To the Gentleman who writes in _The Times_ under the signature of "A
Bee-master."
If a good swarm take place in May, and in a good year, you may hopefully
put on a super. For Ayrshire hives, see p. 213.
* * * * *
_July 30th._
Sir,--We have read your letters in _The Times_ with the greatest
interest, partly because we have been for some years bee-keepers on
the more sensible plan of saving the little creatures' lives, and
partly because we are anxious to induce our neighbours (poor cottage
folks) to follow our example, and give up the disgusting smothering
process. We have taken off a glass of honey weighing full twenty
pounds, and have another equally well filled to remove; but should be
very grateful for your advice as to the means of getting rid of the
bees from the super when it is withdrawn, a part of the process not
described in your letters, and one which we cannot manage without much
trouble, and the murder of many insects. We use, for stock, common
straw hives, with flat tops, and a hole in the centre, which we cover
with a piece of zinc or slate, easily removed when we wish to put on
the super. But the bees always continue the comb up through this hole
into the glass; then, when the latter is removed, there is always
broken comb and running honey, to which the bees cling, and to which
they return again and again, and we find the greatest difficulty in
dislodging them.
You likewise recommend covering the stock-hives in winter with paper,
for warmth. Will you kindly tell us whether you consider it best to
close the entrance also?
My only apology for thus intruding on you must rest on our ignorance,
and on your benevolent and enlightened zeal for the good of the poor,
and for the lives of the much ill-treated insects.