48 A MANUAL OF BEE-KEEPING. 



swarm in preference to an old stock, unless he purchase of 

 a person upon whom he can thoroughly depend. There, 

 is always a chance of an old stock harbouring disease, 

 especially foul-brood, a fatal disease which I will describe 

 in good time ; which a novice would find impossible to 

 eradicate. A fair prime or first swarm will weigh net 

 three and a half pounds ; a very good one, five pounds. 

 They have been known to reach eight pounds. If lighter 

 than three and a half pounds, they would probably be 

 casts or second swarms. These have the advantage, 

 that the Queen is certainly young, and will probably 

 become prolific, and are on this account not to be 

 despised if they come early in the season. 



Bees are usually sold in a straw skep, which will come 

 in very handy, even if, as we should in this age of pro- 

 gression determine, to work with frame hives ; if this be 

 not the case, and the straw skep is to be maintained, put 

 the swarm on its stand at once, and leave it to proceed 

 as Nature directs, not forgetting to protect it from the 

 elements, and feed if necessary in bad weather (see 

 "Feeding"). If the swarm is to be transferred to a 

 frame hive, see that the latter be ready, and find your 

 instructions in the chapter on " Swarming." 



If it be determined to commence with an old stock, a 

 very good time to purchase is either in February, March, 

 or April, thus gaining the advantage of the swarm when 

 it comes. In choosing an old stock, do not buy a weak 

 one at any price; stand before the hives on a fine mild 

 day and note those from which the Bees are busiest ; buy 

 such a one or none. 



If the stock be bought within a mile or so of home, it 

 should not be taken at once to its permanent resting- 

 place, or the Bees on their next flight will most likely go 

 back to their old quarters, and thus be lost to their pur- 



