THE BEEKEEPERS' REVIEW 295 



keepers' Association to import denatured sugar for the use of its 

 members, free of duty. 



RESOLVED, That next year's annual meeting of the National 

 Beekeepers' Association be held in some eastern city. 



FRANCIS JAGER, 

 Chairman of Committee. 



Straining and Clarifying Honey 



H. H. ROOT, Medina, Ohio 



Given at the National Beekeepers' Association Convention, Denver, 



Colorado, February, 1915 



There has always been considerable discussion on the subject 

 of straining and clarifying honey, and there probably will be for 

 years to come, for this part of the work will ever be an exceedingly 

 important detail in preparing liquid honey for the market. 



During the last few seasons the gravity principle of straining, 

 or rather clarifying honey has received much attention on the part 

 of extensive honey producers, on account of its simplicity and free- 

 dom from vexatious delays necessitated by changing filled up 

 cheesecloth strainers, washing cloths, etc. Briefly, the plan consists 

 in the use of a relatively tall tank containing nothing by way of 

 equipment except a suitable gate at the bottom and perhaps a float 

 to break up the current of honey when it is poured in at the top, 

 thus preventing an active circulation of the new honey with the rest 

 of the honey in the can. The plan is to draw no honey from the bot- 

 tom until the tank is nearly full. By being careful to prevent a 

 rapid circulation of the honey in the can by means of a float the 

 honey when drawn off at the bottom is found to be very clear and 

 free from bits of cappings, combs, etc. In extremely hot weather 

 and when the honey is comparatively thin, the gravity system alone 

 leaves little to be desired, but in cool weather or in case of honey 

 that is quite thick it is found that, in order to be clarified sufficient- 

 ly the honey has to stand several days. This makes necessary a 

 somewhat elaborate outfit of expensive cans in order that the work 

 may not be hindered. 



During the past season we used a combination of a straining 

 cloth and settling tank which worked better than anything else we 

 have ever used before. The only additional equipment necessary 

 is an additional can without a bottom, the same height as the regu- 

 lar tank, or a little higher preferably, and smaller in diameter. (No 

 exact ratio between the two diameters is necessary). Over the 



