NATURAL AND AETIFICIAL INCREASE. 171 



low no increase of swarms. I would select the best half 

 of my stocks for boxing, as from such, box-honey must 

 be secured, and extract from the remainder, observing 

 the rule to "keep each hive supplied with a laying 

 queen." In removing cards of brood from those that 

 were boxed, and replacing them with foundation, to pre- 

 vent swarming, I would furnish them to the hives being 

 extracted. This plan will be found satisfactory in sea- 

 sons when the yield is light. If, in a productive season a 

 moderate increase is wanted, the last course recommended 

 in Artificial Increase, should be adopted. Just the num- 

 ber of combs that should be taken from each colony, and 

 the frequency of the operation, to prevent swarming, will 

 depend materially upon circumstances, and demand some 

 experience and close observation. The rule is, that an 

 incomplete comb must occupy the center, directly in front 

 of the entrance. 



Occasionally, a refractory colony will persist in a per- 

 tinacious attempt to swarm. I have often met this emer- 

 gency by changing its place at mid-day , when all were work- 

 ing rapidly, with one that was being extracted. If there 

 is no such colony, and a light one is found that does not 

 take possession of the boxes, I exchange with that, often 

 benefiting both. Eemember always, that this must not 

 be done, except during rapid honey-gathering, as it would 

 endanger the safety of the queen. At other than such 

 times it may become necessary to remove larger quanti- 

 ties of brood from such colonies, and supply empty combs 

 or foundation. Otherwise, it is sometimes well to remove 

 the boxes, and furnish combs for extracting. 



HINTS EOR EXCEPTIONAL SEASONS. 



Four seasons ago (1875) our honey harvest was very 

 short ; swarming was decidedly unprofitable. Usual- 

 ly but one swarm issued, and in such instances both 



