TURNOUTS. 147 



to leave it ; but as the hive that swarmed three weeks be- 

 fore has no brood in it, the bees are easily driven out. 



"\Ye shall be sorry if we find that we have failed to give 

 the most ignorant bee-keeper that reads this work a cor- 

 rect and complete idea of this process and principle of 

 eviction ; for we reckon that if lie well understands what 

 we aim at and realise, and how we compass the whole, he 

 wiU stand on a higher platform than many pretentious 

 bee-keepers. 



The turnouts of small hives may be united to second 

 swarms if they happen to stand side by side. It is under- 

 stood that if the spring months have been unfavourable 

 for honey-gathering, the hives will be too light for yield- 

 ing much honey. In such season there will be no turn- 

 outs. 



But, looking closely into this turning-out system, the 

 reader may say, " It is not a wise and economical one ; 

 for, by putting the be^s into an empty hive, you compel 

 them to make new combs, which cost them a great deal of 

 honey. Leave them in their own hive, and thus save the 

 consumption of honey necessary in the building of fresh 

 combs." This remark is both logical and philosophical, 

 and, moreover, full of common-sense. No sensible man 

 wiU attempt to' resist its force. But it is found wanting 

 when put in the balance against " the almighty dollar " 

 of a good honey season. 



