THE APIARY,

Otago Witness, Issue 1891, 1 May 1890, Page 8

THE APIARY,

USEFUL HINTS. I have during the last fortnight packed for the winter between 30 and 40 colonies of bees for different owners in different parts of this district, and find in nearly every case that the bees are very short of Btores, and that there is no brood in the hives nor has there been for some time. This is a very serious matter, as young bees to commence the winter with are absolutely necessary if the hive is to come out in the spring in a vigorous state. Feeding is the only remedy for this, and though I prefer to have everything done in and about the hives before the end of March, yet the beas must not be allowed to starve nor to dwindle away, as they undoubtedly will do if left to themselves. A feeder so made that they can take the food quickly is beßt. That made by Mr T. G. Bripkell, of Dunedin, is the best yet invented. It is simple, and after one is obtained as a pattern, any one can make as many »b he requires, A little melted wax run around the inside stops all leaks and prevents the wood absorbing the syrup and afterwards turning sour. Hundreds of colonies of bees will die during the coming winter from the causes above mentioned, and bees will be valuable next spring. NATURAL HISTORY LECTURE. By B. R. Collins. The honey bee differs from the majority of bees and insects, inasmuch as it has considerable sense and business ability. While others are flying around and having a good time the honey bee is getting in its work. How doth the busy little bee, Improve each shining hour. How it doth is very simple; — It gets a movement on itself, And worjes the early flower. The honey bee shows considerable ingenuity in tho management of its affairs. They are boßsed by a queen, and if by any chance there should happen to be two queens in one hive a part of them will immediately vacate ; they know better than to put up at any establishment run by two females. The honey bees are rather hard on the menfolk of their kind. While everything is lively, and honey is plenty the gentlemen honey bees sit out on the front poiticoes. and tell stories, and have a good time. When summer begins to wane, there -are hints thrown out that the gentlemen bad bettor go and hire a flat for the winter ; they take all this good n&turedly, and think it is all humbug. When cold weather comes, however, they ara escorted to the front door, and pushed off the perch without so much as a honey comb with which to dress their whiskers. A lesson in thrift is taught by the honey beo, and they also teach the foolishness of working and laying by more than is needed for some one else to coma along and make merry over, as the man who so kindly provideß them with a nice little hive takes the lions share of the honey, Alas ! in this world it is often the case that the man who lives in the nice house ia working for the benefit of the mortgagee.