Brace-combs and bees must be studied in connection, in order to arrive
at correct conclusions about brace-combs. I think I will be able to
convince every well-informed bee-keeper—one who has well learned the
nature, habits and instincts of the bee—that there is some truth in my
theory, or at least it will cause him to do a little thinking, and that
is healthful.
We all know how irritable the bee is, especially by a jar—the least
little jar will bring a response from every bee in the hive. Well,
suppose it does, what of that? Well, nothing particular, only we learn
something by it. Suppose the frames are loose at their bearings,
resting on metal bearings for your convenience, and a perfect torment
to the bees—torment because they cannot glue them down at the ends,
and their walking over the combs causes them to tremble, and a bee
cannot stand that—it is a constant annoyance. What is the result? Why,
brace-combs are the inevitable result? They go right at it, and brace
up and strengthen those combs, just as long as there is the least jar
or tremble about them.
Years ago, when I was taking my first lessons in the art of
bee-culture, I had but few brace-combs; but the metal-bearing craze
was sprung on me. I had considerable trouble prying the frames loose
from their bearings, so I thought this will be nice—I can just pick
the combs out—it will be a pleasure indeed. The result was just as
fine a lot of brace-combs as any one ever saw. The bees literally
filled the spaces between the top-bars up, only leaving here and there
a hole to pass through to the section.
Well, I looked at them as I examined hive after hive, and I thought I
was undone entirely. It looked very much as though my elegant scheme
had miscarried, while the bees had made a perfect success of theirs,
though I, at that time, had not the remotest idea what caused the bees
to interlace the combs in that manner.
I could easily see that I would better fall back on first principles,
which I did, and brace-combs have disappeared ever since, with me,
in proportion to the pains that I have taken to have the combs well
fastened in the hives. I have no scheme for fastening the frames, just
so they will not tremble and shake when the bees travel over them.
Mr. Heddon's thumb-screw business would be just the thing. The Hoffman
frame can be used to advantage. Suit yourselves, and use your own
judgment, and your own resources.
I have said nothing about burr-combs, from the fact that I am not
certain that I know anything about them. I see a difference, but I
think their mission is the same.
Try this, and I am satisfied you will see that I am right for once.
Dunlap, Iowa.
Convention Notices.
WISCONSIN.—The Wisconsin Bee-Keepers' Association will meet
in Madison, Wis., on Feb. 7 and 8, 1894. An interesting
meeting is expected. It is earnestly hoped there may be a
full attendance.
J. W. VANCE, Cor. Sec.
Madison. Wis.
KANSAS.—There will be a meeting of the Southeastern Kansas
Bee-Keepers' Association on March 10, 1894, at the apiaries
of Thomas Willett, 5 miles northeast of Bronson, Bourbon Co.,
Kansas. All are invited to come.
J. C. BALCH, Sec.
Bronson, Kans.
* * * * *
=A Binder= for holding a year's numbers of the BEE JOURNAL we mail for
only 50 cents; or clubbed with the JOURNAL for $1.40.
[Illustration: CONVENTION