SWARMING. 235 



KETURNINO AFTER SWARMS TO WIS OLD STOCK. 



Much has been said about returning all after swarms 

 to the old stock ; the advantages of which will depend 

 on the time of issuing; .whether late or early, the 

 yield of honey, etc. It would be unusual to have 

 many after swarms without a liberal yield of honey, 

 for the time being; but^to tell of its continuance is 

 the question to be answered. Second, and even third 

 swarms, if early in the season, and the honey con- 

 tinues plentiful, may be hived, and these, together 

 with the old stock, will prosper. Here the apiarian 

 needs a little judgment and experience to guide him. 



WHEN THEY SHOULD BE BBTUENBD. 



It is always best, if possible, to have good strong 

 families. When after swarms are late it is safest to 

 return them, as the ■ old stock will need them to re- 

 plenish the hive, and prepare for winter. Also a less 

 number of worms will infest it, when well provided 

 ■with bees ; and the chances of box honey are greater. 



METHOD OP DOINU IT. 



But the process of returning such requires some 

 little patience and perseverance. I have said there 

 may be a dozen young queens in the old stock. Now 

 suppose one, two, or more lea^e with the swarm, and 

 you return the whole together, there is nothing to pre- 

 ,' vent their leading out the swarm again the next day. 

 Therefore it is policy to keep the queens back. The 

 least trouble is to hive in the usual way, and let them 

 stand till the next morning. It will save you the 



