218 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. 



solved. It may then be fed to the bees moderately warm in the evening. The old 

 method of dissolving the sugar while the boiler is on the stove is unadvisable as the 

 sugar is liable to be burnt, which would be harmful to the bees. 



In order to secure a provision of frames filled with syrup, the best way is to get 

 the strongest colonies to fill and seal them. For this purpose an extracting super is 

 placed on the top of a strong colony, to which syrup is then fed. The bees will then 

 work and fill the frames in the super with syrup. When the frames are filled they are 

 removed and afterwards given to the colonies that require to be fed. If weak colonies 

 were fed in many cases they would be robbed by the stronger ones. 



Experiments with Foundations op Different Sizes in the Sections. 



There were two objects in view in these experiments. One was to find out which 

 size of foundation the bees would start to work on first ; second, to find out which 

 sections would be tilled best and have the fewest empty cells around the sections^ 

 Several supers were used having the sections so arranged that all would have an equal 

 chance of being filled. 



Experiment No. 1 : sections with full sheets of foundation fastened on top only. 

 Experiment No. 2 : sections with half sheets of foundation fastened on top, and experi- 

 ment No 3 ; one inch square of foundation fastened on top in the centre. 



In every instance, the bees worked first on the full sheet, and these sections when 

 finished had the fewest holes or empty spaces around them. In the sections which had 

 half sheets of foundation the bees did not work as soon as on the former ones, and the 

 sections were not so well filled. The sections which had one inch square of foundation 

 sheets attached to the top were the last worked on. They also had most vacant spaces 

 around the sections. These experiments should be tried again, also others with pieces 

 of foundation attached at different points around the sections. 



House Apiary. 



The House Apiary was again tried, and in 1898 to a greater extent than former 

 years. Two tiers of hives have been put in, one on the floor which is one foot from the 

 ground. The second tier was set on a shelf 3 ft. 6 inches from the floor. This plan 

 can be safely recommended for cities or towns where space is scarce, and two tiers can 

 be arranged as well as one in the same building. It has many advantages for the sum- 

 mer, but fails for the winter. See former reports. 



Returns. 



The past season has been a very good one. The returns of the Central "Experimen- 

 tal Farm Apiary for the season of 1898 show an average of 78 sections per colony. 

 The colonies which were run for extracted honey gave 94^ pounds per colony. 



Swarming for the season on the whole has been satisfactory. Colonies should not 

 be allowed to give more than one swarm in a season. Excessive swarming may be 

 prevented by the following method : As soon as a colony swarms out and the swarm i& 

 well settled, hive it. Remove the hive that it came out of to another stand, then 

 place the new hive on the old stand. Many of the workers returning from the field 

 will help to build up the new colony. If the old colony is found to be still very strong, 

 take out two or three frames and shake the bees off in front of the newly hived swarm. 

 This will weaken the old colony and prevent it from swarming again. You will then 

 have a good strong swarm in the best shape for gathering honey. 



John Fixter. 



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