Jan. 22nd, we let the sun in to the pit and at 2 P. M. there was a
perfect jollification, just like a lot of young bees playing in summer.
And they _did_ “spot” things inside the pit at a great rate, showing
they needed a fly. As soon as it began to cool down they all went in to
the hives except some dead ones on the straw, no more than would have
been found if they had flown the natural way, and about two-thirds of a
tea-cupful which were stuck on the sash in groups from one to a dozen.
These latter we brushed out on a dust pan and put in top of one of the
hives, as they were still alive, and said hive was mighty “sassy” too;
seemed strong in bees, plenty of honey, and combs dry. The pit was not
dug till after the ground was frozen 8 inches deep, consequently there
was considerable frost on the glass which we swept off as soon as the
sun loosened it a little. The dampness inside the pit was soon dried and
everything went lovely.
We were going to hoist our hat for the hot-bed, but guess we’ll wait
till spring before we shout too loud.
Don’t forget the “Medley” for we want to see Katie Grimm, Mr. Grimm, and
all the rest.
W. M. KELLOGG, Oneida, Knox Co., Ills.
* * * * *
A Mr. Abbot, of Wakeman, O., uses leather instead of Quilts. He says
the leather is cheaper and does not rattle or stick. He fits them
tight on the top of frames and they did not mould last winter and
the bees wintered better than under quilts or tight frames. My bees
in my hot-house when it has been warm enough for them to fly (no
fire as yet) readily find their way back to their own hives, while
those on their summer stands (though protected on the top and north
sides) died by hundreds if not thousands on the snow as they lit and
fell on it last week.
T. L. WAITE, Berea, O. Feb. 4th. ’75.
We had an intimation some time ago that Mr. Abbot had a remedy for
propolis, above the frames. Leather being porous, might do very well,
but will it not kill bees when pressed down on them? Again, can we get a
piece that will cover a hive for the price of a quilt, and what kind of
leather is best? Mr. Abbot claimed that he had some valuable information
_to sell_, on the subject. We presume most of you have discovered that
those who claim to be possessed of valuable information, _not to be
found in books_, are generally somewhat of a fraud; never mind friend
Abbot, if you have by experimenting got hold of something valuable,
bring it along. We will pay you for your time and trouble.
* * * * *
I had to-day to open the entrance full size to almost all hives.
Bees keep up a lively hum and are carrying in loads of pollen equal
to spring work. Considering your mortality from disease and cold in
the North and your continual _trouble_ and _anxiety_, I think we
have far the advantage of you.
I lost one very weak swarm this winter by robbers. This is by far
the worst enemy I have to contend with.
J. B. RAMSEY, Abbeville, La. Jan. 21st, ’75.
And with your advantages, friend R., why do you not build up larger
Apiaries, and raise honey by the car load as do our friends in
California? We can imagine the smile of relief that would spread over
the faces of _some_ of our readers, had they no worse trouble than
_robbers_ to contend with.
* * * * *
When I ordered the two first volumes I thought I could do without
GLEANINGS 3rd Vol.—But it won’t DO. Don’t forget the Jan. number.
’TWONT DO! No, if “blue eyes” falls down over the boards you _must
stop and help her up_. In our haste, don’t let us make a God of our
Bees.
Have 35 stands in box to be transferred, have adopted the Standard.
Shall want an extractor etc.