70 A MANUAL OF BEE-KEEPING. 



from destruction by covering her with a cup Queen cage, 

 or one of Mr. Carr's pattern. Of course, it is preferable 

 to supply the swarmed stock with a fertile Queen, if 

 possible, as it must always be remembered that this 

 saves one or two weeks of breeding time in the height 

 of the season ; and as a young fertile Queen will lay 

 2000 or 3000 eggs per diem, the gain may be easily 

 calculated. In forcing swarms, be satisfied with one from 

 each stock, or even two out of three ; prevent the issue, 

 if necessary, of any more, and if the Bees have surplus 

 energies, let them use them to gather honey, for it is 

 a well-known axiom, that if many swarms are made there 

 will be little honey ; the reason is obvious, the labour 

 of the Bees is expended in nursing the young and pro- 

 viding them with sustenance, and this with a population 

 constantly being reduced. 



In removing frames from a hive, note should be taken 

 of the order in which they are found, and they should 

 be replaced in the same order, or they will not fit, and 

 in some places the Bees will find no passage by which 

 they can feed the brood. 



HIVES. 



" And, behold, there was a swarm of Bees and honey in the carcase of the 

 lion." — Judges xiv. 8. 



One of the primary considerations to the Bee-keeper 

 is a proper selection of hives ; and in this chapter it is 

 my purpose to give an impartial description of the most 

 useful patterns with which I am acquainted. It -does not 

 always follow that the most perfect hive is suitable to all ; 

 in the first place, cost is ofttimes a great consideration. 



