56 
throughout of uniform consistency, whereas when it is unripe 
the lighter liquid will rise to the top : the process of ripening may ~ 
occupy from say two to ten days, the period varying according 
to the condition of the honey and the temperature at which it 
is kept. The ripener should then be carefully covered, and the 
extractor and strainer should be cleaned, scalded, and covered 
to exclude dust, insects, &c. Frames hold from 4 to 6 lbs. of 
honey, according to the width to which they are drawn out. 
Shallow frames are largely used for extracting, especially in 
England, as the comb in them is less liable to break and easier 
to uncap than that in standard brood frames; but, as they hold 
less honey than the latter, and are not interchangeable with 
them, they are not recommended. After frames have been 
extracted, those to be returned should be replaced (122) (128); 
if not immediately required, they may be kept hanging for a 
few days in some place to which wasps and bees would not have 
access, but as they would soon mildew, they should, if not re- 
quired for a doubling-box, be placed behind the dummy (103) 
in a hive, preferably the hive from which they were taken, to 
be cleared by the bees. If foul brood (165) is prevalent in 
the district, great care should be exercised in thoroughly scrub- 
bing the extractor before and after use ; and if there is the least 
suspicion that fowl brood exists in the apiary, the frames from 
the suspected hives should not be transferred to any other hives, 
as has been advised above (119), (120). 
XVI. WINTERING. 
Successful wintering largely depends upon stocks being strong, 
and having a sufficient food supply ; there- 
125. Preparing fore, when supers have been removed, the 
Stocks for Winter. bee-keeper should examine each hive care- 
fully, to ascertain its condition with respect 
to strength of stock, brood, and store of honey. The strength of 
the stock can be best ascertained by examining it when few bees 
are flying. This may be done without disturbing the bees, 
by removing the quilt and looking down on the frames from 
above, without withdrawing them. The period at which super- 
ing should cease will vary from the middle of July to the end of 
September according to the district. At this period a strong 
stock which has been well managed should have sufficient bees 
to cover both sides of eight frames. If the stock is strong, 
covering both sides of eight frames, and that breeding is going 
on satisfactorily, and sufficient honey is coming in for breeding, 
it is only necessary to see that there are sufficient vacant cells 
for the queen to lay in; if there are not, add a frame of empty 
drawn comb (90), if that is available. If less than eight, but 
not less than six frames are covered with bees on both sides, 
stimulative feeding should be resorted to (104), at the same time 
taking care, as above advised, to provide laying space for the 
queen. ¢If less than six frames are covered with bees on both 
