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marked. The percentage of such abnormal colonies in a well-regulated cellar will 

 be small, and, after they are set out, only these need be disturbed by changing bottom 

 boards, giving feed, or examining for queen condition. The danger of robbmg 

 and exposure to cold in giving immediate attention to the apiary will thus be 

 greatly reduced. 



As the flight of bees is very subject to temperature, light and wind, the weather 

 for setting out must be carefully considered. In fact, the beekeeper needs to be 

 a student of the weather at all times, also of the daily reports of the Weather 

 Bureau. One of the best means of forecasting the weather is to study sunsets. 

 It is not easy to describe the sunset which forecasts a bright or stormy day; but, 

 by taking note of the general appearance of the evening sky and noting the sort 

 of day which follows it, one soon becomes a rather good weather prophet. 



Birdseye view of O.A.C. Apiary in summer. Note hives in background left in single 

 cases. Some consider summer packing a factor in swarm control. Supers are 

 added within the case. 



The usual time for taking bees out is the evening before or the morning of 

 the day which promises to be fine and still, but not too hot. When such a day 

 is expected the doors and windows are opened at sunset to cool the cellar. The 

 hives may at once be placed on their stands by moonlight, or in the early morn- 

 ing, while the air is still 'frosty. If the day fulfils the beekeeper's expectation it 

 will be still, bright and moderately warm, about 60° to 70° F. The bees will 

 have a splendid flight, and everything will go well. 



Unfortunately, however, spring weather is uncertain, and if, when the air 

 is full of flying bees, the sky becomes overcast and the temperature begins to drop 

 and a stiff breeze strikes up, much drifting will result and many bees may be 

 blown on the ground to chill and die. In small apiaries this danger is reduced 

 to a minimum, but where there are many colonies it is safer to select a time when 

 indications are for dull weather for two or three days. Then, at sunset, start 

 carrying out the hives and continue until they are placed on their summer stands, 

 even if it takes until after midnight. 



