THE APIARY.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume XVIII, Issue 6, 20 June 1919, Page 370

THE APIARY.

By

G. V. WESTBROOKE,

Apiary Instructor.

THE WINTER SEASON.

During the winter months there should be little or no manipulation of hives. In most parts of the Dominion the bees will be closely clustered on the centre combs. It is not advisable to disturb -'this cluster, otherwise the bees will become chilled, and any brood that might be in the hive would probably die as a result. Should there be any doubt as to there being sufficient stores in the hive, a block, of candy may be placed underneath the mat on top of the frames, or on top of the mat, having one corner turned back to allow the bees access to it. Candy can be made at any time. A good method is to take, say, 40 lb. of sugar and 10 lb. of honey — sure the honey is from a hive free of disease. Place this in a large saucepan or, better, a fruit-preserving pan, add about 4 pints of water, place over a slow fire, and stir until all is dissolved. Then boil fairly briskly until the mixture will harden when a stick is dipped in it and placed in cold water. When it reaches this stage remove it, and if possible stand the pan in a bath of cold water. Now take a clean stick and stir vigorously until it is too stiff to stir any longer. It may then be poured -into moulds of a suitable size. A frame containing four or eight sections makes a useful mould. This can, when necessary, be placed bodily in the hive. Candy is not stimulative feeding, but the bees take it slowly, and it will prevent starvation.

PREPARATIONS FOR INCREASE.

As briefly mentioned last month, now is the time to decide upon the next season’s work. If increase is required get in the supply of hives, frames, wire, foundation-wax, &c. Before nailing up hives it is a good plan to give the edges a coat of red-lead or paint just previous to putting them together: this will ensure a good joint. When about four or five are nailed they may be tiered up on a bottom-board, and the lot given a coat of paint on three sides. ' By leaving one side they can be lifted off without smearing the paint, placed out of the way at the end of the building, and then the fourth side given its coat. This

method is easier and quicker than painting each super separately. Where, many supers have to be built a hive-cramp is almost indispensable in order to ensure quick and accurate work. In putting frames together, place the top bar upside down on the bench, then insert in it the ends, after which nail on the bottom bar.

Now reverse it and nail the top bar. A in. cement-coated nail is the best for the top bar, and a i in. nail for the bottom. Some beekeepers prefer to nail the top bar from the ends i This‘is a matter for individual taste. When the required number are ready they may be wired. In wiring drive a small tack in the edge of the end bar, just opposite the top hole, and another in the edge of the other end bar opposite the bottom hole, taking care not to drive them right home. The wire can be threaded through the top holes down and through the centre ones, from there through the bottom holes ; then wind the end round the bottom tack and drive it home. Now tighten the wires, wind around the top tack, and drive it home. Make a loop in the wire near the tack, when the wire can be readily broken by tightening the loop. It is not desirable to put in sheets of foundation until nearly ready for use, otherwise the wedges are apt to loosen, allowing the wax sheet to drop. In making hives from benzine-cases it is best to use a nail-extractor, which can be purchased from any ironmonger for about 5s. 6d. Draw all nails, but save them, as they can be used again. Now cut the side pieces to the. required length, and rabbet out the end pieces to the depth necessary to hold the frames, and put them together again. Make one first so as to be sure of the right measurements. These hives can be given a coating of creosote paint, and will last for years. The tops and bottom-boards can be made out of the same material, but it is not advisable to nail on the bottom-board, as so doing prevents the hive being kept clean and free from wax-moth ; neither can it besupered up. ’ ’ . . ’ Perhaps one of the most important matters for beekeepers to consider when about to increase their colonies is that of foundation-wax. They should see that they have a plentiful supply of this, as it is not always procurable during the rush season. Those having a supply of raw wax would be well advised to arrange to have ’this made into foundation at once.