88 THE BOOK OF BEE-KEEPINO. 



dry place, where the temperature does not fall below 5odegs. Fahr, 

 A higher temperature is preferable. 



137. Packing Honey for Travelling. — In sending 

 away extracted honey by rail or otherwise, it is better for it to 

 be packed in stout tin vessels — small quantities in self-opening 

 tin boxes, and larger in properly constructed tin cans. Where 

 it has to be sent away in glass bottles, each must be surrounded 

 with straw to prevent breakage ; this is the best material, when 

 properly applied, for packing. 



Sections must be tightly packed in a box, and this box either 

 packed in another with straw, or — as we have found very success- 

 ful — provided with a thick straw cushion on its under side and 

 edges ; this is made as follows : Obtain a piece of bacon wrapper, 

 or any cheap strong material, about 8in. or gin. larger each 

 way than the bottom of the box ; spread this on the ground, and 

 lay a good armful of straw on it ; now place the box on top, 

 and gather up the edges of cloth, tacking them to the side of 

 the box. See that there is plenty of straw, especially at the 

 corners and bottom. Label the box "Honey in the Comb," 

 " Very Fragile," " This Side up, or will be Broken." 



Crates for the conveyance of sectional honey are made by 

 bee-appliance manufacturers, but are very expensive. They 

 usually consist of a box within a box, the space between being 

 fitted with chair-springs. 



138, Commencement and Cessation of Honey 

 Harvest. — In a country having a variable climate, as in the 

 British Isles, it is extremely difficult to give even an approximate 

 date of commencement or ending of the honey-flow. The beekeeper 

 must keep his eyes open and judge, with the assistance of the 

 following information, as to when honey is coming in or ceasing. 

 The first main crop is obtained from the White or Dutch and 

 Sainfoin Clovers. Of course in some districts one gets fruit- 

 blossoms ; but the greater number of fruit trees and bushes 

 blossom much too early for any considerable surplus to be 

 gathered from such a source. The aim must be to get the bees 

 strong by the end of May, and the first intimation of the near 

 approach of the honey-flow that will be received will be the 

 blossoming of the red or broad leaf Clover. It is really reddish- 

 mauve in colour, and must not be confounded with the Trifolium 

 or Crimson Clover which blossoms earlier. About ten days 

 after, the unpretentious White Clover commences to blossom ; 

 then, if the beekeeper will go to the hive he will find the white 

 streaks on each side at the top of combs commencing to appear 

 (See page 78, par. 126). He may now consider the honey harvest 

 has commenced. In Berkshire we have known this to take place 

 quite early in May, and as late as the beginning, middle, or end 

 of July. (The two latter dates are quite abnormal.) This applies 



