270 SELECTING COLONIES FOE WINTER 



where they have marked the locations. It has been suffi- 

 ciently shown that bees will return to the old stand. 



To prevent bad results, it has been recommended to 

 " set an empty hive with some pieces of comb fastened in 

 the top, in the place of the one removed, to catch the bees 

 that go back to the old stand, and remove them at night, 

 a few times, when they will remain." This should be done 

 only when we cannot do better ; it is considerable trouble, 

 and is not always satisfactory. 



I like to bring them a mile or more for the purpose, and 

 thus avoid all such trouble. Two neighbors that distance 

 apart, each having stocks in this condition might exchange 

 bees, with mutual benefit. I have done so, and considered 

 myself well paid. But, latterly, I have several apiaries 

 away from home, and have no difficulty. 



The practice of making one good stock out of two poor 

 ones cannot be too highly recommended. Aside from its 

 advantages, it relieves us from all disagreeable feelings in 

 regard to taking life. 



TWO SWABMS UNITED, EAT LESS THAN WHEK SEPABATB. 



Even when a stock already contains bees enough to in- 

 sure it for winter, another of the same number of bees 

 may be added, and they will not consume five pounds 

 more than one swarm would if kept alone. Tf they 

 should be wintered in the cold, the difference might not 

 be one pound. Why a larger number of bees does not 

 consume a proportionate quantity of honey, (which the 

 experience of others, as well as my own, has thoroughly 

 proved,) is a mystery. If the fact that a greater number 

 of bees generates more animal heat, and they therefore eat 

 less, is a solution, it is a powerful argument for keeping 

 bees warm in winter. 



Notwithstanding this, a good stock is not made any bet- 

 ter by doubling the number of bees. I have tried the ex- 



