232 HONEY. 



gathering, and that even though the whole season 

 may have been favourable. The collection at 

 the commencement of summer is regarded as the 

 prime honey of the year, the flowers being then 

 most abundant, and in the full glow of health ; and 

 that which is collected in spring is superior to the 

 gleanings of autumn. 



Huber states that the secretion of honey and the 

 formation of max are singularly promoted by elec- 

 tricity : hence the works may always be observed 

 to advance rapidly when there is a southerly 

 wind, a moist warm air, and an impending storm ; 

 whereas the secretion is impeded, and sometimes 

 suspended, by long protracted droughts, cold rains, 

 and a northerly wind. 



Prime honey is of a whitish colour, an agreeable 

 smell, a pleasant taste, and a thick consistence. 

 When taken from the combs it is in a fluid state, 

 but gradually thickens by age, and in cold weather, 

 if genuine, it becomes firm and solid. In England, 

 it has seldom, if ever, been known to assume this 

 solid state while in the hives ; and even out of 

 them, if it remain in the combs, it will preserve its 

 clearness, purity and fine flavour, for at least a 

 year. The honey of tropical climates is always 

 in a fluid state. Vide chapter on Exotic Bees. 



Much of the fine flavour of honey will depend 

 upon the manner of its separation from the comb. 

 That will be the most delicate which flows spon- 



