Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1830-05-13
From The Independent Courter, t.ifaine.
BEES

From The Independent Courfer, Maine.
BEES. r.
Mr.. EDlroR-Nolicing with pleasure an ar.
ilce on this subject IN your paper of the 18th
nlt' thought some remarks in reply might be
appropriate.
II informs us, that "ihe cruel system of
smutherng bees may now be tolnlly dispensed
with This is an important truth aud the
plan il recommends for This purpose, called
" driving is certainly practicable, bul must
doubt its being the best method. The article
does moi instruct MS al what season il should be
done. The bees might as well be smothered
as leh to siarve as they must il driven into
an empty hive too late. ifioo early, we shall
find in the old hive but very little compeusa-
lion for our trouble. | performed this opera
ton on large swarm Of bees, u year ago last
summer, with great facility, by nverliDg the
old hive OH TO the ground, quickly placing the
new one over it, stopping the holes al the IN eei
ing OF both hives, and then rapping gently the
sides OF the old une with n stick. The use of
metal pot is unnecessary After rapping
few minutes placed the new hive, containing
the bees where the old one stood, and found
myself m full possession OF their former pfcmi
sea, with all the privileges, appurienances, &c
This was done about midsummer, in Imitation,
ms ! supposed. of French Apiarians, that the
bees might have just time to lay IN sufficient
store for winter. But my triumph was short.
My hive, though full of comb, had little honey,
and two or more distinct broods Of young bees.
ia different states OF progression though il
had seat out three fine swarms the same season
The next day restored my bees 10 their old
habltaton with lis contents, in the same man--
ner that had driven tn IN out of IT, They
went buSily TO work and, on smethe ring them
in the fall, found il entirely filled " III fine
honey. Though intend not 10 Kill any more,
shall not adop, this plan again, ill can
ascertain ne proper season, y any such there
be.
Another method, which | suppose 10 be
German, is, 10 lnvert the hive on to the ground
in the autumn, and take out by hand, IA much
honey as you think the bees can spare, while
an assistant keeps them hack by blowing
smoke upon them through large match
made Of hitter herbs, rolled up with linen
rags. THIS have tried once with good sue
cess.
But the plan like best is os follows ~
made large hive IN the usual form, emitting
the top Ia this hive, at about Two thirds it,
height placed floor of Stats, sufficiently
open for bees 10 pass through. On this floor
! placed four small hives, made OF thin stuff,
and of such dimensions as exactly 10 oil The
chamber, but not crowd 40 hard as 10 prevent
any one from being lifted at pleasure. Each
of these four had a small strap fastened across
is top 10 lit it oul BY the whole was then
covered with sound piece of board. which
was not nailed on, but hung on the side with
leather hinges, and fastened down in front with
a strap. Into this hive put good swarm
of bees in July. Early in October, the hive
being full, raised the lid and lifted out IN
succession two OF the small ones Some ball
dozen bees in each, soon left il and went peace.
ably home Those two small hives contain
fifteen pounds Of honey in the comb; the most
perfect specimen Of parity and sweetness that
can be imagined. These being empued, were
returned TO their places and | have no doubt
that the bees can well spare the contents OF The
other two. But wishing to be sure, and leave
them enough, az have but few bees, shall
not take them ill spring. RUSIICUS.