NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL INCREASE. 165 
‘« Artificial Increase,” I adviso those who can do so, not 
to allow them to fly. 
Irecommend these latter methods, for those who feel in- 
competent to judge of the proper time to make swarms. 
In the latter case, the occurrence of swarming determines 
the period for the operation, while in the former, the 
bee-keeper must select the colony, and uso his discretion 
as to whether it is in condition to furnish a swarm. By 
observing the indications of the queen cells, it is easily seen 
if a swarm will soon be ready, and it may be made arti- 
ficially, thus avoiding the annoyances mentioned as occur- 
ring when they are allowed to issue in the natural way. 
ARTIFICIAL INCREASE. 
Those who wish to increase their colonics by the best 
methods, and avoid the perplexities of natural swarming, 
will do so by dividing, or as otherwise termed, making 
artificial swarms. It is impossible to state the precise 
date when this increase can be most profitably made, as it 
will vary in different seasons and localities, as well as in 
individual stocks in the same apiary. Increase in quan- 
tity of bees, should at all times be borne in mind, but 
when it is wise to increase swarms, is quite another matter. 
I maintain that it is never best to divide, until all weak 
colonies have been built up to a proper standard, by tak- 
ing brood from stronger ones. If the bee-keeper is so 
fortunate as to possess none but good swarms, he may add 
combs from time to time, so that, at the proper period 
for boxing, or dividing, there may be a larger umber of 
combs spared from the old stock. Often it is more de- 
sirable to occupy the colonies to the best advantage in 
this way, than to increase them earlier. When colonies 
are populous, and honey plenty, it is safe to divide. 
There are various practicable methods, but after careful 
trial, I shall advise but two. The first is this: In the 
middle of a fine day, when the bees are busy at work, 
