MANUAL OF THE APIARY. 119 



KIND OF BEES TO PURCHASE. 



At the same price always take Italians, as undoutedly they 

 are best. If black bees can be secured for three, or even for 

 two dollars less per colony, by all means take them, as they 

 can be Italianized at a profit for the difierence in cost, and, 

 in the operation, the young apiarist will gain valuable 

 experience. 



Our motto, too, will demand that we only purchase strong 

 colonies. If, as recommended, the purchaser sees the colo- 

 nies before the bargain is closed, it will be easy to know that 

 the colonies are strong. If the bees, as they come rushing 

 out, remind you of Vesuvius at her best, or bring to mind 

 the gush and rush at the nozzle of the fireman's hose, then 

 buy. In the hives of such colonies, all combs will be covered 

 with bees, and in the honey season, brood will be abundant. 



IN WHAT KIND OF HIVES. 



As plans are already made, of course it is settled as to the 

 style of hive to be used. Now, if bees can be procured in 

 such hives, they will be worth just as much more than though 

 in any other hive, as it costs to make the hive and transfer 

 the bees. This will be certainly as much as three dollars. 

 276 apiarist will tolerate, unless for experiment, two styles 

 of hives in his apiary. Therefore, unless you find bees in 

 such hives as you are to use, it will be best to buy them in 

 box hives and transfer (see Chapter VH.) to your own hives, 

 as such bees can always be bought at reduced rates. In case 

 the person from whom you purchase will take the hives back 

 at a fair rate, after you have transferred the bees to your own 

 hives, then purchase in any style of movable comb hive, as il, 

 is easier to transfer from a movable comb hive, than from a 

 box hive. 



WHEN TO PURCHASE. 



It is safe to purchase any time in the summer. In April 

 or May — of course you only purchase strong stocks — if in 

 the latitude of New York or Chicago — it will be earlier 

 further south — ^you can afford to pay more, as you will secure 

 the increase both of honey and bees. If you desire to pur- 

 chase in autumn, that you may gain by the experience of 



