_Palladius_ willeth the hiues to be gelded in the moneth of October, and that a third part be left behind. Yet consider, that if there be store, to take the more: if but a meane, then the halfe part of that leave for the winter time: if the cottages appeare but halfe full then take nothing away. But _Varro_ teacheth, that a third part of the combes maye be taken away, & the other parte left for the winter, although the combes be ful of honny. If you fear (saith he) a sharp winter to follow, then take nothing at al: & of the same mind is the learned _Vergil_ in this. But the expert practisers of our time in such matters, do affirme, that the honny ought to be taken awaye but once in the yeare, & this in the end of the moneth of August, vnto the middle of September. But the waxe being corrupt, then, both before and at any time maye be taken forth of the hiues. Also as touching the honny which the Bées giue, whether you maye take awaye either little or much, must be considered according to the finalnesse or plentifulnesse of the hony being in the hiue. And according to the smalnesse or greatnesse also of the swarm to be nourished, so that aboue the fourth part of the combes may not be taken from any hiue. Yet this order may not be vsed alike in countries, bicause a man must consider the dealing with the hiues, according to the multitude of floures, & plentifulnesse of foode for the Bées. If the waxie combes hanging down do run into a length, then with the same yron toole which is made like to a knife, being oftentimes dipped in water, that the waxe cleaue not to it, nor that the combs remaining may be harmed, & the hiue holden on the one side cut the combs away. After this, put both your armes into the hiue, gathering togither, and taking forth the combs. But if the combes hang ouerthwart in the hiue, then must you vse your scraping yron, that the combes of the further side thruste togither, may so be cut away. Also the old & corrupt combs are to be taken forth, the whole and full of hony to be especially left. And if there be any yong Bées in them, those kéepe or preserue to increase the swarm in that hiue. After that, carry al the store of the hony combes into one place, whereas you mind to make the hony, & stop diligently the sides and edges of the hiues round about, that none of the Bées may enter in, which for the hony and waxe taken away, do eagerly séeke after, and finding the same, do vtterly consume the same if they may.