104 -^ Modern Bee-Farm 



CHAPTER XII. 



GENERAL MANAGEMENT. 



WHILE it is my intention to go through twelve months' 

 management, and as everything depends upon proper 

 treatment at this period, I shall begin with the 



AUTUMN. 



If the apiarist keeps only young queens he will have noi 

 need to stimulate /the hive for the production of young bees at 

 this time ; while the only reliable stitmilation for early spring 

 breeding is secured by correct autumn preparation. If any 

 colony has not sufficient food to last till the following April, 

 give all it wants rapidly before the end of September. Among 

 novices there is much uncertainty as to the quantity required 

 to store a colony for winter, but not less than six square feet 

 of sealed comb (including both sides) should be provided ; if 

 more, so much the better : but on no account should weak 

 stocks, if allowed to stand, be forced to store beyond their 

 actual capabilities. Thus if in August a stock covers only 

 six combs, there are not sufficient workers to store more 

 than 'one-half that number of combs, and that quantity will 

 certainly be enough and to spare for their needs. (See Feeders 

 and Feeding.) 



Unite Stocks of doubtful Strength. 



As mentioned elsewhere, all weak colonies must be united 

 before feeding takes place ; and not simply weak lots, but others 



