In the history of mankind's most pressing and important issue was the organization and production of food resources.That's why people in ancient times constantly thought about searching for new sources of food.
gifts of nature in the pantry
started beginning in this regard was gathering (beekeeping - is one of the varieties of the collection of the gifts of nature).Our ancestors found a ready fruit, then to use them for food or try to save it.Over time, they learned to elevate some vegetable crops, using their seeds for subsequent dilution in the place where it was convenient to the person.
As for the use of animal food, the people were satisfied not only with meat.We are talking about the use of milk, which is produced by certain animals, as well as the specific ingredients that are useful to humans.Honey bees wild forest since time immemorial used not only in food but also for healing.
honey collection - an ancient fishing
The process of collecting honey has been known since time immemorial.History is silent about the exact date of occurrence of such fishing as forest beekeeping.We only know that the savage tribes who lived in the 4-7 century BC, have tried to put the production of this product in the stream.
Ancient people, constantly hunting in the woods, noticed that very often the bees use for their nests in the hollows of large trees.Beehive in a hollow in view of the fact that in the woods a lot of large carnivores, which are also not averse to eat honey, situated on a pretty high altitude.There still should be noted that the bees chose for their homes deaf forest thickets, to limit access to them of the local fauna.Therefore beekeeping ancient Slavs required applications extraordinary efforts to deliver nutritious treat for other purposes.
apiculture - the oldest human occupation
As in the case of plants, seeds and fruits are used in food production over time, honey from hives forest turned into a cultural form.Initially basics of beekeeping presented a set of natural hollows that are simply selected on a territorial basis.Later, people learned to make artificial nests.
apiculture - this craft to create man-made hollows (it was called the "board") for breeding bees.As a rule, board created in live trees, they can provide the bees cool in summer and relatively warm winters that are so fond of these creatures.It is worth noting that people specially selected the most productive in terms of breeding bees forests.That is why wild bees eventually settled willingly artificial hollows.That, in turn, allows people to post them on your own.
As arranged hives
So gradually, taking into account environmental factors, beekeeping in ancient Russia has come to mean not only the collection of honey, but also part of its regulation of the quantity and taste.Board, usually arranged in the trees at least 1.5-2 meters in diameter.It is this plant has been able to successfully withstand the weight of the entire structure.
Much attention was paid to the height of the hive.They tried to place as high as possible on the tree because of the many forest dwellers who were not averse to eat honey.The optimum height of not less than 6 meters, so the work required Bortnik pretty good physical training, and people find it difficult and risky.
time span when developing beekeeping in Russia - is 4-7 century BC.It is well known to this day form the fishery gained with the advent of humanity iron tools that were needed for the successful treatment of trees for the installation of hives.
interesting fact is that made in the 10th century iron for adjustment bortney hardly changed its structure to this day.Based on this we can conclude that it was in those days was to choose the optimal device just Bortnychi fishing.
Bortnik - an educated man and a seasoned
If we talk about the nuances, the bee-keeping - a rather privileged and somewhat mysterious craft.The knowledge associated with the fishery were usually family and handed down.Medosbor demanded a kind of communion with nature with the aim of knowledge.It staged bortni only in forest areas where trees grow honey.To define a location, the ancient artisans had to have a fairly large range of biological and botanical knowledge.
And if we consider that the fishable areas sometimes were often dull, and the great courage, because at that time in the forest predators often met.In general, beekeeping in Russia - it was honored occupation.A certain closeness and isolation of people employed medosbor common people admired and respected.About Bortnik were composed epics and tales, which they called "protein" for his ability to deftly climb trees.They attributed skills healers and sorcerers for the use of medicinal properties of different honeys.
tools and mechanisms
should be noted that beekeeping - is not only the strength, dexterity and observation, but also the tools that will eventually improve and modernize.If absolutely ancient times Bortnik used primitive scrapers and ropes, the development of the profession working arsenal has expanded considerably.To work with bees, for example, there are special masks that protected the face Bortnikov bites.These masks are usually made of horsehair, and the secrets of weaving handed down from generation to generation.
As for the installation bortnya, the dominant element here, of course, was a special hatchet, which hollowed out "room" for the bees.In addition, actively used chisels, scrapers and a set of special ring-shaped blades.
To make borten, had to climb the tree.There are several ways to climb.Some Bortniki system used leather belts, ropes often (quite a few cases - the stairs).However, the most common and effective way, who knows the history of beekeeping, was the use of special spines and claws.They put on the hands and feet.By hooking the trunk of the tree and the gradual tightening Bortnik reached the desired height.
Performance
After making bortnya it allowed to stand, sometimes it took several years.Bees do not like the smell of fresh wood and reluctant to give birth in such places nest.An interesting fact is the fact that high quality made by Bee-tree could last for a very long time.There have been instances when the age found "working" hives reached several hundred years.
If we talk about efficiency, it should be noted that an average of one hive given from 30 to 50 kg of honey per year.Considering that a craftsman could serve several dozen board, the total is impressive even today.
protection from abuse animals honey
clear that this wealth had somehow protected.After all, the hunters eat sweet "potion" among the animals was quite a lot.Unfortunately, the greatest lover of honey is very good climbing.It is about the average bear.As a rule, it ruined and destroyed bortni.To combat this dangerous predator smart and craftsmen have developed a security system, which deserves to be told in more detail.
The most common way that protects from tree-climbing predators, was pretty simple mechanism.At the level of the entrance to the impressive size it was tied borten log.When the bear reached level entrance, it was necessary to move the interfering obstacle.Given the weight of the timber, the bear had to exert considerable efforts to move it, thereby causing the wobble.As a result of the pendulum motion of the log, as a rule, bear found himself on the ground.
Another quite original way of saving honey bortne consisted in setting up a small platform that was hung at the entrance.In order to penetrate the vault, the bear had to sit on the structure, fastening which was done so that does not withstand the weight of the animal.As a result he found himself on the ground.
End fishing
Unfortunately, beekeeping Slavs was completed in the late 19th century.First of all, it affected environmental factors.Actively develop the heavy machinery required reduction of forest resources.For obvious reasons, it sets everything for bortney almost gone.A wood available to support this fishery were already quite far, which negates the potential profits from the production and sale of honey products.
