Moldy Combs, Etc.—Having lost a few colonies of bees the past winter, I wish to make the best use of the combs left, as they are mostly new. Some are moldy, what shall I do with them? Some of the cells are full of dead bees, how shall I get them out? How can I keep the moths out of the combs until I can use them? An answer to these questions through the Weekly, at an early day, will no doubt benefit many new beginners.
O. Phillips.
Emporia, Kans., March 2, 1881.
[When your colonies are strong in the spring, give the moldy combs; they will soon utilize them, if not given too fast. The combs with dead bees should be kept in a dry place, and after the bees have become dried and shrunken, you can easily shake them out of the cells. If moths get in the combs, treat them in the manner suggested by Mr. Doolittle, page 74, Bee Journal of March 9th. One pound of sulphur, however, to each 100 cubic feet, seems a large amount; this would require 10 lbs. for a room 10 feet square. We have had no experience in sulphuring combs, but think 1 lb. would be sufficient for 1,000 cubic feet, in a close room.—Ed.]
Palestine Bees.—We are having a hard winter on bees: they have not had a fly since last Oct. 28. Bees that were here kept in old-style boxes are nearly all dead, many that were packed in chaff are dead or have the dysentery, and are flying out on our coldest days, and of course never return. My bees that are in chaff tenement hives are in the best condition of any I have seen. My Palestine bees are standing the lonely confinement in the hives better than the Italians; they are quieter, and do not fly out so much and get lost on the snow. I much like the Weekly Bee Journal, and when I got the Journal of Feb. 2d out of the office I felt like grasping the hand of the Editor, and having a shake, but alas it was not flesh and blood, but a very good likeness. Many thanks for giving us a chance to view it.
I. R. Good.
Napanee, Ind., Feb. 2, 1881.
Honey as Medicine.—I wish to compile for publication an exhibit of the medicinal qualities of the various kinds of honey, and I shall be obliged for any facts sent me on the subject. Chaff-packing seems to be ahead here this winter, but I notice a great difference in the wintering capacity of several colonies. All of mine which were devoted to the production of honey are doing well, but I have lost by excessive early breeding, and some that were used to rear queens. They had no flight for 4 months.
T. L. Von Dorn.
S Ave., Omaha, Neb., March 9, 1881.
Gathering Pollen.—Last season proved a splendid one for bees. Each colony averaged 72 lbs. of surplus sweet honey, and from 20 to 40 lbs. of bitter. My bees are blacks, and to-day are out gathering pollen and some honey.
E. P. Massey.
Waco, Texas., March 1, 1881.