BOXING AND SURPLUS HONEY. 179 
finest honey, furnishes a profuse supply. In this section, 
this bloom would be basswood. Next, the fact that when 
honey is gathered and combs constructed most rapidly, 
the appearance is most superior, indicates that a vigorous 
colony should be chosen. 
For reasons given in Chap. II., native bees should be 
selected, if box-honey is to be produced ; and Italians for 
extracted. A new, clean hive should be prepared, and 
the frames supplied with full cards of foundation: Let 
this hive take the place of the colony chosen ; then shake 
all the bees into it. Neatness in and about the hive is 
very important. Do not allow the bees even to pass over 
an old and soiled alighting board, but give them a new 
one. If dust is flying to any extent, brush it off of the 
board frequently. The effect upon the color of new combs 
when built between old and dark combs, is more than 
would at first be supposed. I have had full cards of new 
combs built with great rapidity in this way, when they 
were too dark to be used as guides in boxes. In prepar- 
ing boxes, observe perfect neatness, and use the purest 
white comb for guides, not more than 2 inches x 1'/, inch 
in size. Worker comb will present the finest appearance. 
If all the requirements have been attended to, the founda- 
tions. will be drawn out in 48 hours, sufficiently to warrant 
putting the boxes in place. If to be extracted, the combs 
will soon be ready to empty. 
Where the brood-nest may be reduced at pleasure, I 
should limit the space so as to crowd the bees into the 
boxes ; as they should commence work as soon as they 
have access to them. The boxes should be removed as 
soon as filled. The care and neatness here inculcated 
will, if habitual, have a perceptible effect upon the ap- 
pearance and reputation of the products of our apiaries. 
