Cottager and Smallholder 15 
held open automatically in this manner for its reception both 
hands are free to deal with the foundation. 
To prevent the sheet buckling while being forced home owing 
to the saw cut not being straight through at either end, a 
piece about 3 an inch wide should be cut off diagonally from 
the two top corners. 
The frame should have thin wire stretched across it, Fig. 18. 
After the foundation has been placed in position in the saw 
Fig. 19. 
cut this wire is forced into it by means of a heated 
spur embedder, Fig. 19. This holds it in position 
and makes the comb stronger when built. Failing such 
wiring, the foundation should be pushed right through the 
saw cut about 3 an inch and then bent over alternately from 
side to side on the top of the top bar with the thumbs, so 
that it cannot slip out. 
The sheets of foundation for brood frames are cut to the 
right size by the manufacturers. If the frames are wired that 
weighing ten sheets to the pound is used. Jf not then it must 
be thicker, 7.e., eight sheets to the pound. 
V.—NATURAL SWARMING. 
Nature provides for the increase of living creatures in 
various ways. Stocks of bees are increased by what are termed 
swarms. 
Breeding commences about the last week in January, 
gradually the population increases until May or June, when the 
hive becomes overcrowded. This is indicated by the bees 
hanging in a large cluster at the entrance, especially towards 
night. 
Prepwestian for the departure of the old mother is made by 
the building of queen cells, and the rearing of young queens; 
about three days before the most advanced princess is due 
to emerge great excitement prevails in the hive. One day, 
generally between the hours of ten and one, the swarm 
issues. This consists of from fifteen to twenty-five thousand old 
bees accompanied by the old queen. They fly round for a time, 
