386 A Modern Bee-Farm 



It should never be forgotten that whether bees are 

 situated in a hot or cold climate, the period equal to a 

 winter's rest is an absolute necessity. But the necessary- 

 quietude for ensuring the benefits of that period is only to 

 be attained when the bees find themselves in possession of 

 an abundance of sealed food. 



Indeed, in the warmer climate even more food is 

 required, as there is likely to be a longer period of activity 

 before the main honey harvest actually comes on, and 

 without the stored food to fall back upon, the aged bees 

 wear themselves out, without attempting to rear a younger 

 population to succeed them. Hence it is quite possible a 

 colony may in some cases die right out ; and such deaths 

 occurring on the wing, a not too observant beekeeper may 

 well think his bees have swarmed out. 



The general rules for bee-culture extend to all climes, 

 but J when we hear of bees in warm climates yielding 

 comparatively light surplus stores, or even becoming idle, 

 and not working at all, it simply points to the conclusion 

 that the owner does not pay proper attention to their 

 management. While there they require more stores to 

 fall back upon during the time of rest than is wanted in 

 the colder localities ; when honey does come in, it must 

 be removed quickly, and an enormous comb space allowed 

 for its daily storage. 



On the other hand, in the absence of surplus combs or 

 space, the queens are crowded out, little or no brood 

 rearing can be carried on, and then with no young workers, 

 we meet the opposite extreme — the older workers must 

 die off — this time leaving a fully stored hive, instead of 

 empty combs. 



Under very favourable conditions, even with all possible 

 storage room, the brood nest cannot be extended 

 sufficiently to make up for the wear and tear of bee-life. 



