[CHAPTER XX.]
PROPER PERIODS OF DEPRIVATION.
It should be an invariable rule with the apiarian, never to remove an upper hive or box, till an under one be quite full; and even then, it should be ascertained that the contents of the inferior one, (if taken at Michaelmas,) be not less than 18 pounds. If it do not contain so much, a sufficient quantity should be returned in the box that has been removed, otherwise recourse must be had to feeding. Mr. Isaac says that he has carried a colony that had no honey at Michaelmas, safely through the winter and spring, with only eight pounds of honey. Huber succeeded with less; but it appears that his observations were made upon weak stocks that were not altogether destitute.
A variety of experiments were made by Mr. John Hunter and Mr. Keys, to ascertain the quantity consumed during the respective months of winter and spring, and they all led to one conclusion, namely, that it amounted upon an average to eight pounds, taking the season through, from the beginning of October to the end of May, when the spring proves ungenial. During the first six months the consumption was not more than five pounds upon an average, and the colder the weather the smaller was the consumption. Vide [2nd page] of Chap. XXIV.
As a general rule,—no honey should be taken from a colony the first year of its being planted, though there may be an extraordinary season now and then, which may justify a departure from this rule; but neither in such an uncommon year, nor even in the second year, should the whole of the combs in any box be taken, (unless it be clearly ascertained that the centre combs contain no brood,) but only the external ones, which should be examined carefully one by one, and the brood-combs, if any, be returned in the box to the stock. The apiarian, as Huber observes, if he wish to obtain a considerable quantity of honey, should endeavour to secure his object rather by the number of his colonies, than by plundering a few of a great proportion of their treasures. A moderate participation is the most infallible means of preserving the stock.
Should “Summer signs auspicious ride.
And tubes unfailing pour the balmy tide,
A full rich harvest, Bee-herds, may ye claim
From the blithe tenants of your crystal’d frame.
But long ere Virgo weaves the robe of sleet,
Or binds the hoar-frost sandals round her feet.
Close seal’d and sacred, leave your toil-worn hosts.
The last kind dole their waning season boasts,
Lest coop’d within their walls, the truants prey
On hoards reserv’d to cheer stern Winter’s day.”
Evans.
Mr. Hubbard says that he has found colonized bees frequently fail, in consequence of their having been robbed of too much honey; it prevents early breeding. Wildman particularly recommends cautious deprivation after July, to avoid the attention which might be required in feeding, if the autumn should be unfavourable.
So much for the first and second years.—On the third, if the summer of that year as well as the summer preceding have been favourable for honey-gathering, the superior box will probably contain no brood, and may then be taken all at once.
The proceedings of the fourth and fifth years may fall under the practice of the second, but will probably allow of an earlier deprivation; some side combs may perhaps be taken away in July, and in October either the nadir or the centre box be removed entirely, and those above (if more than one) be brought down, and remain so till April; when the nadir may be introduced again.