APPENDIX. LETTER FROM MR. SAVAGE. SWAFFHAM, Dec. 2, 1841. REV. SIR,-I am happy to say my Hives have given good satisfaction when they have been properly managed. This year, the best I have known of forty years' experience, has been a most interesting one, having but one swarm from nine stocks, which have produced from 25 to 40 lbs. of superfluous honey each. I shall be most happy to hear of your prosperity in Apiarian science. We have had honey collected this season later than I ever knew it, and of good flavour. I did not send a cover with the Hive, not knowing whether it would be placed abroad, or in any kind of house. I do not know whether my steps will ever be directed towards the neighbourhood of Windsor; if so, should feel a pleasure in visiting your Apiary, and in communicating any information I may be able, on a subject worthy the atten 101 LETTER FROM MR. SAVAGE. tion of humanity, - in the preservation of the industrious Bee. Wishing you every enjoyment in so praiseworthy an object, I am, REV. SIR, your obliged and humble Servant, W. SAVAGE. DIRECTIONS FOR THE USE OF SAVAGE'S NEWLY-INVENTED BEE-HIVE; Which may be bought at Messrs. Page's, Haymarket, Norwich. First. The feature of this Hive is, that the honey may be taken without the destruction of the Bees. Second. That ample room is provided contiguous to the stock for the reception of any superfluous honey the seasons may afford, which may be taken in whole or in part, from the end Hives, or Remunerators, at any time in the season, and without the least danger of impoverishing the parent stock, which is sufficiently stored with honey previous to the admission of the Bees into the Remunerators. Third-That deprivation may be attended to without the introduction of any tin divider, where many Bees are unavoidably destroyed. Fourth. That the Hive defies the admission of insects of every description, which are a great annoyance to the population. Fifth. That the doorway at front or entrance may be enlarged or contracted in a moment, at pleasure, upon the approach of robbers, &c. &c. Sixth. The shutter of the windows to serve as an index of facts and observations, as they occur. Seventh. The middle Hive is withdrawn for the reception of the swarm, which may fill the middle part or preserver (in a good season) in about three weeks or a month; they are then admitted into the Remunerators, by withdrawing them and reversing their position, which will give a communication into every part of the Hive. The Remunerators are taken away to be emptied of their stores, and may then be returned again, either for filling or closing up the parent stock, for the winter. Eighth.-Make choice of a fine morning for deprivation, about the hour of ten: let the Remunerator intended to be taken, be gently drawn from the Hive, and very slowly; and be determined never to take the life of a Bee; spread a napkin upon the Hive intended to be taken; when, as it is withdrawn, it will fall down and cover the lath window, and prevent any Bees from escaping at the time of its removal. Ninth.-Remove it gently away a short distance from the Hive to any dark room; set the door at jar, and remove the napkin; the Bees will soon begin to leave the Remunerator, by missing their Queen, and in an hour's time (or less) will be returned to the parent stock in the apiary. Tenth. Never omit weighing, and noting down upon the shutter, the quantity taken every year, which may be from 15 to 25 lbs. from a swarm, and from 30 to 80lbs. from a stock. In a good season Combs of the most delicate quality are collected from 2 to 3 inches in thickness. Eleventh.-Let the thin Slide or Cover be used where the Remunerator has EXTRACT FROM CENSURA LITTERARIA. 101 been taken, which when emptied may be returned again, either for filling or closing the Hive at the end of honey harvest. Twelfth.-Towards the Autumn, close the door-way at the front by removing the slider, so as to admit but two or three Bees for the winter season; and upon its approach shade them from the rays of the sun, during the cold months. Thirteenth.-On the approach of mild weather in the Spring, remove the Winter-shade and allow the Bees to rove abroad; this they will not do unless compelled by hunger or by a mild atmosphere, which is congenial to their nature. Fourteenth.-As soon as the population appear to increase, enlarge the entrance at the door-way as occasion may require (little or no fear of robbers may be entertained in the Spring), as vast quantities of farina are now collected; and as the showers of April are often sudden and heavy, give them sufficient room of admission at the door. Fifteenth.-As soon as the Preserver appears to be getting filled with Bees, admit them into the Remunerators, when, if the weather is favourable and honey plentiful, they will soon cluster therein and commence forming combs ; and often by the end of June vast quantities of honey are collected, which may be taken, or left until the Autumn; the Remunerators may then be emptied in whole or in part, and returned to the Hive, closing up the entrances of communication for the winter, by reversing them. EXTRACT FROM CENSURA LITTERARIA, ART. 3. A Treatise concerning the right Use and Ordering of Bees, newlie made and set forth, according to the Author's owne experience (which by any heretofore hath not been done). By Edmund Southern, Gent. Better late than never. كم Imprinted at London, by Thomas Orwin, for Thomas Woodcocke, dwelling in Paule's Church Yarde, at the signe of the Blacke Beare. 1593. 4to. 17 leaves. |