31 



as much honey as is produced by three workers. They are a most ex- 

 pensive luxury in any hive, so their number ought to be kept down to the 

 lowest possible minimum. 



One more and a very important point about foundation, make sure that 

 it is fastened securely. Dozens of times the inspectors met with cases 

 where full sheets of foundation had dropped out of the frames because the 

 "wedge had not been firmly driven in. It is not enough to tap the wedge at 

 different parts, one must set a strip of wood along its whole length and 

 pound firmly on that with a hammer. Better still, make certain that the 

 wedge will stay where it is put by driving a short nail into each end and 

 one at the middle. 



MANAGEMENT OF THE APIARY. 



On the mainland most hives were found to be in splendid condition as 

 early as the first week in May, in fact the inspectors never saw them in 

 "better shape at the same date anywhere. Even in neglected apiaries, and 

 there are far too many such, the hives were simply bursting with bees, 

 brood being raised in nearly every comb. Everywhere more room for the 

 queen was needed in the form of a brood chamber on top of the original 

 hive but nowhere was it given. Being crowded and suffering from want 

 of ventilation the bees prepared to swarm, and by the middle of the month 

 they were mending the intolerable conditions by sending out new colonies. 

 Now a vast amount of fruit is being raised in many districts, most of which 

 is in bloom at this period, and it seems probable that such powerful col- 

 onies if kept together should store up considerable surplus this month. 

 But they are permitted to scatter their forces and the flood of nectar is used 

 to build new combs instead of finding its way into the surplus chamber 

 where the beekeeper hopes to see it. That it does not get there is largely 

 due to his own neglect. 



Let us consider the case of the average rancher who keeps a few hives 

 that he may have a little honey for family use, and try to figure out the 

 least he must do to succeed in his aim, and when he must do it. To start 

 with, let him get a smoker, veil and beeVgloves that are actually efficient, 

 for let it be frankly said they are not that for ten per cent, of the time. A 

 good smoker is illustrated in the former bulletin, so no more need be said. 

 A simpler bee-veil than the one shown in the same bulletin can be made 

 out of plain cotton cloth made in the form of a sack open at both ends. It 

 must be wide enough to slip over the hat, and long enough to fall below the 

 shoulders. A piece of elastic run in at the top end will draw it tight 

 round the hat. The lower end hangs loose. In front cut out a square of 

 about eight inches size, and fill up the space with a piece of mosquito wire 

 netting, and let the color be black or dark green. In use the veil is dropped 

 down over the shoulders, then the coat is put on and buttoned in front. 



For gloves use a pair of the riding variety with a glossy surface, but 

 lengthen the gauntlets by sleeves that will come well up the arm and cling 

 tight by the aid of elastic. A bee-dress that permits a single insect to 

 -sting one is worthless. In some districts the strain of bees is a specially 

 vicious one, perhaps t"he very worst are those on -the northern^ half of Van- 

 couver Island, for these will terrify a whole neighbourhood for several days 

 after the hives have been disturbed. Such a condition should not be 

 tolerated more than one summer; every queen should be killed off and re- 

 placed by one of gentler character. Gentle bees ordinarily will not attempt 



