112 I'llE rRAOriOL BEE GUIDE- 



of the brood nest, will deposit eggs in them at a period of 

 the year when she would not be likely to travel to the colder, 

 outer combs for the purpose. As a general rule brood spread- 

 ing may be considered safe when, the weather being warm and 

 the nights no longer chilly, the space between the outside 

 comb and the dummy (93) is found to be occupied by bees. 

 In this case, if the outside comb be suitable for brood rearing, 

 i.e., a straight, well-built comb, not overstocked with pollen, 

 and preferably containing some honey, it may be used for the 

 purpose. The carbolic cloth (127) is drawn over the frames, 

 and, without exposing the brood nest to cold winds, the dummy 

 and the frames between it and the centre of the brood nest, 

 are gently drawn back together a couple of inches ; the dummy 

 is then moved back a little farther, and the outside frame is 

 lifted out (182). If it contain capped honey, the cappings are 

 broken, and the frame is placed in the centre of the brood 

 nest ; the frames and dummy are closed up, and the sheets, 

 quilts, and roof are placed in position as before. The operation 

 may be repeated from week to week ; frames of drawn out 

 comb being used, until the brood chamber is filled with brood. 

 In the absence of drawn out combs, frames of foundation may 

 be used; but it is not advisable in the spring, when every 

 day is of importance, to put upon the bees the necessity for 

 comb building, thus delaying the increase of brood which 

 might otherwise be expedited. Careful bee-keepers make it a 

 rule to have always on hand a supply of drawn out combs for 

 this purpose (317). Later in the season, and especially in the 

 summer, combs or frames of foundation should be given in the 

 brood nest as opportunity offers. (217). 



" During: summer, whenever a fairly strong stock is opened for 

 any purpose (such as putting on or taking off sections) a frame should 

 be put in the centre. This is a golden rule." — T. B. O'Bryen. 



194. Drone Brood — Towards the middle of May, when, in 

 normal seasons, swarming may be expected, the bees construct 

 drone cells (67). These will be readily recognised by their 

 size, being deeper than the worker cells, and i" in diameter, 

 whereas worker cells are only ^" in diameter; the cappings 

 of the former standing out beyond the cappings of worker 

 cells (Fig. 74, F, page 36). The drone egg, like the worker egg, 

 hatches in three days, and the grub is fed up to the ninth day 

 from the laying of the egg ; when, the cell is sealed, the spinning 

 of the cocoon takes place, the change from larva to nymph, 

 and on the twenty-fifth day the young drone makes his way 

 out of his cell. .A.bout a fortnight later he leaves the hive for 

 flight. (204). 



