samples langed from 1"400 to 1'4.30, with, an average of nearly 1"413, 

 while the remaining nine ranged from 1"350 to r390. Those above TilO 

 were very firm and dry before testing, and the whole twenty samples were 

 granulated. Those from 1'400 to I'ilO appeared to be well ripened, 

 but were not so firm as the others ; there was a marked difference in those 

 below I'iOO, which were soft and moist. My opinion is that the first- 

 mentioned were thoroughly ripe and would keep any length of time; 

 the second lot, ranging from I'iOO to TilO, were, as I said, well ripened 

 and fit for the market; while all the samples registering below TiOO 

 were very doubtful regarding their keeping-qualities — one at 1'385 had 

 already begun to ferment. These figures will be valuable for comparison 

 with those of future tests. I am keeping a portion of each sample sealed 

 to test by time. It was very noticeable that the better the honey the 

 higher was its specific gravity. 



In addition to these tests Mr. Robert Gibb, of Tuturau, Southland, 

 honorary secretary of the Southland Beekeepers' Association, at my 

 request collected samples of honey from different parts of Southland, and 

 made seven tests, of which I have full particulars. Six of the samples 

 ranged from 1*420 to 1"4:50 in their specific gravity by Twaddel's hydro- 

 meter, and are described generally as "clover honey, granulated very 

 hard, fine grain and flavour, thoroughlj' ripened." The seventh sample 

 is described as of " poor quality compared with the others, and doubtful 

 as to its keeping-qualities, granulated, but soft; specific gravity, r402." 



I have no doubt that we shall find that honey from the same district 

 and apiary varies considerably in its specific gravity according to the 

 season, just as it does in quality. 



METHOD OP TESTING. 



Each sample was liquefied by slow heat in a closed vessel (to prevent 

 the moisture evaporating) placed in a water bath. It was then reduced 

 to a temperature of about 60° Fahr., poured into a test-glass and the 

 hydrometer inserted (see Fig. 2). The hydrometer will gradually sink 

 until it finally registers the specific gravity. In the case of honey being 

 too dense to be treated in this manner weigh up, say, 8 oz. of honey, then 

 add the same weight of warm water, and thoroughly mix; when reduced 

 to 60° Fahr. it will be ready for testing. Supposing, for instance, the 

 hydrometer then gives 1"190, by adding 190 it will give 1"380, which 

 will be the specific gravity of the honey. 



The cost of the appliances is a mere nothing compared with the im- 

 portance of making tests, as every beekeeper should assist in arriving 

 at a reliable standard for ripe honey. A Twaddel's hydrometer (Fig. 1), 

 or two instruments with a range from r350 to 1'400 in one and 1'400 to 

 1'450 in the other, with a suitable test-glass and thermometer, cost a,bput 

 7s. 6d. or 8s. 



