IN AND ABOUT THE FARM.

Waipa Post, Volume VI, Issue 304, 7 April 1914, Page 4

IN AND ABOUT THE FARM.

THE APIARY. Mr F. A. Jacobsen, writing in the March number of the Journal of the Department of Agriculture, says EXTRACTING. Should the autumn be mild the final extracting may be later than usual on account of a prolonged flow of nectar. Thistles will probably yield more nectar at this period than other plants, and will, when mixed with clover or catsear, produce a white, clear, and delicately-flavoured honey, which forms a splendid exporting article. Should late extracting be necessary, great care must be taken by the beekeeper to check robbing as much as possible. An apiary may soon become demoralised if precautionary measures are not taken. When once robbing starts it may prove a difficult matter to stop. Thousands of bees may be killed by endeavouring to enter wrong hives, and the strength of the colonies be therefore very much weakened,, and even rendered incapable of going through the winter. When robbing has commeuced do not open any more hives until the trouble is controlled. This may be done by syringing the entrances of the offending hives with water, and in bad cases by placing wet grass over the entrances until the disturbance has been quelled. Do not on any account leave combs of honey open to attack or keep a Jiive open an instant longer than necessary. If the colony attacked should be weak, contract the entrance in addition to the above precautions. It may be necessary to suspend work in the apiary during the day, doing as much as is thought advisable in the early morning. FOUL BROOD. At all times of the year foul brood is a menace to the beekeeping industry, and it is advisable to always keep a sharp look out for any symptoms of this disease, especially during the spring and autumn months; and before pronouncing any colony fit for wintering carefully examine the brood-nest for the slightest sign of disease. If a trace be discovered, or the disease be found in a further advanced state, judgment must be used as to the advisability of completely destroying the colony or of treating it. 0 WINTER STORES.

Do not fail to determine the quantity of stores available in the hives for winter consumption. Experience has taught keen students of apiculture that a plentiful supply of winter stores is sound economy, and I should advise that about 30lb of pure honey be left in each hive. There are occasions when late swarms have not gathered sufficient for their own wintering purposes, and then they must be fed either with clean healthy honey or with sugar syrup. Never use honey from aij unknown source. A leaflet entitled “Feeding and Feeders,” supplied by the Division of Orchards, Gardens, and Apiaries, gives all the necessary information in this connection. CLEANLINESS. Before finally leaving the hives it is a good plan to scrape the bottom boards free of all the rubbish that has accumulated during the summer, thereby helping to keep the bees in a healthy condition. Also scrape the alighting boards, and clear any long grass surrounding the hives ; this will tend to keep away dampness. The hives should be placed on blocks several inches off the ground, and should be in a sheltered position where they may receive a considerable portion of the day’s sun. Any leaky covers or split supers should be removed from the hives, and sound ones put in their place. Bees require dryness and warmth.