BEE-KEEPING.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3315, 6 September 1911, Page 7

BEE-KEEPING.

AN EXPERT’S WARNING

Every bee-keeper should be aware that when breeding is in full swing in soring a considerable amount or rood is lied up every day for feeding the brood says Mr. I. Hopkins, Government Apiarist Generally speaking, says Mr. Hopkins, some nectar can be gatheied —and often a good deal—all through the spring when the weather is favorable, so Hat as a rule when the bees start breeding with a fair amount of food in the hive, what they can gathei keeps them going without need ot assistance in this , respect Thereare>, however exceptions to this lule, when the bees through bad weather are unable to supplement their stores, ana it such conditions 'last. over several days the stor es will dimmish rapidly and the bees be reduced to starvation before the novice would be aware of it unless specially warned. In years gone by. thousands of colonies have been lost in this manner every spring. September .is the critical month in this respect owing to the prevalence of stormy equinoctial weather, and should a bad spell continue over three days at this time it as well to ,ascertain the condition of the food supply in each hive, and feed without delay where necessary.