20 SOUTHERN BEE CULTURE 



should be protected from the cold as much as possible by contracting the 

 entrances so that only two or three bees can pass at a time; also a sack 

 folded up and placed over the tops of the frames, and folded down over 

 the division-boards, as the sides will greatly protect them from the cold ; and 

 as they require a high temperature to secrete wax and build comb this will 

 help them to keep it up. .During this time the beginner should learn much 

 about his new line of business. 



TRANSFERRING BEES. 



This is an important subject in bee-keeping in the South. It is one 

 about which many questions have been asked and answered. Many good 

 populous colonies have been destroyed by the operation, and at this point 

 many have turned back to old-style ways of keeping bees, and here many have 

 become disgusted and abandoned bee-keeping entirely. It is a job that 

 almost all bee-keepers dread. Some will not undertake it at all for fear of 

 a failure. Others do not want to come into such close contact with the 

 bees. It is a subject upon which I have meditated much, and first and last 

 have had extensive experience, having transferred some of my bees three 

 times from different hives. Besides, I have transferred many apiaries for 

 others. I have put into force every plan I have ever heard or read of, and 

 the one I find best, simplest, and easiest I will give. 



In early spring, when the poplars begin to bloom, or the first honey- 

 plants begin to blodm and yield honey in your locality (I mention poplar 

 trees as they are the most common honey-plant in the South), then is the best 

 time to transfer bees, because some honey is coming in and they are riot so 

 easily discouraged. Remember a great change has taken place when they 

 are transferred. Things don't look natural in their new hive, as they did in 

 the old one, either on the inside or outside. There has been a great change 

 in the household affairs, and their instinct does not make provision for such an 

 unexpected and unnatural change. But if there is honey coming in they 

 will likely go right to work with renewed energy if they have been trans- 

 ferred. So the time to transfer has much to do with it. 



Another good time to transfer is in the summer when cotton begins to 

 bloom. 



The method of work is as follows : One day before transferring, rob 

 the bees closely so as to have but very little if any honey to contend with; 

 but don't rob any more colonies than you think you can transfer the follow- 

 ing day. By next morning they will have all the scattered or broken honey 

 cleaned up, and the bees will be in the best possible condition to transfer. 



