NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL INCREASE. 171 
low no increase of swarms. I would select the best half 
of my stocks for boxing, as from such, box-honey must 
be secured, and extract from the remainder, observing 
the rule to ‘“‘keep each hive supplied with a laying 
queen.” In removing cards of brood from those that 
were boxed, and replacing them with foundation, to pre- 
vent swarming, I would furnish them to the hives being 
extracted. This plan will be found satisfactory in sea- 
sons when the yield is light. If, in a productive season a 
moderate increase is wanted, the last course recommended 
in Artificial Increase, should be adopted. Just the num- 
ber of combs that should be taken from each colony, and 
the frequency of the operation, to prevent swarming, will 
depend materially upon circumstances, and demand some 
experience and close observation. The rule is, that an 
incomplete comb must occupy the center, directly in front 
of the entrance. 
Occasionally, a refractory colony will persist in a per- 
tinacious attempt toswarm. I have often met this emer- 
gency by changing its place at mid-day, when all were work- 
ing rapidly, with one that was being extracted. If there 
is no such colony, and a light one is found that does not 
take possession of the boxes, I exchange with that, often 
benefiting both. Remember always, that this must not 
be done, except during rapid honey-gathering, as it would 
endanger the safety of the queen. At other than such 
times it may become necessary to remove larger quanti- 
ties of brood from such colonies, and supply empty combs 
or foundation. Otherwise, it is sometimes well to remove 
the boxes, and furnish combs for extracting. 
HINTS FOR EXCEPTIONAL SEASONS. 
Four scasons ago (1875) our honey harvest was very 
short; swarming was decidedly unprofitable. Usual- 
ly but one swarm issued, and in such instances both 
