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It will generally be best for those keeping but a few colonies to buy the hives already prepared with the needed fixtures. I would advise the use of sections holding not more than 2 pounds, one lb. is better and not over 13 inches wide. The comb is more apt to be built straight in the narrow sections than in the wider ones. Fill each section with a very thin comb foundation, fastening it firmly at the top, letting it come within 1/8 of an inch of each end and 1/4 of an inch of the bottom of the section. If it is not desirable to use so much foundation, cut it into triangular pieces, long enough up and down to reach within 1/4 of an inch of the bottom of the section. If foundation is not used, it will hasten and aid the bees in starting in the sections to procure some nice white pieces of comb and cut and use as directed for foundation. Be sure and have everything in readiness for immediate use, for a few days after makes the difference between a good supply of honey and none at all. If the colony is strong, (and none other should be kept), and it is gathering honey, the sections may be put on as soon as the wires are removed from the transferred combs. The honey secured from fruit bloom is dark colored and usually bitter, and may be extracted and kept to be fed back to the bees if at any time they should need feeding, or it can be used in making honey vinegar. When the sections are nearly filled with honey, and the bees are still gathering, they should be raised up and another tier prepared like the first placed under it on the hive. The bees will usually commence at once to work in the new and also finish the old ones. As soon as the old ones are finished they should be removed, for the longer they are left on the hive the darker they will become for the bees do not always have clean feet. When the second tier of sections is nearly finished, remove the under tier, and should the honey flow continue, they should be raised and another tier put under as at first, and the operation should be repeated as often as necessary. After being removed from the hive, comb honey should be kept in a warm dry room, never in a cellar, unless warm and dry, and never allowed to freeze. |
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