_Monroe, Iowa._
[For the American Bee Journal.]
Report of Apiary in 1870.
THE FIELD. The farmers cultivate their fields for produce for the city.
They are so frequently broken up that white clover has a poor
opportunity for an abundant crop. But little buckwheat is sown. This
season none of any consequence within three miles. Fruit blossoms in the
spring were unusually abundant.
THE SEASON. The early part of the season was favorable for gathering
honey. The breeding apartment of the hives was well stored with brood
and honey at the commencement of the white clover harvest. This harvest
was, however, shortened by the drouth, and no honey was stored in boxes
after the middle of July; and in some cases honey was removed from boxes
partly filled.
NUMBER OF COLONIES. I set upon the stand in the spring twenty-three
colonies. Of these, three were in old box hives which were broken up
when they cast the first swarm, and the hives converted to kindling
wood. One of the remaining twenty, from loss of queen or other cause,
failed entirely; and a new swarm was introduced to occupy its place.
This left nineteen of the old colonies, for giving swarms and surplus
honey.
SURPLUS HONEY IN BOXES. I find on adding up the product from my hives,
they have given me one thousand and eighty (1,080) pounds of surplus.
Perhaps in an ordinary field and poor season I should be content with
this; but I think, with the experience of this season and some
improvements in my hives, I could do better tried over again.
Of this 1,080 (or to be exact, 1,080½) pounds, five colonies give 625½
pounds, an average of 125 lbs., and 74¾ lbs. more than half of the whole
surplus. One of the five best gave one hundred and ninety-eight and a
half (198½) pounds.