140 QtJEEKS. 



five cells are built in a cluster, the one in the center and 

 two on the outside can only be saved by cutting through 

 the two others. During these operations, it is necessary 

 to handle the combs with great care, keeping them in the 

 same position as when in the hive, that the queens may 

 receive no injury. 



FORMING JitrCLBI. 



If the queens are to be used for new swarms, arrange 

 the requisite number of hives in the different positions in 

 the apiary, that you wish the swarms to occupy. It is 

 my practice to purchase native bees in box hives at this 

 time, and transfer the combs and bees to such hives (as 

 directed in Chap. VII., on Transferring), giving each 

 nucleus one comb containing brood, and about one quart 

 of bees. Prom a good box hive I form from six to eight 

 nuclei. Also, I sometimes bring a colony already in mov- 

 able frames, from another apiary, and divide it in about 

 the same number of parts. In either case, the queen is 

 removed, and used where one is desired. These bees will 

 usually remain more contentedly if they are confined to 

 the nucleus for tlie first twenty-four hours. 



Another practical method is to open a hive in the same 

 apiary, and after securing the queen, remove from it a 

 card containing brood as fully developed as can be deter- 

 mined by the looks. Place this in one of the nucleus 

 hives prepared, with a close fitting division board at each 

 side, if a hanging frame is used, or the panels with the 

 standing frame. * 



Now, remove three or four other combs from the same 

 hive, and after giving them a sudden shake in front of 

 their own hive, to dislodge the old bees, take them to the 

 nucleus, and brush all the young bees that cling to them, 

 into it. This will usually furnish a sufficient supply of 



• These division boards or panels stiould be used in all nuclei formed ;n large 

 hives, to economise the heat. 



