When a large production of honey is aimed at, swarming must be controlled as far as possible. Success is generally secured by putting a super on the hive, before the bees have constructed queen cells, and made other preparations. The combs are removed on the frames as fast as they are filled, and are then emptied and returned. This is much facilitated by the use of a simple appa ratus termed a " honey-extractor," which is made in several forms, but all on one principle. The full combs, with their cells uncapped, are placed in a cylindrical metallic receiver, with their mouths abutting on walls of wire-netting attached to a framework. The latter is made to revolve, when the centrifugal force dislodges the honey;which falls into the receiver. The combs are thus made available for immediate re•use,—a double gain, as the collection of honey is rendered continuous, and the bees do not need to consume large quantities of honey for the formation of new combs. When it is desirable to economize the space of the supers for honey-gathering purposes, the bees may be induced to build comb there by introducing some clean white pieces, always taking care to warm the supers by padding or wrapping. At the end of the season, all honey may be removed, if the bees are fed regularly with syrup, which is much less valuable, but equally good food ; other wise, at least 15 lb. of sealed combs must be left for winter provision.
As to the profit of bee-keeping, it is only necessary to say that, beyond the first cost of a swarm and hive, the expenses are but trifling. Supposing a guinea be paid for a swarm, at the end of five years the net profit arising from the sale of the products should amount to 50-601., in addition to the possession of 5 new stocks'. In America, one stock has given as much as 600 lb. of honey in one season, and 200-300 lb. is quite common. Chilian honey is sold in the London market at 30-70s. a cwt., and Jamaican at 35-60s. Our imports of honey in 1870 were valued at 28,1211. ; since then, statistics have not been published, but the amount has doubtless increased.
Bibliography.—E. Bevan, The Honeybee' (1827); A. Pettigrew, Hand Book of Bees (Edin. and Lond.: 1870); J. Hunter, Manual of Beekeeping' (Loud.: 1879); C. de Ribeau court, Manual of Rational Beekeeping' (Loud.: 1879); J. F. Robinson, British Bee-farming ' (Lond. : 1880); L. L. Langstroth, The Hive and Honeybee' (New York) ; A. J. Cook, Manual of the Apiary' (New York); M. Quinby, Mysteries of Bee-keeping Explained' (New York); N. H. and H. A. King, 'Bee-keepers' Textbook' (New York).
(See Sugar ; Wax—Beeswax.)