HIVE NUMBERS AND RECORDS 43 



be lost from this plan than most others, it has the disadvantage of 

 requiring refilling frequently, as the large surface of water ex- 

 posed results in rapid evaporation. On the other hand, large 

 numbers of bees can get water at one time without crowding. 



Hive Numbers and Records. — Some system of records is very 

 helpful, and many specialists regard it as indispensable to best 

 results. Various plans are in use, but the elaborate systems 

 should be avoided. Unless one can make necessary notes while 

 at work, there is danger that they will not be made at all. While 

 a book record is best, it is difficult to make records of this kind 

 when one's fingers are messed up with propolis, and the wind is 

 blowing the pages. The principal advantage of the book record 

 lies in its permanence, and the ease with which one can refer to 

 previous notes. 



Hive Marks. — In a large apiary some system of marking the 

 condition of the colonies is necessary. When one examines the 

 bees he will find some colonies weak, some strong, some needing 

 more room, some with failing queens, some preparing to swarm, 

 some queenless, and many other conditions. Where immediate 

 attention is necessary, it is likely to be given at the time, but if 

 something necessitates examination again after a few days have 

 elapsed, some simple mark is necessary. 



Stakes, etc. — Some bee-keepers use a quantity of stakes, and 

 by setting them in different positions about the hive indicate 

 the condition of the colony. F. W. Hall uses pegs or stakes for 

 this purpose. A red topped peg indicates disease. Such a peg 

 set at the left side of the entrance indicates disease is suspicioned, 

 and in front of the left side of the entrance, that disease is known 

 to be present. WHien the colony is treated, the peg is moved to 

 the center of the entrance and if, after a later examination, no 

 disease is found, the peg is moved to the right of the entrance. 

 After disease is known to be eradicated, all pegs are removed. 



In the same manner pegs not painted or of another color are 

 used for other purposes. Thus one peg indicates a fair laying- 

 queen, two pegs a good queen, and three pegs a choice one. The 



