BEEKEEPING FOR CONKECTICUT. 435 



be kept from swarming, but this is almost impossible. The Cyp- 

 rians are energetic workers but also have bad tempers, which bar 

 them from most apiaries. 



The Italians, introduced into this country in the sixties, are the 

 most popular among good beekeepers. They are good workers, 

 and, as a rule, are as gentle to handle as any of the other races 

 named. These qualities, together with their rich, golden color, and 

 their ability to withstand some of the worst ravages of foul brood, 

 make them the favorites of pur beekeepers. 



Location. 



The needs of the bees are seldom considered in selecting a loca- 

 tion. It is best to choose a sheltered spot, protected as much as 

 possible from prevailing winds. The south side of a hedge, a high 

 board fence or building, or a clearing in the woods, is good. Look 

 out for air currents, such as circulate, between two buildings. 

 Have the hives face the south as near as convenient. 



Swarm Control. 



It requires a large force of bees in each hive to secure a crop of 

 honey. The larger the force when the flow arrives, the better. 

 The beekeepK- with one hundred weak colonies would get scarcely 

 any surplus, while the one with only twenty-five or fifty colonies 

 of good strength would obtain good results. This crowded condi- 

 tion, however, is one of the primary causes of swarming, and it is 

 advisable, as far as possible, to have no swarming during the 

 honey flow. Some of the precautions taken for its prevention are 

 the introduction of young queens some time previously; giving 

 plenty of room bv adding a super, and when this is partially full, 

 if the prospects look good for the continuance of the flow, inserting 

 another beneath the first ; ventilating by giving full, wide entrance, 

 or if the nights are very warm, raising the hive an inch from the 

 bottom board. These methods, while precautionary to discourage 

 swarming, are not preventive and it is advisable to examine every 

 colony occasionally for symptoms, and if at any time it is fotmd 

 that queen cells are started, they should be cut out and a super of 

 extracting combs given without the excluder. A week later, if 

 no cells are started, this can be exchanged for a comb honey super. 

 Should cells be started, however, remove the super, taking the 



