Mar. 2, 1920.] Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W. 213 



Extracting Surplus Honey* 



W. A. GOODACRE, Senior Apiary Inspector. 



The term " extracting " is generally used to cover the con^bined jrocesse* of 

 (1) removing combs from, the hive, (2) uncapping the combs, and (3) extracting 

 the honey by means of the honey extractor. There is no set period for 

 extracting ; there may be a honey flow fairly early in the season, while at 

 times the apiarist will not extract any surplus until the autumn. Again, 

 there are seasons in which the flow may last all through. A safe plan for 

 the be;i inner who desires to know when to extract is, when the colonies are 

 progressive and the super or supers nearly full of sealed stores, to place over 

 the brood nest and under the supers a fresh super, the frames of which 

 contain comb foundation or empty combs. When good jn-ogress has been 

 made in this super, the apiarist can consider it is time to extract smplus 

 from the sealed stores above. 



The beginner should always keep in mind the fact that bees require a lair 

 surplus of stores duricg early spring if they are to be progressive in brood 

 raising ; while in the late autumn ample stores should be left with the colonies 

 to caiTy them safely over winter. Until experience is gained in regulating 

 these matters, it is best for the beginner to keep a little on the safe side. 

 The bees usually give an indication as to the supply of available nectar. 

 For instance, if they are inclined to rush any combs left out of a hive for a 

 minute or so, or endeavour to raid the extracting house to any extent during 

 rail I weather, the apiarist can be assured that there is a scarcity of nectar. 

 The same can be said as regards a pollen shortage, when the bees endeavour 

 to obtain a substitute by raiding the bran, pollard, or flour bins ; but in 

 this case the substitute is useless. I would advise the beginner to take 

 notice of these indications, for even a practical apiarist is usually guided by 

 them, especially in a new locality. Do not stint your bees dxuing a 

 <iearth of nectar. 



Material for Extracting. 



The materials desirable for the purpose of carrying out extracting 

 operations in the yard are — a smoker, a hive tool, a bee-brush, and a wheel- 

 barrow or small hand-cart, to the bottom of which a tin tray should be fitted 

 to catch any drips from the combs. 



The plant necessary in the extracting room for a small apiary consists of 

 the following : — One simple cappings reducer, one oil stove or primus stove, 

 two uncapping knives, one two-framed reversible honey extractor, and one 

 or two 500-lb. capacity honey tanks. 



