important if the hives ai-e neeessarily placed rather close together. DISTANCE BETWEEN HIVES. The present improved s3-stem of management requires that hives should not stiind too near each other. There should be at least G feet between them, and 10 feet would be a preferable distance. If hives are set this distance apart, queens are less liable to be lost, when returning to the hive after meeting the drones. The advantage of plenty of room between the hives, is also evident when handling a swarm ; its neighbors will not be so likely to be interrupted, and when using the extractor, it is quite apparent that ample room is essential. HIVES SHOULD SET LEVEL. In adjusting the pieces of scantling to be used for stands (as described in Chap. VI.), it is essential that they be perfectly level, at least from side to side. The rear end may be slightly higher than the front, if the combs run from front to rear, and the combs in the boxes run in the same direction.* A quantity of gravel may * In this connection. I recall an instance of thp occupation of combs in an unnatural position, whicli occurred as follows : I visited an apiary several miles from home, for the purpose of feeding, and took with me a number of combs containing honey. It being too cold to open the hives, I simply removed the packing at the top. and laid the combs flat upon the top of the brood nests, placing panels over them, and replacing the packing. Upon visiting the apiary two weeks later, after the bees had begun gathering honey from apple blossoms, I found that several of these combs had been occupied by the queen, there being sealed brood upon both the upper and under sides ; honey was also stored on both sides. The warm position that this comb occupied, was doubtless the cause of the occurrence. THE APIARY. i3 be spread where the hive is to stand, and an accurate level obtained by means of a spirit-level. Instead of gravel, sawdust has frequently been recom- mended, and used with satisfaction by some. Others ob- ject to it from its liability to take fire. Where the bel- lows-smoker is used, there is not much force in this objec- tion. If clean gravel can be secured, the whole yard may be covered to advantage, leaving it highest where the hives are to stand. If the gravel is thick enough, and of the right kind, it will pack and prevent grass from grow- ing. If the ground is kept in grass, that should be kept cut short. DISADVAXTAGE OF HIGH STANDS. When bees come in heavily loaded, towards evening, or on a chilly day, or are driven in by a sudden shower, even if there is no wind, they are very apt to miss the hive, and be unable to gain the entrance, if it is placed at a distance from the ground. On the other hand, if the hive is near the earth, and an alighting board is arranged to reach from the ground to the entrance, they can always creep, long after they are unable to fly, and can thus usu- ally regain the hive, when they can not use their wings. If such facilities are afforded, a large number of bees may be saved. Belonging to different hives, the loss is often imper- ceptible, yet the aggregate sa^ ing from a large apiary would be of much importance. If any evidence is need- ed of the truth of this assertion, an examination of the ground about the hives, at night, particularly when a little chilly, will reveal a much greater loss than is gen- erally imagined. MARKIXG THE LOCATION. When bees are first set out in spring, or when moved to a new home, they invariably mark their location. As 4 74 THE /PIAIir. they leave the hive, they pause a moment, then rise on the wing, and face it, describing a small circle at first, but increasing as they recede, until an area of several yards has been viewed and marked. After a few excur- sions, when surrounding objects have become familiar, this precaution is not taken, but they leave in a direct line for their destination, returning by their way-marks without difficulty. MOVING BEES SHORT DISTA.XCES. Very excellent authorities have claimed that bees could not be moved less than a mile and a half or two miles, without injury, as they would return to their former local- ities. Mr. Qninby says : ** There are a great many people who suppose the bee knows its hive by a kind of instinct, or is attracted to- wards it, like the steel to the magnet. At least they act as if they thought so, as they often move their bees a few feet or rods, after the location is thus marked, and what is the consequence ? — The stocks are materially in- jured, and sometimes entirely ruined by loss of bees. Let us notice the cause. As I have stated, the bees have marked the location. They leave the hive without any precaution, as surrounding objects are familiar. They return to their old stand and find no home. If there is more than one stock, and their own has been removed from four to twenty feet, some of the bees may find a hive, but are just as liable to enter the wrong one as the right. Probably they would not go over twenty feet, and very likely not that, unless the new situation was very conspicuous. If a person had but one stock, the loss would probably be less, as every bee finding a hive, would bo sure to be right, and none would be killed, as is gener- ally the case, when a few enter a strange hive. Some- times a stock will allow strange bees to unite with them, but it is seldom, unless a large number enters." THE APIAET. 75 These facts are of value to the beginner, and should be carefully observed, until experience dictates what moditi- cations are allowable. Modern experiments prove that by observing the necessary conditions, bees may be moved short distances without detriment. I have, in the evening, prepared hives for removal, and taken them, before light the next morning, three miles away, and was positive that not a bee had escaped from the hives. Before noon, quite a number of bees could be seen flying around the stands from which the hives had been removed. I naturally inferred, that these bees had found their way back from the new location. I am now fully convinced that I was in error. These, I think, were bees that had left the hive, so late the night pre- vious, that they were overtaken by darkness, and were unable to reach their home. After becoming sufficiently warm the next morning, they had returned to lind them- selves homeless. C. C. Van Deusen, of Sprout Brook, X. Y., purchased several swarms of a neighbor about half a mile distant, and moved them to his own yard, after their lines were thoroughly established at home. Fpon releasing them, he smoked them thoroughly, so that all filled themselves completely with honey, and the result was, that the new location was marked, and no bees returned to the former stands. In 1869 we purcha-ed twenty swarms of bees in box hives and moved them two miles. We afterwards desired to move them half a mile, and did so, but before releasing them, transferred them to movable frames. This opera- tion so thoroughly confused and demoralized them, that this new location was marked, and there was no resulting loss. I have never found it necessary to move bees shorter distances, yet I see no reason why, with the requi- site care and skill in manipulation, they may not be moved to as little distance as may be desired, especially, 76 THE APIARY. if SO thoroughly disturbed as in tbe process of trans- ferring. If it becomes necessary to change the location of hives in the same yard, it may he done by moving the hive one or two feet at a time (the distance depending on the contiguity of the adjacent hives), and allowing it to stand a day or two, each time^ before moving again. But if the situation of colonit^s is changed at random, with- out some intelligent var*... much loss will inevitably ensue. SHADE. To determin<^ ihe precise amount of shade which will meet the Jieed? of the entire season, requires some dis- crimination. Evergreen Trees, Grape Vines, and differ- ent varieties of fruit trees, have each their advocates. I have tested the matter very largely, and while I appre- ciate the benefit of shelter from the sun in exceedingly sultry weather, especially in the middle of the day, I can- not recommend any permanent shade to any great extent. It is very essential, during the early part of the season, that each hive receive the direct rays of the sun during the entire day. If hives can be so arranged among de- ciduous trees that they may be thus benefited morning and evening, the shade at other hours, during extreme heat, would be desirable. As a rule, if the roof recommended be so adjusted that the air can circulate between it and the hive, it will afford ample protection. It is my custom, during spring months, to remove these roofs each fair day, and replace them before the dew falls at evening. Capt. Ilctherington, of Clicrry Valley, N. Y., appre- hending this necessity of warmth, covers the top of the cap with sheet iron, and paints it black. This not only protects the hive, obviating the need of a roof until warmer weather, but being dark, absorbs the rays of the gun, which assists materially in warming the interior of THE APIAET. 77 the hive, and stimulates early breeding at a season when it is of most importance. It is unquestionable that, in the very hottest weather, the shade of trees would be very grateful and desirable, but, considering the average of cool weather through the season, I conceive it to be detrimental rather than other- wise. In southern latitudes, shade may be more essential. BEE HOUSES. Bee houses, as used in times past, have long been con- demned as useless and undesirable. When box hives were alone used, and the bees were not manipulated as at the present day, such houses more nearly met the simpler demands of those times ; yet even then, the rays of the sun were nearly excluded, with many accompanying dis- advantages. THE HOUSE APIAET. More recently what is known as the House Apiary (fig. 19), has been devised for movable comb-hives. Mr. Coe, of New Jersey, has designed a form of it, which he claims to possess much merit. One of these was erected at the Centennial Exhibition, and ^va,s an object of much inter- est to apiarian visitors. It may be of any desired size and in shape, square, oblong, hexagonal, or octagonal, as may be preferred. A house 9x15 feet will hold 4i hives, and one 11x34 will contain 100 hives. It is tightly enclosed on all sides, the hives being arranged on shelves next the walls inside, the bees enter- ing through small openings. It is true that bees may ' be handled inside of these houses, in rainy weather, or when they would be liable to rob out of doors. One of the benefits claimed is, that swarming may be more easily controlled. So far as I have investigated the details of construction, I find that the shelves holding the hives are attached to 78 THE APIARY. the sides of the building, thus subjecting the -bees to jars caused by the disturbance of any part of it, lience I should not anticipate so good a degree of success as if the hives were disconnected from the building, and each, on its own separate stand, resting firmly on the ground. The beneficial effects of tne heat received by the hives when exposed to the direct rays of the sun, when in the open air, must be supplied artificially within. Fig. 19.— HOUSE APIARY OF J. H. NELLIS, CANAJOHARIE, N. T. For the information of those who desire to use such arti- ficial heat, I recall a similar experiment. In 1872, while with Mr. Quinby, we demonstrated tlie fact that we might raise the temperature in and about all parts of the hives, containing strong swarms, yet the bees would not venture to fly, if on reaching the entrance, they found it to be cold without. The house apiary has been somewhat extensively tested, but evidently it has not as yet reached that point where it may be pronounced a thorough success. I have not THE APIARY. 'J'9 had sufficient experience to waiTant the assumption that it may not be very satisfactorily modified and improved, but like many other methods, its ments and defici- encies can only be developed by time and experiment. I favor further trial and investigation. WHEK TO PURCHASE BEES. Assuming the location to be determined, and all pre- liminary arrangements settled, the next important step is, to secure the bees with which to stock the apiary. After an extended experience in buying bees at differ- ent seasons of the year, I shall advise beginners to pur- chase them only in spring. Those who feel competent to transfer from box-hives to movable combs, should procure them before the first yield of honey in their own location. The inexperienced will, however, find their initiation into bee-culture less perplexing, if able to secure the bees in the kind of movable-comb hive they intend to use. A marked advantage may be realized by buying bees in a section where the season opens earlier than in that to which they are to be removed. For instance, fruit blos- soms are valuable in stimulating early brood-rearing. Buy your bees in a quarter where Apple-trees are going out of bloom just as they are opening in your own, and move them as nearly at this time as possible. A little research on this point will prove advantageous to experienced bee- keepers. A little more care must be exercised in moving bees at such times, as the combs are heavier with brood and honey. WHERE TO BUY. This consideration depends upon the variableness of profitable seasoais, and also upon the fact that bees will prosper in one locality, and in another at a greater or less distance, do very poorly during the same period. 80 THE APIAEY. Other facts in this connection are, that ordinarily, a good season will follow a poor one, and that the best swarms may generally be found in spring, where the previous season was prosperous. The inference is easily drawn, that if we purchase good colonies in such a section, and take them where the approaching season promises well, two essentials will be secured — bees in fine condition and the promise of a good yield. TRANSPORTATION" BENEFICIAL. It is generally supposed that it is better to secure bees in the immediate vicinity, which is certainly true as re- gards labor and expense ; but experience assures me that when they are properly transported a long distance, there are advantages which offset, jiartially at least, the extra trouble and cost. With us, such colonies invariably work better than stocks of equal strength of our own winter- ing, standing in the same apiary. I account for this, in part, from the fact that being supplied with water dur- ing confinement and shipment, the bees uncap and dilute their stores of honey, which stimulates the queen to de- posit eggs more freely. Also, tlie agitation incident to moving them some dis- tance dislodges the moth-worms and the bees may be seen endeavoring to throw tliem, as well as portions of the worm galleries, from the hiv^e. They are also evi- dently freed from the more minute pests of the hive in the same manner. Repeated tests convince me of the truth of this assumption. I think this view will yet be developed into practice in the ordinary liandling of bees, so that in the proper time and manner they may be ex- cited to more vigorous activity. HOW TO SELECT SWARMS. For several reasons, I would advise beginners to pur- chase swarms at least two years old, especially if to be THE APIARY. ^1 transferred. This operation may be more readily per- formed, and they may be transported with less liability of breaking the combs, and thereby injuring the bees, than if the combs are more new and tender. If euch colonies have cast swarms the previous year, which is usually the case, they will contain a young queen ; be- sides, stocks of this age are very apt to be more popu- lous than younger ones. If good swarms of the previous season can be found in movable comb hives, and are not to be moved a long distance, there will, of course, be no objection to selecting such. Choose hives with straight combs and such as have the most worker comb. The item of the utmost importance at this period is, that they shall be very populous ; this is almost positive proof that most of the other desirable conditions are present. Since the marked diminution of foul brood in this country, the precautions to avoid introducing it, need not be so rigidly observed as was insisted upon in the earlier editions of this work. COST OF BEES AXD FIXTURES. The cost of a colony of bees Avill of course vary in different localities. In New York, the price of a good swarm of native bees in a box hive, has been about $5.00, at any season of the year. More recently, good swarms have been sold for $4.00 in the fall, and $5.00 in the spring. This has seemed a fair price when honey realiz- ed the better prices that it did a few years ago ; but with the present reduction in the price of honey, I anticipate a corresponding decrease in the cost of bees. Those buying from dealers, where the bees are already in movable frame hives, with straight worker combs, in proper condition, will probably pay $8.00 each, for natives and $10.00 for Italians. Empty hives will cost from $1.00 82 THE APIARY. to $5.00 each. The implements necessary to properly manage an apiary, are an Extractor $10.00, Honey-Knife, 11.00, Wax-Extractor, $5. 00, Smoker,ll.50, Bee- Veil, 50c. There will, naturally, be other minor expenses even in a small apiary. It should be borne in mind that the ex- pense of fixtures is nearly as much for a half a dozen swarms as for an extensive apiary. TRANSPORTING BEES. In transporting your bees, avoid, if possible, the two extremes of very cold, or very warm weather. In the latter the combs are so nearly melted, that the weight of the honey will bend them, bursting the cells, spilling the honey and besmearing the bees. In very cold weather, the combs are brittle, and easily detached from tlie sides of the hive. Have ready some carpet tacks, and pieces of thin muslin about half a yard square. Invert tlie hive, put the cloth over, neatly folded and fastened with a tack at the corners, and another in the middle of each side. Drive the tack in about two-thirds of its length ; it is ihen convenient to pull out when required. If the bees are to be taken some distance, and must be confined for several days, the muslin will hardly be sufficient, and wire-cloth must be substituted. To prepare the movable comb-hive for long journeys, put sticks on each side of each comb, in about two places, to hold it steady (see directions for transferring), then lay on the top of the frames, cross-Avise, thin strips to hold them in place, and fasten on the honey-board with screws.* Turn the hive over, and cover the bottom with wire-cloth. AVitli proper care they may be sent by rail- road one thousand miles. ♦ If the combs are old, and the distance short, the transferring sticks at the Bides of the comb may be omitted. THE APIARY. 83 Probably the best mode of conveyance is in a wagon with elliptic springs. A wagon without springs is bad, es- pecially for young stocks ; yet I have known them to be moved safely in this way, with care in packing hay or straw under and around them, and careful driving. Whatever conveyance is employed, the hive should be Inverted. The combs will tlien rest on the top, and are less liable to break than when right end up, because in the latter case, the whole weight of the combs must come upon the fastenings at tlie top and sides, and these are easily broken. When bees are moved, thus inverted, they will creep upward ; in stocks partly full, they will often nearly all leave the combs, and get upon the covering. For several years, we have purchased bees largely, bringing them sometimes a distance of 150 miles by rail, when the weatlier was quite Avarm. At such times, we used wire-cloth to confine tlie bees, which was enough larger than the bottom of the hive, to be rounded up, so that the bees could go above the combs, and have a freer circulation of air. If they are to be shut up any length of time, it is often beneficial to furnish them with water, by sprinkling it through the wire-cloth. They will receive it very greedily. Half a gill may be given each swarm two or tliree times each day. Or a piece of sponge may bo fastened to the wire-cloth, and kept saturated, allowing the bees to take as much as they desire. Much care is necessary in mov- ing heavy colonies in warm weather. In packing hives into a wagon, place them so that the combs will stand cross-wise of the wagon-box, as they are less liable to break in this position. In a railroad car, they should stand so that the combs will be length- wise with the car. In preparing colonies for transportation, it is frequently necessary to work at them during the day, while the bees are flying. All holes in the top of the hive should be 84 THE APIARY. closed, and if there is a liole in front, and the hive is standing near the ground, they may be turned bottom up, and a board set slanting from the ground to the entrance, for the bees to pass in and out. The muslin or wire-cloth may then be put on, and the cap, if any, placed over it, and the usual roof replaced, until they stop flying at night, when the hole at the side should be closed. If -there is no hole in front, bore one for the purpose. I often put up large numbers during the day, and move them in the evening or in the following day. When the bees are brought to the home apiary, they should be smoked to drive them from the wire-cloth, the latter removed, and the hive placed upon the stand it is to occupy. TAKING BEES ON SHARES. In managing bees for other parties, as well as in fur- nishing them to those who wished to care for them, we have usually been governed by the following rule : One party furnishes all the bees, and the other does all the work. All expenses for new material, etc., are shared equally ; and the receipts, including the increase, are equally divided. The ownership of the original colonies is unchanged. FINANCIAL RESULTS. This is a topic upon which I shall differ widely from many who have represented the interests of bee-keeping. I desire to say very emphatically, that from a thorough knowledge of the business, I mast disapprove of the position taken by some in their statements as to the ex- traordinary returns that may be expected, A com])arison of bee-keeping viith other avocations, farming, for instance, will, I think, show a balance of profit in favor of the former. Upon an investment of $1,000 in bees, I should anticipate, with the same amount THE APIARY. 85 of labor, as large an average profit as from $5,000 invested in farming lands, at $100, or more, per acre. This pursuit, therefore, offers evident inducements to persons of moderate means. Just what annual percentage from a stated investment may be reasonably anticipated, it is impossible to de- termine, as the seasons are far from being uniform. I shall not encourage beginners to expect an average of 100"/^ upon their investments. Some have represented the prospect as much more alluring than this, but in many cases the returns are likely to prove much less satisfactory. The results attained by the majority of our bee-keepers prove that even my estimate is much too high. Nevertheless, I know of no substantial business that will pay as well for the cajjital invested, as this of bee-keeping. OVEE-STOCKIIs^G. What number of stocks can be kept in one place ? is a question often asked. I shall differ more in opinion with some of our best authors in this, than on most other points. Mr. Langstroth expresses himself, very confi- dently, that over-stocking has never happened in this country, and that there is no prospect of it. He gives us, on the authority of Mr. "Wagner, the number of stocks to the square mile in many sections of Europe. I will give one or two items. In the Kingdom of Hanover, 141 stocks are estimated to the square mile. In the Province of xlttica, in Greece, containing 45 square miles, 20.000 hives are kept. A Province in Holland contains :i,000 colonies per square mile. This is, certainly, very good authoiity. for his convic- tion, but careful observation and somewhat extended ex- perience will not justify me in accepting Mr. Lang- stroth's conclusions. I have endeavored to convince myself that, the large 86 THE APIARY. number of bees kept in and about my own neighborhood, accomplish as desirable results as if the territory were more sparsely occupied. I am thoroughly satisfied that such is not the case. In the most productive seasons, and durmg the most ample harvests, the difference is not so perceptible, but under less favorable circumstances, the evidence has been most convincing. We have here, from lour to five hun- dred colonies, working on the same ground. Judging from. the results at a yard six miles away, I estimate that if my home apiary of 150 swarms could have the sole range of this region, I should realize an increase of, at least, one-third in my returns. I must maintain then, that there is danger of over-stocking, if we desire to ob- tain the largest possible yield. These views were held by Mr. Quinby, and were Justified by his later experience. I do not desire to be undsrstood that bees may not be cultivated successfully, even where there are larger num- bers than here mentioned, for deficiencies in periods of scarcity may be supplied artificially, but I wish to impress upon the novice who is selecting a site for his apiary, the fact, that the fewer bees in the desired location, the better are his prospects. While reducing to practice many points upon which he is not well informed, he will meet with much less annoyance, if hundreds of swarms are not able to take advantage of any undue exposure of hives or honey, arising from his inexperienced handling. It will always be impossible to know exactly how many bees can be profitably kept ; some seasons yield bounteously, others only partially, and some, almost none at all. Whoever begins with excessive numbers, must expect to be sometime overtaken with serious disaster. One must lay up a store of fortitude, in prosperous times, to last him through such seasons of discouragement. It 13 an advantage to keep as large a number as will CONTROLLING BEES. 87 possibly do well in one yard. They may be taken care of with much less proportional expense. It would not do to hire a man to take charge of every eight or ten hives, although the average profit of the few would be much greater than with a large number. One man can manage 100 stocks, except, perhaps, for a few days in the busiest part of the season, and the reduction in the expense would more than balance the larger profits from the smaller apiaries. I would not advise keeping very large apiaries, until warranted by experiencs in their care. The resources of a country should also be gradually tested. A honey-producing country may be like a graz- ing region. One field may pasture ten times as many cattle as another, and the same may be true of pasturage for bees. CHAPTER Y. CONTROLLING BEES. THEIR DISPOSITION. Nature has provided the honey-bee with weapons to defend its stores, and combativeness sufficient to use them when necessary. If bees were powerless to repel an enemy, there are a thousand lazy depredators, man not excepted, who would prey upon the fruits of their indus- try, leaving them to starve. Had it been thus arranged, this industrious insect would probably have long siace become extinct. It behooves us. in view of these charac- teristics, to ascertain what are considered as insults. First, all quick motions about them, such as running, striking, etc., are noticed. If our movements among them are slow, cautious, and respectful, we are often allowed to pass unmolested. Yet the exhalations from some per- sons appear to be very offensive, as they attack some much 88^ CONTROLLING BEES. sooner than other8, though I apprehend there is not so great a difference as many suppose.* When an attack is made, and a sting follows, the venom thus diffused in the air is perceived by others at some distance, who will im- m2diately approach the scene, and more stings are likely to be received. The breathing of a person into the hive, or among them whon clustered outride, is considered in the tribu- nals 0£ thsir insect wisdom, as the greatest indignity. A sudden jar, sometimes made by carelessly moving the hive, is another. After being once thoroughly irritated in this way, they remember it a long time, and are continually on the alert ; the moment the hive is touched, they are ready to salute a person's face. In adjusting the boxes and frames, some of the bees are apt to be crushed, or cut in two. Their surviving comrades are very liable to remember this, and to retaliate as occasion offers. Bees never make an attack while in quest of honey, or on their return, until they have entered the hive. It IS only in the hive and in its vicinity, that wc may expect them to manifest this irascible disposition. I must disagree Avith any one who says that we always have warning before being stung. Two-thirds of them sting without giving the least intimation. At other times, when fully determined on vengeance, they will strike the hat, and remain a moment endeavoring to effect their object. In this case, one has warning to hold down the face to protect it from a second attempt, which IS quite sure to follow. As they fly horizontally, the face held in that position is not so liable to be attacked. AVhen they are not so thoroughly angry, they often * Persona u«ing liquor or tobacco, nre never successful bee-keepers, t have in miiitl. a nervous man, who is an inveterate smoker, wbose bees are the most pugnacious and unmana, fitting that I sliould here express my genuine admiration for, and appreciation of the work Mr. Langstroth has done for American bee- keepers. In careful, intelligent study, and insight into the habits of the honey-bee, the clear perception of the best means of adapting the requirements of the apiarian, to their natures ; and in the elegant and scholarly style in which his ideas have been presented to us, he has no superior, and indeed, no equal, in the list of writers on bee-culture. Mr. P. H. Elwood, one of the most scholarly and educated apiarians of my acquaintance, says of Mr. Langstroth's book, that it is one of the most beautifully written works that he ever read on any topic wliatever. CON'STRUCTION AND ADVANTAGES. For the benefit of that class of bee-keepers who are yet using box hives, and are unfamiliar w?tli the construction 96 HIVES AND BOXES. and advantages of movable frames, I will briefly give the most important points. Each comb, instead of being attached to the top and sides of the hive, is built in a frame, so arranged that each c:ni be handled separately. The hives are so made that all the combs can be in- spected without difficulty. When the bees diminish in numbers, the cause can be readily ascertained. The exact amount of sealed honey can be seen at a glance, and weak colonies strengthened, by exchanging an empty comb, for one full of brood and honey, from a strong colony. The amount of Avorker-brood that they shall raise may be increased, and the number of drones lessened, by substituting worker for drone comb. Swarms can be made at pleasure by dividing. The ravages of the moth -worm can be detected and prevented. These are but a few of the considerations hereafter to be presented, but should be sufficient to convince any but the most stolid intellect, of the immeasurable superiority of hives with movable frames, over the common box-hive. Nevertheless, in urging enterprising bee-keepers to adopt them, it must be clearly understood that something 15 required beyond the mere substitution of a movable- comb hive for the old box. INTELLIGENT MANIPULATION NECESSARY. Many bee-keepers have been sadly victimized in their first efforts at such improvement, by the misrepresenta- tions of unscrupulous hive- venders, whose only motive was to obtain the fee for using their *' patent " hives, and then leave the perplexed apiarian to blunder into worse dilemmas than before. Many are led to believe that the mere use of the hive in question, will insure the success which the skilled manager of movable frames is able to attain, over the meagre results of the old system. A hive is procured, but before building a large number, HIVES AXD BOXES. 97 the purchaser possibly concludes, wisely, to test it before going further. A swarm is hived in it, and the grand results awaited. By the side of it, stands a box hive, containing a similiar swarm, aud if the boxes are well arranged, and the hive smaller than the other, which is usually the case, the chances are that more surplus honey will be stored in them, than in those on the movable-comb hive. Ycry often, too, the combs arc wot built straight in the frames, thus depriving him of the advantages to be gain- ed by handling them. The very natural conclusion of the experimenter, would be, that he was humbugged, aiid the movable-comb hive was inferior to the box. Notwithstanding the fact that most Avriters think it un- necessary to make mention of box hives, the fact that a large number of our bee-keepers still pursue the old method and use them, seems to me a sufficient reason for recogniz- ing them, at least so far as to call their attention to the deficiencies in their system, and to point out to them the benefits to be derived from a change made with due study and attention. Ever ^ince I have been engaged in bee-culture, I have been under obligations to these box-hive men. We have bought boes largely of them, each spring, to transfer to our hives with movable frames, and thus fill up our stocks to Italianize, and prejiare for the following season's operations. I might occupy much space in describing many hives of much merit, but with an extended knowledge of a very large number, I shall class them under but two heads, Hanging- Frame and Standing-Frame Hives. THE HAXGIXG-FEAME OR LANGSTKOTH HIVE. In the previous revision of this work, in 1865, Mr. Quinby fully recognized the merits of Mr. Langstroth's 5 ' 98 HIVES AND BOXES. invention, and described the modified form of his liive, which he used successfully for several years. The simplest form is made as follows : Cut two pieces ISy^ Inches long, 12 in. wide, of '/g-in. lumber. Rabbet the ends '/^ in, wide, and y^ in. deep, to receive the end pieces. This will allow the comers to be nailed from both ways, making it more firm and strong. Next, cut two pieces 12y^ inches long, 12 in. wide, and same thickness. * In one edge of the ends, cut a rab- bet y, in. each way. Nail together with the end pieces inside, and the rabbeting at top, to support the frames. This will make a box 12x12x17, inside measure. For th(^ bottom board cut a piece ISy^ in. long, 13y^ in. wide. Cut two cleats ISy^ in. long, and ly, in. square.- Nail these on each end, with wrought nails, clinching them firmly. Cut an entrance in this bottom board, 4 in. Avide, and y^ in. deep, at the front edge, gradually slant- ing to the surface, 4 in. back. (See fig. 34). For a toj), cut a board of the same size as the bottom. Nail tvvo cleats 12y^ in. long, ly^ in. wide, y^in. thick, across it, 1 in. from the end, and an equal distance from each edge, clinching Avell. In all cleats it is well to bore holes, for nails, to avoid splitting. It is a mistake of many Avriters to advise too heavy m.aterial for bottom-boards. They A j^/\jww..A.A-. ^^^'^"^^ ^'"^ made light, that they may ^ — ■ — ; — ® not add unnecessarily to the' Aveight TKON fS Same3. o^ the hive when handHng. Across the bottom of the hive in the center should be a stick with bent wires, or Avhat ij better, a cast-iron piece to hold the frames steady, and at proper distances apart. This (fig. 23) is held ir place with screws. For a cap to cover the top and protect the boxes, ^ut two pieces lOy, inches long, and wide enough to make suf- ♦Unleee otherwise specified all mntcrial for hives shonld he J inch t!)ick. HIVES AND BOXES. 93 ficient depth to receive the boxes to be used. Eabbet the corners y^ in. X '/g in. in the same manner as the sides of the hive. Cut two other pieces, same width, and 13'/^ in. long for ends. Eabbet one corner of each of the four pieces, '/g in. each way, so that when nailed together the rabbeting will come on the inside, lower edge. This is to fit the top of the hive and hold the cap in place. A board 19'/^ x 14'/^ nailed upon the top completes the cap. Fio:. 21. — HANGING-FRAME, HIVE AND CAP. A handle for the hive and cap, as shown in fig. 24, may be made by dropping the ends on a wabble gaw, or it may be cut with a chisel. This is the very simplest form of case for a movable frame hive. But it does not meet all the demands of the progressive bee-keeper. Ventilation is to be considered. A hole 5 X 10 inches may be cut in the center of the bottom- board for this purpose. Two sticks, 13 in. long by 1 x V/„ with a y^ in. rabbet in one corner of each, should be nailed across the bottom board at the ends of this hole, in which to slide a A-cntilator. This should be made of 100 HIVES AND BOXES. '/^ in. stuff, and cleated to prevent warping. "When it is desired to move bees, or to ventilate them in warm weather, make a frame the size of the ventilator and cover it with wire cloth. One is shown in fig. 34, page 108. The rabbeting on which the frames rest may be cut y^ inch deep, instead of y^ in. , and a piece of inch hoop iron, nailed or screwed over it, projecting upwards within y, in. of the top, on which the frames may hang instead. There Avill, in this way, be less bearing, and the frames be less firmly fastened by the bees, thus causing lers jar in handling. THAMES. "Whatever tlie size of the frame, there should bo but a plain rim around the outside. Frames of all sorts and fashions have been used and recommended, each with some feature designed to meet a special necessity, but the simplest form has long been i)roved the best. There is probably no point upon which good bee-keepers differ more widely than in regard to the depth of frames. Some prefer a frame 15 inches deep, while others make them as shallow as six inches. Mr. Bingham uses a standing frame of this depth, for which he claims superior advantages. Mr. Langstroth also recommended a low frame. I prefer a medium between these extremes. Frames should be made of the best quality of lumber, pine to be preferred. A good hanging frame is made as follows : For the top bar, cut a piece 17y, inches long, y, in. thick, and y, in. wide. Cut each end down to y, in. thickness, y^ in. from the end. Cut two pieces for the end liy, in. long, Fisr. 25. — hanging-fkame. HIVES AXI) BOXES. 101 Yg in. wide, and '/^ in. thick. For the bottom, cut a piece 16 in. long, y^ in. wide, and '/^ in. thick. Nail together, making a frame as shov/n in tig. 25. Two tri- angular blocks should be added to the corners to stiffen the frame. They should be about 1'/, in. on the sides next to the frame. Eight of these frames will fill a hive. These hives are designed to receive top-boxes only. Fiff. 20. — DIVISION BOARD. DIVISION-BOARD. At any timo when a limite:! number of frames is used, the brood chamber should be cantracted accordingly. For this purpose, a movable division-board is necessary. If but one or two frames are used for a nucleus, and it is desired that they occupy a position at the center of the hive, a division-board may be placed at each side of the combs. To make one, a board of the required size, with a bar across the top, as shown in fig. 26, is all that is needed. Some cut them slightly smaller than the hive, and place a piece of rubber or leather in a groove around the outside, to fit the sides of the hive more completely. SIDE-BOXING HIVES. The question of side-boxing hives occurs here, as their us3 involves some change in the details of construction. Aro they desirable ? If honey, rather than increase of colonies is the aim, I answer, yes. Where a moderate increase is preferred, boxes enough to secure all the sur- plus likely to be gathered, may be used upon the top of the hive, by placing them two tiers high. But if swarm- ing is to be prevented, I consider side-boxes iudispensa* 102 HIVKS AND BOXES. bit, especially in the best seasons. Many cf our best bee-keepers are using side-boxes in connection with the hanging-frame hive. Tliis may be done by making the sides of the hive movable, and holding the ends in place, by a piece of hoop-iron, at top and bottom, across each side. The corners may be secured as illustrated, by clasps, such as will be described hereafter. (See fig. 37.) OBSERVATORY HIVE. A very convenient form of observatory hive, for the satisfaction of those who wish to observe the operations Fig. y7.— OBSEKVATOKY UIVE. of the bees, without opening the hive, can be made sub- stantially as the above, except that the two sides should be made with a frame, two inches wide, with a glass fitted in the inside, and a dojr made of two thicknesses of thin board, with the grain at right angles to prevent warping. This door should fit nicely in the frame be HTVES^ AND BOXES. 103 hung Avitli hinges, and fastened with a small button or hook. Figure 27, illustrates this hive with a door opened. THE NEW QUIXBY HIVE. (Fig. 28.) It has already been mentioned, that upon the introduc- tion of the hanging-frame hive, Mr. Qninby at once adopted it, and used it in the form herein described, with Fig. 28.— QUINBT HIVE, WITH FRAMES AND BOXES. marked success and satisfaction. It is also well known chat the majority of bee-keepers of the present day are using it in some of its forms, with excellent results. The late Adam Grimm, of Jefferson, Wis., used a modi- fication of it, arranged by himself, and known as the Grimm hive, and with it, achieved extraordinary success. This is certainly ample proof of the inherent value of the hanging-frame. Notwithstanding its acknowledged merit, and the results he had attained by its use, Mr. Qumby found, after patient investigation, that there 104 HIVES AXD BOXES. wore yet points in Avhicli the hanging- frame hive was de- ficient, especially when he desired to control swarming. After prolonged study and experiment, he invented, about the year 186S, the " New Quinhy Hive" with standing frame, and at the time of his death, in 1875, he had so far demonstrated its practicability, and superiority, that it was a source of much gratification. I designate this as the New Quinby hive, from the fact that two other hives have been kuown as the Quinby hive, viz. ; the box-hive recommended in the first edi- tion of this book, and the modified form of the Lang- stroth, just described. The question as to the best size of a hive to meet all the requirements of the advanced bee-keeper, cannot, I maintain, be answered so well with any other hive. Tlie fact is, that with this hive and frame, the size may vary from one frame for queen-rearing, to 16 for extracting, or include any intermediate number, according to the object in view, and in every case, the hive is equally complete and perfect. And I claim it to be indisputable, that for box and extracted honey, wintering, and indeed, in all the facilities it furnishes, the New Quinby hive cannot be surpassed by any hive now in use. The question may be very properly asked, if this hivo is all that I claim, why has it not been more generally adopted ? Those who are familiar with its history since it was first given to the public can readily divine the cause. This, as well as many other meritorious inven- tions, has suffered materially in reputation by being sent out in a crude, imperfect form, before the details of con- struction were sufficiently perfected, to commend it to the favor of less patient manipulators. It would be a source of deep regret to me, if even a single person should sup- pose for a moment, that the new Quinby hive now used by J. E. Hetherington with such flattering success is not an improvement upon those first constructed over ten HIVKS AND BOXES. 105 years since. If there be any such, they Avill do well to notice carefully the details of the hive here described, which show its latest improvements. I shall make an es- pecial effort to describe and illustrate it clearly, for in this, as in all points concerned in the revision of this work, I desire to carry out fully the principles of the au- thor, in showing that it is for the public, and not for the sake of personal gain. * STAXDIXG FRAME. I px'opose to describe the standing frame used with this hive, before the case or exterior ; from the fact that it is often used independently of the case, which is by some considered the pre- ferable way. To make this frame, cut two pieces for ends, liy^ in. long, 1'/, in. wide, and y^ in. thick. Cut the top bar 16 ni. long, y, in. wide, y, in. thick, and the bottom bar the same length and width, and y^ in. thick. Nail together as indicated in figure 29, with the top and bot- tom strips y^ in. from the top and bottom of ends, making a frame 16 X lOy^ inside measure. Corner blocks should be added as in the hanging frame. The hook for holding the frame in an upright position is made of y^-inch hoop-iron. Cut a piece 2 y„ m. long, and bend a right angle y^ in. from one end. In the long Fig. 29. — STAXDING FRAME. * It 18 well kno\vn that Mr. Q. had an rstreme aversion to patents, and this, as well as many other invcDtions, was never covorod b.v one. Complaints were made during the past year (I'^TS) that a Mr. Miller, of this State, had se- cured a patent upon this hive, and was endeavoring to collect a royalty, in some sectloni. 1 simply call attention to this, to warn any one using this hiv^, aot to pay any such unjust claini. 100 UIVKS AM) BOXKS. end, punch two holes large enough to receive y4-in. clout- nails. This hook is to be nailed on one end of one upright piece, so that the hook or shorter end, will stand directly under the center of the end with a space of a plump y,g in. between it and the end, which gives room to hook it under the hoop-iron on the bottom board, here- after to be explained (fig. 30). This hook should be nailed on before the frame is \nit together. 0. J. Hetlierington makes the hook as wide as the end of the frame, and puts one on each of the This allows the frame to be reversed if construct- UOOK ON END OF FRAME. four corners, desired. For nig frames, a form (fig. 31) should be made, by the use of which they may be rapidly and ac- curately i)ut togetlier. PASTELS, OE SIDE-BOARDS. These panels? are used at the sides of the frames, and the size of the brood- nest is determined by the number of frames i)laecd between them. The sim- plest form of a panel ^"^s- 3i.— fokm fok liLiLDmo fsamss. HIVES AND BOXES. 107 is made of pine, by cutting a board 17 in, long, 11'/^ in. wide, and '/, in. tiiick, and cleating with two pieces liy, in. long, / ^ in. wide, and '/, in. thick. Use VJ^ in. clout-nails (iig. 32). A better form of panel is made by cutting two pieces 17 in. long, 1 in. wide, and "/^ in. thick, and two other pieces 10'/^ in. long, same width and thickness. In the center of one edge of each of these four pieces cut a groove '/^ in. wide by '/, in. deep. At each end of the two longer pieces, cut away '/^ in. deep, 1 in. back, to receive the end pieces. This will form a frame 17 X liy„ in. outside. For a panel to hll this frame. PANEL FOR SIDE OF FXIAMES. Fig. 33. PANEL FOR SIDIi O? FRAMES. a board should be cut 15'/^ in. long, lOVg in. wide, and y^ inch thick. Cat a rabbet all around this y„ in. wide and y^ in. deep. Place this in the frame, and nail at the corners with iy„-in. finishnig nails. This gives y^ in. margin for swelling (fig. 33), This is generally used Avith the flat' side next to the combs, yet occasionally it will be found very desirable to reverse it when preparing bees for winter, as it will give them needed access to the heavily filled outside combs. The reason for preferring this panel to the first is that it does not vary in width so mucli by swelling and snrinking, and is not so liable to warp. SMALL BOTTOM BOAEDS FOR QUINBY FRAMES. These should be, when finished, ISy^ in. long, and 15 in. wide. Cut two pieces ISy^ X 5, and two others, 5x5. LOS HIVES AXD BOXES. At th3 end of one of these short pieces, cut two entrances, in the same manner as heretofore directed. The wholtt width of the piece should be cut away, except y^ in. in the center. Two cleats are needed, 15 in. long, 1'/, in. square, and two others, the same length, V/^X''/^ in. Rabbet one corner of each of the last two '/^ in. each way, to hold a ventilator. Put the pieces together as in- dicated in fig. 3-4, and nail to the cleats, placing the two larger ones at the ends, and the others at the sides of the opening for the ventilator, which may be made as hither- to described. On the upper surface of this bottom-board, y^ in. from the rear edge, a groove one inch wide and ^/^^ in. deep, should be cut with a dado head, or plane. Over the front edge of this groove nail a strip of 1-in. hoop iron, projecting y,g of an inch over it, using I'/^-in. clout nails. The hook on the lower end of the frame hooks under this, and supports the frame in an upright position. A piece of inch hoop iron sliould be nailed across the front, y^ in. from the edge, upon which the frames may rest, and under which the bees are to pass (fig. 34). Upon this bottom-board, tlie desired number of frames may be set close together (there being no space between the frames at the ends), a panel placed at each side, and a strong cord tied around all. Place a panel upon the top, and you have a com- plete hive. OUTER CASE NOT ALWAYS ESSENTIAL. I have fully demonstrated in my practice, that for box- ing both side and top, the standing frames may be used Fig. 34. — SMAXL BOTTOM BOARD. HIVES AND BOXES. 109 with perfect, success, without either case, or cap of any kind, when the boxes are enclosed in a clamp, as hereafter indicated. I have operated 100 swarms after this plan, even laying aside cases and caps from choice, in warmest weather. A good roof, to protect the hive from the weather, must be used ; this is shown in fig. 39. For protection in cold weather, a simple cap of proper size may Fig. 35. — QUINBT FRAMES AND BOXES IN CLAMPS. be made. Let it be well put together, with the top pro- jecting y^ in. over, on all sides. If preferred, this may be placed over the boxes, when they are on the top of the frames. COMPLETE NEW QUINBY HIVE. ■ The complete hive, full size, is made as follows : The outer case should be made of l-m. pme lumber, dressed down on both sides to '/^ in. thick. T)ie bottom-board IS Sr/^Xlsy, m. It should be made of matched boards 110 HIVES AND BOXES. one-third as wide as the desired length of the bottom- board. Let two pieces be 18'/^ in. long, and two others 7 in. The cleats should be Ixl'/^ in., and 2 in. square, respectively, and 27'/^ in. in length. The ventilator, and support for the frames are arranged precisely as in the small bottom-board. It would be well to omit cutting the channel over which the hoop iron projects to support the frames, with- in Yp in. of each edge, Avhich may readily be done when using machinery, but if cut with a hand plane, it must Fig. 3(5. — LARGE BOTTOM BOARD, WITH FRAME. be cut through, and the space afterwards carefully filled with wood or leather. Let the hoop-iron come short also, one inch. The entrance should be divided in two parts, as directed. Bore two "/^ in. holes, one in the center of each end, to receive dowel pins (fig. 36). The sides, or front and back, are 27'/, in. long, and 18 in. wide. On the inside corners of the ends cut a rabbet Yg in. deep by Ye in. wiie, in which to fit the ends, which are 1 7 Ye X 18 in. Both ends and sides should be of matched lumber, as they will be less liable to check than if made of one piece. Each part should be cleated two inches from each end, Avith cleats 2 in. wide, Ya thick, and 17 in. long. Nail HIVES AND BOXES. Ill them on even with the bottom, leaving the space of one inch at top, to receive the lid. In the center of the bot- tom of the end pieces, put in an iron dowel-pin made of y^ in. round iron, long enough to reach into the holes in the bottom-board. The top, or lid, when completed, should be 297^x20'/, in. It is preferable that it consist of three pieces, but two will do. Cut them long, and so 397, in. that they will make a width of 19 in. Two pieces 19 in. long, 1'/, in. wide, and '/, in. thick should be nailed flatAvise on the under side at each end. Two other strips 297, in. long, T/, in. wide, by '' / ^ in. thick, are to be nailed at the sides, which forms the entire rim of the lid. The cor- ners of the hive are held together by an appliance designed for the purpose by Mr. Quinby, and known as the *'Quinby Hive Clasp " (fig. 37). It will be found admirable to us3 on any hive, as nailing is avoided, and strength and solidity secured. At the same time hives can be readily taken apart for examination, or to pack away when not in use. With the required number of frames in the center, and space for boxes at sides and top, the hive is now ready to set up (fig. 38). POSITIOISr OF THE FRAiTES. The question often arises as to whether the frames should stand at right angles to. or parallel with the front Fig. 37.— QTJINBT HIVE CLASP. 112 HIVES AND BOXES. of the hive. The preference of most of our leading bee- keepers seems to be to have them run from front to rear, yet there are good arguments in favor of the other direc- tion. The bees must, of necessity, pass more readily into side boxes with frames from side to side, and the boxes will also receive more uniform warmth from the brood- chamber. Several very practical hives are constructed in Fig. 33. — QuiNBr nivE, with roof. this manner, yet if the frames are short, it will take about one-third more in number to fill the same space, thus in- creasing the labor when much handling is to be done. Yet, all points well considered, I prefer them the other way. STANDS FOR HIVES. The question of stands has been productive of almost as much discussion as that of hives. Every form has been advocated, from those elevated several feet, to those rest- ing directly on the ground ; some even gomg so far as to set their hives close to the earth, without cleats under the bottom-board, and in warm, dry wcatlier, even removing HIVErf AND BOXES. 113 that, claiming that the cool ground assisted in lowering the temperature of the hive, which is undoubtedly true. As is almost always the case, some good reasons may be presented in favor of each practice. After due experi- ence, I find nothing better than simple pieces of 4x4 scantling, the same length as the cleats of the bottom- board. One of these at front and rear of each hive, will make as good a stand as can be desired. ALIGHTING BOAKDS. A board one foot wide and as long as the width of the hive, bevelled on one edge, so as to fit snugly below the entrance, and slanting to the ground, makes a good alighting board. It may be hooked to the bottom-board, or a wooden pin may be driven into the ground at the lower edge. Some practical means of assisting the bees to gain the entrance is very essential. (See fig. 38.) Many extend the bottom-board a few inches in front for this purpose, but I do not regard it with favor, as it occupies more room in winter quarters, and in transpor- tation. It is likewise less convenient to handle. EOOFS. A good roof is an absolute necessity. The material should be of good quality. There are two forms of roof which I find suitable and convenient. The size should vary ac- cording to the size of the hive, and should project over all sides, at least three inches. FijX. 39. — HOOP FOR HIVE. If made according to fig. 38, the pieces on which the boards rest to give the pitch should be just far enough 114 HIVES AND BOXES. apart to set over each end of the hive. The hmiber should be '/g in. thick. The second form may be made of \i^ in. boards, fig. 39. In i^utting roofs together wherever one piece joins an- other, they should be first painted, and when finished, should receive a good coat of paint, and as often after as may be needed. PAINTING HIVES. The principal reason why hives should be painted is, that it gives a cheerful and tidy appearance to the apiary. If hives are well painted it should induce those who are operating with them to handle them with more cai'c. Paint will also assist in preserving hives when exposed to the weather. Nevertheless, painting has its manifest dis- advantages. I have always kept both painted and un- painted hives in my apiary, and am fully convinced that the closing of the pores of the wood is fi'equently very detrimental. I am of the opinion that the rays of the sun are not so readily absorbed, and that moisture is re- tained, which, without paint, will pass off through the pores of the wood, leaving the interior of the hive in a much more wholesome condition. In this as in all kindred matters the bee-keeper must make his own experiments, and form his own conclusions. There is less objection to painting the standing-frame hive than some others, as the case or top may at any time be removed without disturbing the brood-nest, and the inside thoroughly Avarmed and dried ; also from the con- struction of the case there is a better opportunity for the moisture to escape, than where the parts are firmly nailed together. Hives should always be painted as long before using as possible, to free them from any odor, objection- able to the bees, and they should be in light colors. In view of the frequent exchange of hives in the same apiary, I would suggest that they be painted of some uni* HIVES AND BOXES. 115 form shade ; and the desired* variation in color, which assists the bee in identifying the spot can be secured by different colored roofs, which need not be changed. ACCUEACY ESSENTIAL. In concluding this to^Dic, let me urge that whatever the form of hive to be used, they be most thoroughly made. It will be noticed that in the dimensions of the New Quinby hive, figures are given as closely as '/j^ inch. At first thought, these may seem too minute points for the average bee-keeper to observe. But let me say that this may prove the initial lesson in the necessity for attention to minor details, for it is unquestionable that success in bee-keeping depends upon habits of cai'cful attention to little things. Begin then with thoroughly, and accurately made hives. All hives in the same apiary should be pre- cisely alike, so that all parts are interchangeable. One of the preeminent merits of the movable-comb hive, is in this facility for exchanging combs of honey and brood, for the purpose of equalizing strong and weak colonies. The most extensive apiarian of this country, J. E. Hetherington, is using 850 of the New Quinby hives, and all are manufactured with admirable accuracy. It is not strange that with this disposition and ability for perfect mechanical work in the construction of his hives and innumerable fixtures, he should reap noticeable success in his favorite pursuit. Reliable dealers will often furnish bee-hive materials, accurately cut, at much lower rates than a person with less mechanical facilities can prepare them for himself. HONEY BOXES. Three important considerations are apparent in deter- mining the kind of box to be used. First, that it is sufficiently practical to meet the wants of the bee-keeper] 116 HIVES AND BOXES. second, it must in form and convenience meet the de- mands of the dealer ; and, third, that it present an at- tractive appearance to the consumer. As there are many forms equally practical for the producer, it remains to inquire what the market demands. This question will be answered variously in different markets. In New York City, all styles can be sold, from the large wooden box on which tare is allowed, to the dainty one- comb section box now becoming so popular. If a home trade, or local market is to be consulted, a very different box, may, in most cases, be used. Every bee-keeper will decide these questions according to the demand. What- ever the form designed for the grocery trade, it must be one that can bo handled without bruising the combs, or injuring the capping, rendering it untidy, and soiling everything with which it comes in contact. The honey trade has already been much injured by the use of an un- suitable box. SECTION-FRAMES OBJECTIONABLE. For the past few years, section-frames as used by several leading bee-keepers, have been sold largely through the Mohawk Valley. I have watched the re- sult with much interest. These frames, holding about a pound and a half each, are arranged side by side in rows of 8 or 10, with a glass at the two outer sides. There being no separators between them, the combs are not built true in each frame, but are often attached at the edges to the diff'oront frames. In handung and de- livering tliem, the sides are necessarily exposed, and easily bruised ; and in retailing, the sections are broken apart, which frequently involves breaking the cells, even when the combs are straight, thus presenting some very objectionable features to the dealer and consumer. I have seen honey offered for sale in this shape, when it was necessary to set the frames in a shallow dish to catch HIVES AXD BOXES. J. 17 the drainage, and any one can easily imagine its sticky, unattractive condition. A customer will often take a number of smaller boxes, in spite of the extra glass, rather than one large one, in order to avoid the leakage caused by removing one comb at a time, as wanted. It also is open to the very serious objection of attract- ing marauding bees, as the season of the year precludes their being otherwise busy. I have known grocers to be so seriously annoyed in this way as to be obliged to close their stores. It is very difficult to sell honey to parties who have handled it in such an undesirable shape. This is a matter of importance. I am not speaking from limited knowledge, but from extensive observation. We must look well to the causes that operate against the sale of honey. TWO-COMB BOXES. Very many forms of two-comb boxes have been in use for a long time, with more or less desirable features. I shall describe but one, which recent experience commends as exceedingly practicable. In describing this box, I shall consider the size to be used on the Quinby hive, and weighing 5 lbs. when filled. The top and bottom are made of pine, '/^ in. thick, 6'/^ in. long, by 4'/^ in. wide. These are designed to set at right angles to the frames, both at top and sides. Three V/\ in. holes are made in the bottom. The posts at each corner are Yg in. square, and 5 in. high. This constitutes the entire p I wood-work of the box. TThen nailed to- I I gether, the outside of the posts should stand Fig. 40. Vg in- in from the corner, so that when TIN FOB COR- packed closely together, there will be less danger of breakage. The glass ic held in place by tins, driven diagonally through the center of the post, and clinched, (fig. 40). It will be seen that these tins 118 HIVES AND BOXES. allow the glass to be taken from the sides of the box and returned, even when the box is filled with honey. Glass for the sides is 5 X 6 inches. If desired to use only top boxes, both end-glasses may be alike, and cut 4x5 inches. In practice, it will be found that boxes to be used at sides and top, should be exactly alike, as at times it be- comes necessary to place those that are partly filled at the sides, on the top to be finished, and vice versa ; hence all boxes should have both end and bottom entrance. For this purpose, let one end-glass be cut 2x5 in., and secured at top and bottom with glue. This leaves a space of over '/, in. at each side, for an entrance, when Fi!?. 41a.— TWO-COMB box. Fiff. 416.— HONEY BOARD. placed at the sides of the combs, and permits a passage from box to box, when these ends are placed together on the top. Guides of clean white comb are indispensable. Holes should be made for nails to prevent splitting. (Fig 41, a.) BLOCK FOR SETTING UP BOXES. For this, use 1-inch basswood lumber. It is a box 5 in. high and '/, in. smaller each way inside, than the out- side measure of the honey-box. Before nailing the bot- tom on the block, saw y, in. from each inside corner out- wardly, on an exact mitre. This is to receive the tins that are in the posts. Slight steel-wire springs should be used to hold each post in position until nailed. On the upper edge of each of the four sides, nail a narrow, thin strip '/g in. from the inside edge, to hold the bottom of the HIVES AND BOXES. 119 box in exact position over the posts, for nailing. This completes the block. The inside of one corner of such a block is shown in fig. 42. Now, to put the box together, place a post in each corner of the block, lay the bottom in place, and nail each corner with inch-finishing nails. If the springs for holding the posts are properly arrang- ed, the four posts may be drawn from the block, by tbe bottom. To complete the box, an arrangement is used like fig. 43. To make this, take a piece of inch board a foot long, and 8 in. wide, for a base. Near one corner make a standard 5'/,^ in. high, of two pieces 1 in. thick, 4 in. and 2 in. wide respectively. Nail them together at iug. 42. BLOCK FOB SETTING UP BOXES. Fig. 43. STANDARD FOR TOPS OF BOXES. right angles, after having cut a slot '/^ in. deep at the bottom, to receive the bottom of the box. Nail thin strips on the top, the same as on the block. In the center of the corner, bore an inch hole to receive the tin in the post. Lay the box as taken from the block, against this corner, bottom down, place the top on it, and nail each corner. At this point it will be found that the top does not rest snugly against the ends of the posts. It is left y,g in. away, to allow the glass to be more readily put in place. This should now be done, and the glass secured by the tins, bent over each way. The guide combs should be put in before the glass is in place. After all the glass is in, except the narrow end, place the box on a smooth, solid metal surface, and drive the nails snug. 130 HIVfiS AND BOXES. Now, put in the narrow piece with gUie, and the box is complete. If the work is properly done in all its parts, this makes a neat, strong, and desirable box. A honey-board y^ in. thick is placed between the boxes and the top of the frames, having holes bored in it, to correspond to the holes in the boxes. (See fig. 41 h. ) If used at the sides, in the large case, they may bo ar- ranged in two rows upon a board the length of the frame, and as wide as the length of the box, with the open end next to the comb. When the Quinby frames are used without the case, these boxes may be placed at both top and side, by en- closing them in a thin case to exclude the light. SINGLE COMB, OR ?E T.'OX BOXES. The most popular box of the day is the one-comb, or section-box, varying in size from 4x4 to 6x7; the size most largely used, taking 5xG glass, and known as the " Prize Box," being 5'/^ X 6'/, in. That which I prefer is 5'/^ in. outside measure, taking glass 5x5. In preferring a box of these dimensions, I do not lose sight of the fact that there is a disadvantage in it. Those using a still Fmaller size should notice these objections. It is well es- tablished, that the larger the boxes, the more honey will be proportionally secured- As a rule, I should expect to have as many 5x6 boxes filled in a given time as if they were 5x5. If this be true, we who uce the smaller boxes, are losing more in amount than Ave shall gain in extra prices. The same idea has a bearing upon the thickness of the box. An addition of '/^ in. to the thickness of a comb would increase the weight very materially, yet it Avould be filled with very little more labor to the bees, and finished, wlien fresh boxes added would not be occupied. I have used sections varying in width from ly, in. to 2y, ui., but have adoj>tcd one 'i> in. wide, as best suited to my HIVES a:sd boxes. 121 Fig. «. TIN POINT FOR rSG GLASS purpose. One cause of this preference is, that as they axe ordinarily filled, I can assort them, in packing for market, in cases of 3, 6, and 12 boxes each, and make them net weights of 5, 10, and 20 lbs. to the case. With me, this is a desirable point. Furthermore, these smaller combs are loss liable to break down during transportation than larger and heavier ones. CONSTRUCTION OF SECTIOX BOX. This size may be made by cutting two pieces '/^ in. thick, 5'/^ in. long, and 2 in. wide ; and two more y^ in. thick, 5 in. long, and V/^ in. wide. This will make a box 5'/^ in. square, (fig. -45). It should be nailed together with y^-inch cigar-box nails. The HOLD- y .in, space on each side of the narrow piece is to receive the glass which is fastened with tin points, cut for the purpose (fig. 44), driven in the wood, and bent down over the edge of the glass. These tm points may either be driven in, and bent down before the boxes are filled, or left until afterwards, if pre- Fi.^. 45.-sectio>- boxes. ferred. There is somethins: to recommend each method. It is impracticable to require the bees to fill the sections after they are glassed. In nailing section- boxes together, it will be conve- nient to use a form for the pur- pose. By its use each piece is held in its proper jjosition, and the boxes pat together very rapidly (fig. 46). 6 Fig. 46. — FOKM FOR MAKING SECTION BOXES. 123 HIVES AXD BOXES. GUIDE COMBS. Guides of nice, white comb should be glued in the top of each box, to induce the bees to begin work, as well as to secure straight combs. I find nothing better for this purpose than white glue. Drone comb is preferable to worker comb for guides, from the fact that the bees are more apt to store pollen in worker comb. This is objec- tionable in itself, and also moth- worms are more likely to infest boxes in which pollen is found. Worker comb, however, usually gives the honey a finer appearance. SEPARATOES. The boxes should be arranged in a case, or clamp, with separators or panels between them, to insure the accuracy of the combs, so that they may be glassed readily, after being filled. These sepai'ators may be of tin or wood, as preferred. I have used the one I will now describe with success. Cut a piece of V,8-in. board y^ in. smaller than the mside measure of the box. In each end, a saw-kerf should be cut y^ in. deep, with a very Fig. 47. ^jjjjj g^-jy_ Q^^ ^^Q strij)S of tm, scant Sy, in. long and y^ in. wide. Fasten these in the saw-kerfs, letting the ends project equally beyond the edges of the panel. Attach separator to box m such a manner that the apertures will be equal at all sides (fig. 47). Only one is used on each box. A cheaper panel, which involves less labor, and works equally well^ may be made to reach the width of the clamp, covering two boxes. The length of the panel should be equal to the width of two boxes, and its width should correspond to their hight. It should be y.^ in. thick. For an open- ing for the bees to pass from box to box, cut away the panel, as shown m fig. 48. The aperture should not be r 1 ^ "-^^ _ ;;:- = — _= . -^---1.- u U HIVES AND BOXES. 123 Fisr. 48.— SEPAEATOB. more than '/^ in., measuring from the inside edge of the box. It will be seen that with this arrangement the bees are able to pass in, on but two sides of the panel. This is considered by many to present some advantages. "With this panel, each clamp will contain but 14 boxes, while with tbe preceding one it will hold 10 boxes. I prefer the latter separator, as it enlarges the entrance by spreading the boxes, and I do not consider '/^ in. between the boxes an am- ple entrance. It will bo seen that by making the panels '/^^ in. thick, it gives an opening of y,^ in. Many of our best bee-keepers use only a '/^ in. entrance, and I should not speak so positively, were it not that I have tested it very thoroughly and proved the superiority of the larger passage. I have arranged the width of box, and separators, with reference to the use of the clamp, at either top or sides, by placing the guides in proper position. THE CLAMP. This is made by nailing two sides and one end of the right size, sub- stantially, and a strip y^ m. deep- across the l)ottom of the other end. The hight should be the same as that of the boxes. Nail a strip of l-mch hoop-iron lengthwise at each edge of the bot- tom, and parallel with them ; at the center, a piece of Fie;. 49. — empty clamp. 124 HIVES AND BOXES. 1-in. band-iron should be secured at eacli end with screws. The boxes are to rest upon these irons. A movable piece of board should lit the incomplete end, to be held in place by two hooks (fig. 49). The boxes should be in two rows, with 7 or 8 in each row, according to ^^ the panel or separator -^0^^ UGcd (fig. 50). A panel "~ as used at the sides of Fig. 50.-CLAMP FILLED WITH BOXES. ^J^g f^.^^^^gg ^.^^. ^^ placed over the top of the clamp, and secured by hooks. This manner of arranging boxes m clamps will be found serviceable in many ways. The boxes may be prepared in the winter and packed in them, where they will not be exposed to the light, or m danger of being soiled. "When ready to put upon the hives, they are much more expedi- tiously handled than the large two-comb Boxes, which must be adjusted one by one. Boxes at the outside, but partially filled, may be ex- changed with those at the ceuter, when all will be com- pleted at nearly the same time. "When filled, a large portion may be kept in the clamps, free from dirt and dust, until ready to prepare tor market. Side boxes are used by some in the hanging-frame hive, by placing them m a frame, aa Fig. 51. FRAME CONTAINING SIX BOXES. Fig 52. — FKAME CONTAINING THREE BOXES. TRANSFERRING. 125 shown Id fig. 51, and suspending them at the outside of the brood-combs. Others arrange them in a frame, like fig. 52, and susjjend them in a clamp on the top. CHAPTER VII. TRANSFERRING. The process of transferring combs from a box-hive to movable frames appears about as formidable to a novice as any of the operations of the apiary. But many ob- stacles dwindle, and become comparatively insignificant when boldly approached, so a little resolution soon shows the timid apiarian that this is not nearly so serious an undertaking as it appears to be. ADVANTAGES. The advantages to be gained do not lie solely in the ex- change of a box-hive, for the convenience of movable combs, although that is, of course, the primary object. With the exception of the use of comb foundation, there is probably no other way of securing straight, even worker- combs so satisfactorily as by transferring. The control it gives over the production of useless drones by the re- jection of drone-comb is an item of signal importance. The moth- worm may be readily dislodged from any por- tion of the hives, and combs that are too old, or other- wise objectionable, may be discarded. The mere fact of the change alone often seems to impel the bees to work with greater energy and vigor. By purchasing bees in bax-hives, and transferring to movable frames, an apiary can usually be stocked at less expense than if the bees are bought already in movable combs. 136 TltANSFEliUINa. TIME TO TRANSFER. Experience indicates that there is no better time for transferring than Just as apple-trees begin to blossom. The benefits derived from the operation, as mentioned above, show that a period when there is the least honey and brood in the combs is naturally the most desirable. As the bees are beginning to gather honey, they are less liable to rob, and the combs are more readily repaired and fastened in the frames. It is practicable at any time when honey is being collected. But the greater the quantity of honey and brood present, the more care is required in the process. PRELIMINARIES. Have the following articles in readiness : A transfer- ring board, about the size of the frame, with cleats 2 in. square under each end. Grooves '/, in. wide and '/, in. deep, should be made at intervals of about 2 inches across the board. Cushion the sur- faces between these grooves by tacking on sev- Fig. 53.— TRANSFERiiisG BOARD. eral thickucsses of cloth, to prevent injury to the brood when the comb is laid upon it (fig. 53). Transferring sticks for holding the combs in place should be '/, in. square and y^ in. longer than the depth of the frame. Fasten two sticks together at one end with a piece of fine, annealed wire, long enough to bring them about one inch apart. Attach a piece of wire to the other end of one of these sticks, leaving one end of =* Fig. 54. — TRANSFERRING STICKS. TRANSFERRING. 1"^7 the wire loose (fig. 54). In this way the sticks are iu pairs ready for use. A smoker, a long, sharp, thin-bladed knife, a chisel, an axe or hatchet, a small common hand-saw, a small wing, and a dish of water, will complete the outfit. PROCESS. The operation should be performed in a room with all the windows but one darkened. The hire to which the bees are- to be transferred should be placed under this window in such a position that the bees may be readily brushed into it at the close of the operation. After smoking the bees slightly, turn the hive bottom Tip and place an empty box over it the same size as the hive. By tapping the hive gently, most of the bees will leave it and enter the box above. When most of the bees are in the box, place it upon the old stand, raising it a little in front for the passage of the bees, and remove the hive containing the combs to the room selected. Place the hive bottom up on a solid block, or other support, about two feet high. Saw the combs and cross-sticks loose from the side, or sides, you desire to remove. If the combs stand parallel with the sides, it will often only be necessary to remove one side, but if they are diagonal two sides will need to be taken off. If the grain of the wood runs up and down, split the sides in several places and take out the pieces separately, but if the grain runs across, pry them off with a chisel. During all opera- tions use care not to crush any bees remaining in the hive. Upon a table or bench near by, place the transferring- board. Xow, with the knife, remove the outside combs, brush off the bees with a wing and set them one side until you come to one containing brood. Place this upon the board described, so that it will occupy the same position as it did in the hive, or if, as is sometimes the case, it 128 TRANSFEKRIXQ. will cut to better advantage by turning it half way round, bringing the to]) to the end of the frame, this is allowable. Place the frame over the comb in such a manner as to bring the ])rood as near the top and center of frame as possible, as this is the warmest position in the hive. Cut the comb to fit snugly in this positon. If the comb is not large enough to fill the frame, use from the combs first removed to fill up with. Push the free end of the trans- ferring sticks through the grooves where the combs need support, and fasten to the other end by winding the end of the wire tightly around it, which will hold the comb firmlv in ])lace. Use a sufficient number of sticks 1 "^m. TKANSFEUUED COMBS. to secure it properly. Do not let them cross the brood any more than is absolutely necessary (fig. 55), Place the frame in the hive it is to occupy, and proceed with the next brood-comb in the same manner. Let them occupy the same relative position as before, keeping the brood as compact as possible. If there are combs without brood sufficient to fill one or more frames, place them at the outside, with tiie brood-combs at the center. Cut off all round, finished edg3s, and avoid cutting the combs to waste ; all pieces of dry comb too small for use should be kei)t for beeswax. Drone-comb should be reserved ; if white, save it for guides in surplus boxes ; if dark, put it in frames for ex- tracting, A dish should be at hand to receive such por- tions of comb-honey as are not put in the frames. Brush all bees from the window into the hive, with a QUEENS. 129 damp wing, and take to the old position on the stand. Empty the bees from the box, in front of the hive, and see that all enter. Contract the entrance, and in all ways prevent robbing. A little honey left on the outside might excite plundering, and the colony is not now m good con- dition to repel attacks. If they are strong, the bees will soon join all the parts, and fasten all the combs securely to the frames, when the sticks may be taken off and laid aAvay for future use. For their first experiments in this direction beginners should select a hive with old, tough, and straight combs. Capt. Hethermgton prepares his frames for transfer- Ang, by boring holes through all four sides of the frame, about once in two inches, and fastens the combs in place, by sticking the thorns of the red haw through these holes into the edges of the comb. As these are very tough, and do not need to be removed, they make the comb very firm, and less liable to break out when handling. He has practised this method very extensively, and considers it superior to any other. It is desirable to find the queen, if possible, when driving the bees into the box, and cage her. After the transferring is completed, place the cage on top of, or between the combs, when the bees will more readily gather among them. When they become quiet, she mav be liberated. CHAPTER Till. QUEENS. IMPOETAXCE OF SELECTING GOOD STOCK. The prosperity of every swarm depends very largely upon the queen. This bemg true, too much importance cannot bo attached to the necessity of keeping each hive supplied witii a good queen. In all other branches of stock-raising 130 QUEENS. we select the finest stock to propagate from, if we expect to secure the best qualities. AVe also apprehend the ne^ cessity of introducing from time to time, superior strains, and of breeding from parents not akin. Wlio can fail to perceive the injury that must have come to our native bees from two sources, viz., from being propagated from inferior stock, and from in-breeding ? A prime consideration then, preliminary to the proper rearing of queens, is, that at least two distinct strains of blood of best quality should be represented. This is. easily done, if Italian stock is to be raised, by ordering tested queens from different breeders, wlio are known to have procured their stock from distinct sources. In pur- chasing such queens, do not hesitate to pay a good price for a first-class queen. Every breeder lias queens wbich he values at high prices, and if you can secure one tbat a reliable dealer considers worth 15.00, you are fortunate, even when ordinarily good ones are selling for $2.00. It will be seen, as we proceed, that the quality of the strains from which the queens are to be reared, may be definitely determined, as the brood used may be taken only from colonies containing selected queens. But the characteristics of the drones by which these choice queens are to be fertilized, will be much more un- certain. It is true we can prevent the swarms from which we rear our (juoens, from producing drones, thereby setting one obstacle aside ; and it is also evident that we need not allow any but selected colonies to rear drones, by remov- ing drone combs, and destroying such drone brood as is objectionable. If any mature drones are in the way, they may be removed as follows : Cage the queen, brush all the bees from the combs into a box, and place over it a board, Avitb an opening, across which are nailed strips of tin or zinc, precisely "/,, in. apart. These openings aviII permit the workers to pass into the QUEEXS. 131 hives, which should be placed above, containing the caged queen, while the drones are retained in the box. Drone combs may be supplied to these chosen colonies, and the bulk if not the wliole of the drones in our apiary be furnished from such stock. Yet there are native, or inferior bees in almost every section, so near, that our choice queens are liable to be fertilized by their drones. If I were able to recommend a practical method of se- curing with certainty, the impregnation of our queens, by selected drones, it would afford me great gratification. FERTILIZATIOJiT IN COXFINEilENT. This subject has received special attention, and in sev- eral instances, success has been reported. While associated with Mr, Quinby, we experimented upon it thoroughly, Avith the aid of every suggestion that had been given by those who advocated it most strenuously, and in every in- stance we were unsuccessful. We used enclosures of all dimensions, from a lamp chimney up to a room 8 ft. square, covered at top, and each side Avith Avire cloth and glass, I have witnessed the queen as she came naturally forth from the hive into this room, and was surrounded by drones on the Aving, yet in no single instance did we attain the desired result. But the fact that we have not been successful is by no means proof of its impossibility. Many Avho have experimented m this direction express themselves confident of success. Prof. Hasbrouck of Flatbush, L. I., in a paper read before the ISTational Convention held in New York in 1878, states that in many instances he has witnessed their mat- ing in small boxes upon the top of his hiA-es. It is, how- GA-er, so far from being uniformly successful, that a prac- ticable method for accomplishing it can not yet be confi- dently recommended, liut 1 anticipate the time when 132 QUEEXS. persistent experiment will overcome present obstacles, and achieve the desired result. An earnest wish may prompt this opinion, for, if successful, the result must be a higher standard of purity, and an excellence not otherwise to be attained. REARING QUEENS. WHEN TO REAR. The first step necessary is to secure a supply of drones from such stocks as may have been chosen for the pur- pose. It is usually better to select such swarms the sea- son previous, furnish them drone comb, and mark them so as to identify them. As in most other active ojjera- tions of the apiary, the time at which cpieens may be prof- itably reared, will vary m different seasons and localities. It will be seen that I do not advocate as early operations as many writers. I have sometimes succeeded m stimu- lating swarms to unusually early breeding, but such efforts have never resulted profitably. In a climate like Central New York I shall not advise rearing queens before apple blossoms appear, which is here from the 12th to the 20th of May. Swarms that are queenless before this time should be united with others that have queens. Even at this date queen-rearing will be found somewhat vexatious, especially if the weather is unfavorable, and the usual scarcity of honey follows, as it Avill necessitate feedmg. The nuclei will also need to be much stronger at this time, than later in the season. If it is desired to rear Italian queens at such times as native drones will not in- terfere, it may often be done by stimulating Italian colo- nies to early breeding in spring ; or a native stock may have Italian drone-brood given it towards fall, and if they are kept queenless, they will keep their drones late m the season, after the native drones are destroyed. I have sue- QUEEXS. 13C ceeded in rearing fine Italian queens as late as October, when the weather was very fair, which were fertilized b^ such selected drones. I think it wise, as a rule, not to attempt to rear any great number of queens until June, when the interval of scarcity after apple-blossoms has passed, and the subse- quent flow of honey has commenced. The point which I desire to impress is this, that queen-rearing should be carried on, as far as possible, when the bees are gathering honey most abundantly. There is probably no more auspicious time than during the swarming period. I would avail myself of every opportunity to preserve the oldest and best developed queen cells, from suitable stock, where preparations had been made for swarming. HOW TO REAR QUEENS. I here give place to a pa])er by M. Quinby, which has received the hearty approval of many of our most capable bee-keepers. He savs : **'***! have studied well the conditions that produce good queens, as well as inferior ones, and I have never yet found a queen that Avill duplicate herself on every occa- sion, unless^ it is one of the com- mon variety. I can count a few dozen, perhaps, after which will be some variation. I have settled dowTi pretty much on one system : "First, make a nucleus box, five inches wide, seven inches long, and six inches high, hold- ■i-nrr of ^^^-,^■ +1 U /£ Fiff. 56.— NCCLECS BOX. mg, at least, tliree combs (fig. 56). These combs should contain honey enough to last two or three days, or more. Xow, go to the hive from which you are breeding, and obtain a piece of worker-brood comb, nearly thre-o inches long and about 134 QUEHXS. half an inch wide (fig. 57). This should be new, if possible. The larvae should not be less than two nor more ,=; than three davs old, from Y the egg. In the center of ^F the middle comb cut a space }/ three inches long by an Fiff. 57.-COMB, WITH BKooD FOB i^^.]^ (j^ep. Liscrt thls plccG QUEEN RAISING. „ , i i • i • 01 brood, which is support- ed at the ends, by the shape, as shown in fig. 58. Allow no more brood in the box. In the middle of the day when the bees are flying, take out from a strong colony that is Fig. 58. — COMB, AS ABOVE, INSERTED IN COMB. maturing brood, a little less than a ((uart of bees, nearly all of Avhich will be young bees, which are thought to be better nurses. Shut them in the nucleus box thirty-six or forty-eight hours, and then let them out. They will QUEENS. 135 build several (|ueen cells (fig. 50). If the brood was Just the right age, they will be likely to hatch in ten days, not less. At the end of that time, look early in the morning, and if you can cut any of them out without injuring the others, do it, but leave one. If joined so that you will have to destroy a part to separate them, leave them, but examine several times through the day, and if any hatch, remove them at once ; I have found four hatched, at one Fig. 59. — QUEEN CELLS ON COMB. time. The cells that have been cut out may be used to supply other nuclei, or they may be transferred to the queen nursery (fig. GO). I claim that I can raise, thus cheaply, as good ([ueens as can be obtained. I ieel like sa\iug better than those will average, where a full colony has been employed to raise a dozen. I know that I am on delicate ground. Some of my best friends, who are earn- est in their wishes to advance the science of bee-culture, will pity, perhaps condemn me. If the reasons that I 136 QUEEXS. give are not sufficient to sustain the system, let it fall ; 1 want it upheld by merits of its own, or not at all. " How is it with natural swarms ? Ten or fifteen cells are often made where a swarm has issued. The first are made under the impulse of the swarming fever. If the swarm issues before any are sealed over, very many will be started at once. Some of them, however, after the swarm has left, receive much less attention than the first Fig. (30. -QUEEN NiR.ERv. oncs did. If want of atten- tion makes an inferior queen in case of artificial rearing, can any one say why the oame causes will not produce the same results here ? We are not likely to ascertain for a certainty, as all except two or three of the first are de- stroyed. But when we come to imitate natural swarm mg, in a sense, by removing a queen from a full stock, and claim better queens in consequence, we can test it some- what. "We find m the attempts to replace the mother, a still greater diversity in the time of starting cells. It is reported that some queens will hatcli in nine days, some in ten, others sixteen and eighteen, and at all intermediate times. Those hatching under ten days are claimed to be deficient in development, and short-lived. I never had any nine-day queens, and cannot say. Those that are slow to mature are quite apt to be deficient. I do not say that some such do not make beautiful queens, but the average is no better than cen-day queens. '' When first deprived of the mother, the bees make cells over larvae, without seeming to care much for a con- venient place ; after the first impulse is over, they find a good place occasionally, and commence other cells, but having a large number already, they work as if they cared little for these last. Thov seem to nurse such for want of QUEEIfS. 137 something to do — never expecting to need tliem. They may be all right, except late, and just sealed over when the first one hatches. It is hardly possible to cut out such an unripe cell, and get from it a good queen. Until a queen has its shape and begins to get color, it is very delicate and tender. The cell is twice the size necessary to hold it, and if it is cut off, and only turned over — even i if carefully done— it falls from one side to the other, and is bruised badly, making it a cripple, and inferior in color. " Some of the advantages of the nucleus system may be found in the particular care of a few pomts. " 1. I want new comb for the brood, as cells can be worked over out of that, better than from the old and tough. New comb must be carefully handled. If none but old, tougli comb is to be had, cut the cells down to one-fourth of an inch in depth. The knife must be sharp to leave it smooth, and not tear it. The bees will enlarge and turn downward such shallow cell nearly as well as on new comb. "2. Clean comb in condition to lay in, must be given the bees in the brood hive frequently, perhaps every day, if rearing many queens. Look every day, so as to know- just when the queen lays in any comb, ^ou should cut out the brood in five or six days from the time the esss are laid, and be sure of queens hatching in ten or eleven days afterward, according to the age of larvae. As all the eggs m the comb were laid within a few hours of each other, all will mature about the same time ; such cells can be cut out and handled without injury. A colony may be deprived of its queen, and receive a cell the next aay which will hatch in a few hours. As there are but few brood cells given them, the nurses in proportion are even greater than m full colonies. Remember, this is all the brood they have to take their attention. They have just realized their need of a queen ; they have the means placed conveniently, with space underneath ; they work 138 Q.LEEXS ■with a will, having no earlier or later oue^ to choose from, and in three days all are sealed up. '' Compare these queens with those raised in hives full