TRANSPORTING BEES SHORT DISTANCES. 327 



breed early, so that the colonies are strong, while those of 

 the Northern latitudes are still confined in their hives, strug- 

 gling against the rigors of Winter. 



If an Apiarist purchases bees or queens at the proper time 

 — Spring— to recruit his Winter loss, he will most likely buy 

 them from some location South of him, as he can there ob- 

 tain stronger colonies, and earlier queens, than in his own 

 latitude. 



602. On the other hand, as the honey of the Northern 

 States is superior in quality to Southern honey, bee-culture 

 for honey production can be made fully as profitable in the 

 North, in spite of the difficulties of wintering. 



Transporting Bees Short Distances. 



Confine the hive, so that it cannot be jolted, in a wagon 

 with springs, and be sure, before starting, that it is impossible 

 for a bee to get out. It will be next to impossible, in warm 

 weather, to move a hive which contains much new comb or 

 much fresh honey. 



Indeed, we would strongly urge beginners not to transport 

 bees in warm weather. Just before fruit-blossom is the best 

 time to transport full colonies of bees. Some advise trans- 

 porting them in Winter, on sleds, but after trial we con- 

 demned this method also. The joltings of a sleigh, though 

 few, are hard, and will break combs; and disturbing bees 

 in cold weather should always be discouraged. When hauling 

 bees in warm weather, do not load or unload them while the 

 horses are hitched to the wagon. We have seen serious acci- 

 dents resulting from a hive dropping from a man's hand to 

 ' the ground, causing the bees to escape, and to sting both the 

 driver and the horses severely. 



If a colony, in hot weather, is to be moved any distance in 

 movable-frame hives, it will be advisable to fasten frames 

 of wire-cloth, both to the top and bottom of the brood apart- 

 ment, and to transport the bottom-board, cloth, mat, or sur- 

 plus cap or cover, separately. 



