and its Economic Management. 253 



thorough ventilation ; while at the same time such darkened 

 recess hides any refuse or dead bees that may drop from 

 above. A comb should be selected not too light nor too dark, 

 about half full of stores ; not more than enough bees to cover 

 one side of the comb ; having no brood, but a nice yellow 

 queen. If the bees are mostly young very few will die, as the 

 window will be shaded from the sun, and before they are 

 ready to be exchanged young bees are hatching out from the 

 small patch of brood generally started. A suitable darkened 

 crate with convenient handle must be provided for transit.. As 

 no brood is inserted in the iirst instance, this kind of adver-. 

 tising can be carried on in all but the coldest weather. 



For exposition at Bee Shows the same arrangement would 

 be found much more convenient than most of those used, and 

 with fewer bees the observatory would be presentable for a 

 much longer period. 



The exhibition of bees for the purpose of obtaining prizes, 

 is but a farce, to say the least. The working qualities of the; 

 bees cannot be considered, and I will show how easily the 

 judges may be deceived as to colour and markings. "When- 

 ever friends have asked my opinion about the preparation of 

 bees for competition I have recommended the following course;, 

 and the result has justified my advice. 



Whatever kind you intend to exhibit, see that they are all 

 young bees placed in your observatory, and on a newly-built 

 comb of brood ; the framework to be painted a pale green' in 

 contrast to the light-coloured comb. The young bees are, 

 secured by making up a nucleus a few days before they are 

 required, with plenty of hatching brood; most of the old 



