BOXING AlfD SURPLUS HONEY. 179 



finest honey, furnishes a profuse supply. In this section, 

 this bloom would be basswood. Next, the fact that when 

 honey is gathered and combs constructed most rapidly, 

 the appearance is most superior, indicates that a vigorous 

 colony should be chosen. 



For reasons given in Chap. II., native bees should be 

 selected, if box-honey is to be produced ; and Italians for 

 extracted. A new, clean hive should be prepared, and 

 the frames supplied with full cards of foundation. Let 

 this hive take the place of the colony chosen ; then shake 

 all the bees into it. Neatness in and about the hive is 

 very important. Do not allow the bees even to pass over 

 an old and soiled alighting board, but give them a new 

 one. If dust is flying to any extent, brush it off of the 

 board frequently. The efEect upon the color of new combs 

 when built between old and dark combs, is more than 

 would at first be supposed. I have had full cards of new 

 combs built with great rapidity in this way, when they 

 were too dark to be used as guides in boxes. In prepar- 

 ing boxes, observe perfect neatness, and use the purest 

 white comb for guid-^s, not more than 2 inches X 1'/, inch 

 in size. Worker comb will present the finest appearance. 

 If all the requirements have been attended to, the founda- 

 tions will be drawn out in 48 hours, sufiiciently to warrant 

 putting the boxes in place. If to be extracted, the combs 

 will soon be ready to empty. 



Where the brood-nest may be reduced at pleasure, I 

 should limit the space so as to crowd the bees into the 

 boxes ; as they should commence work as soon as they 

 have access to them. The boxes should be removed as 

 soon as filled. The care and neatness here inculcated 

 will, if habitual, have a perceptible effect upon the ap- 

 pearance and reputation of the products of our apiaries. 



