184^ A Modem Bee- Farm 



CHAPTER XIX. 



BUYING, PACKING, AND MOVING 

 BEES. 



IN an early chapter, much has already been explained as to 

 the best time to buy bees. If possible, they should be 

 obtained in hives that are in general use, and can be adapted - 

 to modern management. 



In most cases the seller packs the bees and delivers them 

 to the rail, the buyer paying carriage ; but if he has the time 

 and can make it convenient, the buyer will find it greatly to 

 his advantage to see them packed and delivered to the railway 

 company, especially where many hives are concerned. 



Though some are more suited to the purpose than others, 

 I have yet to see the hive, legs or no legs, that could not be 

 turned " top-side-down " for travelling ; and all should be so 

 sent as the combs then ride more securely, having their base 

 resting upon the top bar of the inverted frame. Tapes may or 

 .may not be fastened round the frames to enclose the combs 

 more securely ; but to dispense with this, where I can make 

 my own selection, I use combs that are well fastened down ' 

 the side bars of the frame. 



Shade must be provided in hot weather, with more ventila- 

 tion than at o.ther tirnes. Bees are lost more from want of 

 ventilation in travelling than anything else, and due provision 

 should be made according to the number of the occupants in 



