Terraced area in cove on sloped hillside. Extreme mountainous terrain at elevation of 2900 feet. Very good forage of Tulip Poplar, Sourwood and Sumac trees and clover. Front of all hives face ESE with wind block on north side of hives. Colder than surrounding area, with later first honey flow beginning approximately early May.
Hive is 10 frame Langstroff. Started with single deep adding additional deeps as 7/10 frames filled. New Italian packages installed 5 April, 2008 on ten frames of drawn foundation. Will add supers approximately April 20, 2008. All weights recorded will correct for added supers and deeps. Will be reporting weights from two colonies.
Scale is electronic portable scale (Beta product design). 0 to 300lbs range, accuracy +/-3lbs absolute, +/-1.0lbs relative. Resolution 1.0 lb.