|
|
|
 Bee Keeping - Honey And Health: Bee Keeping How To Commence Bee Keeping How To Procure The First Colonies Transferring Give Frames, Or Starters Of Foundation Comb Honey Extracted Honey Swarming Hiving A Swarm How To Get Straight Combs Wintering Honey Vinegar Enemies Of Bees Foul Brood Home Site Map Links To Honey And Beekeeping Sites |
The first thing to procure, if such is not already on hand, will be one or more colonies of bees, which, in its natural condition, during the honey season, will be composed of a fertile queen (the only perfect female in the colony), more or less drones (or males), and from 20,000 to 40,000 workers. Some speak of a " king-bee " also, but there is no king in a colony of bees. WHAT HIVE TO USE. It is claimed by many that the hive known as the Langstroth is the one most in use. After having used different styles, for several years I adopted the Langstroth, and would rather pay for such than use any other, if furnished me for nothing. Whatever style may be adopted, let it by all means be one with movable frames, and have but one sized frame in the apiary. In using the Langstroth hive, many prefer having it so narrow that it will hold but eight frames, claiming that number of frames is enough to raise the necessary amount of brood, and obliging the bees to put the surplus honey in the sections or upper stories. When referring to the Langstroth hive, reference is usually had to the size of frame, as it is immaterial what the external appearance of the hive may be, that being left to the taste or fancy of the bee-keeper. Before commencing any operation with bees, it will generally be better to be provided with a bee-vail and a smoker, and if you don't want to be stung at all, get a pair of rubber gloves. The vail can be bought ready made for about fifty cents, or it can be made from bobinett. Brussel's net is much better but more expensive. Get yds., that is about 2/3 of a yard wide. Sew the ends together and hem one edge, and put a rubber cord in the hem of such length as will hold the vail close around the crown of the hat you wear, or use a hat as a bee-hat, and sew the vail, without the cord or hemming, to the edge of the rim. A. smoker may be had for from 50 cents to $2.00, in which rotton wood or cot-ton rags may be burned. The rubber gloves will cost from $1.75 to $2.00. |
|
|