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Its Location

Categories: THE APIARY.
Bee Keeping: Mysteries Of Bee-keeping Explained

In the location of the apiary, one important consideration is, that it

is convenient to watch in the swarming season; that the bees may be

seen at any time from a door or window, when a swarm rises, without the

trouble of taking many steps to accomplish it; because if much trouble

is to be taken, it is too often neglected. Also, if possible, the hives

should stand where the wind will have but little effect, especially

rom the northwest. If no hills or building offer a protection, a

close, high board fence should be put up for the purpose. It is economy

to do it--bees enough may be saved to pay the expense. During the first

spring months, the stocks contain fewer bees than at any other season.

It is then that a numerous family is important, for the purpose of

creating animal heat to rear the brood, if for nothing else. One bee is

of more consequence now than a half dozen in midsummer. When the hive

stands in a bleak place, the bees returning with heavy loads, in a high

wind, are frequently unable to strike the hive, and are blown to the

ground; become chilled, and die. A chilly south wind is equally fatal,

but not so frequent. When protected from winds, the hives may front any

point you choose; east or south is generally preferred. A location near

ponds, lakes, large rivers, &c., will be attended with some loss. Hard

winds will fatigue the bees when on the wing, often causing them to

alight in the water; where it is impossible to rise again until wafted

ashore, and then, unless in very warm weather, they are so chilled as

to be past the effort. I do not mention this to discourage any one from

keeping them, when so situated, because some few must keep them thus or

not at all. I am so situated myself. There is a pond of four acres,

some twelve rods off. In spring, during high winds, a great many may be

found drowned, and driven on shore. Although we cannot miss so few from

a stock, it is nevertheless a loss as far as it goes.



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