At 04:23 PM 12/3/2003, you wrote:
>Arthur Young's question from 1996:
>
>Honey Production:
>"An old bee book I have says that per colony honey crops average 235 lbs. in
>1909, and the figure is 250 lbs. for 1916.
>Our average now  is about 60 lbs.


What was Arthur Young's quote based on?    Observation from a particular
geographical region?  probably.  I doubt it truly represents the average
over the entire world (or even just the us).   Those numbers may have just
been two good years in a good location.   It it taking in account hives
that get moved to take advantage of multiple good flows, or just those left
in the same location all year long?  Does it only count production hives,
or all hives (new splits and swarms, etc.)  What did they use for their
harvesting methods?  I know I could get another 40-80lbs per hive if I
harvested everything and fed the bees.

Without knowing the basis for Young's numbers it's impossible to compare
them to my situation (or any one else's).  Some areas do produce in the
200+ range, but I know that certainly isn't true for my area (even though
occasionally you will get a strong hive or two that will pack a 200lb surplus)

-Tim

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