CUCUMBER 333 
depends upon the strength of the colonies. One strong 
colony with a prolific queen may do as much work as two 
or three weak ones. It is exceedingly important that an 
ample number of bees be provided, otherwise there will 
be a poor setting of fruit. Close observation of the bees 
at work, as well as the setting of the fruit from day to 
day, will enable one to determine whether all the flowers 
are being pollenized. There is much difference of 
opinion among growers concerning the number of hives 
required, but one strong colony for a house of average 
Fig. 118.—Hive of bees at end of greenhouse. 
width and 200 feet long should be adequate, though two 
colonies, one at each end of the house, would be more 
certain of providing the thorough pollination of all 
flowers. In very large establishments hives are usually 
placed at intervals throughout the houses, so that the 
bees will be well distributed. 
Many growers, even with small ranges, prefer to keep 
