FALL MANAGEMENT. 323 



drop out. Should any pieces project beyond the bot- 

 tom of the hive, they may be trimmed off even after 

 they are fastened, any time before setting out. An 

 additional cross-stick may pass under the bottom' of 

 the combs, to assist in holding them, if you desire. 

 You will probably never discover any difference in 

 the subsequent prosperity in- consequence of the join- 

 ing or crossing of the combs in the middle. I have 

 had them in this way, when they were among the 

 most prosperous of my stocks. As this operation is to 

 be put off till November, it will be an advaatage in an- 

 other way; that is, families of the same apiary can be 

 united, and will mostly forget the old location by spring, 

 and no difficulty arise by returning to the old stand, etc. 



WHEN FEEDING SHOULD BE DONE FOB STOCK HIVES. 



In some sections of country the hbn&y is more fre- 

 quently wanting than bees, or comb, and some seasons 

 in this ; in such cases, it will be found an advantage 

 to feed, until enough is stored for winter. This should 

 be done in September or October. But if they lack 

 comb as well as honey, and you wish to try feeding, 

 (which I seldom do lately,) it should be done' if pos- 

 sible in warm weather, as they cannot work combs to 

 advantage in the cold. While feeding bees, it requires 

 a great deal of caution to prevent others from scenting 

 the honey, and their contentions about it. The safest 

 place is on the top of the hive, with a good cap over; 

 but they will not work quite as fast, especially if the 

 weather is cool. The next best jjlace is under the 

 bottom in the manner described in Chapter IX. 



