Rensselaer Union, Volume 2, Number 51, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 September 1870 — The Apiary in September. [ARTICLE]

The Apiary in September.

Whbre plenty of buckwheat is in blossom there is little danger of robbing, but when that fails, weak hives will be plundered at once unless protected. Make the entrances to them .narrow, so that the bees may guard them, or remove them without delay. No one should complain of bees being robbed now, as prevention is in-his own hands. Lefive no refuse honey near the apiary. Such may be carefully fed to light hives. Remove diseased stocks now. There are too many chances that they may be robbed to the detriment of others. The bees of such may be given to queenless stocks, but not until after having been confined 36 hours in an empty box, as a precaution against infection. That portion of the contents of diseased hives which consist of brood and honey mixed, should be buried in the ground—not a particle of such honey should be fed until it has been well scalded and skimmed. The portions free from brood may be strained, scalded, and saved for use. Condemned hives that are healthy and strong enough to defend themselves, may stand until next month. Time will thus be given for the young bees to mature and leave the combs clean for next year. Italians seem almost exempt from disease. A heavy hive, though queenless and having but few bees, if not infested with worms, may be saved by supplying queen and bees. Bees of two or more hives will unite more readily if moved a mile or so. Where there are few bees and no sealed brood, it is strong evidence that there is no queen. When it is desired to winter light stocks that have but little comb, they must be fed freely, that they may build comb and rear brood. If attended to now, this may be done, but it is not always the best economy. Where there are plenty of bees and comb with a lack of stores, feed in October.— American Agriculturist.