HIVE NUMBERS AND RECORDS 43 
be lost from this plan than most others, it has the disadvantage of 
requiring refilling frequently, as the large surface of water ex- 
posed results in rapid evaporation. On the other hand, large 
numbers of bees can get water at one time without crowding. 
Hive Numbers and Records.—Some system of records is very 
helpful, and many specialists regard it as indispensable to best 
results. Various plans are in use, but the elaborate systems 
should be avoided. Unless one can make necessary notes while 
at work, there is danger that they will not be made at all. While 
a book record is best, it is difficult to make records of this kind 
when one’s fingers are messed up with propolis, and the wind is 
blowing the pages. The principal advantage of the book record 
lies in its permanence, and the ease with which one can refer to 
previous notes. 
Hive Marks.—In a large apiary some system of marking the 
condition of the colonies is necessary. When one examines the 
bees he will find some colonies weak, some strong, some needing 
more room, some with failing queens, some preparing to swarm, 
some queenless, and many other conditions. Where immediate 
attention is necessary, it is likely to be given at the time, but if 
something necessitates examination again after a few days have 
elapsed, some simple mark is necessary. 
Stakes, etc.—Some bee-keepers use a quantity of stakes, and 
by setting them in different positions about the hive indicate 
the condition of the colony. F. W. Hall uses pegs or stakes for 
this purpose. A red topped peg indicates disease. Such a peg 
set at the left side of the entrance indicates disease is suspicioned, 
and in front of the left side of the entrance, that disease is known 
to be present. When the colony is treated, the peg is moved to 
the center of the entrance and if, after a later examination, no 
disease is found, the peg is moved to the right of the entrance. 
After disease is known to be eradicated, all pegs are removed. 
In the same manner pegs not painted or of another color are 
used for other purposes. Thus one peg indicates a fair laying 
queen, two pegs a good queen, and three pegs a choice one. The 
