26 



andligh ted the smoker (44), insert the nozzle at the hive door, 

 and then blow in three or four good puffs of smoke. Then wait 

 for three or four minutes, after which the hive may be un- 

 covered as described above (65). Then turn back the quilt and 

 apply the carbolic cloth (65), or if the smoker is to be used 

 instead of it, blow puffs of smoke on the tops of the frame as 

 the quilt is withdrawn; the smoker should then be placed at 

 hand, nozzle up, for further use when necessary. 



v.— AREANGEMENT OF APIARY. 



The months of April and May are those in which it is best for 

 the beginner to commence bee-keeping, 

 67, Commencing provided that swarms or stocks can then 

 Bee-keeping. be had. Swarms are rarely obtainable be- 

 fore the middle of May. Unless a stock in 

 a bar -frame hive is procured, the bees must necessarily he pro- 

 vided in one of the following ways : — 



(1.) By providing a natural or artificial swarm. 

 (2.) By transfer of a stock from a skep or other fixed comb 

 hive. 



The necessary apphances mentioned in the list already given 

 (58) should be procured. Next, a suitable site should be 

 selected for the apiary. 



The hives should preferably face the south-east, and it is 

 desirable that they should be protected 

 68. Site of Apiary, from northerly winds ; but it is essential 

 that the bees should have a clear flight 

 to the front ; a high hedge or wall or other obstruction in 

 front of the hives that would impede the outward or homeward 

 flight of the bees is very objectionable. The site should be dry, 

 and the grass or other herbage should be kept low immediately 

 about the apiary, which should be protected by a fence from dis- 

 turbance by five stock, and there should be sufficient clear space 

 behind the hives to permit of all apiarian operations being carried 

 out with facility. It is inadvisable to place hives immediately in 

 front of a south wall, as in such a position the hive tempera- 

 ture is much increased on hot days, and the variation of tem- 

 perature in the hive between the hottest part of the day and the 

 coldest part of the night is objectionably intensified. The apiary 

 should not be placed in such a position that animals or people 

 are likely to pass frequently to and fro across the line of flight 

 within about fifty yards of it. When it is intended to have 

 many hives in an apiary they should be at least six feet, and if 

 possible, twelve feet or further apart. If it is necessary to 

 place one row of hives in front of another, there should be a 

 space of at least twelve feet between the rows, unless the 

 ground falls so rapidly as to permit the bees from the back row 

 of hives having a free flight over the front row. Double rows 

 of hives close together should not he adopted except from want 



