AUGUST APIARY NOTES

Taranaki Daily News, 17 August 1935, Page 24 (Supplement)

AUGUST APIARY NOTES

SIGNS OF COMING SPRING. TIMELY WORK FOR BEEKEEPERS. • (By D. S. Robinson, Department of Agriculture.) In' the warmer districts there should be noticed this month a little- activity at the' entrances of the hives, as there will be a small amount of nectar or pollen to be gathered from wattles, willows, gorse and certain early bush shrubs. A few bees will probably be noticed coming back to the hives with little balls of coloured pollen attached to their hind legs. This indicates that the bees realise that spring is approaching, and that their work of caring for the young bees will soon be here. Pollen is necessary for raising young bees, being a food very rich in nitrogen. No -> satisfactory substitute has yet been found to take the place of pollen. Unless it is absolutely necessary do not disturb the hives by opening them, as the wind is usually keen this month, and it is a very easy thing to chill any brood that may appear in the combs, and in most districts brood rearing will be starting from the second week in August. Keep a careful check on the stores in the' hives by lifting the hives from the back to judge the weight, and remember that as the brood appears so will the stores begin to be consumed much more rapidly than during the last few months. Keep busy malting up any hives or hive parts that may be needed for the coming season and carry out any repairs to others so needing. If you have not already dispatched your beeswax to be made up into tomb foundation this matter should be attended to without delay. Remember to scratch your name and address on each block of wax sent forward, which should be packed in boxes or double sacks, with the sender’s name and the nett weight both inside and outside each package. When forwarding wax per rail beekeepers should consign each as “Beeswax to be manufactured into comb foundation, Class C,” and take advantage of reduced rate of freight. THIS MONTH’S HONEY RECIPES. Grape Fruit and Honey: Scoop a hole in the pulp and pour in two or three teaspoonsful of honey. This is a delightful combination. < Honey Seed Game: Beat up 1J cupsful butter till light. Add gradually cupsful honey, 2 lightly beaten eggs, 1 teaspoon caraway seeds, 2 teaspoons baking powder and 2 cupsful flour. Mix thoroughly and bake for half an hour.