Bookshelf

The hive and the honey bee

by Dadant & Sons Inc, edited by J M Graham.

Hamilton, IL, USA; Dadant Sons (1992 revised edition) 1324 pp. Hardback. Available from IBRA price £28.00.

1324 pages packed with beekeeping information. 27 chapters written by 33 world experts. A most valuable up-to-date reference wok for beekeepers. The chapters on honey bee forage, equipment and hive management relate to North America but much of the other information is widely applicable. Very good value for money.

Bees as superorganisms

by R F A Moritz and E E Southwick.

Berlin Heidelberg, Germany, Springer-Verlag (1992) 395 pp. Hardback. Available from IBRA price £67.00.

The authors aim to present the honey bee as it lives in its social unit, which they call a colonial superorganism. Luckily the first chapter answers the question “What is a superorganism?” Subsequent chapters explain the biology of the honey bee colony as whole (rather than individual bees) by using modern biological analysis. Definitely a book for the apicultural scientist rather than the beekeeper.

Insects, plants and microclimate

by D M Unwin and S A Corbet.

Slough, UK; Richmond Publishing Co Ltd, Naturalists Handbooks 15 (1991) 68 pp. Paperback.

A guide for anyone endeavouring to make scientific investigation of the effects of local climate (eg temperature, humidity, wind speed) on plants and insects.

Chapter 1 introduces the concept of microclimate. Chapter 2 gives greater depth and manages to simplify some of the physics involved. Subsequent chapters explain the effects of microclimate on plants and insects and how to measure these, giving very clear practical guidance. Good information on constructing your own equipment is given. Also provided are useful addresses and further references, as well as very brief introduction to insect identification.

A useful, readable book for those doing field research on bees or other insects.

Rainforests

by J L Caster.

Feline Press (1990) 380 pp. Paperback. Available from Feline Press, USA. Price $25.45 (outside USA and Canada).

Firstly a reference guide to research and visitor facilities at tropical forest sites in Central and South America. Secondly a source of information on how to find out more, a bibliography, lists of relevant organisations, and possible sources of funding for research programmes. A useful, fact-filled book for those travelling in the region

Traditional candlemaking: simple methods of candle manufacture

by D Millington.

London, UK; Intermediate Technology Publications (1992) 40 pp. Paperback. Available from IBRA price £4.95.

A well illustrated guide to candle making methods suitable for small-scale producers, or working at home. Highly recommended and good value.

A handbook of beekeeping

by RC Riches. Hebden Bridge, UK; Northern Bee Books (1992) 166 pp. Paperback. Available from IBRA price £12.95.

A useful text but relating mainly to British beekeeping.

Naturgeschichte der honigbienen

by F Ruttner.

Munich, Germany, Ehrenwirth Verlag GmbH (1992) 357 pages. Hardback In German.

For those of you fascinated by the different species and races of honey bees, this is the one you have been waiting for! Professor Ruttner provides his life-time’s work on honey bee biology, species, races and distribution It is a beautifully produced book containing much data accompanied by abundant colour photographs and clear diagrams An English edition is eagerly awaited.

Bees and beekeeping in Southern Africa

edited by R H Anderson and B Buys.

Paperback Reviewed in Beekeeping Development 21 this book is now available mail order from IBRA. Price £10.00.

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