88 THE BEEKEEPERS DIRECTORY. 



ther on. And if the best flavor can be secured at the same time, 

 it is certainly better to take off the honey as soon as possible, 

 for both the cappings and the liquid itself become darker the 

 longer it is left on the hive. It is conceded that, other things 

 being equal, the prettiest honey sells the best. 



Never leave unfinished sections on the hive after the clover 

 harvest is over, waiting for a later flow to fill them out. When 

 honey fails gradually, the inside sections will be largely sealed 

 over. But, sometimes, the flow will cease in a day's time. In 

 either case when the time comes that little or nothing is done, 

 it does not pay to leave sections on the hive. 



During the long dearth the bees will daub the foundation, the- 

 walls of the sections and the edges of unsealed cells with propolis. 

 Such sections are spoiled for ever getting a first-class article of- 

 honey. Better take them off" and put them back later in case of 

 a honey flow. 



To get bees out of sections. 



In the midst of the honey season it is most convenient to take 

 off' honey while bees are flying. More bees are in the field be- 

 tween nine and twelve o'clock than in any part of the day, and 

 that is the best time to take off" sections if other things wiir per- 

 mit. When you open the hive, drive the bees down with smoke 

 if your super will allow it. Take off" the super pt frame and 

 give it a number of quick, jarring shakes ; smoke, a littie and 

 shake again. Lean the super or frames against the hive or put 

 them on top of some neighboring hive. Go to another hive and 

 proceed as before. If conditions are most favorable quite a num- 

 ber can be treated thus, and by the time^you get around to- the 

 first one the bees will be nearly or quite all gone, and the honey 

 can be carried to the honey-house. If robbers begin to bother 

 — watch — not so much can be taken off" at once. In that case 

 I take my plunder to the honey-house doorj remove the sec- 

 tions, brush off the bees if any remain, and carry them in. If a. 

 few bees get into the honey-house they will seek the window. I 

 simply lower the upper sash and raise the lower for a minute 

 when nearly all will get out. 



In case honey has failed, begin quite early in the morning and 

 remove a few supers as directed above. More bees will remain 

 in the boxes of course. The best method then is to carry the 

 hoiiey into the shop, or screen house, it you have one., I take. 



