106 PLEASVBABLE BEE-KEEPING. 



then take note of their surroundings on leaving the 

 hive. This means of drawing attention to a change 

 of position is more essential vyhen, for any reason, 

 stocks are moved a short distance, say twenty or 

 thirty yards, at a time of the year when the bees are 

 daily on the wing. At such times a move of a yard 

 or two every day, or alternate day, when the bees are 

 flying freely, is a better plan, as they become accus- 

 tomed to a change of position by degrees. 



In moving stocks from one apiary to another beyond 

 bee-flight, that is, at least two miles away, the early 

 part of the year, or at the end of February, should be 

 chosen, for then there will not be much brood, and 

 the move will act to some extent as a stimulant to 

 breeding. Later on, say in March or April, a better 

 idea of the value of stocks could be ascertained, and 

 no harm would result from the moving if it took place 

 before much work had been done on the orchard 

 bloom. 



Packing Stocks and Swaems. 



Swarms are easy to transport, but the following 

 directions may be followed. Hive the swarm in a 

 straw skep, and let it remain until the evening. 

 Weigh the swarm box, examine the perforated zinc 

 to see that it is securely nailed on the bottom and 

 also on the lid, mark one side of the box and the side 

 of the lid near to it ; then set the box close by the 

 swarm. Lift off the lid and place it down by the side 

 of the box so that it can be picked up and placed 

 upon the box as soon as the swarm is in. Now lift 

 up the skep gently without moving the cluster, and 



