Democratic Sentinel, Volume 15, Number 32, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 August 1891 — THE APIARY. [ARTICLE]

THE APIARY.

Carefully Brod Been. There is a difference between the worth of bees that have been bred up for many years by a skilled apiarist and those that are In box-hives, that have never given any surplus. I should prefer the former at a good price instead of the latter as a gift. The Italian bees are superior to the blacks in every way, unless it is in capping the honey to show white. I sometimes think this Is caused by their working on the alsike and other plants that the native bees are unable to obtain honey from on account of their inability to roach it. Probably the honey gathered from the same flowers by each race would be the same. They are never idle. I have observed them when taking flights in mid-winter busily engaged in house cleaning when colonies of natives close by the side of them were only enjoying themselves on the wing. Their marked superiority Is more noticeable during poor seasons. Some think the progeny of cross-bred queens equal to full-blood Italians. I prefer the pure Italians in eveay respect, as they crossbreed soon enough with neighbors* bees, -nStockman. Wintering Bees. October is the best month in which to prepare colonies for their long winter repose. If short of stores they should be given granulated syrup. If fed early enough the bees will have this food put into the combs and sealed over before cold weather. For wintering an underground cellar is best, as the temperature is even. It should be well ventilated, should have few or no vegetables in it and sawdust should be kept on the floor to absorb the moisture. The hives ought to be raised from the bottom boards at least one inch to secure circulation of air. If the bees get uneasy the hives should be lifted from the bottom boards at least once a week to prevent foul odors from rising into the hive and causing disease.— Field and Farm.