OR, MANUAL OF THE APIARY, 203 



HOW 10 PROCURE FIRST COLONIES. 



To procure colonies from which to form an apiary, as is in 

 almost all kindred cases, it is always best to get them near at 

 hand. We thus avoid the shock of transportation, can see the 

 bees before we purchase, and in case there is any seeming 

 mistake can easily gain a personal explanation and secure a 

 speedy adjustment of any real wrong. 



KIND OF BEES TO PURCHASE. 



At the same price always take Italians or Camiolans, as 

 they are certainly best for the beginner. If common black 

 bees can be secured for three, or even for two dollars less per 

 colony, by all means take them, as they can be Italianized at 

 a profit for the difference in cost, and, in the operation, the 

 young apiarist will gain valuable experience. 



Our motto will demand that we purchase only strong colo- 

 nies. If, as recommended, the purchaser sees the colonies 

 before the bargain is closed, it will be easy to know that the 

 colonies are strong. If the bees, as they come rushing out, 

 remind you of Vesuvius at her best, or bring to mind the gush 

 and rush at the nozzle of the fireman's hose, then buy. In the 

 hives of such colonies all combs will be covered by the middle 

 of May with bees, and in the honey season brood will be abun- 

 dant. It is always wisest to begin in a small way. He will 

 generally succeed best who commences with not more than 

 four or five colonies. 



IN WHAT KIND OF HIVES. 



As plans are already made, of course it is settled as to the 

 style of hive to be used. If bees can be procured in such hives 

 they will be worth just as much more than though in any 

 other hive, as it costs to make the hive and transfer the bees. 

 This will certainly be as much as two or three dollars. No 

 apiarist will tolerate, unless for experiment, two styles oj hives 

 in his apiary. Therefore, unless you find bees in such hives 

 as you are to use, it will be best to buy them in box-hives if 

 possible and transfer (see Chapter VII) to your own hives, as 

 bees in box-hives can always be bought at reduced rates. In 

 case the person from whom you purchase will take the hives 



