108 PLEASUBABLE BEE-KEEPING. 



stock from the effects which rough handhng of such 

 packages would produce. The box is now ready to 

 receive the stock. Take a square of canvas and pro- 

 ceed to the stock, which should have previously been 

 raised off the stand, and the front left an inch or two off 

 the floor-board so that the cool evening air will drive the 

 bees up amongst the combs. Puff a little smoke into 

 the entrance, then take a corner of the canvas between 

 the thumb and forefinger of each hand, place the palms 

 of the hands on the sides of the stock, which turn 

 quickly over, letting the canvas fall over the mouth of 

 the hive. Before the bees rise tie a string round the 

 canvas. The hive may then be placed in the box, 

 and if the space around the sides be padded with 

 straw or paper, it will travel safely. To ensure extra 

 care in handling while in transit the following words 

 in large type should be written on the label : 



LIVE BEES ON COMBS— WITH CABE. 



It must be borne in mind that only stocks on fairly 

 tough combs can be expected to travel safely. Sticks 

 which are put through the hive in such a manner that 

 they may be easily withdrawn are a great help to the 

 safe transit of stocks, for the combs will be built to 

 them, and so held securely. 



Supposing the stock to be particularly strong in 

 bees, the canvas will not be placed over the mouth 

 of the hive with the ease it will over a moderately 

 strong colony ; but in that case the hive should first 

 be lifted off the stand, the bees brushed off the latter, 

 and then the canvas spread upon it. Now return the 

 stock, leaving the front raised, and most of the bees 



