Cottager and Smallholder 15 



To prevent the sheet buckling while being forced home owing 

 to the saw cut not being straight through at either end, a 

 piece about ^ an inch wide should be cut off diagonally from 

 the two top corners. 



The frame should have thin wire stretched across it, Fig. 18. 

 After the foundation has been placed in position in the saw 

 cut this wire is forced into it by means of a heated 

 spur embedder, Fig. 19. This holds it in position 



Fio. 19. ' 



and makes the comb stronger when built. Failing such 

 wiring, the foundation should be pushed right through the 

 saw cut about J an inch and then bent over alternately from 

 side to side on the top of the top bar with the thumbs, so 

 that it cannot slip out. 



The sheets of foundation for brood frames are cut to the 

 right size by the manufacturers. If the frames are wired that 

 weighing ten sheets to the pound is used. If not then it must 

 be thicker, i.e., eight sheets to the pound. 



v.— NATURAL SWARMING. 



Nature provides for the increase of living creatures in 

 various ways. Colonies of boes' are increased by what are 

 termed swarms. 



Breeding commences about the last week in January, 

 gradually the population increases until May or June, when the 

 hive becomes overcrowded. • This is indicated by the bees 

 hanging in a large cluster at the entrance, especially towards 

 night. 



Preparation for the departure of the old mother is made by 

 the building of queen cells, and the rearing of young queens ; 

 about three days before the most advanced princess is due 

 to emerge great excitement prevails in the hive. One day, 

 generally between the hours of ten and one, the swarm 

 issues. This consists of from fifteen to twenty-five thousand old 

 bees accompanied by the old queen. They' fly round for a titae, 

 and eventually settle in a large cluster, as Fig. 20, when they 

 are hived by the bee-keeper, and put into a new home. 



If the bees are disinclined to settle, syringe water above, or 



