MAY 1, 1913 



The non-swarmer is left on the liive all 

 the year round, and colonies so equipped 

 seem to winter better than those without 

 the appliance. It is understood, of course, 

 that in cold weather the contracted entrance 



is used, and the ventilators closed down 

 tight. During the w^orking season, or when 

 the weather is very warm, the larger en- 

 trance is given and the ventilators opened 

 wide. The ventilation is under perfect con- 

 trol, and can be adjusted to conform to 

 varying weather conditions. It is very es- 

 sential that abundant super room be given 

 to prevent the crowded condition so condu- 

 cive to swarming. 



The principles embodied in this invention 

 will be readily understood. The construc- 

 tion is such that there is free circulation of 

 air under the frames, but absolutely no 

 draft through the brood-nest. Surplus heat 

 is carried off Avithout danger of chilling the 

 brood, and the bees are saved the greater 

 part of the labor of fanning. Thus Avork- 

 ers that otherwise Avould be so emploj'ed 

 are rendered available for service in the 

 fields or Avitliin the hive, to the obAdous 

 profit of the beekeeper. In order to enter 

 or leave the hive, the bees must traverse at 

 least a part of the non-swarmer. They are 

 thus given the impression that they have 

 abundant room, though in fact they are 

 cheated out of it, so far as storage is con- 

 cerned, the internal arrangement being such 

 that the space is not available for comb- 

 building. Furthermore, a convenient clus- 

 tering place is at¥orded the nurse-bees, and 

 this, by relieving the internal congestion. 



tends to prevent the development of the 

 swarming impulse. 



As has been indicated, it is not claimed 

 that this invention will at all times and 

 under all conditions prevent swarming. It 

 has been j^retty clear- 

 ly demonstrated, how- 

 -,__ ever, that, with intelli- 



gent use, it will pre- 

 vent swarming in a 

 great majority of 

 cases; and when it 

 does not actually pre- 

 vent, it will so retard 

 it that days and jDossi- 

 bly weeks of honey- 

 storing will intervene. 

 Moreover, swarms, 

 when they do issue un- 

 der these conditions^ 

 are ajDt to be unusual- 

 ly large and valuable. 

 While making no 

 extraordinary claims 

 for their simple device, 

 the inventors feel that 

 therein are involved 

 principles that are vi- 

 tal factors in a satis- 

 factory solution of this hitherto unsolved 

 problem. 



Zanesville, Ohio. 



USING A STRAIN OF BEES ADAPTED TO ONE'S 

 Sv EM OF MANAGEMENT 



BY E. S. MILES 



The amount of prevention desired must 

 depend largely on one's location and the 

 time of the main crop, as well as on one's 

 knowledge and ability to make increase by 

 other methods. 



Where the main crop comes earh^ and 

 the flow is short, and one must get the most 

 possible surplus from it, it has been my 

 experience that the colonies that do not 

 swarm at all, and that have no desire to, 

 either as a result of manipulation or be- 

 cause of breeding, are the most profitable 

 ones. 



My main crop is basswood, which lasts 

 from three days to two weeks, sometimes 

 helped out a little with clover, catnip, and 

 buckbrush. 



It does not come so early but that with 

 a favorable spring a colony might swarm; 

 and with proper feeding, both the swarm 

 and the parent colon 3' be in condition for 

 the flow. But our Iowa springs are so vari- 

 able and uncertain that I find it safer to 

 count on getting onlv enough from the best 



