and tts Economic Management. 225 
stock by the time suitable weather for such operations 
arrives. I frequently leave late virgin queens with stocks 
when failing to mate in Autumn, and unite during the 
following February or March to some other hive with 
a fertile queen, the stock hibernating perfectly mean- 
while. 
Insufficient Stores. 
This really unnecessary condition is unfortunately too 
frequently allowed; and is a serious impediment to 
successful hibernating. The bees fully realize their 
beggarly condition, and during the coldest weather may 
often be heard mournfully roaring while other more 
fortunate stocks are perfectly quiet. Candy, as I have 
always pointed out, if supplied, is only a further evil, but 
the. addition of good sealed stores, inserted in the centre 
of the cluster, or placed flat on the frames, in an 
emergency, will always bring about the necessary restful 
condition once more. 
When inserting stored combs at this season, these should 
not be solid with food if dividing the cluster, and moreover, 
an opening of }-inch diameter should be cut through the 
comb near the centre, 
SPRING. 
About the 21st December the queens will begin to 
deposit eggs; in due time the young will hatch out, and 
slowly the brood nest is enlarged, until by the time the 
older bees begin foraging, the consequent heavy losses 
are fully compensated by those brought to life while 
outside all appeared quiet. 
The production of young bees at this early date is not 
always without intermission; cold in itself never hinders 
it, as the brood is at the very heart of the cluster, but 
if unable to obtain water for many days together brood 
Q 
