BEES & THEIR HONEY

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 189, 8 May 1931, Page 14

BEES & THEIR HONEY

Apiary Notes for May

This month should see the bees fixed up for the winter, all spare supers removed, and every hive tested for weight to judge if sufficient stores are present to carry the inmates of the hive over the winter months, writes Mr. D. S. Robinson, apiary instructor, Department of Agriculture, Palmerston North.

Between 30 and 4Olb. of honey is the amount that should be left. Any hives containing less than this amount it is advisable to feed with syrup made of one part water dud two parts 1A white sugar, to bring the stores up to the required amount.

Examlue all roofs and where any are found defective replace with sound ones. See that mats are provided to each hive, and take precaution that none of the mat hangs outside, otherwise it will soak up moisture and do more harm than good. Clear away all weeds; and rubbish from around the hives, and in positions exposed to the wind provide means to keep roofs from being blown off. 'The schedules for various winter shows will shortly be obtainable, and It. behoves every beekeeper to endeavour to enter honey In the various honey classes. With tlie winter weather approaching no household should be without its supply of honey. A glass of hot water, lemon juice, and honey taken at night on tlie approach of a cold will often stop a cold from developing. ’ To those who suffer from mental or physical fatigue a glass of hot milk and honey will be found an invaluable restorative, especially if taken da'ly. To sportsmen away deer-stalking or duck shooting, a little honey taken with the i’ood supply will be found to stave off fatigue to a certain extent.

For athletes in training, especially those who In indulge ih sports that make a great demand on one's reserve of. strength, Dr. Joliu Campbell, technical adviser to the New Health Society, advises that honey should form part of the sweetening agent of the daily diet, and before athletic effort honey should be taken in moderate quantities. His suggestions are:—Training: 2oz. daily spread over the day’s diet. Sprint: 4 to loz. 20 minutes before the start, and the same routine for the quarter or halfmile. Football: 1 to 2oz. 30 minuets before the start, and honey and lemon nt the inmile. Football: 1 to 2oz. 30 minutes before the start, and if muscular exhaustion shows a tablespoon at such Intervals as may be deemed expedient. Long distance cycling: Honey whenever nutriment is taken and on the road.