Combs must, therefore^ be very gently lifted and replaced slowly 

 and carefully. In this connection it is most important to see that 

 the comb goes back in exactly the same way as it was removed. 

 Otherwise the irregularities in the comb will foul those on either 

 side, injuring or crushing the bees, and damaging the face of the 

 comb. 



It is often difficult to remember exactly which way round a 

 comb should be replaced 'in the brood chamber after it has been 

 out for some time under examination. A simple guide is obtained 

 by marking one end of the top bar in the frame, so that all the marks 

 are one side or the other. The easiest way of doing this is to date 

 the lug with indehble pencil or other means whenever a new franie 

 fitted with foundations is inserted in the brood nest. The frames 

 should always then be maintained with the number on either the left 





FIC.S 



DATING OF FRAMEIS 



or right side of the chamber, thus ensuring that they are always 

 replaced correctly (see Fig. 5). Moreover, there is the added ad- 

 vantage that a check is kept on retaining combs in use which are 

 over-age. 



Much the best way of starting bees for a beginner is with a 

 nucleus of five or six combs. In the first place there is not the same 

 fear in opening up so small a stock, and it promotes confidence, and 

 more is learnt of bee-keeping from such a procedure, than by starting 

 off with a full-sized colony. The beginner who starts in the latter 

 way (unless he is fortunate enough to have " beginner's luck ") 

 is usually in trouble before very long with swarms or other com- 

 plications. Apart from the satisfaction of building up a nucleus 



49 



