TIME FOR COLONIZING. 263 



the comb with the left hand sufficiently to keep it 

 from rubbing the bees and adjacent comb, then by 

 the upward and outward movement it is freed from 

 its rest (without jar) the same as the first one. As 

 inanjF others as are necessary are removed in the 

 same manner, part being placed in the hive with the 

 previous one, and the others are to be stepped over 

 into the vacancies first formed. 



As each comb is removed, it should be examined 

 to find the queen ; if not found by looking them once 

 over, spread a sheet on the ground and take the 

 combs one by one, and with a quick motion shake 

 the bees on it. (In handling combs, care should be 

 taken to keep them with one edge upright to prevent 

 breaking.) The queen will most likely be found in 

 the cluster on the sheet ; sometimes she crawls off 

 the combs and is found on the inside of the hive.* 

 When found, place her in the new hive ; then examine 

 the combs, choose one-half of the most mature brood 

 combs and place them in the hive with the queen. 



* Sometimes it is difficult or requires too much time to find the 

 queen among so large a mass of bees as should occupy a hive 

 suitable for a primary division, in which case divide the combs so 

 that about half of the brood as well as half of the bees are given 

 to each hive. (Regard should also be had to a division of stores.) 

 However, before adjusting the combs to their places, sections of 

 combs should be arranged in each hive, as directed in page 264. 

 This is necessary, as it is not known which hive the queen is in. 

 The one she is in will not build any queen cells, while the other 

 one will. Hence, on opening either hive after three days have 

 elapsed, her whereabouts is readily determined. 



