18 



hive, frames, and bottom board should be either disinfected or 

 burned as soon as possible before other bees get near them. 



To avoid the risk of the bees decamping, as they are liable to do 

 when suddenly deprived of their combs, especially in spring, the 

 queen may be caged just previous to the operation, and the cage sus- 

 pended between the frames after the operation and until the bees 

 are again changed on the fourth day, when she may be released in 

 the new hive. It is not absolutely necessary to cage the queen 

 except as a precautionary measure. Examine the bees towards the 

 close of the third day, and if many have fallen from the fluster feed 

 them at once, either with frames of clean honey from healthy stocks 

 or with sugar-syrup. Food should also be given when the weather 

 is unfavourable at this time for gathering honey. Carry out all 

 such operations in the evening when the other bees are quiet; get 

 through as quietly and speedily as possible, and take care the 

 diseased bees do not have an opportunity to enter other hives. 



Food and Feeding. 



Frames of honey from healthy colonies may be given, but if 

 there be any doubt feed with sugar-syrup, made by adding half a pint 

 of water to each 1 lb. of sugar used, and bringing it to the boiling- 

 point ; stir for the first few minutes till all the sugar is dissolved; 

 when cool it will be ready for use. Empty, clean combs make 

 capital feeders. They may be filled by placing them at an angle in 

 a large milk-dish or a similar vessel and pouring in the syrup from 

 a small strainer held 1ft. or 1ft. Sin. above them. The falling syrup 

 drives the air from the cells and takes its place. After filling them 

 the eombs should be suspended until they are free from drip, when 

 they will be ready for use. In the absence of empty combs, syrup 

 may be given in any of the ordinary feeders sold by hive-manufac- 

 turers, placed above the frames, turning a corner of the mat up to 

 make a passage for the bees. It is advisable to put on an empty 

 half-story body for convenience while using a feeder above the 

 frames. Feeding should always be done late in the evening to pre- 

 vent excitement and robbing. 



Disinfecting Hives. 



I certainly, in all cases, strongly recommend disinfecting hives 

 and other implements that have been in contact with diseased colonies. 

 In fact, I think it a good plan to do so with everything at the end 

 of each season as a precautionary measure, whether " foul brood " is 

 present or not. 



The hives should be well scraped free from propolis, and the 



