James Thomson, a British poet born 1700, at Ednam, near Kelso, in 
Scotland, was perhaps best known for his poetic works titled ‘The 
Seasons’.  In  his ‘Autumn’,  Thomson includes a graphic description of 
the destruction of bees in a verse referenced as; 'Bees, Destruction Of.' 
After first being published in 1730,  the Bees, Destruction Of portion has 
become very popular with authors, having been referenced time and again in 
many books, especially with the apiarian community where beekeeping 
greats; Bonner, Bevan, Neighbour, Langstroth, are amongst the many that 
have quoted from; Thomsons; Bees, Destruction Of.

Here I include a portion of 
Bees Destruction of:

“Ah, see where, robbed and murdered, in that pit 
Lies the still heaving hive ! at evening snatched, 
Beneath the cloud of guilt—concealing night, 
And fixed o'er sulphur: while, not dreaming ill, 
The happy people, in their waxen cells, 
Sat tending public cares, and planning schemes 
Of temperance, for Winter poor; rejoiced 
To mark, full flowing round, their copious stores,
Sudden the dark oppressive steam ascends; 
And, used to milder scents; the tender race, 
By thousands tumble from their honeyed domes, 
Convolved and agonizing in the dust. 
And was it then for this you roamed the Spring, 
Intent from flower to flower?... <snip> ”
-THOMPSON. 

I am seeking historical accounts describing exactly how hives were “fixed 
o'er sulphur”.  What was the procedure?  Illistrations, names of tools 
used in the procedure? Reference books, Time of day, time of year, the 
recipe that was used and any other details.  Thanks!

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Best Wishes,
Joe
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/HistoricalHoneybeeArticles/

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