26 
THE AUSTRALIAN BEEKEEPERS’ JOURNAL. 
wanted no increase of stocks, our normal num- 
ber being 250 colonies. The beginning of the 
season did not differ from former years and 
the bees bred as well as could be expected, 
but the orange-blossoms flowered only a short 
time and in less quantity than the previous year, 
so that, although the bees had stored a good 
deal of honey, it was thought best to leave it 
in the hives as they were breeding fast and 
required a lot for feeding the brood, the more 
so, should no honey-producing flowers follow. 
And so it was, November and December offered 
hardly any nectar-yielding flowers, and the 
stores were just sufficient until January for 
the greatly decreased brood and the bees 
themselves. Many colonies, not being under 
good care, perished, and others had to feed 
their bees, so 1 have been told. That was 
discouraging for many, especially for the 
beginner. The frequent and continuing rains 
in the height of the season brought about a 
vegetation most remarkable, and the Eucalyp- 
tus, instead of flowering as would have been 
the case in a dry season, sent forth long young 
branches, the benefit of which we shall most 
likely reap next year. In January and Feb- 
ruary trees in the bush came in flower, and 
brought new life and activitj' in the hives. 
An immense increase in brood was perceivable, 
and the strongest hives swarmed at the end 
of January and in February. All swarms 
were exceedingly strong, and they built their 
new brood chamber with beautiful comb in a 
short time, a proof that honey was now coming 
in freely. At the beginning of March every 
hive was crowded with bees, but not a pound 
of honey had been taken so far. I looked 
forward with great anxiety, and hope, as March 
has always proved to be the best honey- 
yielding month. This hope has been fulfilled 
to a great extent. Although it was often 
raining, and only half the time suitable for 
honey-gathering, the little bees were busy to 
the utmost and filled every cell with honey. 
Extracting went on every day, whether rainy 
or fine, to give room for work. A three-days’ 
heavy rain at the beginning of April brought 
this great honey-flow to an end. After taking 
all surplus honey the preparation for wintering 
was finished at the middle of May. the number 
being again 210 colonics. Our honey-yield for 
the short, time of gathering is 7000 lbs., most 
of very good quality, and about 1000 lbs. is 
comb-honey. Nearly all our product is sold 
already. As there is every prospect of an 
excellent honey season next year our little 
workers will repay us with interest for all care 
and attention bestowed on them. It was 
remarkable that last season no parrots hap- 
pened to visit our district, while in former 
years, especially in good honey seasons, they 
would be seen in swarms. Did they know that 
but little food was to be found here for them ? 
W. Abram, Manager, 
Italian Bee Company, Parramatta, N.S.W. 
Extracts from foreign journals, 
OUTLINES OF BEEKEEPING FOB 
BEGINNERS. 
From British Bee-keepers’ Journal. 
IV. — How to Manage and Control Bees. 
1 . The lioney-liee has become a domesticated 
animal ; it accepts the dwelling which we 
select for it, and takes the food we provide it 
{ with ; becomes used to the care and attention 
we bestow, but does not learn to know its 
| master, and if he disturbs, its dwelling or in- 
terferes with its flight, will sting him just as 
readily as it will a stranger. It goes its own 
way, interferes with no one, and will not 
allow anyone to interfere with it. Fright and 
fear are the means by which bees may be con- 
trolled. The Eastern races are an exception, 
but as they are not suitable for beginners, we 
shall not refer to them. 
2. Many bees are very quiet, and with 
gentle handling much can be done with them ; 
more especially is this the case with pure 
Carniolan and Italian bees. Others are not 
so manageable and we have to resort to other 
means. Smoke or carbolic acid frightens 
bees and they immediately rush to the cells to 
fill themselves with sweets. 
3. Before examining a hive, blow a little 
smoke in among the bees. Whatever has to 
be done should be performed as rapidly as 
possible, and if any operation takes a long 
time it will be necessary to give more smoke. 
Quiet manipulation will generally prevent 
bees becoming angry, but should they show 
their tempers, they can be subdued by giving 
them from time to time more smoke. 
4. For this purpose a smoker should be 
used. Brown paper, rags, old fustian or sack- 
ing rolled up, lighted and put into the barrel 
with the smouldering end downwards, will 
answer the purpose for supplying smoke, and 
will keep alight for a considerable time. Care 
must be taken not to give too much so as to 
gtupify the bees. 
5. If carbolic acid be used the treatment 
must be different. A solution is made by 
mixing four tablespoonsful of No. 5 Calvert’s 
carbolic acid in one quart of warm water, 
shaking it up well. With a goosequill apply 
some of the solution to the alighting board 
and around the entrance, as well as a little 
within. If a skep is to be examined, turn it. 
up carefully and spread over it for a few 
seconds apiece of thin calicomoistened slightly 
with the solution, when, on its removal, it 
will be found that the bees have run down 
amongst the combs. For moveable comb hives 
raise the quilt slightly at one end of the hive, 
and apply the feather dipped in the solution 
along the tops of the frames, or the calico may 
be spread over them the same as described 
for a skep. 
