QUEEN-BREEDING AND NUCLEUS HIVES. 171 



time the nucleus was formed, when we open it, and with 

 a sharp thin-bladed pocket-knife, cut out all the Queen 

 cells but one, and use them immediately in forming 

 other nuclei, by attaching one of them to a frame of 

 comb and Bees taken from an old stock as before 

 described, and placed in an empty hive. The beginner 

 should remove but one at a tirne, returning the frame 

 from which it was taken to its place in the hive, until 

 the royal cell is adjusted in its new location. When 

 practicable, leave about an inch square of comb attached 

 to the cell, and upon taking the comb or brood from the 

 old stock make an opening among the eggs and larvae, 

 where the Bees will be sure to cluster upon it, and keep 

 it warm. If the first nucleus was formed from the only 

 Italian stock in the yard, and more Queen-cells are 

 wanted, remove every Queen-cell from it, and add 

 another comb of eggs, and brood from its parent stock. 

 But when no more Queen-cells are needed, leave one to 

 hatch, and as by this time the brood will all be capped 

 over, the Bees will be liable to follow the young Queen 

 on her excursion to meet the Drones. To prevent this, 

 exchange one of the combs for one containing eggs and 

 young larvae, when forming the other nuclei. Young 

 Queens will return, unless lost, destroyed by birds or 

 other casualties, to which all Queens are once exposed. 

 Such loss is easily ascertained among so few Bees, and 

 we have only to insert another Queen-cell, adding a 

 comb containing eggs and brood, and repeat the trial." 



