20 



exposed one, the losses are smaller, the apiarist can work his bees in almost 

 all weathers, and in greater comfort. 



High trees near an apiary are sometimes objectionable, as they aSord 

 an opportunity for swarms to settle away high out of reach. 



For a rapid-growing shelter-hedge giant privet and tagasaste (commonly 

 called "tree-lucerne") are to be recommended, where cattle cannot get 

 within reach of them. Tagasaste (see Plate III) affords splendid bee- 

 forage, as well as shelter, and it grows very rapidly ; but it can only be 

 considered suitable for a temporary hedge, as it is likely to become a prey 

 to the borer. The tagasaste hedge at the Waerenga Experimental Farm, 

 shown in the plate, was but four years old when it was killed by the borer. 

 Still, it is worth planting at the same time as the more permanent hedge- 

 plants are put in, as it affords shelter very rapidly and abundance of bee- 

 forage at times when it is most valuable. 



If a double hedge of tagasaste and giant privet is planted the rows should 

 be 6 ft. apart. In any case plant plenty of tagasaste in waste places for 

 bee-forage ; the plants last longer when left untouched by shears. 



The following cultural directions and general particulars respecting 

 these two plants for shelter-hedges for apiaries are by Mr. J. E. Barrett, 

 lately nurseryman at the Government Experimental Farm, Waerenga, 

 Waikato : — 



Tagasaste (Cytisus jrroliferus). 



This plant is often erroneously called " tree-lucerne," the botanical name 

 of which is Medicago arborea. They both belong to the same family, 

 (Leguminosig), but to different tribes, that of Genisteae claiming the tagasaste, 

 and TrifoliesB the medicago or true tree-lucerne. Of the quick-growing 

 and sheltering qualities of the tagasaste we have had several years' experi- 

 ence at Waerenga. In the month of February, 1903, a row 3 chains in 

 length was sown in the nursery on stiff clay land, and in two years fron> 

 sowing a dense and picturesque screen nearly 10 ft. in height was formed. 

 At Waerenga this plant continues growing the whole year through, and, 

 excepting a break of about two months in the autumn, is equally free in the 

 production of its white pea-like blossoms, upon which the bees may be 

 seen constantly at work. The latter fact renders this plant of special value 

 to beekeepers during the months when other flowers are scarce. 



To obtain the best results the seed should be sown in early spring, and to 

 assist germination it should be first steeped in very hot water (not boiling) 

 to which a little washing-soda is added — pouring on the water and letting 

 it stand till quite cold will suffice to soften the seed, and, after straining, 

 the addition of a little dry sand will separate it nicely for sowing. It is im- 

 portant that seeds treated in this manner should be sown immediately. 



The ground should be thoroughly worked (as for onions), and if, as is 

 to be recommended, a double row is contemplated, the width of the pre- 

 pared bed should be not less than 4 ft. Sow the seeds three in a place at a 

 distance of 3 ft. apart and 1 ft. from edge of bed on either side, alternating 

 the second row with the first— this gives a distance of 2 ft. between the rows. 

 Thin out the plants as they advance, to the strongest in each place. 



