and its Economic Management. 43 



moderately, but this is more the result of bad management 

 than a fault on the part of the bees. There is one thing, 

 however, which would give' that impression : the demand for 

 imported queens has been so great that I am afraid many old 

 queens have been sent over, more especially as few of the 

 native holders make any attempt to raise queens for the 

 market. Therefore, in the natural order of things, the old 

 mothers would be superseded, and a number of swarms come 

 forth headed by young queens. Where old queens are 

 avoided I am aware there is no more trouble with these bees 

 in that direction than with any others. 



They are so very prolific that considerable attention is 

 required just at the critical time, in giving plenty of room, and 

 free access to all parts of the hive. 



One great point in their favour is their 



Good Temper. 



Without smoke, or other intimidants, hive after hive can 

 generally be opened, and no stings are received ; and without 

 a doubt the introduction of this variety will do more to make 

 bee-keeping popular than any device in hives which has been 

 brought forward for the convenience of the novice. Car- 

 niolans are the bees for beginners, and none need now start 

 with any other kind. By working with these, confidence will 

 be rapidly gained, and presently, if desired, one may with 

 greater assurance g[ive other kinds a trial. 



Carniolans are very active during the summer months, 

 and yet are restful when confined during winter ; in fact, they 

 come from a cold mountainous region, and there is, therefore, 

 no doubt either as to their energy or good wintering qualities. 

 It is reasonable to suppose that they at one time were a cross 

 between Cyprians and the German bee ; the Cyprian element, 

 however introduced, must have subsided, and the colour 

 reverted to that of the majority, though the extremely broad 

 white bands on the latter segments of the abdomen of the 



