308 THE APIARY. 



be lost. A slanting board placed in front of the hive, so as 

 to prevent the bees from flying in straight line from the 

 entrance to the field, will incite them to mark the change 

 of their position. By a gradual process, the hives in a small 

 apiary may, in the Fall, be brought into a narrow compass, 

 so that they can be easily sheltered from the bleak Winter 

 winds. In the Spring, they may be gradually returned to their 

 old positions. 



By removing the strongest colonies in an apiary the first 

 day, and others not so strong the next, and continuing the 

 process until all were removed, we have safely changed the 

 location of an apiary, when compelled to move bees in the 

 working season. On the removal of the last hive, but few 

 bees returned to the old spot. The change, as thus conducted, 

 strengthened the weaker colonies, but we would advise bee- 

 keepers to locate their hives in as permanent a position as 

 possible, as this moving is not practical, especially with a 

 large number of colonies. Those who do not winter their 

 bees in the cellar, can easily protect them on their Summer 

 stand. (635.) 



If the hives have to be placed in an exposed location with- 

 out shade, it is well to protect them with roofs. A roof will 

 be fomid highly economical, as it not only sheds the rain, 

 but wards off the heat of the sun. 



573. The beginner will ordinarily find it best to stock his 

 apiary with swarms of the current year, thus avoiding, until 

 he can prepare himself to meet them, the perplexities which 

 often accompany either natural or artificial swarming. If 

 new swarms are purchased, unless they are large and early, 

 they may only prove a bill of expense. If old colonies are 

 purchased, such only should be selected as are healthy and 

 populous. If removed after the working season has begun, 

 they should be brought from a distance of at least two 

 miles (13). 



If the bees are not all at home when the hive is to be re- 

 moved, blow a little smoke into its entrance, to cause those 



