164 CHOICE OP STOCK. 



between them full of bees, which should be in CLOSE 

 MASSES, and not spread thinly over them ; the num- 

 bers can best be determined by turning the hive 

 up and looking at the lower ends of the combs, or 

 removing the front slide. If worms exist, their pres- 

 ence will be detected at the same time. 



An examination at the top of a hive is NOT SUFFI- 

 CIENT to determine either of these points, unless all 

 the combs are taken out, which can only be done 

 when movable frames are used. 



Late in the fall and during the winter, the bees 

 draw together in a cluster at the lower ends of the 

 combs, leaving the upper portion of them bare ; hence, 

 the above examination is necessary to learn their true 

 state. 



BEWARE OF DISEASE. 



It is not safe to purchase bees bred from stocks in 

 which foul brood has ever existed, as it is hereditary, 

 and reappears at intervals longer or shorter, accord- 

 ing to the presence of exciting causes. 



DIFFERENCE IN SWARMS. 



In buying swarms, at the time of hiving, be par- 

 ticular to specify whether it shall be the first swarm 

 of the season or a subsequent one, from the same 

 hive. 



A first swarm usually has twice as many bees as 

 the second, and having a fertile queen from the first, 



