APIARY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1261, 30 April 1896, Page 6

APIARY.

SEASONABLE NOTES. As winter is approaching, hives that do not show signs of animation should at once bo examined, and if the bees are found to be in a state of torpidity yet nut dead—have the hive removed to a warm room, previously closing hive entrances. Many a weak colony could be restored by this means Before again placing them back in old site, have the hive removed to a colder apartment, so that the change from heat to cold may not be too sudden. Tliin may be very necessary, sometimes, in the colder parts of the colony. Tho feeding of stocks short of stores is a matter of pi iuiary importance at present. Nothing like a thorough examination can yet be made ; but where there is any doubt have a cake of flour candy placed immediately over the cluster. Flour candy can be made as follows : —lnto a tin saucepan put about 4 pint water, let this boil, and gradually stir in Gib of white lump sugar. Keep it boiling, and stir to prevent burning. To test when it is done, dip your finger into cold water, then into tho boiling sugar, and back again into the water. If properl v done it will be crisp and btiltie. Or, ifyou are afraid of burning your finger, drop a little on a plate, and if it sets tolerably hard on cooling, and is onlv just sticky, it is done enough. If, however it is still very sticky and soft it must be boiled longer. When it is ready, take it cfl’the fire, and stir into it Ulb of wheat flour or lib of pea flour, and when it is set pour into saucers. This flour candy stimulates tho queen to breeding. Later on, when the exact conditions and wants of each colony are definitely known, syrup may be substituted for candy. Once we commence to feed with syrup a constant supply should be kept up until the bees can supply themselves with honey from the open fields. A strong colony would require about a half pint of syrup clai'v and a weak one about half that amount. In cases of stocks already having sufficient sealed food, it is a good plan to uncap some about twice a week. This stimulates breeding also. When feeding with syrup the utmost care is necessary to prevent robbing, and food should always be given in the evening. Spilling syrup and careless feeding arc sure methods of starting robbing.