OCTOBER.
The time has now arrived for deciding upon which stocks are to be set apart for standing through the winter, and which are to be driven and joined to other stocks in the manner given in the calendar for last month. Those set apart either for swarming or working in glasses next year, should be rich both in Bees, and honey, weighing, at least, from 20 to 25 lbs. each. Those that are not so heavy must have a few pounds of food given to them immediately, as well as having the Bees from weak stocks joined to them.
In giving the estimated weight which should be allowed for the comb and Bees in hives of the first year, and when two, three, four, or five years old, I would say, for a hive of seven years standing, during the autumn and winter months, allow for combs, Bees, and stored pollen, 7 lbs.; for one of six years, 61/2 lbs.; for five years, 51/2 lbs.; for four years, 41/2 lbs.; for three years, 31/2 lbs.; for two years, 3 lbs.; and for one year, 2 lbs.
Presuming the directions given in the calendar for September, as to unions and feeding, have been attended to, but little attention will be required this month beyond guarding against depredations of wasps, which are frequently numerous at this season.
Winter Preparations.—Glasses, small hives, and boxes, should now all be removed from stock hives, where it can be done without reducing the store below 20 lbs. The stands, likewise, where wood is used, should be examined, and if found to be at all unsound replaced with new ones.
The Moors.—Where Bees are kept in the vicinity of the moors, or where they have been removed to them, an abundant supply of honey will be obtained from the heather during fine weather, an advantage quite unknown to the Bee-keepers of the eastern counties.
Wasps.—For destroying wasps' nests, gas tar is even better than turpentine, and their destruction is effected with much less trouble, it being only necessary to put a small quantity into the mouth of the nest, and cover it with earth; digging out the nest, or anything further done, is quite unnecessary.
Robbers will at this time be carrying on their depredations; and should a serious attack be observed, the entrance must be narrowed one-half at the least. Wedges of cork answer very well for this purpose.
Stocks.—It is now full time for the stocks to be put in order for the approaching winter. Defending them effectually from wet is of the first importance. Narrowing the entrances to prevent the ingress of mice is also necessary, as well as their destruction in the neighbourhood of the apiary. Having done this, and taken effectual means for keeping the hive free from damp, very little fear need be entertained of their being carried safely through the winter without any further attention beyond that of occasionally cleaning the floor-boards, and shutting up the hive whilst snow lies upon the ground.
Coverings.—The coverings, also, to the hives should be made secure against winds and rains. A milk-pan, notwithstanding Its unsightly appearance, is the best protection for a hive, and for the winter months more especially so.