68 BEES AND BEE-KEEPING. 



until warm weather ; hence it is that strong stocks 

 outstrip them so far, and are so much more prof- 

 itable. 



MODE OF COMMENCING. 



I quote from Mr. Quinby: "The first eggs are 

 deposited in the centre of the cluster of bees, in a 

 small family; it may not be in the centre of the hive 

 in all cases; but the middle of the cluster is the 

 warmest place, wherever located. Here the queen 

 will first commence ; a few cells, at a space not 

 larger than a dollar, is first used, those exactly oppo- 

 site on the same comb are next occupied. If the 

 warmth of the hive will allow, whether mild weather 

 produces it or the family be large enough to generate 

 that which is artificial, appears to make no differ- 

 ence ; she will then take the next comb exactly 

 corresponding with the first commencement, but not 

 quite so large a place is used as in the first comb. 

 The circle of eggs is then enlarged, and more are 

 added in the next, &c. continuing to spread to the 

 next combs, keeping the distance to the outside of the 

 circle of eggs, to the centre or place of beginning, 

 about equal on all sides, until they occupy the outside 

 comb. Long before the outside comb is occupied, 

 the first eggs deposited are matured, and the queen 

 will return to the centre and use these cells again, 

 but is not so particular this time to fill so many in 

 such exact order as at first. This is the general pro- 

 cess of small or medium families. I have removed 

 the bees from such in all stages of breeding, and 

 always found their proceedings as described." 



