and its Economic Management. 



i6g 



CHAPTER. XVII. 



INCREASE, AND ITS RELATION TO 

 PROFITS. 



EXCEPT in the few districts where the season is pro- 

 tracted, increase is obtained at the expense of honey ; 

 but in any case it is not desirable to take more than one swarm 

 from the old stock ; and this division to give the best results 

 should be made either before the first honey-flow occurs, pro- 

 viding the colony can be made strong at that time, or during 

 July, when little work is generally being carried on by the bees 

 in most districts. But, that we may allow for uniting in the 

 autumn, it will be safe to reckon only upon 50 per cent, increase, 

 as it is imperative that all be kept in good condition. In the 

 table of estimates this' has been placed at a much lower rate, 

 so that there is little fear of the apiarist weakening his stock. 

 A division of stocks can also be made during any interval 

 of dearth, if not too late in the season, but in any case a young 

 queen should be on hand. The operation of 



Dividing 



will consist in removing from a strong colony one half of the 

 brood combs containing mostly hatching brood, with the bees 

 clustering thereon, as well as the queen ; placing these in a 

 new location, with all the brood near the centre of the hive 



