Part 18

1.--Which is the best plan of hiving bees?

2.--How are the bees to be persuaded to descend from the upper hives, so as to allow of the honey being extracted?

3.--Should the sheds face any particular aspect?

4.--Is it necessary to stop up the entrance-hole to the hive in winter, when covering them up with paper?

5.--Are the hives (Ayrshire hexagonal) bottomless? I judge so, as they are put one on the top of the other, and the bees rise through the slits?

I fear I must own myself totally ignorant about bee-keeping, so I trust you will excuse these queries.

J. B. S.

The writer will find 1, 2, 3, answered in the body of the work. In reply to 4, No. In reply to 5, Yes.

* * * * *

Cheltenham, July 30th.

Sir,--I have been much interested with your letters in The Times about bees; and having just commenced keeping them, am anxious for further information. Your kindness in writing so fully induces me to trouble you.

I purchased a swarm on June 17th, and have them in a common straw hive. I am told by the cottager from whom I bought them (who, by the way, takes his honey by stupifying the bees with a fungus), that as mine is a late swarm (though a first), I ought not to take any honey from them this season; but noticing in your letter of 27th your mode of obtaining honey from a straw hive by cutting a hole in the top and placing a bell-glass on a board over, I shall be much obliged if you will inform me if you think I might now adopt this mode, or is it too late in the season, and ought they to be left undisturbed till next season?

Will you kindly tell where the Scotch hexagonal hive is to be procured? I like your account of it so much, that I shall certainly try it as soon as I can. Will you excuse this trouble?

I remain, Sir, yours obediently,

C. H. H.

To the Gentleman who writes in The Times under the signature of "A Bee-master."

If a good swarm take place in May, and in a good year, you may hopefully put on a super. For Ayrshire hives, see p. 213.

* * * * *

July 30th.

Sir,--We have read your letters in The Times with the greatest interest, partly because we have been for some years bee-keepers on the more sensible plan of saving the little creatures' lives, and partly because we are anxious to induce our neighbours (poor cottage folks) to follow our example, and give up the disgusting smothering process. We have taken off a glass of honey weighing full twenty pounds, and have another equally well filled to remove; but should be very grateful for your advice as to the means of getting rid of the bees from the super when it is withdrawn, a part of the process not described in your letters, and one which we cannot manage without much trouble, and the murder of many insects. We use, for stock, common straw hives, with flat tops, and a hole in the centre, which we cover with a piece of zinc or slate, easily removed when we wish to put on the super. But the bees always continue the comb up through this hole into the glass; then, when the latter is removed, there is always broken comb and running honey, to which the bees cling, and to which they return again and again, and we find the greatest difficulty in dislodging them.

You likewise recommend covering the stock-hives in winter with paper, for warmth. Will you kindly tell us whether you consider it best to close the entrance also?

My only apology for thus intruding on you must rest on our ignorance, and on your benevolent and enlightened zeal for the good of the poor, and for the lives of the much ill-treated insects.

I am, Sir, yours obediently,

H. C.

I enclose a stamped envelope, in case you prefer writing to me rather than again to The Times.

Press a zinc plate between hive and super, and on removal substitute a very small empty bell bee-glass, and cover it with woollen cap. On no account close the entrance to the hive.

August 1st.

My dear Sir,--I have read with much interest your letters in The Times respecting our little friends the bees, and as one of your many readers, I beg to thank you for your valuable hints. Will you, however, complete the matter by giving us one hint more, and that is, as to how you manage with the bees which may remain in the compartment which you remove? I have used the lateral wooden hive, but have always found a difficulty in getting rid of the bees which remained in the box which I have taken away. One year I took a lateral box full of honey, but lost it in consequence of the bees having taken it all away again. I, by the advice of a neighbouring bee-master, had it placed in a cool part of the garden. If you will kindly tell us how you manage in this respect, you will greatly oblige.