so A MANUAL OF BEE-KEEPING. 



how this operation may be successfully performed. In 

 settling the locality in the garden where the hives shall 

 be placed, do not trouble about the aspect, it is imma- 

 terial, but seek if possible to place them where they 

 may be sheltered from high winds and drifting rain. 

 The shelter of a: shrub or tree is very welcome, and they 

 will be more likely to pursue their labours peacefully 

 without annoyance to the frequenters of the garden ; 

 they are apt to be irritable if blown about by high winds. 

 It is not material in which direction the hive is faced ; I 

 have a partiality for East, as then the Bees get the morn- 

 ing sun, which is an advantage in winter. When the after- 

 noon sun shines full upon the hives the Bees are apt to 

 be tempted out late, and get overtaken by the evening 

 chill, which is death to them. 



Hives should be sheltered from the full blaze of a 

 midsummer sun ; but the whole of its grateful warmth 

 should not be dispensed with, some heat being necessary 

 to dry up moisture. Perpetual shade is bad ; extremes 

 either way should be avoided. It is not advisable to 

 crowd the stocks together; spread them about the 

 garden singly, then the Bees will not be likely to fight, 

 or the young Queens to get lost on their nuptial excur- 

 sions. Stands for the hives need not be expensive ; an 

 old stool, box, cask, drain pipe, or log of wood, answers 

 very well. Should these look unsightly, climbing plants 

 trained over will soon remedy that defect. About i8 

 to 24 inches from the ground will be found a con- 

 venient height for manipulations. The hives being 

 disposed of in their permanent quarters, a careful study 

 of the various chapters that follow will teach the tyro 

 what to do and when to do it. And, if attention be 

 carefully bestowed, before the swarm multiplies itself or 

 the winter arrives, the novice in Bee-keeping will find 



