18 



BEEKRFPIXG IX THE SOUTH 

 \ 



Fig. 3. A relic of the old days. Bees in box hives are being trans- 

 ferred so rapidly that in many localities an apiary like this is a curi- 

 osity. 



fore, one must learn to gauge the amount of supplies within the 

 hive and to feed the bees when necessary. No colony can build 

 up properly unless the queen and bees have ample comb room 

 for brood and surplus honey. Therefore, one must learn to en- 

 able the bees to produce really good combs and learn how to 

 supply them at the right time to expand the brood nest and stor- 

 age room. Given a young queen, ample stores and sufficient 

 room, the swarming problem becomes less. The proper presen- 

 tation of these necessities to the bees most frequently stops 

 swarming. 



Preventing Swarming. 



Of as much importance as room, stores, and a young queen, is 

 the time of giving this additional room so vital to swarm preven- 

 tion. A beekeeper should figure that he has failed in the case of 

 every swarm which issues. Giving the needed brood or surplus 

 room too late is certain to induce swarming. Every beekeeper 

 must have an acquaintance with the principal honey plants of 



