THE PRODUCTION OF HONEY 51 



but it may be pointed out that it is of no use 

 attempting to secure good sections unless the 

 stocks are very strong and the district at least 

 fairly good. It is impossible to produce good 

 section honey in poor districts, and in such dis- 

 tricts attempts are only a waste of time. It calls 

 for much management to keep down the number 

 of incomplete sections. The apiarist must be very 

 careful to give no more room than is absolutely 

 required and compel the bees to finish their work 

 as far as possible as they go on. 



In removing surplus honey from the hives the 

 super clearer should be used. This is a flat 

 board, the size of the hive top, with a " Porter " 

 ' bee-escape in the centre. This escape allows the 

 bees to leave the super, but effectually prevents 

 their re-entering it. This is an invaluable ap- 

 pliance, and should always be used when honey is 

 to be . removed. Evening is the best time to 

 place it on a hive. A little" smoke should be 

 blown into the super, which may be then removed 

 and placed upon the clearer, which should be in 

 readiness by the side of the hive. Then replace 

 the super on the hive, with the escape still under- 

 neath it, and cover up with the roof. The bees 

 will all have left the super in twenty-four hours, 

 and it may then be removed. 



As regards the advantages of working for either 

 comb or extracted honey, it must be confessed that 

 most bee-keepers go in for the latter. It has 

 many advantages which section honey does not 



