THE VARIOUS RACES OF 'BEES. 13 



white, in consequence of -whicli some consider them unsuitable 

 for the production of comb honey. Syrians and Cyprians also 

 seal their honey with thin, cappings. 



The Camiolan Bee. 



This beautiful and gentle race has, of late years, been 

 largely imported into this country. At first everybody was 

 delighted with them ; but after a time complaints began to 

 be made that they were excessive swarmers. Doubtless much 

 of the blame is to be attached to bad management. 



Amongst the many good points possessed by Oarniolans 

 may be mentioned, — 



1. That they are early swarmers. 



2. That their comb honey is of spotless purity and white- 



ness, even excelling that of our native brown bees. 



3. That they are exceedingly gentle, and in most cases 



can be handled without any intimidation — ^treat- 

 ment which English bees would undoubtedly 

 resent. 



4. That the queens are very prolific. 



5. That they are very industrious and hardy bees. 



6. That they are, perhaps, the best winterers of any 



race whatever. 



I admit that the bees are inclined to swarm, but I have 

 failed entirely to notice that excessive swarming of which so 

 many complain. With me a stock of Oarniolans generally 

 sends out two swarms. 



In the production of comb honey it is, perhaps, the best 

 policy to give them twelve or fourteen frames, and when they 

 swarm to hive them on six frames — three of brood from the 

 old stock, ,and three of empty, drawn-out comb — placing 

 the new hive where the old stock stood, the latter being 

 removed some distance. A super should be placed on the 

 swarm ; and in a few days, when the bees are well at work 

 in it, two or three more frames may be given in the brood 

 chamber : a week later one or two more should be given, 

 according to the strength of the colony. 



To the amateur just starting bee-keeping I would not, 

 however, recommend Oarniolans. Any one wishing to try the 

 foreign races should commence with only one or two stocks at 

 most ; and when he finds them superior to his other bees will 

 be time to obtain more. 



