NATURAL SWARMS $7 



One of the best methods of utilizing a swarm 

 is to hive it on the parent stand, moving the old 

 stock to one side with the entrance at right angles 

 to that of the swarm. The next day turn the 

 entrance of the parent colony, a little more towards 

 its old position, and continue doing so each day, 

 until at the end of a week the two entrances are 

 side by side. Now remove the old stock to a new 

 position, which will add a considerable number of 

 flying bees to the strength of the swarm, and also 

 discourage the throwing off of after-swarms on 

 the part of the- old stock. 



Casts are second swarms thrown off by old 

 stocks, generally on the ninth day after the first 

 or prime swarm. They are headed by. an unfertile 

 or virgin queen. Usually it is best to return these 

 swarms, after cutting out all the remaining queen- 

 cells. Other after-swarms may be thrown off 

 if not. prevented, in addition to the casts. These 

 small swarms should always' be avoided by the 

 removal of the cells, as they greatly weaken the 

 parent stock. 



Casts and after-swarms will issue in any kind 

 of weather, and frequently travel far afield. 



When swarms are required for sale due atten- 

 tion should be paid to their packing, especially 

 in the matter of ventilation. They travel best 

 either in the original hiving skep, or in a specially 

 constructed swarm-box. 



If they are despatched in the skep the mouth 

 should be tied over with a single thickness of 



