Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1847 edition. Excerpt: ... _ land hills, near Edinburgh, a shepherd, who takes charge of upwards of a hundred hives annually for bee-keepers living at a distance. From the middle of August to the end of September is the usual time when we perceive the food of bees beginning to fail them. This is the period for removing them to the heather, which is then in bloom. Before moving, ascertain the condition of your hives; for these which are well stocked with honey should be deprived by the process already detailed; and this should be done some days prior to removal, for the combs containing the young may have been loosened in the operation, and the bees should be allowed time to fasten them once again securely in their places. "Water carriage, when procurable, is the best, as it. shakes the hives least, but when land carriage must be resorted to, the hives should be carried on poles, slung on men's shoulders. The journey should be pursued at night only, and the bees suffered to go forth and feed during the day. Suchj is their instinct, that they will readily find their way back; but they should not be suffered to go forth until at the distance of upwards of ten or eleven miles from their original home, otherwise they will be lost in endeavouring to regain it--a moderate distance induces them to abandon the idea, and to become reconciled to their new quarters. If travelling by canal, the hives should be removed from the boat, and placed on stands, at some distance from the bank ere the insects are let out, otherwise they will be lost in thousands by falling into the water on their return. The charge made by shepherds for taking care of the hives during a season, is from one shilling to eighteen pence each. It is better to pay a trifle over and above the usual fee, in;...
