24 PROFITABLE BEE-KEEPING 



and there is much to be said for such a recom- 

 mendation, as swarms cannot transmit disease, and 

 if they are obtained early they will often give a 

 handsome surplus in their first year. Indeed, 

 like good stocks, they will often recoup their owner 

 for his outlay. They should be obtained as early 

 in May or June as possible, and preference should 

 be given to those weighing about six pounds. 

 Swarms are usually sold by the pound, and it 

 is much the best way of buying them. The price 

 is usually 3/- per pound in May and 2/6 in June. 

 It will be noted that swarms when received will 

 weigh a little less than the weight charged for, 

 especially if they have been sent from a distance. 

 This is owing to the fact that when bees swarm 

 their honey sacs are full, but when received by 

 the buyer this honey has been partially consumed, 

 and there is a corresponding loss in weight. 



Swarms should be hived in a clean hive, and 

 with new quilts and frames. There willthen be no 

 danger of disease of any kind; and the persistent 

 way in which this method of starting is advocated 

 is well borne out in practice. 



"Driven" bees are utilized for conversion into 

 stocks. To the uninitiated I may explain that 

 " driven " bees are the bees taken from cottagers' 

 skeps during August and September; bees which 

 are saved from a cruel death in the sulphury pit, 

 which unhappily still exists and has many votaries, 

 especially in remote country districts. These bees 

 may be purchased at about 1/- to 1/6 per pound ; 



