SECTION III 

 PRACTICAL WORK 



CHAPTER I 



HOW TO BEGIN 



By far the most usual method of commencement is by 

 the purchase or gift of a swarm. The earlier a swarm 

 can be secured the better. The old rhyme, lame and 

 halting as it is, yet speaks true when it says — 



" A swarm of bees in May, 

 Is worth a load of hay. 

 A swarm of bees in June, 

 Is worth a silver spoon. 

 A swarm of bees in July, 

 Isn't worth a fly." 



Having the promise of a swarm, have everything in 

 readiness for its reception some time before its antici- 

 pated arrival. The floor board of the hives should be 

 carefully levelled by means of a spirit-level, and the 

 brood chamber should contain about six or seven frames 

 fitted with foundation, and a couple of dummies. 



Usually the swarm, if from the immediate neigh- 

 bourhood, arrives in the skep in which it was taken. 

 This should be placed as received in its natural position 

 in some cool and shady part of the garden until towards 

 evening. In the meantime, in front of the hive that is 

 to become the future home of the swarm, support on 

 bricks or otherwise a board about 1 8 to 20 inches 

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