Columella: DE RE RUSTICA LIBRI XII

PRAEFATIO. Venio nunc ad tutelam pecudum silvestrium et apium educationem, quas et ipsas, Publi Silvine, villaticas pastiones iure dixerim, siquidem mos antiquus lepusculis capreisque ac subus feris iuxta villam plerumque subiecta dominicis habitationibus ponebat vivaria, ut et conspectu sui clausa venatio possidentis oblectaret oculos, et cum exegisset usus epularum, velut e cella promeretur.

PREFACE. I now come to the tutelage of sylvan beasts and the education of bees, which also, Publius Silvinus, I should with justice call villatic pasturages, since the ancient custom set vivaria for little hares and roe-deer and wild swine near the villa, generally placed beneath the master’s dwellings, so that the enclosed venery, being within sight, might delight the owner’s eyes, and when the need of feasting had demanded, it might be brought forth as if from a storeroom.

[2] Apibus quoque dabantur sedes adhuc nostra memoria vel in ipsis villae parietibus excisis vel in protectis porticibus ac pomariis. Quare quoniam tituli quem pscripsimus huic disputationi ratio reddita est, ea nunc quae proposuimus singula persequamur.

[2] To the bees as well dwellings were assigned even within our own memory, either in the very walls of the villa hollowed out, or in protected porticoes and orchards. Wherefore, since an account has been rendered of the title that we have prefixed to this disputation, let us now pursue individually the matters which we have proposed.

I. DE VIVARIIS FACIUNDIS ET INCLUDENDIS PECUDIBUS FERIS. Ferae pecudes, ut capreoli dammaeque nec minus orygum cervorumque genera et aprorum, modo lautitiis ac voluptatibus dominorum serviunt, modo quaestui ac reditibus. Sed qui venationem voluptati suae claudunt contenti sunt, utcumque conpetit proximus aedificio loci situs, munire vivarium semperque de manu cibos et aquam praebere. Qui vero quaestum reditumque desiderant, cum est vicinum villae nemus (id enim refert non procul esse ab oculis domini), sine cunctatione praedictis animalibus destinatur.

1. ON MAKING VIVARIA AND PENNING WILD HERDS. Wild herds, such as roebucks and fallow-deer, and no less the kinds of oryx and deer and of boars, sometimes serve the luxuries and pleasures of their masters, sometimes gain and revenues. But those who enclose venery for their own delight are content, as suits the site nearest the building, to secure a vivarium (game-park) and always to provide food and water from the hand. Those, however, who desire profit and return, when there is a grove near the villa (for it makes a difference that it be not far from the master’s eyes), assign it without delay for the aforesaid animals.

[2] Et si naturalis defuit aqua, vel inducitur fluens vel infossi lacus signino consternuntur, qui receptam pluviatilem contineant. Modus silvae pro cuiusque facultatibus occupatur, ac si lapidis et operae vilitas suadet, haut dubie caementis et calce formatus circumdatur murus, sin aliter crudo latere ac luto constructus.

[2] And if natural water has been lacking, either flowing water is led in, or dug reservoirs are overlaid with signine cement, to contain the rainwater received. The measure of woodland is occupied according to each one’s resources; and if the cheapness of stone and labor recommends, without doubt a wall fashioned of rubble-stone and lime is drawn around; otherwise, it is built of raw brick and mud.

[3] Vbi vero neutrum patrifamiliae conducit, ratio postulat vacerris includi (sic enim appellatur genus clatrorum), idque fabricatur ex robore querceo vel subereo; nam oleae rara est occasio. Quicquid denique sub iniuria pluviarum magis diuturnum est, pro conditione regionis ad hunc usum eligitur. Et sive ters arboris truncus, sive, ut crassitudo postulavit, fissilis stipes conpluribus locis per latus efforatur, et in circuitu vivarii certis intervenientibus spatiis defixus erigitur, deinde per transversa laterum cau[e]a transmittuntur amites, qui exitus ferarum obserent.

[3] But when neither course is advantageous to the paterfamilias, reason dictates that it be enclosed with vacerrae (for thus is called a kind of lattice), and this is fabricated from oak heartwood or cork‑oak; for olive‑wood is seldom at hand. In short, whatever is more long‑lasting under the injury of rains is chosen for this use according to the condition of the region. And whether a rounded tree‑trunk, or, as thickness has demanded, a split stake is bored through in many places across its side, and, driven in, is set upright around the circuit of the vivarium at fixed intervening intervals; then through the transverse cavities of the sides cross‑poles (amites) are passed, which bar the exits of the wild beasts.

[4] Satis est autem vacerras inter pedes octonos figere, serisque transversis ita clatrare ne spatiorum laxitas quae foraminibus intervenit pecudi praebeat fugam. Hoc autem modo licet etiam latissimas regiones tractusque montium claudere, sicuti Galliarum nec non et in aliis quibusdam provinciis locorum vastitas patitur. Nam et fabricandis ingens est materiae vacerris copia, et cetera in hanc rem feliciter suppetunt; quippe crebris fontibus abundat solum, quod est maxime praedictis generibus salutare;

[4] Moreover, it is sufficient to set the vacerrae at eight-foot intervals, and to lattice them with transverse bars in such a way that the looseness of the spaces that occurs between the openings does not afford the cattle an escape. In this manner it is even permitted to enclose very broad regions and mountain tracts, just as the vastness of the places in Gaul, and likewise in certain other provinces, allows. For for fabricating vacerrae there is a huge abundance of material, and the rest of the requisites for this matter are happily at hand; since the soil abounds in frequent springs, which is most salutary for the aforesaid kinds;

[5] tum etiam sua sponte pabula feris benignissime subministrat; praecipueque saltus eliguntur, qui et terrenis fetibus et arboreis abundant. Nam ut graminibus ita frugibus roburneis opus est. Maximeque laudantur qui sunt feracissimi querneae glandis et iligneae nec minus cerreae, tum et arbuti ceterorumque pomorum silvestrium, quae diligentius persecuti sumus cum de cohortalibus subus disputaremus.

[5] then also of its own accord it most benignly supplies fodders to the wild beasts; and woodlands are especially chosen, which abound both in earth-born and in arboreal produce. For as there is need of grasses, so also of oak-produce. And those are most praised which are most fruitful in the acorn of the oak and of the holm-oak, and no less of the cerrus, and then also of the arbutus and of the other wild fruits, which we have pursued more diligently when we were disputing about the courtyard swine.

nam eadem fere sunt pecudum silvestrium pabula quae domesticarum.

for the fodder of sylvan herds is almost the same as that of domesticated ones.

[6] Contentus tamen non debet esse diligens paterfamiliae cibis quos suapte natura terra gignit, sed temporibus anni quibus silvae pabulis carent condita messe clausis succurrere hordeoque alere vel adoreo farre aut faba, plurimumque etiam vinaceis, quidquid denique vilissime constiterit dare. Idque ut intellegant ferae praeberi, unam vel alteram domi mansuefactam conveniet immittere, quae pervagata totum vivarium cunctantis ad obiecta cibaria pecudes perducat.

[6] Nevertheless the diligent paterfamilias ought not to be content with the foods which the earth brings forth by its own nature, but, in those seasons of the year when the woods lack fodders, ought to succor the enclosed ones with stored harvest, and feed them with barley or adorean far (spelt) or bean, and very much also with grape-pressings (pomace), and, finally, to give whatever has been obtained at the very cheapest. And, so that the wild creatures may understand that food is being offered, it will be fitting to send in one or another tamed at home, which, having roamed through the whole vivarium (game-park), may lead the hesitating beasts to the food set out before them.

[7] Nec solum istud per hiemis penuriam fieri expedit, sed cum etiam fetae partus ediderint, quo melius educent natos. Itaque custos vivarii frequenter speculari debebit si iam effetae sunt, ut manu datis sustineantur frumentis. Nec vero patiendus est oryx aut aper aliusve quis ferus ultra quadrimatum senescere.

[7] Nor is it expedient that this be done only during the penury of winter, but also when the females have delivered their births, so that they may the better educate their offspring. And so the keeper of the game-park ought frequently to observe whether they are now delivered, so that they may be sustained with grains given by hand. Nor indeed must the oryx or the boar, or any other wild creature, be allowed to grow old beyond the four-year age.

Nam usque in hoc tempus capiunt incrementa, postea macescunt senectute. Quare dum viridis aetas pulchritudinem corporis conservat, aere mutandi sunt.

For up to this time they gain growth; afterward they grow lean with senescence. Wherefore, while the youthful age preserves the beauty of the body, they must be exchanged for money.

[8] Cervus tamen conpluribus annis sustineri potest. Nam diu iuvenis possidetur, quod aevi longioris vitam sortitus est. De minoris autem incrementi animalibus, qualis est lepus, haec praecipiemus, ut in his vivariis quae maceria munita sunt farragini et holerum ferae intubi lactucaeque semina parvulis areolis per diversa spatia factis iniciantur, itemque Punicum cicer vel hoc vernaculum, nec minus hordeum et cicercula condita ex horreo promantur et aqua caelesti macerata obiciantur.

[8] The stag, however, can be sustained for several years. For he is long possessed as a youth, because he has been allotted a life of longer age. But concerning animals of lesser increment, such as the hare, we shall prescribe this: that in those vivaria which are fortified with a maceria wall, seeds of farragini and of pot-herbs—of wild endive and lettuce—be cast into very small beds made through different spaces; and likewise Punic cicer, or this vernacular kind; and no less, barley and little vetches, brought out from the granary in store and, macerated in celestial water, be set before them.

Nam sicca non nimis ab lepusculis adpetuntur.

For dry fodder is not much sought after by leverets.

[9] Haec porro animalia vel similia his, etiam silente me, facile intellegitur quam non expediat conferre in vivarium quod vacerris circumdatum est, siquidem propter exiguitatem corporis facile clatris subrepunt et liberos nanct egressus fugam moliuntur.

[9] These animals moreover, or those similar to them, even if I were silent, it is easily understood how it is not expedient to bring into a vivarium that is surrounded with wattles, since on account of the smallness (exiguity) of the body they easily creep under the lattices and, having found free egresses, set about flight.

II. DE APIBUS. Venio nunc ad alvorum curam, de quibus neque diligentius quicquam praecipi potest quam ab Hygino iam dictum est, nec ornatius quam Vergilio, nec elegantius quam Celso. Hyginus veterum auctorum placita secretis dispersa monimentis industrie colligit, Vergilius poeticis floribus inluminavit, Celsus utriusque memorati adhibuit modum.

2. ON BEES. I come now to the care of the hives, about which nothing can be prescribed more diligently than has already been said by Hyginus, nor more ornately than by Vergil, nor more elegantly than by Celsus. Hyginus industriously collects the doctrines of the ancient authors, scattered through secret monuments; Vergil illuminated them with poetic flowers; Celsus applied measure to both aforementioned.

[2] Quare ne adtemptanda quidem nobis fuit haec disputationis materia, nisi quod consummatio susceptae professionis hanc quoque sui partem desiderabat, ne universitas inchoati operis nostri, velut membro aliquo reciso, mutila atque imperfecta conspiceretur. Atque ea quae Hyginus fabulose tradita de originibus apium non intermisit, poeticae magis licentiae quam nostrae fidei concesserim.

[2] Therefore this subject-matter of disputation was not even to be attempted by us, except that the consummation of the profession we have undertaken desired this part of itself as well, lest the totality of our begun work, as if with some member cut off, be seen as mutilated and imperfect. And those things which Hyginus did not omit, fabulously handed down about the origins of bees, I would concede rather to poetic license than to our good faith.

[3] Nec sane rustico dignum est sciscitari fueritne mulier pulcherrima specie Melissa, quam Iuppiter in apem convertit, an ut Euhemerus poeta dicit crabronibus et sole genitas apes, quas nymphae Phryxonides educaverint, mox Dictaeo specu Iovis extitisse nutrices, easque pabula munere dei sortitas, quibus ipsae parvom educaverunt alumnum. Ista enim quamvis non dedeceant poetam, summatim tamen et uno tantummodo versiculo leviter attigit Vergilius cum sic ait:
Dictaeo caeli regem pavere sub antro.

[3] Nor indeed is it worthy of a rustic to inquire whether there was a woman of most beautiful appearance, Melissa, whom Jupiter converted into a bee; or, as the poet Euhemerus says, that bees were begotten from hornets and the sun, whom the Phrixonid nymphs reared, and soon in the Dictaean cave stood forth as nurses of Jove, and that they received fodder as a gift of the god, with which they themselves brought up the little fosterling. For although such things do not disgrace the poet, yet Vergil touched on them summarily and only with a single little verse, when he thus says:
to feed the king of heaven beneath the Dictaean cave.

[4] Sed ne illud quidem pertinet ad agricolas, quando et in qua regione primum natae sunt, utrum in Thessalia sub Aristaeo, an in insula Cea, ut scribit Euhemerus, an Erechthei temporibus in monte Hymetto, ut Eu

hronius, an Cretae Saturni temporibus, ut Nicander; non magis quam utrum examina, tamquam cetera videmus animalia, concubitu subolem procreent, an heredem generis sui floribus eligant, quod adfirmat noster Maro; et utrum evomant liquorem mellis, an alia parte reddant.

[4] But not even this pertains to farmers: when and in what region they were first born—whether in Thessaly under Aristaeus, or on the island Cea, as Euhemerus writes, or in the times of Erechtheus on Mount Hymettus, as Eu

hronius, or in Crete in the times of Saturn, as Nicander; no more than whether the swarms, as we see other animals, beget offspring by concubitus, or choose an heir of their kind from flowers, which our Maro affirms; and whether they vomit forth the liquor of honey, or render it by another part.

[5] Haec enim et his similia magis scrutantium rerum naturae latebras quam rusticorum est inquirere. Studiosis quoque litterarum gratiora sunt ista in otio legentibus, quam negotiosis agricolis, quoniam neque in opere neque in re familiari quicquam iuvant. Quare revertamur ad ea quae alveorum cultoribus magis apta sunt.

[5] For these things and the like are more for those scrutinizing the hiding-places of the nature of things to inquire into than for rustics. These matters too are more pleasing to the studious of letters reading in leisure than to busy farmers, since they help neither in work nor in household affairs. Wherefore let us return to those things which are more apt for cultivators of hives.

III. QUOT GENERA SUNT APIUM, ET QUOD EX HIS OPTIMUM. Peripateticae sectae conditor Aristoteles in his libris quos de animalibus conscripsit examinum genera conplura demonstrat, e<o>rumque alia quae vastas sed glomerosas easdemque nigras et hirsutas apis habent, alia minores quidem sed aeque rutundas et infusci coloris horridique pili;

III. HOW MANY KINDS OF BEES THERE ARE, AND WHICH OF THESE IS BEST. The founder of the Peripatetic sect, Aristotle, in those books which he composed On Animals, demonstrates many kinds of swarms, and of these some which have bees that are vast but glomerate, and likewise black and hirsute; others, smaller indeed, but equally rotund and of an infuscate color and with bristly hair;

[2] alia magis exiguas nec tam rutundas, sed obesas tamen et latas, coloris meliusculi, nonnulla minimas gracilisque et acuti alvei, ex aureolo varias atque leves. Eius auctoritatem sequens Vergilius maxime probat parvolas, oblongas, leves, nitidas,

[2] others more exiguous and not so rotund, yet obese nevertheless and broad, of a somewhat better color; some very small and slender and of a sharp abdomen, variegated and light from an aureolate hue. Following his authority, Vergil especially approves the very small, oblong, light, shining,

ardentis auro et paribus lita corpora guttis,

bodies glowing with gold and smeared with equal drops,

moribus etiam placidis. Nam quanto grandior apis atque etiam est rutundior, tanto peior; si vero saevior, maxime pessima est.

also of placid habits. For the grander the bee and even more rotund, the worse; but if indeed it is more savage, it is the worst by far.

[3] Sed tamen iracundia notae melioris apium facile delinitur adsiduo interventu eorum qui curant [alvearia]. Nam cum saepius tractantur celerius mansuescunt, durantque, si diligenter excultae sunt, in annos decem. Nec ullum examen hanc aetatem potest excedere, quamvis in demortuarum locum quotannis pullos substituant. Nam fere decumo ad internecionem anno gens universa totius alvei consumitur.

[3] Yet nevertheless the irascibility of bees of a better strain is easily soothed by the assiduous intervention of those who tend the [hives]. For the more often they are handled, the more quickly they grow tame, and they endure, if diligently cultivated, for ten years. Nor can any swarm exceed this age, although every year they substitute brood in place of those that have died. For generally, in the tenth year, the whole tribe of the entire hive is consumed to internecine destruction.

[4] Itaque ne hoc in toto fiat apiario, semper propaganda erit suboles, observandumque vere, cum se nova profundent examina, ut excipiantur et domiciliorum numerus augeatur. Nam saepe morbis intercipiuntur, quibus quemadmodum mederi oportet suo loco dicetur.

[4] Therefore, lest this happen in the whole apiary, the progeny must always be propagated, and it must be observed in spring, when new swarms pour themselves forth, that they be caught and the number of domiciles be increased. For they are often intercepted by diseases, about which how it ought to be remedied will be said in its proper place.

IV. QUALES PABULATIONES ET QUI SITUS EARUM ESSE DEBEAT. Interim per has notas quas iam diximus probatis apibus destinari debent pabulationes, eaeque sint secretissimae et, ut noster praecepit Maro, viduae pecudibus, aprico et minime procelloso caeli statu:

4. WHAT PASTURAGES AND WHAT THEIR SITE OUGHT TO BE. Meanwhile, by those marks which we have already mentioned, the pasturages ought to be designated for bees that have been approved; and let them be most secluded and, as our Maro prescribed, bereft of flocks, with a sunny and least-stormy state of sky:

quo neque sit ventis aditus, nam pabula venti
ferre domum prohibent, neque oves haedique petulci
floribus insultent, aut errans bucula campo
decutiat rorem, et surgentis atterat herbas.

where there be no access for the winds, for winds prevent bearing the fodders home,
nor let sheep and petulant kids leap upon the flowers,
or a wandering little cow in the field shake off the dew,
and bruise the rising grasses.

[2] Eademque regio fecunda sit fruticis exigui, et maxime thymi aut origani, tum etiam thymbrae vel nostratis cunilae, quam satureiam rustici vocant. Post haec frequens sit incrementi maioris surculus, ut rosmarinum et utraque cytisus (est enim sativa et altera suae spontis), itemque semper virens pinus et minor ilex, nam prolixior ab omnibus inprobatur; ederae quoque non propter bonitatem recipiuntur, sed quia praebent plurimum mellis.

[2] And let the same region be fecund in low-growing shrub, and most of all in thyme or oregano, then also in thymbra or our native cunila, which the rustics call satureia (savory). After these, let there be frequent shoots of greater growth, such as rosemary and each kind of cytisus (for there is the cultivated one and the other of its own accord), likewise the evergreen pine and the smaller ilex, for the more long-spreading is disapproved by all; ivies too are admitted not on account of goodness, but because they supply a very great amount of honey.

[3] Arborum vero sunt probatissimae rutila atque alba zizipus, nec minus amaracus, tum etiam amygdalae [et] persicique ac piri, denique pomiferarum pleraeque, ne singulis immorer. Ac silvestrium commodissime faciunt glandifera robora, quin etiam terebinthus, nec dissimilis huic lentiscus et odorata cedrus ac tilia. Solae ex omnibus ut nocentes taxi repudiantur.

[3] But of trees, the most approved are the red and the white zizipus, and no less the amaracus; then also the almond-trees and peach-trees and pear-trees, and finally most of the fruit-bearers, that I not dwell on individuals. And of the wild kinds the acorn-bearing oaks are most serviceable; indeed also the terebinth, and to this not unlike the lentisk, and the fragrant cedar and linden. Alone of all, as harmful, the yews are rejected.

[4] Mille praeterea semina vel crudo caespite virentia vel subacta sulco flores amicissimos apibus creant, ut sint in virgineo solo frutices amelli, caules acanthini, scapus asphodeli, gladiolus narcissi. At in hortensi lira consita nitent candida lilia nec his sordidiora leucoia, tum Punicae rosae luteolaeque et Sarranae violae, nec minus caelestis luminis hyacinthus; Corycius item Siculusque bulbus croci deponitur, qui coloret inodoretque mella.

[4] A thousand seeds besides, whether green upon raw sod or worked under by the furrow, create flowers most friendly to bees, so that in virgin soil there may be shrubs of amellus, acanthus stalks, the scape of asphodel, the little sword of the narcissus. But in a garden ridge, planted out, white lilies shine, and no more dingy than these are the leucoia, then Punic roses and yellowish ones, and Syrian violets, nor less the hyacinth of celestial light; likewise the Corycian and Sicilian bulb of saffron is set down, which may color and perfume the honeys.

[5] Iam vero notae vilioris innumerabiles nascuntur herbae cultis atque pascuis regionibus, quae favorum ceras exuberant, ut vulgares lapsanae nec his pretiosior armoracia rapistrique holus et intibi silvestris ac nigri papaveris flores, tum agrestis pastinaca et eiusdem nominis edomita, quam Graeci staphylion vocant.

[5] Now indeed, herbs of a meaner sort without number spring up in cultivated and pasture regions, which make the wax of the honeycombs abound, such as the common lapsanae, nor more precious than these the armoracia and the rapistrum-vegetable, and the wild intybus and the flowers of the black poppy, then the wild pastinaca and the tamed of the same name, which the Greeks call staphylion.

[6] Verum ex cunctis quae proposui quaeque omisi temporum compendia sequens (nam inexputabilis erat numerus) saporis praecipui mella reddit thymum, eximio deinde proximum thymbra serpillumque et origanum. Tertiae notae, sed adhuc generosae, marinum ros et nostras cunela, quam dixi satureiam. Mediocris deinde gustus amaracini ac ziziphi flores, reliqua quae proposuimus cibaria.

[6] But from all those which I have proposed and which I have omitted, observing an economy of time (for the number was incomputable), thyme renders honey of preeminent savor; next in excellence, thymbra, creeping thyme, and oregano. Of the third grade, yet still well-bred, rosemary and our cunela, which I said is savory. Of middling taste then, amaracinum (marjoram) and the flowers of the jujube, and the remaining foodstuffs which we have set forth.

[7] Sed ex sordidis deterrimae notae mel habetur nemorense, quod sparto atque arbu[s]to provenit, villaticum, quod nascitur in holeribus et stercorosis herbis. Et quoniam situm pastionum atque etiam genera pabulorum exposui, nunc de ipsis receptaculis et domiciliis examinum loquar.

[7] But among the sordid kinds, honey of the worst note is held to be the nemoral, which comes from esparto and the arbustum (tree-plantation), and the villatic, which is produced among oleraceous and stercoraceous herbs. And since I have set forth the site of pasturages and also the kinds of fodders, now I will speak about the receptacles and domiciles of swarms.

V. DE SEDIBUS APIUM ELIGENDIS. Sedes apium collocanda est contra brumalem meridiem procul a tumultu et coetu hominum ac pecudum, nec calido loco nec frigido, nam utraque re infestantur. Haec autem sit ima parte vallis, et ut vacuae cum prodeunt pabulatum apes facilius editioribus advolent, et collectis utensilibus cum onere per proclivia non aegre devolent. Si villae situs ita conpetit, non est dubitandum quin aedificio iunctum apiarium maceria circumdemus, sed in ea parte quae tetris latrinae stercilinique et a balinei libera est odoribus.

5. ON CHOOSING THE SITES OF BEES. The site of the bees is to be set facing the brumal south, far from the tumult and concourse of men and cattle, neither in a hot place nor in a cold one, for by either condition they are infested. Moreover, let it be in the lowest part of a valley, so that, when they come forth to forage empty, the bees may more easily fly to the higher places, and, their supplies collected, with their burden they may not with difficulty fly down along the declivities. If the situation of the villa so suits, there should be no hesitation to surround with a boundary wall an apiary joined to the building, but in that part which is free from the foul odors of the latrine and the manure-heap and from the bath-house.

[2] Vel et si positio repugnabit, nec maxime tamen incommoda congruent, sic quoque magis expediet sub oculis domini esse apiarium. Sin autem cuncta fuerint inimica, certe vicina vallis occupetur, quo saepius descendere non sit grave possidenti. Nam res ista maximam fidem desiderat, quae quoniam rarissima est, interventu domini tutius custoditur.

[2] Or even if the position will be repugnant, and yet the incommodities will not very much be congruent, thus also it will be more expedient for the apiary to be under the master’s eyes. But if, however, all things shall be inimical, surely let a neighboring valley be occupied, so that to descend more often may not be burdensome to the possessor. For this affair requires the greatest fidelity, which, since it is very rare, is more safely guarded by the intervention of the master.

Neque ea curatorem fraudulentum tantum sed etiam segnitiae inmundae perosa est. Aeque enim dedignatur si minus pure habita est ac si tractetur fraudulenter.

Nor does this business loathe only a fraudulent curator but also unclean sloth. For it disdains equally if it has been kept less purely as if it were handled fraudulently.

[3] Sed ubicumque fuerint alvaria non editissimo claudantur muro. Qui si metu praedonum sublimior placuerit, tribus elatis ab humo pedibus exiguis in ordinem fenestellis apibus sit pervius; iungaturque tugurium, quod et custodes habitent et condatur instrumentum; sitque maxime repletum praeparatis alvis ad usum novorum examinum, nec minus herbis salutaribus, et si qua sunt alia quae languentibus adhibentur.

[3] But wherever the hives shall be, let them be enclosed by a wall not very high. If, however, on account of fear of brigands a more lofty one is preferred, let it be pervious to the bees by little windows, small and set in a row, three feet raised from the ground; and let a hut be joined, which both the watchmen may inhabit and the equipment be stored; and let it be above all filled with hives prepared for the use of new swarms, and no less with salutary herbs, and whatever other things there are that are applied to the ailing.

[4] Palmaque vestibulum aut ingens oleaster obumbret,
ut cum vere novo ducent examina reges,
vicina invitet decedere ripa calori,
obviaque hospitiis teneat frondentibus arbos.

[4] And let a palm or a huge oleaster shade the vestibule,
so that, when in the new spring the kings lead out the swarms,
the nearby bank may invite them to withdraw from the heat,
and a tree, meeting them with leafy hospitality, may hold them.

[5] Tum perennis aqua, si est facultas, inducatur vel extracta manu detur, sine qua neque favi neque mella nec pulli denique figurari queunt. Sive igitur, ut dixi, praeterfluens unda vel putealis canalibus inmissa fuerit, virgis ac lapidibus aggeretur apium causa,

[5] Then let perennial water, if there is the means, be led in, or, drawn by hand, be given, without which neither honeycombs nor honeys nor, finally, brood can be formed. Whether therefore, as I said, a stream flowing past or well-water admitted by channels is provided, let it be banked up with rods and stones for the sake of the bees,

pontibus ut crebris possint consistere et alas
pandere ad aestivum solem, si forte morantis
sparserit aut praeceps Neptuno inmerserit Eurus.

so that by frequent bridges they may be able to alight and spread
their wings to the summer sun, if perchance the Eurus, as they linger,
has sprinkled them, or headlong has plunged them into Neptune.

[6] Conseri deinde circa totum apiarium debent arbusculae incrementi parvi, maximeque propter salubritatem. Nam sunt etiam remedio languentibus cytisi, tum deinde casiae atque pini et rosmarinum, quin etiam cunelae et thymi frutices, item violarum vel quae utiliter deponi patitur qualitas terrae. Gravis et taetri odoris non solum virentia sed et quaelibet res prohibeantur, sic uti cancri nidor cum est ignibus adustus aut odor palustris coeni.

[6] Then around the whole apiary little arbuscles of small growth ought to be planted, and especially for salubrity. For there are also, as a remedy for the languishing, cytisi, then next cassias and pines and rosemary, indeed even cunilae and shrubs of thyme, likewise violets, or whatever the quality of the soil allows to be profitably set down. Things of heavy and foul odor should be kept away, not only green growths but any things whatsoever, such as the reek of crab when it is scorched by fires, or the smell of marshy mud.

Nec minus vitentur cavae rupes aut vallis argutiae, quas Graeci vocant echous.

No less should hollow crags or the resonances of a valley be avoided, which the Greeks call echoes.

VI. DE VASIS ALVEORUM PROBANDIS. Igitur ordinatis sedibus alvaria fabricanda sunt pro conditione regionis. Sive illa ferax est suberis, haud dubitanter utilissimas alvos faciemus ex corticibus, quia nec hieme frigent nec candent aestate, sive ferulis exuberat, his quoque, quoniam sunt naturae corticis similes, aeque commode vasa texuntur. Si neutrum aderit, opere vitorio salicibus connectentur, vel si nec haec suppetent, ligno cavae arboris aut in tabulas desectae fabricabuntur.

6. ON TESTING THE VESSELS OF HIVES. Therefore, once the sites have been arranged, hives are to be fabricated according to the condition of the region. If it is rich in cork-oak, we shall without doubt make the most useful hives from barks, because they neither grow cold in winter nor glow in summer; if it abounds in ferulae, from these too—since they are of a nature similar to bark—vessels are woven equally conveniently. If neither will be at hand, they will be connected by wicker-work with willows; or, if not even these are available, they will be fashioned from the wood of a hollowed tree, or from one cut into boards.

[2] Deterrima est conditio fictilium, quae et accenduntur aestatis vaporibus et gelantur hiemis frigoribus. Reliqua sunt alvorum genera duo, ut ex fimo fingantur vel lateribus exstruantur. quorum alterum iure damnavit Celsus, quoniam maxime est ignibus obnoxium, alterum probavit, quamvis incommodum eius praecipuum non dissimulaverit, quod si res postulet, transferri non possit.

[2] The very worst is the condition of earthenware ones, which are both kindled by the vapors of summer and frozen by the frigors of winter. There remain two kinds of hives, namely that they be fashioned from dung or built with bricks. Of these Celsus rightly condemned the former, since it is most liable to fires; the latter he approved, although he did not dissemble its chief inconvenience, that, if the matter should require it, it cannot be transferred.

[3] Itaque non adsentior ei, qui putat nihilo minus eius generis habendas esse alvos. Neque enim solum id repugnat rationibus domini quod inmobiles sint, cum vendere aut alios agros instruere velit (hoc enim commodum pertinet ad utilitatem solius patrisfamiliae), sed (quod ipsarum apium causa fieri debet), cum aut morbo aut sterilitate et penuria locorum vexatas conveniet in aliam regionem mitti, nec propter praedictam causam moveri poterunt. Hoc maxime vitandum est.

[3] Therefore I do not assent to the one who thinks that nonetheless hives of that kind ought to be kept. For not only does this run counter to the calculations of the master because they are immovable, when he wishes to sell or to equip other fields (for this convenience pertains to the utility of the paterfamilias alone), but also (what ought to be done for the sake of the bees themselves), when it will be fitting to send them, troubled either by disease or by sterility and penury of places, into another region, they will not be able to be moved on account of the aforesaid reason. This is especially to be avoided.

Itaque quamvis doctissimi viri auctoritatem reverebar, tamen ambitione summota quid ipse censerem non omisi. Nam quod maxime movet Celsum, ne sint stabula vel igni vel furibus obnoxia, potest vitari latericio circumstructis alvis, ut inpediatur rapina praedonis et contra flammarum violentiam proteg<a>ntur, easdemque, cum fuerint movendae, resolutis structurae conpagibus licebit transferre. Sed quoniam plerisque videtur istud operosum, qualiacumque vasa placuerint conlocari debebunt.

And so, although I revered the authority of most learned men, yet, ambition set aside, I did not omit to state what I myself judged. For what most moves Celsus—that the stalls be not exposed either to fire or to thieves—can be avoided by hives surrounded with brickwork, so that the robber’s rapine is hindered and they be protected against the violence of flames, and the same, when they must be moved, it will be permitted to transfer with the fastenings of the structure loosened. But since to most people that seems laborious, whatever vessels shall have pleased them ought to be set in place.

VII. QUEMADMODUM ALVI CONLOCANDAE SINT. Suggestus lapideus extenditur per totum apiarium in tres pedes altitudinis totidemque crassitudinis exstructus, isque diligenter opere tectorio levigatur, ita ne ascensus lacertis aut anguibus aliisve noxiis animalibus praebeatur.

7. IN WHAT WAY HIVES ARE TO BE PLACED. A stone platform is extended throughout the whole apiary, constructed to a height of three feet and of the same thickness, and it is carefully smoothed with plasterwork, in such a way that ascent is not afforded to lizards or snakes or other noxious animals.

[2] Superponuntur deinde sive, ut Celso placet, lateribus facta domicilia, sive, ut nobis, alvaria praeterquam tergo et frontibus circumstructa; seu, quod paene omnium in usu est qui modo diligenter ista curant, per ordinem vasa disposita ligantur vel laterculis vel caementis, ita ut singula binis parietibus angustis contineantur, liberaeque frontes utrimque sint. Nam et qua procedunt nonnumquam patefaciendae sint, et multo magis a tergo qua subinde curantur examina.

[2] Then, superposed are either, as it pleases Celsus, domiciles made of bricks, or, as for us, hives walled around except at the back and at the fronts; or, what is in use with almost all who only tend these things diligently, the vessels arranged in order are fastened with little bricks or with cement/rubble, so that each is contained by two narrow walls, and the fronts are free on both sides. For both at the place where they proceed out they must sometimes be laid open, and much more at the back, where the swarms are from time to time cared for.

[3] Sin autem nulli parietes alvis intervenient, sic tamen conlocandae erunt ut paulum altera ab altera distet, nec cum inspiciuntur, ea quae in curatione tractatur haerentem sibi alteram concutiat vicinasque apes conterreat, quae omnem motum inbecillis ut cereis scilicet operibus suis tamquam ruinam timent. Ordines quidem vasorum superinstructos in altitudinem tris esse abunde est, quoniam summum sic quoque parum commode curator inspicit.

[3] But if, however, no walls will intervene between the hives, yet they must be placed in such a way that the one is a little distant from the other, nor, when they are inspected, should the one which is handled in the course of curation shake the other adhering to it and frighten the neighboring bees, who, feeble as they are—namely on account of their waxen works—fear every motion as if it were a collapse. As for the rows of vessels superimposed, to be three in height is sufficient, since even so the curator inspects the topmost rather inconveniently.

[4] Ora cavearum, quae praebent apibus vestibula, proniora sint quam terga, ut ne influant imbres, et si forte tamen incesserint, non inmorentur sed per aditum effluant. Propter quos convenit alvaria porticu supermuniri, sin aliter, luto Punico frondibus inlimatis adumbrari, quod tegumen cum frigora et pluvias tum et aestus arcet. Nec tamen ita nocet huic generi caloris ut hiemis halitus.

[4] The mouths of the cavities, which furnish vestibules to the bees, should be more forward-inclined than the backs, so that rains may not flow in; and if by chance they do assail, they may not linger but flow out through the entry. For which reasons it is fitting that the hives be secured with a portico; but if otherwise, to be shaded over with Punic mud, with leaves smoothed on, since that covering wards off both cold and rains and also the heats. Nor, however, does heat so harm this kind as the breath of winter.

Itaque semper aedificium sit post apiarium, quod aquilonis excipiat iniuriam stabulisque praebeat teporem.

Therefore let the edifice always be behind the apiary, to catch the injury of the north wind and to afford warmth to the stables.

[5] Nec minus ipsa domicilia, quamvis aedificio proteguntur, obversa tamen ad hibernum orientem conponi debebunt, ut apricum habeant apes matutinum egressum et sint experrectiores; nam frigus ignaviam creat. Propter quod etiam foramina, quibus exitus aut introitus datur, angustissima esse debent, ut quam minimum frigoris admittant. Eaque satis est ita forari ne possint capere plus unius apis incrementum.

[5] No less must the domiciles themselves, although they are sheltered by a building, nevertheless be set facing the winter sunrise, so that the bees may have a sunny morning egress and be more wakeful; for cold breeds sloth. For which reason also the openings, by which exit or entrance is given, ought to be very narrow, so that they admit as little cold as possible. And it is sufficient that they be drilled thus, that they cannot take more than the bulk of a single bee.

Sic neque venenatus stelio nec obscenum scarabaei vel papilionis genus lucifugaeque blattae, ut ait Maro, per laxiora spatia ianuae favos populabuntur.

Thus neither the venomous stellion nor the obscene kind of scarab or of butterfly, and the light-shunning blatta, as Maro says, will plunder the honeycombs through the looser spaces of the doorway.

[6] Atque utilissimum est pro frequentia domicilii duos vel tres aditus in eodem operculo distantis inter se fieri contra fallaciam lacerti, qui velut custos vestibuli prodeuntibus inhians apibus adfert exitium, eaeque pauciores intereunt, cum liceat vitare pestis obsidia per aliud volantibus effugium.

[6] And it is most useful, in proportion to the frequency of the domicile, to make two or three entrances in the same cover, distant from one another, against the deceit of the lizard, which, like a guard of the vestibule, gaping at the bees as they go forth, brings destruction; and fewer of them perish, since it is permitted to avoid the pest’s sieges by another escape for those flying.

VIII. DE CONPARANDIS APIBUS QUAE EMUNTUR. Atque haec de pabulationibus domiciliisque et sedibus eligendis abunde diximus, quibus provisis sequitur ut examina desideremus. Ea porro vel aere parta vel gratuita contingunt.

8. ON PROCURING BEES WHICH ARE BOUGHT. And about the foragings and the domiciles and the sites to be chosen we have spoken abundantly; these being provided, it follows that we should desire swarms. These, moreover, come either procured by coin or gratis.

Sed quas pretio parabimus, scrupulosius praedictis comprobemus notis, et earum frequentiam prius quam mercemur apertis alvearibus consideremus.

But those which we shall procure for a price, let us confirm more scrupulously by the aforementioned marks, and let us consider their populousness, before we buy, with the hives opened.

[2] Vel si non fuerit inspiciendi facultas, certe id quod contemplari licet notabimus, an in vestibulo ianuae conplures consistant et vehemens sonus intus murmurantium exaudiatur. Atque etiam si omnes intra domicilium silentes forte conquiescent, labris foramini aditus admotis et inflato spiritu ex respondente earum subito fremitu poterimus aestimare vel multitudinem vel paucitatem.

[2] Or, if there should not be the faculty of inspecting, surely we will note that which it is permitted to contemplate, whether in the vestibule of the doorway several stand, and a vehement sound of those murmuring within is heard. And even if perchance all within the domicile, being silent, are resting, with the lips applied to the aperture of the entrance and the breath inflated, from their responding sudden roar we shall be able to estimate either multitude or paucity.

[3] Praecipue autem custodiendum est ut ex vicinia potius quam peregrinis regionibus petantur, quoniam solent caeli novitate lacessiri. Quod si non contingit ac necesse habuerimus longinquis itineribus advehere, curabimus ne salebris sollicitentur, optimeque noctibus collo portabuntur. Nam diebus requies danda est, et infundendi sunt grati apibus liquores, quibus intra clausum alantur.

[3] But it must be guarded chiefly that they be sought from the vicinity rather than from peregrine regions, since they are wont to be provoked by the novelty of the sky. But if this does not come about and we shall have had necessity to bring them in by long journeys, we shall take care that they not be disturbed by roughnesses, and best they will be borne at nights on the neck. For by days rest must be given, and grateful liquors are to be poured in for the bees, by which within the enclosure they may be nourished.

[4] Mox cum perlatae domum fuerint, si dies supervenerit, nec aperiri nec conlocari oportebit alvum nisi vesperi, ut apes placidae mane post totius noctis requiem egrediantur. Specularique debebimus fere triduo, numquid universae se profundant, quod cum faciunt, fugam meditantur. Ea remediis quibus debeat inhiberi mox praecipiemus.

[4] Soon, when they shall have been carried home, if day has supervened, it will not be proper for the hive to be either opened or set in place except in the evening, so that the bees, calm, may go out in the morning after the rest of the whole night. And we ought to observe for almost three days whether perchance they all pour themselves out, which, when they do, they are meditating flight. By what remedies this ought to be inhibited we shall presently prescribe.

[5] At quae dono vel aucupio contingunt, minus scrupulose probantur, quamquam ne sic quidem velim nisi optimas possidere, cum et inpensam et eandem operam custodis postulent bonae atque inprobae quoque. Maxime refert ut non sint degeneres intermiscendae, quae infament generosas. Nam minor fructus mellis respondet, cum segniora interveniunt examina.

[5] But those which fall to one by gift or by capture are vetted less scrupulously, although not even so would I wish to possess any but the best, since both the good and the bad alike demand expense and the same labor of the custodian. It matters most that degenerate ones not be intermixed, which disgrace the generous breed. For a lesser yield of honey results when more sluggish swarms intervene.

[6] Verumtamen quoniam interdum propter conditionem locorum vel mediocre pecus (nam malum nullo quidem modo) parandum est, curam vestigandis examinibus hac ratione adhibebimus.

[6] Nevertheless, since sometimes, owing to the condition of the localities, even a mediocre stock must be procured (for a bad one in no way at all), we shall apply care for investigating swarms by this method.

QUEMADMODUM SILVESTRIA EXAMINA CAPIANTUR.

HOW WILD SWARMS MAY BE CAPTURED.

[7] Vbicumque saltus sunt idonei, mellifici, nihil antiquius apes quam quibus utantur vicinos eligunt fontes. Eos itaque convenit plerumque ab hora secunda obsidere, specularique quae turba sit aquantium. Nam si paucae admodum circumvolant (nisi tamen conplura capita rivorum diductas faciunt rariores) intellegenda est earum penuria, propter quam locum quoque non esse mellificum suspicabimur.

[7] Wherever the woodland pastures are suitable, melliferous, the bees consider nothing of higher priority than to choose neighboring springs to use. Therefore it is fitting for the most part, from the second hour, to station oneself at them and to observe what crowd there is of those drawing water. For if very few are flying around (unless, however, the several heads of the streams, by having them drawn apart, make them rarer), a penury of them is to be understood, on account of which we shall suspect that the place too is not melliferous.

[8] At si commeant frequentes, spem quoque aucupandi examina maiorem faciunt, eaque sic inveniuntur: primum quam longe sint explorandum est, praeparandque in hanc rem liquida rubrica, qua cum festucis inlitis contigeris apium terga fontem libantium, commoratus eodem loco facilius redeuntis agnoscere poteris. Ac si non tarde id facient, scies eas in vicino consistere, sin autem serius, pro mora temporis aestimabis distantiam loci.

[8] But if they come and go in crowds, they also make greater the hope of capturing swarms, and they are found thus: first it must be explored how far off they are, and for this purpose liquid rubric must be prepared, with which, when with little straws smeared you touch the backs of the bees as they sip from the spring, by lingering in the same place you will be able more easily to recognize them returning. And if they do this not slowly, you will know they are settled in the vicinity; but if more belatedly, in proportion to the delay of the time you will estimate the distance of the place.

[9] Sed cum animadverteris celeriter redeuntis, non aegre persequens iter volantium ad sedem perduceris examinis. In his autem quae longius meare videbuntur, sollertior adhibebitur cura, quae talis est: harundinis internodium cum suis articulis exciditur, et terebratur ab latere talea, per quod foramen exiguo melle vel defruto instillato ponitur iuxta fontem. Deinde cum ad odorem dulcis liquaminis conplures apes inrepserunt, tollitur talea et inposito foramini pollice non emittitur nisi una, quae cum evasit, fugam suam demonstrat observanti, atque is, dum sufficit, persequitur evolantem.

[9] But when you observe them returning quickly, by not-difficultly following the route of the fliers you will be conducted to the seat of the swarm. But in the case of those which seem to go farther, a more skillful care is applied, which is as follows: an internode of a reed with its joints is cut out, and the cutting is bored from the side; through that foramen, after a small amount of honey or defrutum has been instilled, it is placed adjacent to the spring. Then, when several bees have crept in at the odor of the sweet liquor, the cutting is lifted, and, a thumb having been set over the foramen, none is let out except one; which, when it has escaped, shows its own flight to the observer, and he, so long as he is able, pursues the one flying off.

[10] Cum deinde conspicere desit apem, tum alteram emittit, et si eandem petit caeli partem, vestigiis prioribus inhaeret. Si minus, aliam quoque atque aliam foramine adaperto patitur egredi, regionemque notat in quam plures revolent, et eas persequitur, donec ad latebram perducatur examinis. Quod sive est abditum specu, fumo elicietur, et cum erupit aeris strepitu coercetur.

[10] Then, when he ceases to catch sight of the bee, he releases another; and if it seeks the same quarter of the sky, he adheres to the former tracks. If not, with the aperture opened he also allows another and another to go out, and he marks the region into which more fly back, and he pursues them until he is conducted to the hiding-place of the swarm. If it is concealed in a cavern, it will be elicited by smoke, and when it has burst out, it is restrained by the din of bronze.

Nam statim sono territum vel in frutice vel in editiore silvae fronde considit, et a vestigatore praeparato vaso reconditur.

For at once, terrified by the sound, it settles either in a shrub or in the higher foliage of the forest, and by the tracker it is stowed away in a prepared vessel.

[11] Sin autem sedem habet arboris cavae, et aut exstat ramus quem obtinent, aut ipsius trunci, si in eo sunt, mediocritas patitur, acutissima serra, quo celerius id fiat, praeciditur primum superior pars, quae ab apibus vacat, deinde inferior, quatenus videtur habitari. Tum recisus utraque parte mundo vestimento contegitur, quoniam hoc quoque plurimum refert, ac si quibus rimis hiat inlitis ad locum perfertur, relictisque parvis, ut iam dixi, foraminibus more ceterarum alvorum conlocatur.

[11] But if it has its seat in a hollow tree, and either there projects a branch which they occupy, or the very trunk itself, if they are in it, allows a moderate operation, with a most sharp saw, so that it may be done more swiftly, the upper part is first cut off, which is vacant of bees, then the lower, insofar as it seems to be inhabited. Then the piece cut off on both sides is covered with a clean garment, since this too imports very much, and if it gapes with any cracks, having been smeared over, it is carried to the place, and small openings being left, as I have already said, it is set in place in the manner of the other hives.

[12] Sed indagatorem conveniet matutina tempora vestigandi eligere, ut spatium diei habeat quo exploret commeatus apium. Saepe enim, si serius coepit eas denotare, etiam cum in propinquo sunt iustis operum peractis se recipiunt nec remeant ad aquam, quo evenit ut vestigator ignoret quam longe a fonte distet examen.

[12] But it will be suitable for the investigator to choose morning times for tracking, so that he may have the span of the day in which to explore the comings-and-goings of the bees. For often, if he has begun to mark them later, even when they are nearby, once their due labors have been completed they retire and do not return to the water, whence it comes about that the tracker does not know how far the swarm is distant from the spring.

[13] Sunt qui per initia veris apiastrum atque, ut ille vates ait, trita melisphylla et cerinthae ignobile gramen aliasque colligant similes herbas, quibus id genus animalium delectatur, et ita alvos perfricent ut odor ac sucus vasis inhaereat. quae deinde emundata exiguo melle respergant, et per nemora non longe a fontibus disponant, eaque cum repleta sunt examinibus, domum referant.

[13] There are those who, at the beginnings of spring, gather apiastrum and, as that vates says, bruised melisphylla and the ignoble grass of cerinthe, and other similar herbs, with which that kind of animal is delighted, and thus rub the hives all over so that the odor and juice may adhere to the vessels. Then, after these have been cleaned, they sprinkle them with a small amount of honey, and set them out through the groves not far from springs; and when these are filled with swarms, they carry them home.

[14] Sed hoc nisi locis quibus abundant apes facere non expedit. Nam saepe vel inania vasa nancti qui forte praetereunt secum auferunt, neque est tanti vacua perdere complura, ut uno vel altero potiare pleno. At in maiore copia, etiam si multa intercipiuntur, plus est quod in repertis apibus adquiritur.

[14] But it is not expedient to do this except in places where bees abound. For often, having come upon empty vessels, those who by chance pass by carry them off with themselves; nor is it worth so much to lose many empty ones, that you may get possession of one or another full one. But in greater abundance, even if many are intercepted, there is more that is acquired in the bees that are found.

Atque haec ratio est capiendi silvestria examina. Deinceps talis altera est vernacula retinendi.

And this is the method of taking wild swarms. Next in order there is another such method for retaining the home‑bred swarms.

IX. QUEMADMODUM VERNACULA NOVA EXAMINA OBSERVENTUR ET IN ALVOS CONDANTUR. Semper quidem custos sedule circumire debet alvaria; neque enim ullum tempus est quo non curam desiderent. Sed eam postulant diligentiorem cum vernant et exundant novis fetibus, qui nisi curatoris obsidio protinus excepti sunt diffugiunt. quippe talis est apium natura ut pariter quaeque plebs generetur cum regibus; qui ubi evolandi vires adepti sunt, consortia dedignantur vetustiorum, multoque magis imperia, quippe cum rationabili gener<i> mortalium, tum magis egentibus consilii mutis animalibus nulla sit regni societas.

9. HOW NATIVE NEW SWARMS ARE TO BE OBSERVED AND SET INTO HIVES. The keeper ought always to go around the hives sedulously; for there is no time in which they do not require care. But they demand more diligent care when they are in springtide and overflow with new offspring, which, unless they are straightway caught by the keeper’s close attendance, scatter. For such is the nature of bees that each commonalty is begotten together with kings; and when these have gained the strength for flying out, they disdain the companionships of their elders, and much more their dominions, since there is no partnership of kingship either among the rational race of mortals, and much less among dumb animals lacking counsel.

[2] Itaque novi duces procedunt cum sua iuventute, quae uno aut altero die in ipso domicilii vestibulo glomerata consistens, egressu suo propriae desiderium sedis ostendit, eaque tamquam patria contenta est, si procurator protinus adsignetur. Sin autem defuit custos, velut iniuria repulsa peregrinam regionem petit.

[2] And so new leaders proceed with their own youth, which, clustered for one or two days and standing in the very vestibule of the domicile, by its egress shows a desire for its own seat; and it is content with this as with a homeland, if a procurator is assigned forthwith. But if the custodian was lacking, as though repelled by an injury, it seeks a foreign region.

[3] Quod ne fiat, boni curatoris est vernis temporibus observare alvos in octavam fere diei, post quam horam non temere se nova proripiunt agmina, eorumque egressus diligenter custodiat. Nam quaedam solent, cum subito evaserunt, sine cunctatione se proripere.

[3] Lest this happen, it is the part of a good curator in springtime to keep watch over the hives until about the eighth hour of the day, after which hour new ranks (swarms) do not rashly rush out, and to guard diligently their egress; for certain ones, when they have suddenly gotten free, are wont to rush out without delay.

[4] Poterit exploratam fugam praesciscere vespertinis temporibus aurem singulis alveis admovendo. Siquidem fere ante triduum quam eruptionem facturae sunt, velut militaria signa moventium tumultus ac murmur exoritur, ex quo, ut verissime dicit Vergilius,

[4] He will be able to foreknow the planned flight by, in the vespertine hours, applying his ear to each hive. For generally about three days before they are going to make an eruption, a tumult and murmur arises, as of those moving military standards; from which, as Vergil most truly says,

corda licet vulgi praesciscere, namque morantis
Martius ille aeris rauci canor invocat, et vox
auditur fractos sonitus imitata tubarum.

it is permitted to foreknow the hearts of the crowd, for that martial
song of hoarse bronze summons the lingering, and a voice
is heard, imitating the broken sounds of trumpets.

[5] Itaque maxime observari debent quae istud faciunt, ut sive ad pugnam eruperint (nam inter se tamquam civilibus bellis et cum alteris quasi cum exteris gentibus proeliantur), sive fugae causa se proripuerint, praesto sit ad utrumque casum paratus custos.

[5] Therefore those things which bring this about ought to be most carefully observed, so that whether they have burst out to battle (for among themselves they fight as though in civil wars, and with others as if with foreign nations), or have rushed forth for the sake of flight, a guard prepared may be at hand for either contingency.

[6] Pugna quidem vel unius inter se dissidentis vel duorum examinum discordantium facile conpescitur; nam, ut idem ait,

[6] A fight, indeed, whether of a single swarm dissenting among itself or of two swarms discordant, is easily quelled; for, as the same man says,

pulveris exigui iactu conpressa quiescit,

compressed by the cast of a small amount of dust, it grows quiet,

aut aqua mulsea passove et alio quo liquore simplici respersa, videlicet familiari dulcedine saevientium iras mitigante. Nam eadem mire etiam dissidentis reges conciliant. Sunt enim saepe plures unius populi duces, et quasi procerum seditione plebs in partis diducitur, quod frequenter fieri prohibendum est, quoniam intestino bello totae gentes consumuntur.

or sprinkled with honeyed water or raisin-wine, or with some other simple liquor, namely a familiar sweetness mitigating the wraths of the raging. For the same things wondrously also conciliate kings at odds. For often there are several leaders of one people, and as if by a sedition of the nobles the plebs is drawn apart into parties, which must frequently be prevented from occurring, since by intestine war whole peoples are consumed.

[7] Itaque si constat principibus gratia, maneat pax incruenta. Sin autem saepius acie dimicantis notaveris, duces seditionum interficere curabis; dimicantium vero proelia praedictis remediis sedantur. Ac deinde cum agmen glomeratum in proximo frondentis arbusculae ramo consederit, animadvertito an totum examen in speciem unius uvae dependeat.

[7] Therefore, if favor stands firm with the princes, let a bloodless peace remain. But if, however, you have noted them more often fighting in battle line, you will take care to kill the leaders of the seditions; while the battles of the combatants are soothed by the aforesaid remedies. And then, when the agglomerated column has settled upon the branch of a nearby leafy little tree, observe whether the whole swarm hangs in the semblance of a single grape.

Idque signum erit aut unum regem inesse aut certe plures bona fide reconciliatos, paterisque dum in suum revolet domicilium.

And this will be a sign either that one king is present, or at any rate that several have been reconciled in good faith; and you will allow it to fly back to its own domicile.

[8] Sin autem duobus aut etiam conpluribus velut uberibus ductum fuerit examen, ne dubitaveris et pluris proceres et adhuc iratos esse, atque in his partibus quibus maxime videris apes glomerari requirere duces debebis. Itaque suco praedictarum herbarum, id est melisphylli vel apiastri, manu inlita, ne ad tactum diffugiant, leviter inseres digitos, et diductas apes scrutaberis, donec auctorem pugnae reperias.

[8] But if the swarm has been drawn out, as it were, into two or even several udders, do not doubt that there are more chiefs and that they are still irate, and in those parts where you see the bees most glomerating you ought to seek out the leaders. Therefore, with your hand smeared with the juice of the aforesaid herbs, that is, of melisphyllum or of apiastrum, lest they scatter at the touch, you will lightly insert your fingers, and, the bees drawn apart, you will scrutinize until you find the author of the fight.

X. Sunt autem hi reges maiores paulo et oblongi magis quam ceterae apes, rectioribus cruribus, sed minus amplis pinnis, pulchri coloris et nitidi, levesque ac sine pilo, sine spiculo, nisi quis forte pleniorem quasi capillum quem in ventre gerunt aculeum putat, quo et ipso tamen ad nocendum non utuntur. Quidam etiam infusci atque hirsuti reperiuntur, quorum pro habitu damnabis ingenium.

10. However, these kings are a little larger and more oblong than the other bees, with straighter legs, but with less ample wings, of handsome and shining color, smooth and without hair, without a little dart, unless perhaps someone takes the somewhat fuller, as it were, “hair” which they bear in the belly for a sting; yet even with that they do not use it to do harm. Some, too, are found dusky and hirsute, whose nature, from their habit, you will condemn.

[2] Nam duo sunt regum facies, duo corpora plebis.
Alter erit maculis auro squalentibus ardens
et rutilis clarus squamis insignis et ore.

[2] For there are two faces of kings, two bodies of the plebs.
One will be ardent, blazing with spots bristling with gold,
and bright with rutilant scales, distinguished even in visage.

Atque hinc maxime probatur qui est melior, nam deterior, sordido sputo similis, tam foedus est

And from this the one who is better is most approved, for the inferior, like sordid spittle, is so foul

quam pulvere ab alto
cum venit et sicco terram spuit ore viator,
et, ut idem ait,
desidia latamque trahens inglorius alvum.
Omnes igitur duces notae deterioris
dede neci, melior vacua sine regnet in aula.

than when, from deep dust,
when a traveler comes and, with a dry mouth, spits earth,
and, as the same man says,
inglorious, dragging a belly broad with sloth.
Therefore give over to death all leaders of the worse mark;
let the better, now, reign in an empty hall.

[3] Qui tamen et ipse spoliandus est alis, ubi saepius cum examine suo conatur eruptione facta profugere. Nam velut quadam compede retinebimus erronem ducem detractis alis, qui fugae destitutus praesidio finem regni non audet excedere, propter quod ne ditionis quidem suae populo permittit longius evagari.

[3] Yet he himself too must be despoiled of his wings, whenever, more than once, with his swarm he tries, an eruption having been made, to flee away. For we shall hold the errant leader as if by a certain fetter, with his wings stripped off, who, deprived of the safeguard of flight, does not dare to exceed the boundary of the kingdom; on account of which he does not permit even the people of his own dominion to wander farther afield.

XI. Sed nonnumquam idem necandus est, cum vetus alveare numero apium destituitur, atque infrequentia eius ali<o> quo examine replenda est. Itaque cum primo vere in eo vase nata est pullities, novus rex eligitur, ut multitudo sine discordia cum parentibus suis conversetur. Quod si nullam progeniem tulerint favi, duas vel tres alvorum plebes in unam contribuere licebit, sed prius respersas dulci liquore, tum demum includere, et posito cibo, dum conversari consuescant, exiguis spiramentis relictis, triduo fere clausas habere.

11. But sometimes this same one must be put to death, when the old alveary is deprived of the number of bees, and its infrequency needs to be replenished by some other swarm. And so, when in early spring brood has been born in that vessel, a new king is chosen, so that the multitude may consort without discord with their parents. But if the combs shall have borne no progeny, it will be permitted to contribute two or three peoples of hives into one, but first after they have been sprinkled with sweet liquid, then at last to shut them in, and, food having been set down, while they become accustomed to consort, with tiny breathing-holes left, to keep them closed for almost three days.

QUEMADMODUM FREQUENTANDAE SINT ALVI QUAE EXIGUA HABENT EXAMINA.

HOW THE HIVES WHICH HAVE EXIGUOUS SWARMS ARE TO BE REPLENISHED.

[2] Sunt qui seniorem potius regem summovent, quod est contrarium, quippe turba vetustior velut quidam senatus minoribus parere non cense[n]t, atque imperia validiorum contumaciter spernendo poenis ac mortibus afficitur.

[2] There are those who rather remove the senior king, which is contrary, since the more aged crowd, like a certain senate, do not deem that they should obey the minors, and by stubbornly spurning the commands of the stronger they are afflicted with punishments and deaths.

[3] Illi quidem incommodo, quod iuveniori examini solet accidere, cum antiquarum apium relictus a nobis rex senectute defecit, et tamquam domino mortuo familia nimia licentia discordat, facile occurritur. Nam ex iis alvis quae plures habent principes dux unus eligitur, isque translatus ad eas quae sine imperio sunt rector constituitur. Potest autem minore molestia in his domiciliis quae aliqua peste vexata sunt paucitas apium emendari.

[3] To that inconvenience, which is wont to befall the younger swarm, when the king of the older bees left by us has failed through old age, and, as if the master were dead, the household, by excessive license, falls into discord, an easy remedy is applied. For from those hives which have more princes, one leader is chosen, and he, transferred to those which are without command, is established as ruler. Moreover, with lesser trouble, in those dwellings which are harassed by some plague, the scarcity of bees can be corrected.

[4] Nam ubi cognita est clades, frequentis alvi si quos habet favos oportet considerare, tum deinde cerae eius quae semina pullorum continet partem recidere, in qua regii generis proles animatur. Est autem facilis conspectu, quoniam fere in ipso fine cerarum velut papilla uberis apparet eminentior et laxioris fistulae quam sunt reliqua foramina, quibus popularis notae pulli detinentur.

[4] For when the disaster has been recognized, in a populous hive one ought to consider whatever combs it has, then thereafter cut off a part of that wax which contains the seeds of the brood, in which the progeny of royal kind is animated. It is, moreover, easy to see, since almost at the very end of the combs it appears like the nipple of an udder, more prominent and of a laxer tube than are the remaining foramina, in which the brood of the common mark are held.

[5] Celsus quidem adfirmat in extremis favis transversas fistulas esse, quae contineant regios pullos. Hyginus quoque auctoritatem Graecorum sequens negat ex vermiculo, ut ceteras apes, fieri ducem, sed in circuitu favorum paulo maiora quam sunt plebei seminis inveniri recta foramina, repleta quasi sorde rubri coloris, ex qua protinus alatus rex figuretur.

[5] Celsus indeed affirms that in the farthest combs there are transverse tubes which contain royal brood. Hyginus also, following the authority of the Greeks, denies that, from a vermicle, as with the other bees, a leader is made, but says that around the circuit of the combs there are found straight openings a little larger than the plebeian seed, filled as if with a dregs of red color, from which forthwith a winged king is fashioned.

XII. Est et illa vernaculi examinis cura, si forte praedicto tempore facta eruptione patriam fastidiens sedem longiorem fugam denuntiavit. id autem significat, cum sic apis evadit vestibulum ut nulla intro revolet sed se confestim levet sublimius.

12. There is also that care of the homeborn swarm, if perchance at the aforesaid time, after an eruption has been made, despising its fatherland seat, it has announced a longer flight. But this is signified when a bee thus passes out the vestibule that none flies back inside, but straightway lifts itself higher aloft.

[2] Crepitaculis aeris aut testarum plerumque vulgo iacentium terreatur fugiens iuventus, eaque vel pavida cum repetierit alvum maternam et in eius aditu glomerata pependerit, vel statim se ad proximam frondem contulerit, protinus custos novum loculamentum in hoc praeparatum perlinat intrinsecus praedictis herbis, deinde guttis mellis respersum admoveat, tum manibus aut etiam trulla congregatas apes recondat.

[2] Let the fleeing youth be terrified with rattles of bronze or of potsherds for the most part commonly lying about; and when it, either panic-stricken, has returned to the maternal hive and, massed together, has hung at its entrance, or has straightway betaken itself to the nearest foliage, forthwith let the keeper plaster within the new little receptacle prepared for this with the aforesaid herbs, then, after it has been besprinkled with drops of honey, let him bring it up close, and then with his hands or even with a trowel let him stow away the bees that have been gathered.

[3] Atque uti debet adhibita cetera cura, diligenter conpositum et inlitum vas interim patiatur in eodem loco esse, dum advesperascat. Primo deinde crepusculo transferat et reponat in ordinem reliquarum alvorum.

[3] And as the remaining care ought to be applied, let him meanwhile allow the vessel, diligently set in order and smeared, to remain in the same place until it draws toward evening. Then at the first twilight let him transfer it and replace it in the order of the remaining hives.

[4] Oportet autem etiam vacua domicilia conlocata in apiariis habere. Nam sunt nonnulla examina quae cum processerunt statim sedem sibi quaerant in proximo, eamque occupent quam vacantem reppererunt. Haec fere adquirendarum atque etiam retinendarum apium traditur cura.

[4] It is proper, moreover, also to have empty domiciles collocated in the apiaries. For there are some swarms which, when they have proceeded forth, immediately seek a seat for themselves in the vicinity, and they occupy that which they have found vacant. This, generally, is the care handed down for the acquiring and also the retaining of bees.

XIII. REMEDIA MORBO LABORANTIUM. Sequitur ut morbo vel pestilentia laborantibus remedia desiderentur. Pestilentiae rara in apibus pernicies, nec tamen aliud quam quod in cetero pecore praecipimus quid fieri possit reperio, nisi ut longius alvi transferantur.

13. REMEDIES FOR THOSE LABORING WITH DISEASE. It follows that remedies be sought for those laboring with disease or pestilence. The destruction from pestilence is rare among bees, nor, however, do I discover that anything can be done other than what we prescribe for other livestock, except that the hives be transferred farther away.

Morborum autem facilius et causae dispiciuntur et inveniuntur medicinae.

However, as for diseases, both the causes are more easily discerned, and the medicines are found.

[2] Maximus[que vel minimus] annuus earum labor est initio veris, quo tithymalli floret frutex, et quo amara ulmi semina sua promunt. Nam quasi novis pomis ita his primitivis floribus inlectae avide vescuntur post hibernam famem, alioqui citra satietatem tali nocente cibo. Cum se adfatim repleverunt, profluvio alvi, nisi celeriter succurritur, intereunt.

[2] The greatest [and even the least] yearly toil of them is at the beginning of spring, when the shrub of tithymallus (spurge) flowers, and when the bitter seeds of the elm bring forth their own. For as with new fruits, so, enticed by these first‑fruits flowers, they greedily feed after the winter hunger, yet, with such noxious food, they fall short of satiety. When they have filled themselves enough, by a flux of the belly (diarrhea), unless swift help is brought, they perish.

Nam tithymallus maiorum quoque animalium ventrem solvit et proprie ulmus apium. Eaque causa est cur in regionibus Italiae quae sunt eius generis arboribus consitae raro frequentes durent apes.

For spurge loosens the belly even of larger animals, and particularly the elm does so for bees. And this is the reason why, in the regions of Italy that are planted with trees of that kind, bees rarely remain numerous.

[3] Itaque veris principio si medicatos cibos praebeas, isdem remediis et provideri potest ne tali peste vexentur, et cum iam laborant sanari. Nam illud quod Hyginus antiquos secutus auctores prodidit, ipse non expertus adseverare non audeo, volentibus tamen licebit experiri.

[3] And so, at the beginning of spring, if you provide medicated foods, by these same remedies both provision can be made that they not be vexed by such a plague, and, when they are already ailing, that they be healed. For that which Hyginus, following ancient authors, has handed down, I, not having made trial myself, do not dare to asseverate; yet it will be permitted to those who wish to make trial.

[4] Siquidem praecepit apium corpora, quae cum eiusmodi pestis incessit, sub favis acervatim enectae reperiuntur, sicco loco per hiemem reposita circa aequinoctium vernum, cum clementia diei suaserit, post horam tertiam in solem proferre, ficulneoque cinere obruere. Quo facto adfirmat intra duas horas, cum vivido halitu caloris animatae sunt, resumpto spiritu, si praeparatum vas obiciatur, inrepere.

[4] For indeed he prescribed that the bodies of the bees—which, when a pestilence of such sort has set upon them, are found slain in heaps beneath the combs—having been laid up in a dry place through the winter, be brought out into the sun about the vernal equinox, when the clemency of the day shall have advised, after the third hour, and be covered with fig-tree ash. This done, he affirms that within two hours, when they have been animated by the living breath of heat and have resumed their spirit, if a prepared vessel be set before them, they creep in.

[5] Nos magis ne intereant, quae deinceps dicturi sumus aegris examinibus adhibenda censemus. Nam vel grana mali Punici tunsa et vino Amineo consparsa vel uvae passae cum rore Srio pari mensura pinsitae et austero vino insucatae dari debent, vel si per se ista frustrata sunt, omnia eadem aequis ponderibus in unum levigata et fictili vaso cum Amineo vino infervefacta, mox etiam refrigerata, ligneis canalibus adponi.

[5] We, rather, that they not perish, judge that what we shall presently say ought to be applied to the ailing swarms. For either seeds of the Punic apple (pomegranate), pounded and sprinkled with Aminean wine, or raisins bruised with Syriac dew in equal measure and soaked in austere wine, ought to be given; or, if these by themselves have proved vain, all the same ingredients, in equal weights levigated together and in a fictile vessel boiled up with Aminean wine, then also cooled, are to be set out in wooden channels.

[6] Nonnulli rorem marinum aqua mulsea decoctum, cum gelaverit, imbricibus infusum praebent libandum. Quidam bubulam vel hominis urinam, sicut Hyginus adfirmat, alvis adponunt.

[6] Some present rosemary, decocted in mulse (honeyed) water, when it has gelled, poured into the imbrices (roof-tiles), to be sipped. Certain people, as Hyginus affirms, set bovine or human urine at the hives.

[7] Nec non etiam ille morbus maxime est conspicuus, qui horridas contractasque carpit, cum frequenter aliae mortuarum corpora domiciliis efferunt, aliae intra tecta, ut publico luctu, maesto silentio torpent. Id cum accidit, harundineis infusi canalibus offeruntur cibi, maxime decocti mellis et cum galla vel arida rosa detriti. Galbanum etiam, ut eius odore medicentur, incendi convenit, passoque et defruto vetere fessas sustinere.

[7] And likewise that disease is most conspicuous which seizes them horrid and contracted, when frequently some carry out the bodies of the dead from their domiciles, others within the roofs, as in public mourning, grow torpid in mournful silence. When this happens, foods are offered, poured in through reed channels, chiefly boiled (decocted) honey and mash rubbed with gallnut or dried rose. It is also fitting to burn galbanum, that they may be medicated by its odor, and to sustain the weary with raisin-wine (passum) and old defrutum.

[8] Optime tamen facit amelli radix, cuius est frutex luteus, purpureus flos. Ea cum vetere Amineo vino decocta exprimitur, et ita liquatus eius sucus datur. Hyginus quidem in eo libro quem de apibus scripsit, Aristomachus, inquit, hoc modo succurrendum laborantibus existimat, primum ut omnes vitiosi favi tollantur, et cibus ex integro recens ponatur, deinde ut fumigentur.

[8] Nevertheless the root of amellus works best, whose shrub is yellow, the flower purple. This, when boiled with old Aminean wine, is pressed out, and thus, strained, its juice is given. Hyginus indeed, in that book which he wrote about bees, says that Aristomachus thinks aid must be given to the ones ailing in this way: first, that all the faulty combs be removed, and fresh food be set anew from the beginning; then, that they be fumigated.

[9] Prodesse etiam putat apibus vetustate corruptis examen novum contribuere; quamvis periculosum sit ne seditione consumantur, verumtamen adiecta multitudine laetatur. Sed ut concordes maneant, earum apium quae ex alio domicilio transferuntur quasi peregrinae plebis summoveri reges debent. Nec tamen dubium quin frequentissimorum examinum favi, qui iam maturos habent pullos, transferri et subici paucioribus debeant, ut tamquam novae prolis adoptione domicilia confirmentur.

[9] He also thinks it benefits bees corrupted by age to contribute a new swarm; although it is dangerous lest they be consumed by sedition, nevertheless, with the multitude added, they rejoice. But so that they may remain concordant, the kings of those bees which are transferred from another domicile, as of a peregrine populace, ought to be removed. Nor, however, is there any doubt that the combs of the most crowded swarms, which already have mature offspring, ought to be transferred and placed under the fewer, so that, as by the adoption of new progeny, the domiciles may be strengthened.

[10] Sed id cum fiet, animadvertendum est ut eos favos subiciamus quorum pulli iam sedes suas adaperiunt, et velut opercula foraminum obductas ceras erodunt exserentes capita. Nam si favos immaturo foetu transtulerimus, emorientur pulli cum foveri desierint.

[10] But when that shall be done, it must be observed that we should subjoin those combs whose brood already open their seats, and, as if the opercula of the little holes, they erode the wax overdrawn upon them, thrusting out their heads. For if we transfer combs with an immature fetus, the brood will die off when they have ceased to be warmed.

[11] Saepe etiam vitio quod phagedainan Graeci vocant intereunt; siquidem cum sit haec apium consuetudo ut prius tantum cerarum confingant quantum putent explere posse, nonnumquam evenit, consummatis operibus cereis, ut dum examen conquirendi mellis causa longius evagatur, subitis imbribus aut turbinibus in silvis opprimatur, et maiorem partem plebis amittat. Quod ubi factum est, reliqua paucitas favis conplendis non sufficit, tumque vacuae cerarum partes conputrescunt, et vitiis paulatim serpentibus corrupto melle ipsae quoque apes intereunt.

[11] Often too they perish by the malady which the Greeks call phagedaina; since this is the custom of bees, that they first fashion only so much of wax as they think they can fill, it sometimes happens, with the ceraceous works completed, that while the swarm, for the sake of seeking honey, wanders farther afield, it is overwhelmed in the forests by sudden showers or whirlwinds, and loses the greater part of the commonalty. When this has happened, the remaining few are not sufficient for completing the combs, and then the empty parts of the wax putrefy, and with the vices little by little creeping in, the honey being corrupted, the bees themselves also perish.

[12] Id ne fiat, vel duo populi coniungi debent, qui possint adhuc integras ceras explere, vel si non est facultas alterius examinis, ipsos favos, antequam putrescant, vacuis partibus acutissimo ferro liberare. Nam hoc quoque refert ne admotum hebes ferramentum, quia non facile penetret, vehementius inpressum favos sedibus suis commoveat, quod si factum est apes domicilium derelinquunt.

[12] Lest that happen, either two peoples must be joined, who can still fill the intact wax, or, if there is not the faculty of another swarm, the combs themselves, before they putrefy, must be freed of their empty parts with a very sharp iron. For this also matters: let not a dull implement, because it does not easily penetrate, when pressed more vehemently, dislodge the combs from their seats; and if this has happened, the bees abandon the domicile.

[13] Est et illa causa interitus quod interdum continuis annis plurimi flores proveniunt, et apes magis mellificis quam fetibus student. Itaque nonnulli, quibus minor est harum rerum scientia, magis fructibus delectantur, ignorantes exitium apibus imminere, quae et nimio fatigatae opere plurimae pereunt, nec ullis iuventutis supplementis confrequentatae novissime reliquae intereunt.

[13] There is also this cause of destruction: that sometimes through continuous years very many flowers appear, and the bees devote themselves more to honey-making than to broods. And thus some, whose knowledge of these matters is lesser, are more delighted by the fruits, not knowing that destruction is impending for the bees, who, worn out by excessive work, very many of them perish; and, since they have not been replenished by any reinforcements of youth, at the last the remainder too die out.

[14] Itaque si tale ver incessit, ut et prata etiam parva floribus abundent, utilissimum est tertio quoque die exiguis foraminibus relictis, per quae possint ereper, alvorum exitus praecludi, ut ab opere mellificii avocatae apes, quoniam non sperent se posse ceras omnis liquoribus stipare, fetibus expleant.

[14] And so, if such a spring has set in that even small meadows abound with flowers, it is most useful, every third day, with tiny openings left through which they could not creep out, to shut off the exits of the hives, so that the bees, diverted from the work of mellification (honey-making), since they do not hope that they can pack all the wax-combs with liquids, may fill them with brood.

XIV. QUID QUOQUE TEMPORE FACIANT APES, ET PER ANNI TEMPORA QUID CURATOR FACERE DEBEAT. atque haec fere sunt examinum vitio laborantium remedia. deinceps illa totius anni cura, ut idem hyginus commodissime prodidit.

14. WHAT THE BEES DO AT EACH TIME, AND THROUGH THE SEASONS OF THE YEAR WHAT THE KEEPER OUGHT TO DO. and these are in general the remedies for swarms laboring under a defect. Next, that care for the whole year, as the same Hyginus has most commodiously set forth.

ab aequinoctio primo, quod mense martio circa viii kalendas aprilis in octava parte arietis conficitur, ad ortum vergiliarum dies verni temporis habentur duodequinquaginta. per hos primum ait apes curandas esse adapertis alveis, ut omnia purgamenta quae sunt hiberno tempore congesta eximantur, et araneis, qui favos conrumpunt, detractis fumus immittatur factus incenso bubulo fimo. hic enim quasi quadam cognatione generis maxime est apibus aptus.

From the first equinox, which in the month of March around the 8th day before the Kalends of April is completed in the eighth part of Aries, to the rising of the Vergiliae (Pleiades), the days of the spring season are reckoned as 58. During these, he says first that the bees must be cared for with the hives opened, so that all the refuse which has been heaped up in the winter time be taken out, and, the spiders—who corrupt the honeycombs—being removed, smoke be introduced, made by burning bovine dung; for this, as it were by a certain kinship of kind, is most apt to bees.

[2] vermiculi quoque, qui tiniae vocantur, item papiliones enecandi sunt. quae pestes plerumque favis adhaerentes decidunt, si fimo medullam bubulam misceas, et his incensis nidorem admoveas. hac cura per id tempus quod diximus examina firmabuntur, eaque fortius operibus inservient.

[2] the vermicules too, which are called tiniae, likewise the butterflies, must be killed. These pests, generally adhering to the honeycombs, fall off if you mix dung with ox‑marrow, and, these being ignited, you apply the reek to them. By this care, during the time we mentioned, the swarms will be strengthened, and they will serve their works more stoutly.

[3] verum maxime custodiendum est curatori qui apes nutrit, cum alvos tractare debebit, uti[que] pridie castus ab rebus veneriis neve temulentus nec nisi lotus ad eas accedat, abstineatque omnibus redolentibus esculentis, ut sunt salsamenta et eorum omnium liquamina, itemque foetentibus acrimoniis alii vel ceparum ceterarumque rerum similium.

[3] but it must be most especially guarded by the curator who nourishes the bees, when he will have to handle the hives, that, certainly, on the day before he be chaste from venereal matters, and neither inebriated nor approach them unless bathed; and that he abstain from all redolent edibles, such as salted provisions and the brines of all of them, and likewise from the fetid acrimonies of garlic or onions and other similar things.

[4] vndequinquagesimo die ab aequinoctio verno, cum fit vergiliarum exortus circa v idus maias, incipiunt examina viribus et numero augeri. sed et iisdem diebus intereunt quae paucas et aegras apes habent. eodemque tempore progenerantur in extremis partibus favorum amplioris magnitudinis quam sunt ceterae apes, eosque nonnulli putant esse reges.

[4] on the forty-ninth day from the vernal equinox, when the rising of the Vergiliae (Pleiades) takes place around 5 days before the ides of May, the swarms begin to be increased in strength and in number. But also in these same days those that have few and ailing bees perish. And at the same time, in the outermost parts of the honeycombs there are produced some of larger size than the other bees, and some think them to be kings.

verum quidam graecorum auctores oistrous appellant, ab eo quod exagitent nec patiantur examina conquiescere. itaque praecipiunt eos enecari.

But certain authors of the Greeks call them oistros, from the fact that they drive them about and do not suffer the swarms to rest; and so they prescribe that they be put to death.

[5] ab exortu vergiliarum ad solstitium, quod fit ultimo mense iunio circa octavam partem cancri, fere examinant alvi. quo tempore vehementius custodiri debent, ne novae suboles diffugiant. tumque peracto solstitio usque ad ortum caniculae, qui fere dies triginta sunt, pariter et frumenta et favi demetuntur.

[5] from the rising of the Vergiliae (Pleiades) to the solstice, which happens at the end of the month of June around the 8th part of Cancer, the hives generally swarm. At which time they ought to be guarded more vigorously, lest the new offspring scatter. And then, after the solstice is past up to the rising of the Dog-star, which is about 30 days, both the grain and the honeycombs are harvested alike.

sed hi quemadmodum tolli debeant mox dicetur, cum de confectura mellis praecipiemus.

but how these ought to be removed will soon be said, when we shall prescribe concerning the confection of honey.

[6] ceterum hoc eodem tempore progenerare posse apes iuvenco perempto, democritus et mago nec minus vergilius prodiderunt. mago quidem ventribus etiam bubulis idem fieri adfirmat, quam rationem diligentius prosequi supervacuum puto, consentiens celso, qui prudentissime ait non tanto interitu pecus istud amitti ut sic requirendum sit.

[6] moreover, that at this same time bees can be progenerated from a slain young bullock, democritus and mago, and no less vergilius, have handed down. mago indeed affirms that the same thing is done even in bovine bellies; which method to pursue more diligently I deem superfluous, agreeing with celso, who most prudently says that that stock is not lost by so great a destruction that it should be sought again thus.

[7] verum hoc tempore et usque in autumni aequinoctium decimo quoque die alvi aperiendae et fumigandae sunt. quod cum sit molestum examinibus, saluberrimum tamen esse convenit. suffitas deinde et aestuantis apes refrigerare oportet, consparsis vacuis partibus alvorum et recentissimi rigoris aqua infusa; deinde si quid ablui non poterit, pinnis aquilae vel etiam cuiuslibet vasti alitis, quae rigorem habent, emundari.

[7] but at this time, and up to the autumnal equinox, every tenth day the hives must be opened and fumigated. Although this is bothersome to the swarms, nevertheless it is agreed to be most salubrious. Then the fumigated and sweltering bees ought to be refrigerated, with the empty parts of the hives sprinkled and water of the freshest chill poured in; then, if anything cannot be washed off, let it be cleansed with the feathers of an eagle, or even of any vast bird, which have rigidity.

[8] praeterea ut tiniae verrantur papilionesque necentur, qui plerumque intra alvos morantes apibus exitio sunt. nam et ceras erodunt et stercore suo vermes progenerant, quos alvorum tinias appellamus.

[8] furthermore, that the moths (tineae) be swept out and the butterflies (papiliones) be killed, who, often lingering within the hives, are a destruction to the bees. For they both gnaw the wax, and by their dung progenerate worms, which we call the hive tineae.

[9] itaque quo tempore malvae florent, cum est earum maxima multitudo, si vas aeneum simile miliario vespere ponatur inter alvos, et in fundum eius lumen aliquod demittatur, undique papiliones concurrant, dumque circa flammulam volitent adurantur, quoniam nec facile ex angusto susum evolent, nec rursus longius ab igne possunt recedere, cum lateribus aeneis circumveniantur, ideoque propinquo ardore consumantur.

[9] And so, at the time when mallows bloom, when their multitude is greatest, if a bronze vessel, similar to a milestone, is set in the evening among the hives, and some light is let down to its bottom, moths flock together from all sides, and while they flit around the little flame they are singed, since they neither readily fly upward out through the narrow opening, nor, again, can they withdraw farther from the fire, as they are hemmed in by the bronze sides, and therefore are consumed by the neighboring ardor.

[10] a canicula fere post diem quinquagesimum arcturus oritur, cum inroratis floribus thymi et cunelae thymbraeque apes mella conficiunt, idque optimae notae emitescit autumni aequinoctio, quod est ante kalendas octobris, cum octavam partem librae sol attigit. sed inter caniculae et arcturi exortum cavendum erit ne apes intercipiantur violentia crabronum, qui ante alvearia plerumque obsidiantur prodeuntibus.

[10] about the fiftieth day after the Dog-Star, Arcturus rises; when the flowers of thyme, cunila, and thymbra are bedewed, the bees make honey, and it ripens to a mark of the best quality at the autumnal equinox, which is before the Kalends of October, when the Sun has reached the eighth part of Libra. But between the rising of Canicula and of Arcturus one must beware lest the bees be intercepted by the violence of hornets, who very often are posted in siege before the hives against those coming forth.

[11] post arcturi exortum circa aequinoctium librae, sicut dixi, favorum secunda est exemptio. ab aequinoctio deinde, quod conficitur circa viii kalendas octobris ad vergiliarum occasum diebus xl, ex floribus tamaricis et silvestribus frutectis apes collecta mella cibariis hiemis reponunt. quibus nihil est omnino detrahendum, ne saepius iniuria contristatae velut desperatione rerum profugiant.

[11] after the rising of Arcturus around the equinox of Libra, as I said, the second removal of the combs is favorable. From the equinox then, which is accomplished around the 8th day before the Kalends of October, to the setting of the Vergiliae (Pleiades) in 40 days, from the flowers of tamarisks and sylvan shrubberies the bees store the collected honeys as winter victuals. From these nothing at all is to be taken away, lest, often saddened by injury, they flee as if through a despair of their resources.

[12] ab occasu vergiliarum ad brumam, quae fere conficitur circa viii kalendas ianuarii in octava parte capricorni, iam recondito melle utuntur examina. nec me fallit hipparchi ratio, quae docet solstitia et aequinoctia non octavis sed primis partibus signorum confici. verum in hac ruris disciplina sequor nunc eudoxi et metonis antiquorumque fastus astrologorum, qui sunt aptati publicis sacrificiis, quia et notior est ista vetus agricolis concepta opinio, nec tamen hipparchi subtilitas pinguioribus, ut aiunt, rusticorum litteris necessaria est.

[12] from the setting of the Pleiades to the winter solstice, which is completed, roughly, around 8 days before the Kalends of January in the 8th part of Capricorn, the swarms now make use of the honey that has been stored away. Nor does Hipparchus’s reckoning escape me, which teaches that the solstices and equinoxes are accomplished not in the 8th but in the 1st parts of the signs. But in this rural discipline I now follow the calendars of Eudoxus and Meton and the ancients among the astrologers, which are adapted to public sacrifices, because both that older opinion, conceived among farmers, is more well-known, and Hipparchus’s subtlety is not, after all, necessary for the “fatter,” as they say, letters of rustics.

[13] ergo vergiliarum occasu primo statim conveniat aperire alvos et depurgare quicquid immundi est diligentiusque curare, quoniam per tempora hiemis non expedit movere aut patefacere vasa. quam ob causam dum adhuc autumni reliquiae sunt, apricissimo die purgatis domiciliis opercula intus usque ad favos admovenda sunt, omni vacua parte sedis exclusa, quo facilius angustiae cavearum per hiemem concalescant. idque semper faciendum est etiam in his alvis quae paucitate plebis infrequentes sunt.

[13] therefore, at the very first setting of the Pleiades, let it at once be agreed to open the hives and cleanse whatever is unclean, and to tend them more diligently, since during the times of winter it is not expedient to move or lay open the vessels. For which cause, while the remnants of autumn are still present, on a most sunlit day, after the dwellings have been purged, the covers are to be brought inward even up to the combs, every empty part of the seat being shut off, in order that the narrowness of the chambers may more easily grow warm through the winter. And this must always be done even in those hives which, through a paucity of the populace, are thinly frequented.

[14] quicquid deinde rimarum est aut foraminum luto et fimo bubulo mixtis inlinemus extrinsecus, nec nisi aditus quibus commeent relinquemus. et quamvis porticu protecta vasa nihilo minus congestu culmorum et frondium supertegemus, quantumque res patietur a frigore et tempestatibus muniemus.

[14] whatever then there is of cracks or of holes, let us smear on the outside with mud and bovine dung mixed, and we will leave only the entrances by which they go and come. And although the vessels are protected by a portico, nonetheless we will over-cover them with a heap of culms and leaves, and, as much as the matter will allow, we will fortify them against cold and tempests.

[15] quidam exemptis interaneis occisas aves intus includunt, quae tempore hiberno plumis suis delitiscentibus apibus praebent teporem. tum etiam, si sunt adsumpta cibaria, commode pascuntur esurientes, nec nisi ossa earum relinquunt. sin autem favi suffecernt, permanent inlibatae, nec quamvis amantissimas munditiarum offendunt odore suo.

[15] some, with the entrails exempted, enclose slain birds inside, which, in the hibernal season, with the bees hiding in their plumes, provide warmth. Then also, if the provisions have been consumed, the hungry are conveniently fed, and they leave nothing but their bones. But if the honeycombs have sufficed, they remain unsullied, nor do they, although most loving of cleanliness, take offense at their odor.

Melius tamen nos existimamus tempore hiberno fame laborantibus ad ipsos aditus in canaliculis vel contusam et aqua madefactam ficum aridam vel defrutum aut passum praebere. Quibus liquoribus mundam lanam imbuere oportebit, ut insistentes apes quasi per siphonem sucum evocent.

Yet we consider it better, in the winter season, to offer to those suffering from hunger, right at the very entrances, in little channels, either a dried fig crushed and moistened with water, or defrutum or passum. With these liquids it will be proper to soak clean wool, so that the bees, standing upon it, may draw out the juice as if through a siphon.

[16] Vvas etiam passas cum infregerimus, paulum aqua respersas probe dabimus. Atque his cibariis non solum hieme, sed etiam quibus temporibus, ut iam supra dixi, tithymallus atque ulmi florebunt, sustinendae sunt.

[16] We will also, when we have crumbled raisins, give them properly, sprinkled a little with water. And on these rations they must be sustained not only in winter, but also in those times when, as I have said above, tithymallus and elms will be in bloom.

[17] Post confectam brumam diebus fere quadraginta quicquid est repositm mellis, nisi liberalius relictum, consumunt; saepe etiam vacuatis ceris usque in ortum fere Arcturi, qui est ab Idibus Februariis, ieiunae favis accubantes torpent more serpentium et quiete sua spiritum conservant. Quem tamen ne amittant, si longior fames incesserit, optimum est per aditum vestibuli siphonibus dulcia liquamina inmittere, et ita penuriam temporum sustinere, dum Arcturi ortus et hirundinis adventus commodiores polliceantur futuras tempestates.

[17] After midwinter is completed, in about forty days they consume whatever stored honey there is, unless it has been left more liberally; often, too, with the wax-combs emptied, right up to almost the rising of Arcturus, which is from the Ides of February, fasting, reclining upon the honeycombs, they grow torpid in the manner of serpents and by their quiet preserve their breath. Which, however, lest they lose, if a longer hunger should set in, it is best to send in through the entrance of the vestibule, by siphons, sweet liquors, and thus to sustain the penury of the times, until the rising of Arcturus and the advent of the swallow promise more accommodating weather to come.

[18] Itaque post hoc tempus, cum diei permittit hilaritas, procedere audent in pascua. Nam ab aequinoctio verno sine cunctatione iam passim vagantur, et idoneos ad fetum decerpunt flores atque intra tecta conportant. Haec observanda per anni tempora diligentissime Hyginus praecepit.

[18] And so after this time, when the brightness of the day permits, they dare to proceed into the pastures. For from the vernal equinox they now roam everywhere without hesitation, and they pluck flowers suitable for the brood and carry them within their roofs. Hyginus prescribed that these things be observed most diligently through the seasons of the year.

Ceterum illa Celsus adicit, paucis locis eam felicitatem suppetere ut apibus alia pabula hiberna atque alia praebeantur aestiva.

Moreover, Celsus adds this: that in few places such felicity is at hand, namely that for the bees one kind of hibernal provender and another, estival, is provided.

[19] Itaque quibus locis post veris tempora flores idonei deficiunt, negat oportere immota examina relinqui, sed vernis pastionibus adsumptis in ea loca transferri, quae serotinis floribus thymi et origani thymbraeque benignius apes alere possint. Quod fieri ait et Achaiae regionibus, ubi transferuntur in Atticas pastiones, et Euboea, et rursus in insulis Cycladibus, cum ex aliis transportantur Syrum, nec minus in Sicilia, cum ex reliquis eius partibus in Hyblaeam conferuntur.

[19] Therefore, in those places where after the times of spring suitable flowers fail, he says one ought not to leave the swarms unmoved, but, the spring pastures having been taken up, to transfer them into those localities which, with the later flowers of thyme and origanum and thymbra, can more benignly nourish the bees. He says this is done both in the regions of Achaia, where they are transferred into Attic pastures, and in Euboea, and again in the Cyclades islands, when from others they are transported to Syrum, and no less in Sicily, when from the rest of its parts they are conveyed to the Hyblaean region.

[20] Idemque ait ex floribus ceras fieri, ex matutino rore mella, quae tanto meliorem qualitatem capiunt quanto iucundiore sit materia cera confecta. Sed ante translationem diligenter alvos inspicere praecepit, veteresque et tiniosos et labantis favos eximere, nec nisi paucos et optimos reservare, ut simul etiam ex meliore flore quam plurimi fiant, eaque vasa quae quis transferre velit non nisi noctibus et sine concussione portare.

[20] And he likewise says that wax is made from flowers, and honey from the morning dew, which take on so much the better quality the more pleasant is the material from which the wax has been formed. But before the transfer he prescribed to inspect the hives diligently, and to remove the combs that are old and moth-eaten and sagging, and to reserve only a few and the best, so that at the same time also from better bloom as many as possible may be produced; and to carry those vessels which one wishes to transfer only at night and without jarring.

XV. DE MELLE CONFICIENDO, ET QUEMADMODUM CASTRARI DEBEANT ALVI. Mox vere transacto sequitur, ut dixi, mellis vindemia, propter quam totius anni labor exercetur. Eius maturitas intellegitur cum animadvertimus fucos ab apibus expelli ac fugari.

15. ON HONEY BEING MADE, AND HOW THE HIVES OUGHT TO BE CASTRATED. Soon, with spring completed, there follows, as I said, the vintage of honey, for the sake of which the labor of the whole year is exercised. Its maturity is understood when we observe the drones being expelled and driven away by the bees.

Quod est genus amplioris incrementi simillimum api, sed, ut ait Vergilius,

Which is a genus of ampler increment, most similar to the bee, but, as Vergil says,

ignavum fucos

the idle drones

pecus et immune, sine industria favis adsidens.

a herd, and immune, sitting beside the honeycombs without industry.

[2] Nam neque alimenta congerit, et ab aliis invecta consumit. Verumtamen ad procreationem subolis conferre aliquid hi fuci videntur, insidentes seminibus quibus apes figurantur. Itaque ad fovendam et educandam novam prolem familiarius admittuntur. Exclusis deinde pullis extra tecta proturbantur, et, ut idem ait,

[2] For they neither heap up provisions, but consume what has been brought in by others. Nevertheless these drones seem to contribute something to the procreation of offspring, sitting upon the seeds by which the bees are formed. And so they are more familiarly admitted for the fostering and bringing up of the new progeny. Then, when the young have been brought out, they are driven forth outside the roofs, and, as the same man says,

praesepibus arcentur.

they are kept away from the hives.

[3] Hos quidam praecipiunt in totum exterminari oportere. Quod ego Magoni consentiens faciendum non censeo, verum saevitiae modum adhibendum. Nam nec ad occidionem gens interimenda est, ne apes inertia laborent, quae cum fuci aliquam partem cibariorum absumunt, sarciendo damna fiunt agiliores.

[3] Some prescribe that these should be exterminated altogether. Which, agreeing with Mago, I do not judge ought to be done, but rather that a measure of severity should be applied. For neither should the race be put to death by slaughter, lest the bees labor with inertia; and since the drones consume some portion of the provisions, by repairing the damages they become more agile.

Nec rursus multitudinem praedonum co<nu>alescere patiendum est, ne universas apes alienas diripiant.

Nor, again, must it be allowed for a multitude of robbers to convalesce, lest they plunder all foreign bees.

[4] Ergo cum rixam fucorum et apium saepius committi videris, adapertas alvos inspicies, ut sive semipleni favi sint differantur, sive iam liquore conpleti et superpositis ceris tamquam operculis obliti demetantur. Dies vero castrandi fere matutinus occupandus est; neque enim convenit aestu medio exasperatas apes lacessi. Duobus autem ferramentis ad hunc usum opus est, sesquipedali vel paulo ampliore mensura factis, quorum alterum sit culter oblongus ex utraque parte acie lata, uno capite aduncum scalprum, alterum prima fronte planum et acutissimum, quo melius hoc favi subsecentur, illo eradantur, et quidquid sordidum deciderit attrahatur.

[4] Therefore, when you see a brawl of drones and bees being joined rather often, you will inspect the opened hives, so that, whether the honeycombs are half-full, they may be deferred, or, if now filled with liquor and overlaid with waxes placed above, as if with opercula, they may be cut off. The day for castrating (that is, cutting out the comb) ought generally to be taken in the morning; for it is not suitable to provoke bees exasperated in the mid-heat. Two iron tools, moreover, are needed for this use, made to a measure of a foot and a half or a little larger, of which the one should be a long knife with a broad edge on each side, a chisel hooked at one end, the other flat at the fore-face and very sharp, so that with this the honeycombs may be cut away the better, with that they may be scraped, and whatever sordid matter has fallen may be drawn away.

[5] Sed ubi a posteriore parte, qua nullum est vestibulum, patefactum fuerit alveare, fumum admovebimus factum galbano vel arido fimo. Ea porro vase fictili prunis inmixta conduntur, idque vas ansatum simile angustae ollae figuratur, ita ut pars altera sit acutior, per quam modico foramine fumus emanet, altera latior et ore paulo patentiore, per quam possit adflari.

[5] But when the hive has been opened from the back side, where there is no vestibule, we shall apply smoke made from galbanum or dry dung. These, moreover, are put into an earthenware vessel mixed with live coals, and that handled vessel is fashioned like a narrow pot, such that one part is more pointed, through which the smoke issues by a modest opening, the other broader and with a slightly more gaping mouth, through which it can be blown.

[6] Talis olla cum est alvari obiecta, spiritu admoto fumus ad apes promovetur, quae confestim nidoris inpatientes in priorem partem domicilii et interdum extra vestibulum se conferunt. Atque ubi potestas facta est liberius inspiciendi, fere, si duo sunt examina, duo genera quoque favorum inveniuntur.

[6] Such an olla, when it is set before the hive, with breath applied the smoke is driven toward the bees, who immediately, intolerant of the reek, betake themselves into the front part of the domicile and sometimes outside the vestibule. And when the opportunity has been afforded of inspecting more freely, for the most part, if there are two swarms, two kinds of combs are likewise found.

[7] Nam etiam in concordia suum quaeque plebs morem figurandi ceras fingendique servant. Sed omnes favi semper cavearum tectis et paululum ab lateribus adhaerentes dependent, ita ne solum contingant, quoniam id praebet examinibus iter.

[7] For even in concord, each plebs keeps its own manner of configuring the wax and of fashioning it. But all the combs always hang down from the roofs of the hives and, adhering a little to the sides, in such a way that they do not touch the floor, since that provides a way for the swarms.

[8] Ceterum figura cerarum talis est qualis et habitus domicilii. Nam et quadrata et rutunda spatia nec minus longa suam speciem velut formae quaedam favis praebent. Ideoque non semper eiusdem figurae reperiuntur favi.

[8] Moreover, the figure of the waxes is such as is the habitus of the domicile. For both square and rotund spaces, and no less long ones, present to the combs their own aspect, as though certain forms. And therefore the combs are not always found of the same figure.

Sed hi qualescumque sunt, non omnes eximantur. nam priore messe, dum adhuc rura pastionibus abundant, quinta pars favorum, posteriore, cum iam metuitur hiemps, tertia relinquenda est.

But these, of whatever sort they are, let not all be taken out. For at the first harvest, while the countryside still abounds in pastures, a fifth part of the combs is to be left; at the latter, when winter is already feared, a third must be left.

[9] Atque hic tamen modus non est in omnibus regionibus certus, quoniam pro multitudine florum et ubertate pabuli apibus consulendum est. Ac si cerae dependentes in longitudinem decurrunt, eo ferramento quod simile est cultro insecandi sunt favi, deinde subiectis duobus brachiis excipiendi atque ita promendi. Sin autem transuersi tectis cavearum inhaerent, tunc scalprato ferramento est opus, ut adversa fronte inpressi desecentur.

[9] And yet this method is not fixed in all regions, since provision must be made for the bees according to the multitude of flowers and the abundance of forage. And if the wax-combs, hanging down, run lengthwise, the honeycombs are to be cut into with that implement which is like a knife, then, with two arms placed beneath, they must be received and thus brought out. But if they cling crosswise to the roofs of the hives, then there is need of a chisel-like implement, so that, pressed against the opposite face, they may be cut away.

[10] Eximi autem debent veteres vel vitiosi, et relinqui maxime integri ac melle pleni et si qui tamen pullos continent, ut examini progenerando reserventur. Omnis deinde copia favorum conferenda est in eum locum in quo mel conficere voles, linendaque sunt diligenter foramina parietum et fenestrarum, ne quid sit apibus pervium, quae velut amissas opes suas pertinaciter vestigant et persecutae consumunt. Itaque ex iisdem rebus fumus etiam in aditu loci faciendus est, qui propulset intrare temptantis.

[10] But those that are old or defective ought to be taken out, and those especially intact and full of honey—and any that nevertheless contain brood—should be left, so that they may be reserved for propagating the swarm. Then the whole supply of combs should be brought together into that place in which you will wish to prepare the honey, and the apertures of the walls and of the windows must be carefully smeared, so that there be nothing pervious to the bees, which, as if after their lost wealth, stubbornly track it down and, having pursued it, consume it. And so, from these same materials, smoke too must be made at the entrance of the place, to drive back those attempting to enter.

[11] Castratae deinde alvi si quae transversos favos in aditu habebunt convertendae erunt, ut alterna vice posteriores partes vestibula fiant. Sic enim proxime cum castrabuntur, veteres potius favi quam novi eximentur, ceraeque renovabuntur, quae tanto deteriores sunt quanto vetustiores. Quod si forte alvaria circumstructa et immobilia fuerint, curae erit nobis ut semper modo a posteriore modo a priore parte castrentur.

[11] Then, if any hives to be “castrated” (i.e., harvested) have crosswise combs at the entrance, they will have to be turned, so that by alternate turn the posterior parts become the vestibules. For thus, the next time when they will be “castrated,” the old combs rather than the new will be taken out, and the waxes will be renovated, which are the worse the more time-worn they are. But if by chance the hives are built-around and immobile, it will be our care that they always be “castrated” now from the posterior, now from the prior part.

Idque fieri ante diei quintam horam debebit, deinde repeti vel post nonam vel postero mane.

And this ought to be done before the fifth hour of the day, then to be repeated either after the ninth or on the next morning.

[12] Sed quotcumque favi sunt demessi, eodem die dum tepent conficere mel convenit. Saligneus qualus vel tenui vimine rarius contextus saccus, inversae metae similis, qualis est quo vinum liquatur, obscuro loco suspenditur. In eum deinde carptim congeruntur favi.

[12] But however many combs have been cut, it is fitting to finish off the honey on the same day while they are tepid. A willow basket, or a sack woven more loosely with thin withes, like an inverted cone—such as that by which wine is strained—is hung in a dark place. Into it thereafter the combs are heaped piecemeal.

Sed adhibenda cura est ut separentur eae partes cerarum quae vel pullos habent vel rubras sordes. Nam sunt mali saporis et suo suco mella corrumpunt.

But care must be taken that those parts of the wax which either have brood or red dregs be separated. For they are of bad savor and by their own juice they corrupt the honey.

[13] Deinde ubi liquatum mel in subiectum alveum defluxit, transferetur in vasa fictilia, quae paucis diebus aperta sint dum musteus fructus defervescat, isque saepius ligula purgandus est. Mox deinde fragmina favorum, quae in sacco retractata remanserunt, exprimuntur. Atque id secundae notae mel defluit et ab diligentioribus seorsum reponitur, ne quod est primi saporis hoc adhibito fiat deterius.

[13] Then, when the liquefied honey has flowed down into the trough set beneath, it is transferred into fictile vessels (earthenware), which should be left open for a few days while the must-like froth subsides, and this is to be cleaned off repeatedly with a spoon. Soon thereafter the fragments of the combs, which have remained after being reworked in the sack, are pressed out, and second-grade honey flows off and is set aside separately by the more diligent, lest that which is of first-quality flavor become worse by this being added.

XVI. DE CERA FACIENDA. Cerae fructus quamvis aeris exigui non tamen omittendus est, cum sit eius usus ad multa necessarius. Expressae favorum reliquiae, posteaquam diligenter aqua dulci perlutae sunt, in vas aeneum coiciuntur, adiecta deinde aqua liquantur ignibus.

16. ON MAKING WAX. Although the profit of wax is of slight cash, it is nevertheless not to be omitted, since its use is necessary for many things. The pressed remnants of the honeycombs, after they have been carefully rinsed with fresh water, are cast into a bronze vessel; water then being added, they are melted by fires.

Quod ubi factum est, cera per stramenta vel iuncos defusa colatur, atque iterum similiter de integro coquitur, et in quas quis volvit formas aqua prius adiecta defunditur; eamque concretam facile est eximere, quoniam qui subest umor non patitur formis inhaerere.

When this has been done, the wax, poured through straw or rushes, is strained, and again in like manner is boiled anew from the beginning, and, with water first added, is poured into whatever forms one wills; and it is easy to remove it once it has concreted, since the moisture that lies beneath does not allow it to adhere to the forms.

[2] Sed iam consummata disputatione de villaticis pecudibus atque pastionibus, quae reliqua nobis rusticarum rerum pars superest, de cultu hortorum, Publi Silvine, deinceps ita ut et tibi et Gallioni nostro conplacuerat, in carmen conferemus.

[2] But now, the disputation concerning the farmstead flocks and the pasturings having been consummated, the remaining part of rural affairs that is left to us—on the cultivation of gardens, Publius Silvinus—next, just as it had pleased both you and our Gallio, we will commit into song.