Rensselaer Union, Volume 3, Number 49, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 August 1871 — Removing Honey Boxes. [ARTICLE]

Removing Honey Boxes.

Surplus boxes should be removed when full, that the combs may not become dark, as tbe finer the appearance of our honey the better the price and easier the sale. In taking off the boxes I use two strips of tin to slido under the box. Leave one on the hive and take up one with tbe box to keep the bees from coming out. If empty boxes are to be put on, turn the full boxes bottom up and place tho empty ones over them. Draw out tbe. strip of tin. and by rapping on the lower box drive the bees into the empty one, when it may be placed on the hive without tbp loss of a bee. Bo careful to return the bees to the same hive from which they came or loss may cccur. To do this, it is best to have each set of boxes numbered to correspond wi'.h the number of the hive. When wo do not put on empty boxes in place of the full ones it is best to remove them at evcqtog, turning th<m on their sides in front of the hive. They will usually bo descried in the morning, and we must not forget to lie out early to take care of them before the bees are astir. After the “boxes are removed from the hive there is danger of the honey lieing injured by the moth worm. To prevent this, stop all entrances to the boxes tightiy and place them in a cellar where the temperature is so low that any egg they may chance to contain will not hatch Look to them occasionally, and if any do hatch, open the holes in the boxes, put them into a barrel in such a position that the smoke may ascend freely into them, and fumigate with brimstone. Use only just enough to kill the worms, “as too much gives the combs a greenish appearance. — Cor. Rural Home.