232 Beekeeping 



to place hives close together in groups of four, back to back, 

 two facing east and two west. This allows a space beside 

 each hive for the beekeeper while manipulating and is greatly 

 to be preferred to hives in long rows close together. Where 

 space will permit, the placing of hives singly (Fig. 99) is 

 preferable. 



Number of colonies in one apiary. 



The number of colonies which may profitably be kept in 

 one apiary depends entirely on the nectar supply. In the 

 white clover region, it is considered best to have not more 

 than one hundred colonies in an apiary, with apiaries lo- 

 cated at least two miles apart. This number can be in- 

 creased in many localities. In the other general honey 

 regions of the United States, it is usually profitable under 

 favorable local conditions to keep from 200 to possibly 500 

 colonies in one apiary. There are so many factors to con- 

 sider in determining this point that no general rules may be 

 laid down. Since this is not a question which the beginner 

 is called on to answer, it may be advised that the beekeeper 

 decide each case individually from a study of the honey flora, 

 the experience of other beekeepers and his own experience. 



Out-apiaries. 



In locating an apiary away from the central apiary, usually 

 called an out-apiary or out-yard, easy transportation, espe- 

 cially to the main apiarj'^, is most desirable. It is also an 

 advantage to have the out-yard, especially one in which 

 comb-honey is produced, near to the home of some person 

 who can hive swarms which may issue in spite of precautions 

 taken, and to protect the colonies from depredation. If these 

 things are not practical, it is better to have the bees where 

 they are not easily seen from the highway. 



Conveniences less essential in out-apiaries. 



In establishing an out-apiary, the points previously men- 

 tioned should be considered as desirable but not essential. 



