378 A Modern Bee-Farm 
American friends are anticipating great benefit in 
wintering bees on this candy ; but any wholesale attempt 
to set up a substitute for properly stored combs will only 
result in disaster where long periods of cold weather are 
the rule. 
Inserting the Bees. 
The lid is first to be tacked on only at one corner, at 
the side of the food compartment. Hold the cage in the 
left hand with the thumb on the lid just above the 
ventilated chamber, and now pick from the combs about a 
dozen young bees with the right hand, inserting them one 
at a time while the thumb moves the lid back to receive 
each in its turn. The queen is to be put in last to make 
sure of no mistake, when the remainder of the tacks can 
be driven in. 
If the weather is cold more bees must accompany the 
queen, and additional warmth may be given by outside 
packing. Instead of the brad holes I have found a sawcut 
through the end more effective for ventilating in hot 
weather ; indeed, I originated this plan and have used no 
other means of giving air, considering the small holes 
quite inadequate. 
Packing Swarms. 
A “rough-and-ready ” way is to tie a piece of strainer 
cloth over the mouth of a skep in which the swarm may 
have been taken; but for long distances something more 
substantial is necessary, and a frame of honey will be 
required, 
The box must be as light as is possible consistent with 
strength, and ventilation should be given on at least two 
opposite sides. I have had very good results with air 
space all round the top, the lid being raised and secured 
to the main body with perforated zinc. 
