198 BEE-FARMING. 



Many bee-keepers still cling to the bell-glasses or supers 

 on the top of the hives, and by this means secure sufficient 

 pure honey for their own tables. This prevents svi^arming, 

 and we believe no system of management which stops the 

 production of swarms can be successful. Still, many per- 

 sons have confidence in it, and for their sakes we just 

 notice, that if you intend to place supers in the hive it 

 should be done towards the close of the present month. 

 If you have none but straw-hives, cut a round opening at 

 the top of the skep not less than three inches in diameter, 

 over this affix the bell-glass, which should have a small 

 piece of old comb at the top, by way of a guide-comb ; the 

 bees will the more readily take to it if the guide-comb is 

 present. Also, by all means keep up the temperature in 

 the super, by placing any old clothing over it. 



Weak stocks may still require feeding, especially if the 

 month be wet and cold. We have known many stocks 

 to die in May from starvation, but it has been in skep- 

 hives, where their condition was not known; with very 

 slight attention it can scarcely take place when bar-frame 

 hives are used. 



Sometimes it may be desirable to drive the bees from 

 a worthless hive to a better receptacle ; this should be done 

 now, and the sooner the better. 



If any hives show signs of swarming keep a strict watch 

 over them; the bee-farmer's hives throw off swarms very 

 early, but the only perceptible signs are clusterings at the 

 entrance for several days. Allow the first swarm to leave, 

 but it is better to prevent any more swarming if you seek 

 for a good honey harvest. 



Work for June. 



This is the bee-farmer's busy month if a large apiary 

 is under his management and care. He will be kept occu- 



