PERIODS OF DEPRIVATION. 163 



than five pounds upon an average, and the colder 

 the weather the smaller was the consumption. 

 Vide 2nd page of Chap. XXIV. 



As a general rule, no honey should be taken 

 from a colony the first year of its being planted, 

 though there may be an extraordinary season 

 now and then, which may justify a departure 

 from this rule ; but neither in such an un- 

 common year, nor even in the second year, 

 should the whole of the combs in any box be 

 taken, (unless it be clearly ascertained that the 

 centre combs contain no brood,) but only the ex- 

 ternal ones, which should be examined carefully 

 one by one, and the brood combs, if any, be re- 

 turned in the box to the stock. The apiarian, 

 as HUBER observes, if he wish to obtain a con- 

 siderable quantity of honey, should endeavour to 

 secure his object rather by the number of his 

 colonies, than by plundering a few of a great 

 proportion of their treasures. A moderate par- 

 ticipation is the most infallible means of pre- 

 serving the stock. 



Should " Summer signs auspicious ride, 



And tubes unfailing pour the balmy tide, 

 A full rich harvest, Bee-herds, may ye claim 

 From the blithe tenants of your crystal'd frame. 

 But long ere Virgo weaves the robe of sleet, 

 Or binds the hoar-frost sandals round her feet, 

 Close seal'd and sacred, leave your toil-worn hosts, 

 The last kind dole their waning season boasts, 



