240 A Modern Bee-Farm 
While the bees’ natural preparation for swarming may 
not always be prevented, the act of swarming can 
certainly be controlled so that a larger yield shall be 
ensured. 
The Expert will risk his reputation as a bee-master 
upon his ability in so directing this natural disposition 
of his workers that he shall be a gainer and not a loser 
thereby. 
-CHAPTER XVII. 
SWARMING—ITS CAUSE, ITS CONTROL 
. AND PREVENTION. 
Sir ine when uncontrolled, is undoubtedly one 
of the greatest hindrances to honey production ; 
it is in fact a stumbling-block with a vast number 
of bee-keepers, who lose the best part of the season before 
the bees can be induced to re-enter the supers which had 
been left in an unfinished state when the swarm issued. 
The act of swarming should be so controlled that work is 
not hindered, but the average owner appears to prefer 
increase to consolidating his working force. 
The primary cause of swarming is to be found in the 
completion and over-crowding of the brood-nest. How 
can this be proved? (1) Very small skeps are productive 
of numerous swarms. (2) The ordinary ten-frame Standard 
hive which accommodates more than double the contents 
of such skeps, seldom throws off more than two swarms 
when working for comb honey. (3) But when extracted 
honey is to be secured, so many more combs can be given 
than are occupied with brood, that swarming is of even less 
frequent occurrence. (4) Going still further, where very 
