I started my motley genetic mix of bees in 1997 with 13 recently 
requeened Buckfast hives from a wonderful old-timer.   For about 5 years 
I kept track of the matrilines as I made increases from swarm cells from 
these and other bees I imported and put into the survivor selection. 
Both of the two matrilines that had alternate generations of pretty 
snarky bees were commercial Italian.  However, there were Buckfast 
drones available.

I do think the Buckfast helped my efforts to restore genetic diversity 
to the stock in this isolated Western Piedmont SC area.  I'm going into 
my 12th year with no treatments except feed.  Should I live so long as 
to retire I'll have more time to discuss my experiences with 25-50 hives 
that get a lot of benign neglect but still out-survive most of the 
commercial stock, including various 'resistant' lines tho I've brought 
many such lines into the mix.  I also added Russian hybrids to the mix 
since the first year they were available, and many of their 
characteristics dominate.

Now if we could just get a summer with rain.....>
 >

-- 
Carolyn in SC
http://community.webshots.com/user/woodwidgeon



On 2/11/2012 6:41 PM, Chris Slade wrote:...
>
> I'm not sure that reactivating the apiary is such a good idea. The
> Buckfast Bee has a reputation for producing a very cross cross. The
> last time I was at Buckfast Abbey and saw bees working the garden
> flowers they seemed to be a good mix of colours so I suspect that
> they don't have Buckfast at Buckfast.  I supped some of Brother
> Adam's mead a couple of years ago: it's ok, but I think mine's
> better!
>
> Chris
>
>

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