Texas Beekeeping. "i^ 



vantages by doing so. Supply dealers encourage this, to avoid the 

 general, overwhelming rush in the spring, and, hence, offer very lib- 

 eral discounts for early orders. In addition to this, they are able to 

 give quicker service and better satisfaction. Then, too, the bee- 

 keeper can devote spare time during the long winter months to put- 

 ting the supplies together, painting them and making them ready for 

 use when needed. 



The general beekeeper has his time taken up by other things when 

 the honey season comes, and, with everything in readiness and in 

 good repair for immediate use, it is not much trouble, and not much 

 time is required, to look after the bees during the swarming time and 

 to give supers as needed. As the supers can be tiered up several high 

 on each colony if necessary, always placing the new ones under those 

 already on, the honey may be removed at any time after the rush of 

 the season. Leaving the honey on the hives improves it in both qual- 

 ity and flavor as it is "ripened," or "cured," over the heat of the 

 colonies, by a process of evaporation carried on by the bees. 



PAINTING HIVES. 



Things that are well painted, and kept well painted, will last 

 much longer, and this applies with particular force to bee hives, 

 which are constantly subjected to the weather. Besides preserving 

 them, there is nothing that freshens up the entire surroundings more 

 than a good coat of paint, properly applied to the bee hives in an 

 apiary. Plain white is the color preferred for this purpose, mainly 

 because it reflects the rays of the sun, and the hives are consequently 

 cooler, which is an important item in a hot climate. Besides, a good 

 white paint will give -better results and has more lasting qualities 

 than colored. 



The question as, to which is the best paint for bee hives is often 

 asked. After trying all kinds of paint and applying it in different 

 ways, I find that best results are obtained with a good, well-mixed 

 pure white lead, zinc and linseed oil paint. The lead and the oil are 

 the main constituents of any good paint and are often used without 

 the zinc, but an objection to this is that it does not hold well and 

 chalks off after a short time. By adding the zinc, the paint has a 

 harder surface, holds on better and longer and, therefore, is more 

 durable. Too much zinc must not be used, as a coat of such paint will 

 soon crack and scale off. 



The best way to apply paint is to put a very thin coat on, spread- 

 ing it out Well, and thoroughly working it into every part of the wood. 

 This should be on six months, or more, before the second coat of 

 paint is applied, and when this is thoroughly dry a third and final 

 coat should be given. No other way of painting has proven so dura- 

 ble and satisfactory. 



