The Practical Apiarian

The Practical Apiarian

JH. , mY vv . THE PRACTICAL APIARIAN ; OR, © Treatise ON THE IMPROVED MANAGEMENT or WBWAS. ° By GEORGE STRUTT, Boxrep, Surro.e. “ The busy tribes Of Bezs so emulous, are daily fed With Heaven’s peculiar manya.”’ —_a— CLARE: PRINTED FOR THR AUTHOR, BY E. SHEARCROFT. 1825. [Entered at Stationer’s Hall.] 249 LIST of SUBSCRIBERS. May 2ist. 1825. SIR James Affleck, Dalham Hall, 2 copies and models. Sir Digby Mackworth, Cavendish Hall, 1 copy and model. William Territt, L.L.D. Chilton Hall, Clare, 2 copies and models. ‘ , J. Barker. Esquire, Clare Priory, 1 copy and model. J. Ruggles, Esquire, Clare, 1 copy and model. Mr. J. H. Farrand, Clare, 1 copy and model. J. P. Isaacson, Clare, 1 copy and model. Mr. J. Kent, Hartest, 1 copy and model. C. Reeve, Esquire, Higham, 2 copies and models, Mrs. Mills, Colchester, 1 copy and model. Mrs. Kenningale, Wiston Hall, 1 copy and model. Mr. Webb, Glemsford, 1 copy and model. Mr. Case, Bury St. Edmunds, | copy and model. - Rev. M. Trefusis, St. Columb, Cornwall, 1 copy and model. Messrs. Fellows, Yarmouth, | copy and model. Mr. J. Rodwell, Newmarket, 1 copy and model. Lieut. Col. Mathew, Pentlow Hall, 1 copy and model. Mr. T. Seabrook, Cavendish, 1 copy and model. Lieut. Col. Weston, Poslingford Park, 1 copy and model. Rey. J. Wightman, Clare, 1 copy. S. Stevens, Esquire, Clare, 1 copy and model. | Mr. J. Pain, Boxted, 1 copy and model. Mr. J. Marks, Fitzroy Square, London, | copy and model. Mr. Simons, Sydenham, Kent, 1 copy and model. Rev. Dr. Walton, Birdbrook, 1 copy and model. Mies Lloyds, Hintlesham Hall, 1 copy and model. Mr. Rogers, Newmarket, | copy and model. Mr. Hunt, Poslingford, 1 copy and model. PBBRAGCG BZ Ar a time when the Press is teeming: with matter for the dissemination of knowledge in every department of Art and Science, and in which the highest literary attainments are employed ; the Author of the following Pages feels a, diffidence in placing his little Work be- fore a discerning Public: conscious, that, having no pretensions to literary merit, his mode of conveying information. upon an interesting and useful subject, will not stand the test of criticism. Encouraged, however, by the express, wishes and support of many valuable and, highly respectable Friends, who have, visited his Apiaries, he ventures his little Bark on the wide ocean of Literature, consciously assenting to the proverb, that, | “ Vessels large may venture more ; But, little Boats must keep in shore.” It is presumed, that the labours,—the ‘management,—the properties,—and (if it may be allowed) the virtues of Bees,’ have excited the attention and admiration of mankind, from the earliest ages of the world ; and, although those subjects iv PREFACE. have employed the time and researches of many learned men, in order to render these Insects more serviceable, than in their wild state ; yet, much remains to be learnt, and which can only be acquir- ed, in the school of nature, observation, and experience. In that school only has the Author studied, and founded his knowledge of ' Bees ; his leisure hours from business have been exclusively devoted to these his favorites, who have never failed ‘to make a grateful return for the care be- stowed upon them: and, happy will he be, if the hints herein contained, should’ lead to the preservation of Bees, the im- provement of the Apiary, and the in’ crease of its useful stores. “Burn Bees, and have Bees,” is an adage with which the Author's ears and feelings have often been assailed ; but, he trusts, that the time is not far distant, when such absurdities and cruelties will: be opposed by every thinking mind, and the practice entirely discontinued ; the Author himself being practically convin-_ ced, that there is no necessity to destroy a stock of Bees to obtain their store. PREFACE. v The method of managing Bees herein Jaid down, is the result of practical ex- perience and close attention ; and, altho’ the Author is well convinced that much improvement may yet be made, he will ‘be satisfied if his practice may be useful in facilitating the labours of the Bee-Fan- cier, and stimulate others more able than himself, to offer their improvements and experience to the Public at large. It must be admitted, that the labours of the Bee contribute largely to the com- forts and pleasures of man ; under pro- per management, the stores of the Hive afford not only the most delicious and useful substances for domestic purposes, but, by the penetrating Science of Che- mistry, they expand their virtues in the various forms and powers of medicine. In addition, the Author begs leave to inform his Friends, and the Public at large, that Models of the Boxes whicl he has in general use for Bees, together’ with an explanatory Pamphlet, may be had of him, at his Apiary, Finsrep-Enp,, in the parish of Boxted, Suffolk. Ee COIL IP PGs —= —— CHAP: I. General observations. Improved Boxes exhibited at Lee, Kent. Hints on taking Honey. Actions of Bees instructive and amusing. Cruelty im burning Bees. Lives of Bees longer than imagined. Improved manage- meant éxemplified, in quantity of Honey, and protection from Wasps. Amusing scenes in Bees opposing Wasps. “GHAP..II. An Apiary for six Colonies ; description and dimensions thereof, situation, aspect, appen 8, and other necessaries considered. More economical Plan of Apiary. Apiary may be-aitached to sitting or sleeping rooms, observations thereon. : . CHAP. UE. Rules for using newly-invented Boxes, With observations and cautions thereon. . CHAP: 1V. Method of extracting Honey from Boxes without injuring Bees, Bees remaining in extracted Comb, how to return ten to Stock. Previous care to be taken asto young brood on extracting Honey. Accident of los- ing Queen Bee by death, result thereof. Rare instance of insurrection of Bees, and emigration to neighbouring Co- lony, withdut consequent disagreement. Great number of Bees in single Colonies, and numbers of each sort perticul arized. CHAP. V. Subject and method of extracting Honey continued. Caution to return Combs containing young Brood. Qualities and quantity of Honey improved and increased by new Plan, proved at Lee, in the summer of 1824. Sum obtained for one Box thereof. Observations of visitors to the Apiary at Lee, and their unqualified approval, with the Author’s acknowledgements. CHAP. VI. Preparing Hives, or Boxes, for swarms, or casts. Salt not proper. Author’s process of prepara- tion. Fruit Trees near front of Apiary prejudicial.— General observations. CONTENTS. vii HAP. VII. Cleanliness of Apiary necessary, easier attained by new Plan. Marauders noticed. Observations and directions on perilous times to Bees, and some few favorite objects of Bees noticed. CHAP. VIII. Enemies and intruders particularized, and medes of prevention pointed out. - * CHAP. 1X. Wars ef Bees. Necessary attention and duties of:the Apiarian therein. Apiarian not to presume teo much on labours of Bees. Bees temperate and eco- nomical, and rendered more profitable by attention.— Feeding of Bees, and approved materials for suck purpose. CHAP. X. Six hours observations en Bees sealio cells, and the matter for that purpose. Argument with Gentlemen visiting exkibition at Lee, upon Hives ‘and Boxes, and result thereof. CHAP. XI. Bees averse to:indotence. Punishment of some returning to Box, empty. -Observations on-young Bees. Examination of such by their seniors, and first efforts of young Bees described, . . . CHAP. XII. Great attention nece at the time of swarming. Symptons of swarming, obstacles thereto con- sidered. Early swarms not always preferable, unless fa- vourable weatber follows. Observations upon tbe swarm and Sovereign. Sound of a drum asa lure, preferred to the old method of acute sounds. Method of collections or hiving swarms, under various circumstances, and fixing Hives or Boxes in Apiary, on settlement of the Bees. CHAP. XIII. Sundry small swarms or casts, not shewin; prosperity. Plurality of Queens detrimental.— Method of uniting and consolidating small parcels of Bees- _ by Boxes, and confinement. Method and materials used in performing the same operation by fumigation. Rxpe- riment with Queen Bees, and the result considered, CHAP. XIV. The situation of Apiaries, with regard to adjacent waters, and the purity or impurity of such wa- ters. Districts purely agricultural, and wood with heath viit ° CONTENTS. land combined, considered, in proportionate profit to Bees. Honey dews and white clover excite increased activity in Bees. Beautiful flowers of gardens not so attractive.— The majestie sun flower much visited. Presumed that the Honey from white clover is of a superior kind. CHAP. XV. Brief description of the Queen Bee, and her properties. The working Bee, its cruel treatment by man, its resentment of insult, excruciating pain-fram the Poieon of its sting. An approved remedy prescribed.— Advice to Apiarians on engaging with Bees, and the great advantages of experience on the approved management. Reflections. The Drone, its habits, experiment therewith, and term of existence to each of the classes of domiciled ees. . CHAP. XVI. Observations upon the Honey-comb. its form, uses, and stores, and labours of the Bees thereof. CHAP. XVII. Method of extracting Honey frem the Combs.- Making Mead, and collecting Wax. CHAP. XVIII. Monthly observations, and practice in an Apiary upon the improved Plan. ; THE PRACTICAL APIARIAN. —27 D0 = ———— Oh Lorn, how manifold.are thy works, in wisdom hast thou made them all! ———= ’ —~->-—— CHAPTER I. “Tf animals have a real right to our attention, how much more are.we obliged to soften as well as we can the evils of our fellow-creatures. Let it not be sufficient for us to supply our own wants, but let us endeavour to supply those of. others; and sever suffer any thing to sink under misery that it is in our power. to relieve.” Srurm. OF all insects, Bees claim our greatest attention. and regard: for who can look at them,. and! see their industrious ha- bits, without being struck with amazement ? and at the same time, filled with gratitude: to. that All-wise Being; who has, in His great goodness, not only sent: the Honey upon the: B. : : 2° different trees and flowers, which all our synthetic powers could never form, nor our ingenuity collect, but has also sent these little creatures to gather it for us. What in- justice, ingratitude, and cruelty, therefore, must that person be guilty of, who, after these insects, have, by astonishing industry, collected great store of that which is both — food and medicine—what cruelty, I repeat, are they guilty of, who, to come at their treasure, unnecessarily destroy them by burning or suffocation. G. Strutt, the author of these Pages, is proprietor of those Bees which were publicly exhibited in the parish of Lzz, near Blackheath, Kent, in the summer of 1824, and which gave gveat satis- faction to many Bee-Fanciers, and to numbers. of Families in and around the Metropolis ; since when, he has very much improved the Boxes for keeping the Bees.in Colonies, and which he flatters himself will be found, upon trial, far superior to any hitherto-invented, both in respect to the preservation of the Bees, and the facility of taking any part of the Combs which:may be thought proper, and returning the re- mainder to the parent Stock. By using | . Boxes, made according to the Model, an opportunity is given to keep a supply of clean and sound Combs, which cannot be ‘80 well accomplished in any other way, and which is of the mést particular consequence to the prosperity of the Stock. ‘ In most Plans hitherto adopted, there is much damage done by the destruction of numbers of Bees, which are, at the time of deprivation, destroyed by improper manage- ment, much to the loss of the Apiarian In the present Plan it will be found there is not a fourth-part of the danger of destroy- ing the.Queen-Bee at the time of depriva- tion, as in any other way. There is something so entertaining, and at the same time, as it were, so truly bewitghing, in many of the actions of the Bees, that it is impossible for any one to attend to them without being very much attached to them. I am not only speaking 4 of: my own feelings, but what others have said. Many who came to see my Exhibi- tion, by their manner of expressing them- selyes, shewed how sensible they were of the goodness of the Almighty in haviag sent such industrious servants to gather Honey for our use. The general expression has been, almost the moment they entered the room,—“ Pretty creatures! oh, what a beautiful sight! a grand lesson for man- kind! what a field is here for contempla- tion!’’ with many other acclamations of the same nature. | Ladies who have brought their children with them, have, at the time they have been admiring their works, been particular.in their way of expressing themselves, by recommending them to imitate. the Bees in their habits of industry, unity, and love, amongst each other. A grand lesson may the young mind receive, by paying strict attention to the habits of these industrious creatures. _ For my own part, I cannot think any one can be either cruel or indolent, whg has the management of Bees ;. by management, [ 5 mean, those who take a real pleasure in attending to them. I do not mean by this; to say every one who keeps-them, for there are thousands who have kept them‘ many years, that have thought but little of them. The reason,’ in a great measure is, because they have never had an opportunity of see- ing them at their labour ;. nearly all they see or know of them is, that they keep go- ing out and coming home; and they are pretty certain by their actions they are very industrious : but the most convincing proof they have is at Michaelmas, or much about that time, when the cruel operation takes place of burning or suffocating them.— To the shame of man, they stand and look at this cruelty with countenances as'placid and serene, as if it were matter of course, or in fact, amusement. The children who are present, are introduced’ at a very early age to such scenes, and like their parents, grow yp to be cruel. The sincere _ wish of my heart is, that the inhuman and horrid pragtice, which was, no doubt, ton- trived in the earliest ages, may be entirely’ done away. It is, in my opinion, a great’, disgrace to this. Nation, whieh iesaid to be - the most enlightened in the weld. . There has of late been much, talk, and some good laws made, to prevent cruelty to animals; but it seams the poor industrious Bee has been forgatten; although, I have no doubt, many of our Lawgivers would have no objection to taking a glass of good Metheglin, which is allowed to be superior to many of the wines brought from foreign. - Countries,—of course much cheaper, and probably more, congenial to health, . Some have said, that it is. whimsical to . save the Bees longer than a year.or two, for that, if you do not burn them they would die of themselves. I do not pretegd.te say. they will not die, but this. 1am eertain of,. that in the common way of suffocating them to come at their treasure, there are mil-. - lions deprived of life which. might he.pre-, served, .and which would, . undoubtedly, : gather Honey the next season, From the experience and success I have had,, since I. have been a Bee-Faucier, ] am aud always, . ? shall be,. an advocate: for. the preservation of their valuable lives. I consider it not only humane, (and surely humanity cannot or ought not-to be calhed whimsical, ). but there is: s good pelicy attached to it. T am certain, by my Plan, a much larger quantity of Honey can be raised than in the common way of masaging Bees. As a proof of the utility of the Pian I pursued, before I invented the present Box, which is allowed by all who have: seen it, ta be far superior to my former one, in the year 1822, I took from seven of my Stocks, Two MUNDRED AND SIXTY-81X POUNDS of very: fine Honey ; still leaving a great sufficiency for the Bees to subsist on during the win-. ter. Im fact, I left much mare than was wanted; I really think I left as much as J. took; of this I am almost certain; as I have, in my way of managing them, an op- portunity of weighing the Colonies at any. time, without annaying the Bees. From a particular Colony, upon which I wished. to make an expeximent, I took 8 EIGHTY-FOUR PoUNDS of. Honey, had a good swarm and cast from it, and still left the foundation stock, as I thought at the time, a sufficiency to subsist on during the winter; nevertheless, I must confess, I had been rather unmerciful to them, in taking so much, (but it was an experiment) for in the spring, say in March, I was o- bliged, as I thought them in low circum- stances, to return them some Honey. I gave them about two pounds, with this as- sistance, they prospered well. The thing that is most likely to deter people from following my Plan is, that they cannot come at their treasure so soon as in the old way. As that is the case, it will not be a0 agreeable to those who are inclined to covetousness. But, after the first year, at any rate the second, you may begin to reap the profits of your patienee, and every year afterwards, if no accident happen to your Stocks, as unfavourable seasons, &c. &c. . The foundation once well laid, cannot 9 fail of being a profitable concern, saying nothing at all about the humanity and the. pleasure of viewing them at their labour:; which, to @ thinking person, is very great; and to those that never thought but little before, I am certain it will have the effect of bringing serious, very serious reflections to their mind. Their habits of industry, their love and friendship amongst each other, their subjection to their Sovereign, and many other endearing qualities they are possessed of, cannot fail to make them the most interesting, and at the same time, | - instructive creatures. An Apiary is a good school—well furnished with improvement for a reflecting mind. From the observations I pave made, when watching Bees at their labour, -I am _ convinced there is nothing amongst the hu- man or brute creation that disagree so little, For instance, look at a number of men working together, if, by any means, they run against each other, stamp too hard, » or make too much of an interruption of any _kind, how very likely they are to use severe 10 language, and often come to blows; and amongst the brutes generally, how soon animosity is created, by crowding them a- mongst each other ; but the Bee, although it is armed in the way it is, never, but in extreme cases, draws the weapon nature has provided it with: for I have many .times, and with the greatest pleasure ob- served them, in the gathering season, when all of them seemed to be attending to their work with every mark of industry; in the greatest hurry imaginable; coming in at the spout leading to the Box, they fre- quently alight upon each other, run against and tumble each other down, yet there is no disagreement on account of it, although it must be attended with interruption to them ; it really is a most pleasing sight to see ! Be In my way of managing Bees, not an hun- dredth part of the damage can be done by Wasps, and other enemies, as is done to those kept in the common way. A Wasp no sooner enters, but he has the Bees at- tacking him; and as he hes not been used 11 as the Bees have to the glass, he, upon: being attacked, flies directly at it, in hope, - I suppose, of getting out, but that he finds to be impossible, at any rate through the glass; and as to find the door-way, that is certainly beyend his art: for as he has,: perhaps, never before entered in at it, he is entirely at a loss where to seek for it.— In fact he keeps so long striving at the glass, and at the same time buffetted as he is by the surrounding multitude, whom it is certain, will not let such an intruder be at rest; at last he is obliged to yield, and loses his life: and when dead, and some- times before that event, dragged out, and thrown upon the ground as an unwelcome guest. Now, in the common way of keeping Bees, though I allow there is some pleasure in © seeing them going and coming from their Hive, yet, when they enter, which is mo- mentarily, the pleasure ceases; on the other hand, in my way of keeping them, : the greatest pleasure is after they enter ; for then they-are seén going in all- 12 directions to different parts of their habi- tation to unload themselves, and return into the fields and gardens for more. There is not a doubt but a Wasp having once entered the Hive does some da- mage, as most likely, he, in the conflict, wounds some of the Bees, and, perhaps, mor- tally; but I cannot think, from the obser- vations I have made, that the Wasp can smell the Honey contained in the Box which is within doors, as they can. in com- mon Hives standing without doors, because they are at a greater distance and quite hid from their view. I have seldom knewn a Wasp: enter my Colonies; and when, at any time, one of these bold intruders have ; it has afforded me some amusement to see how roughly tlie Bees treated him for taking: such a liberty. It really is amusing to see with what courage the Bees attack him; one gives him a slap on. one side, he in a passion, turns, no doubt, with an intention of returning the compliment ; another, per-. haps, at: the moment hit him on. the other aide ;. by auch means; he isskeptin continual f3. state of agitation; and, although, much stronger in his nature than Bees are, still, in the course of a very short time, he is so much fatigued, that he is obliged, though _ reluctantly, to yield; without even tasting of that which enticed hint to enter their abode. I have known many of my neigh- ~ bours lose great quantities of Honey by these robbers; and, also, many Stocks en'- - tirely spoiled. 1 am happy to say, I never lost, either Honey or Bees, from their de-* predations; although, one year, since I: have been.a Bee-Faneier, there were great numbers of Wasps, and-a very great deal of damage done to the Stocks around me, 14° ‘CHAPTER II. ‘‘ From industry and economy, springeth content and happiness.” An Apiary for six Colonies, must be thirteen feet in length, in the inside’; six feet wide, and seven feet high ; a window at each end, two feet square, or thereabouts, which must be made to open, as it will be necessary so to.be almost every day in the summer ; for, . if the windows are not opened, Bees,. that accidentally get into the Apiary, will most likely fly upon the glass, and be deprived of life. It is seldom that a Bee will fly from a window after it is once lodged there- upon, but exerts itself to get through till it is quite exhausted. The front of the Apiary must be as near fronting the South as possible; the door- Way into it must, if possible, be at the West end; as it will not be so cold in that quar- 45 ter, as on the East ; this is, if the Apiary is attached to another building; but, if it is entirely detached, the door may be in.the centre of the North side. Why I recommend the Aniary to be of the height I have stated, is, beeause it must be recollected, that when the Colonies are all in a full and prosperous state, the heat is beyond what may be generally sup- posed; ofcourse, the more the Apiary is ventilated in the summer, the more com- fortable it is for the Apiarian when viewing these industrious and faithful servants; and the Bees will be much refreshed. upon entering the spouts, which will be kept cool by the above-mentioned means.— Every one who has experienced fatigue, . by being exposed to the hert of the Sun, knows how comfortable and refreshing is retirement to a shady place ; and, I cannot but think, that the Bees are equally re- freshed, and return to the fields and gar- dens with renewed vigour, The bench for the Boxes to stand upon, 16 ‘must be the same length of the Apiary: i nemely, We feet long, two feet high ‘from the floor, and ofthe same width. It must be made of-strong materials, as it may, in good and prosperous seasons, have to bear a great-burden ; sometimes, perhaps, -seven or eight hundred pounds: and if It were, at any time, to break down, it would ‘cause the destruction of many Bees, and - be a great loss to the Apitrian. The part - where the beneh is put together, must be - well jointed, so that net the least draught _ of air can get through ; if it were, it would | be. very prejudicial to the Bees; to the : young brood in particular; for, besides _cubjecting them to the inroads of wood lice, '-and many other small insects, the inlet of ‘external air, through small apertures, is _ hurtful; and Bees, like the human race, ‘to a certainty prosper best, when unmolest- ed by enemies, or subjected tosharp draughts of air. , It is absolutely neeessary to keep the Apiary particularly clean, by white-wash- -ing, and that with Lime; by such means, 17 much damage will be avoided, that might otherwise happen. ~ ee It will also be proper to have a grass plat in front of the Apiary, about two yards wide ; for, sometimes during a storm, the Bees come home in a great hurry, and aré frequently beaten down. Now, if it was dug ground for them to fall upon, in all - probability, they would be so mired with dirt, they would never be able to rise again ; but, grass kept cut, nearly the same as a bowling-green, will have a very handsome appearance, and at the same time, be the means of saving many of their valuable lives. There must be six places, at equal dis- tances, through the front of the building ; about a foot deep, and sufficiently wide to admit the spouts; and a half-oval board at each part, for the Bees to alight upen, about six inches wide, and nine inches long. These alighting boards ‘must be laid rather slanting, so that the wet runs off them.— it i¢ also proper to have a board, about eight or nine inches wide, a little above 18 the entrances, to throw off the rain, and _ prevent, as much as possible, its falling ‘upon the alighting boards. The top of the Apiary ray ‘be. covered with tile or slate, according to fancy.— Some have recommended covering. with reeds ; but, I am confident, thatched build- ings are improper, and ought, if: possible, to be avoided ; as they harbour numbers of insects, which are not only troublesome to Bees, but also prejudicial. . Although I have given such a description of an Apiary, yet one upon a more econo- mical Plan may be built with clay ; which is the principal material used in my Apiary. Even the benches that the Boxes stand upon are of clay, which, when well dried, answers the purpose as well as any other material: and, in respect to strength ; toa certainty there is not the least danger of their breaking down. There are many rooms in which Bees might be kept, without any inconvenience 19 or danger, to the owners or occupiers of such: reoms; and this without being at any expence in building. Many have supposed, that Bees could not be managed well, unless they were kept in a building upen a ground floor. I was, for several years, of the same opinion: and if I had’ not had practical proof to the contrary, 1 should ne doubt have remained the same ; but I am convinced it is ef little or no con- sequence, provided there be a platform, or the roof of another building, coming up within a foot of the bottom of the alight- ing boards, or some where thereabouts, What I should prepose, is a platform a- bout five or six feet wide, a Kittle slanting ; and to furnish it with pots, planted with different flowers, such as fancy may direct, and which are knewn te be pleasing to the Bees. 1. am convinced it would be very pleasant to them, particularly to the young ones at first geing abroad; it would like- wise give avery pleasant perfume into the room ; and, at the same time, have a hand- some appearance, either as viewed from the inside of the room, or from the garden. 20 The room I had for my exhibition, at Lez, was not less than twelve or fourteen feet from the ground,—no Bees prosper- ed better, And I am of opinion, that the Wasps were not so likely te find them at such a height, as when they were nearer the ground. Another advan- tage in situation was, that they were not trou- bled by slug, snail, or mouse; being com- pletely out of their reach. | I must here observe, that if Bees are kept in a room, as above-mentioned, atten- tion must be paid to the window, so that they do not lodge upon it, and lose their lives; which will, in all probability, be the case, if neglected. To obviate this, I would advise, (and what I was obliged todo,) particularly in a southern aspect, nail a piece ef Leno, or something similar, on the window frame, so that the window may be opened to admit air, without a spectator being in the least incommoded by the Bees, or the Bees themselves receiving injury, by getting into the room. - Bees are not at all 91 disagreeable companions, even in a sleeping room; but far, very far to the contrary ; for, it may sometimes happen, that a person — may, either from sickness, or other cause, be sleepless, or depressed with ennui; at such times, what a pleasant amusement it will affprd, te hear and see s0 many thou- . sands, whieh, by their actions and voices, evince harmony, unity, and friendship, of the highest natural order. 22 CHAPTER III. ‘* Throughout all Nature we see sumething of infinity as the peculiar characteristic of its great Author.” -RULES FOR APPLYING MY NEWLY*+INVENTED BOX OR BOXES FOR KEEPING BEES. In the first place, it must be observed, that your Apiary answers the description before mentioned in every respect, or as nearly so as possible. Admitting that you have’ strong Stocks in common straw Hives, or in any other way; when you perceive they are getting numerous, and apparently about to swarm, you must put a Box un- der them; and by thus giving them room, you will, in all probability, prevent their swarming,—though, sometimes, such will be the case, whatever may be done to prevent it. It is very much the interest of the Apiarian to keep Stocks as numerous as possible; for one strong Stock will gu- - ther more Honey than four weak ones ; and, at the same time, find protection in their great strength from any other Bees, or enemies, that might attempt depredations upon their property. The best time to put the Box under Bees near swarming, I have always found, in the middle of the day, when the weather is par- ticularly fine; because, at this time, the greatest number of the Bees are at work ; and, of course, not so many at home, as at other parts of the day, and damage not so likely to ensue. With respect’ to some of the Bees being crushed, I do really think, that I have sometimes put a Box under them, without destroying one. This could not have been the case, if the attempt had been made when they were all at home. Some have advised this business to be done in the e-- vening ; this, I think, particularly wrong ; as the Bees will, at such times, anticipate night; and, instead of taking wing, will crawl about, get upon your clothes, and many of them be destroyed :—to say no- rt QA. thing. of the great hazard you run of getting stung. When I first began to keep Bees, I tried the evening plan, but was soon heartily tired of it; as I was convinced many were de- stroyed. Not only so, the pain I endured, by being stung by them; many of them hav- ing crawled upon my garments, in such a way, that I actually carried some to bed with me; no very pleasant bed-fellows it. must be allowed. It will also be proper to have some one to assist you in this ope- ration; and yourself and assistant to be, at all such times, protected by a thin veil and a pair of gloves; for, perhaps, an accident of some kind may happen, which it was im- possible to foresee; this may enrage the Bees; and if so, you may receive some dnjury by not taking proper care. When every thing is ready, let the assistant take up the Box, or Hive, in which the Bees have been lodged, and quick as possible, put the fresh Box in the place from whence it was taken, with the entrance exactly cor- responding with the path which the Bees ‘ 25 have been in the habit of ysing ; the agsist- ant must, without delay, set the Hive, or Box, upon the empty one, and directly stop up the part which the Bees have been used to pass and repass in to the upper.one ;—the passage being thus stopped, they will immediately go to work as busily-as if nothing had taken place; in fact, they will be pleased ,at having their habitation enlarged; and, -in the course of a few days, will give con- vincing proof of their industry, if the wea- ther is favourable, by working Combs down into the Box. It is really a most beautiful sight to behold them at this time, fixing as it were, a foundation for their new Combs, and of which you may be convinced when you see them hanging down into the Box, not unlike to curtains festooned, . Every _ part must be securely stopped, except that intended for their path into the spout; by this means, many things, such as spiders, ear-wigs, &c. &c. that would otherwise be troublesome, are kept from entering their habitations. bt * When you perceive they have filled the Box with Combs, dnd appear to want toom,—which, in favourable weather, 1 ‘have known to be the case within a month ; ‘yeu must then proceed the same with the next Box; aid when the lower one iz about half filled with Combs, and the mid- ‘dle Box about half filled with Honey, cand sealed up, then is the time you “may Venture to take off the top Box, or “Hive; the Plan of which operation I shall give in the following Chapter. 27. CHAPTER LV. i ‘© All who are not corrupted by passions or bad habits, are naturally inclined to compassionate every ing that bas life or feeling.” ¥ Axzour four o’clock in the afternoon, place yourgelfin such a position, that you can hala one of your handa tight upon the bottom of . the Hive, admitting your upper store. to be an Hive; and partly connected with the top of the Box, to keep every thing steady ; then, with the other hand, force the glider of the top Box up, and be sure the communica- tion ig cut off, so that a Bee cannet pasa; ox, if you find you cannot force the slider up with your hand, which may sometimes happen, you may use a mallet, or something of that kind ;—I have, in general, taken a four pound weight, which by holding cloge ip the palm of the hand, a more solid blow may be struck than with any thing else [ have been able to think of: I imagine it does not jar the Bees so much as any other 28 way might; of course, it is not so much disturbance to them. A little practice will make any one master of this part of the business. The communication being cut off, darké en the windows, and shut the house up close ; having so done, leave them an hour ‘and a half, or two hours; after which time, you may set the door and windows open: and, putting a wedge about three inches thick under the side of the Hive you intend taking next the door, many Bees which are in the top Hive, will immediately - come out, take wing, and flying out at the ‘door, return in at the spout amongst their ‘fellows. As there will most likely be some ‘Bees remaining amongst the Combs, in the ‘Hive you have taken,—after they seem set- tled in the evening, turn the Hive bottom upwards, and put a cloth upon it; if you ‘tie a string around the cloth, it will not be amiss, as it will prevent the’ Bees crawling out, as otherwise they might do, if this pre- ‘caution were not taken. Early the next ‘morning, as early as four o’clock, take the 29 Hive, to some shady place, as near to the front-of the Apiary they came from, as cen- venient, and taking off the string and oleth,. begin tapping the Hive with a small stick, and, in the course of a very short time, you, will get rid of most of the Bees left behind ; by this means, you will possess the Hosey and preserve the Bees. But, should a few. ‘still remain, which may probably be the case, as unwilling to leave their precious treasure,—then carry the Hive into yeur back-house, or some building coavenient for the purpose,—and placing it as near the window as possible, begin tapping it as be- fore; and, as the Bees come up to the mouth, put them out of the window with a small wing or brush, which you must have in readiness: it will also be proper to have a eloth lying under the window, that if any of them fall, they may not be lost,—but may be carried and laid on the front ef the Apiary, or put into the spout leading to the Colony, to which they belong. But, if you find there still remain some among the Combs, which possibly may happen, when you begin taking them out, be garefu} 30 you do not destroy them by drowning in the Honey ; to prevent this,—have a bason of water, a little warmed, (suppose as warm as milk just taken from the cow,) standing by, and when you meet with any that seem incapable of flying, from being besmeared with Honey,—put them into the water. and stirring them about, with a feather or wing, they will immediately be cleared of the Ho- ney; when so done, take them out of the water, and lay them near as convenient to their habitation upon a eloth, in the sun, one end thereof being fixed to the alight- ing board; they will then crawl about to dry themselves, and return to their former ‘companions. During all these operations, be sure to pay particular attention to the Bees you have thus in your power : for, it may hap- pen, that the Queen is amongst them; if so, you must treat her with the greatest tenderness, for upon her life, perhaps, de- pends the future prosperity of the Colony she came from. If you should find her, take the earliest opportunity of placing her 3} with her Subjects, who will most joyfully receive her. I am only here speaking if such a thing were to happen, not that I. think it at all likely, if proper attention be paid to the rules I have here laid down; nor will a tenth part of the trouble here treated of, occur, although I met with it. when I first took in hand the management of Bees. _ Some will say, But how are we to know the Queen? My answer is, there is as much difference between the appearance of her majesty,—the drones,—and working Bees, as there is between a smart dandy, and a country clown. A description of the three sorts of Bees is given in another Part of this Work. - . An accident relating to the Queen Bee, I met with, as follows :—after I had been keeping Bees a sufficient time to have them in such perfection as to think myself en- titled to a share of their rich and luxurious. store, I determined upon taking an Hive . from one of my Colonies, accordingly about. 32 feur o’clock in the afternoon, I cut off the communication between the Hive and Box; it must here be remarked, that I began with Hives; and in about an hour after- wards, I went and raised the Hive up a little at the edge, next the door which was ' open, with a wedge about two inches thiek ; this gave the Bees that were in the top, an opportunity of coming out, which numbers of them immediately did, flew out at the deor, and went in at the spout leading to the Colony to which they belonged ; still’ there remained great numbers among the Combe in the Hive. The next morning, F teok them into a shady place, a small dis- tance from the front of the Apiary : and turning the Hive bottom upwards, fixed another Hive over it,’which I had contrived on purpose for the operation, I then be- gan tapping the lower Hive ; by this means, many of them got into the upper one, but many still remained in the Hive among the Combs, and apparently determined not to quit. This surprised me, not at that time knowing the cause. Those I had started into the upper Hive, I took in front of. the —— em le wae _— * 33 Apiary, and having laid a table cloth upea the ground, in front