32 



A Modern Bee-Farm 



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CHAPTER III. 

 THE ECONOMY OF THE HiVE. 



DESIRING to place a few important matters before 

 the uninitiated reader in as simple a manner as 

 possible, I will begin with the establishment of a 

 new swarm, and explain the various phases of its exis- 

 tence until that in its turn is prepared to send forth its 

 own increase. 



Presuming that our swarm has been duly hived in mov- 

 able frames, each of which has a wax guide down the 

 centre of the top bar, we shall find that the bees begin to 

 extend themselves in festoons from the highest point 

 should the hive not stand on the level ; if perfectly flat, 

 then the cluster is formed near to one side, and forth- 

 with waxen cells are added to the guide placed to ensure 

 straight building. If the weather is favourable, the 

 delicate white comb will be found to increase rapidly in 

 semi-circular form, until the centre reaches to within 

 J-inchof the lower .ail of the frame, when the side spaces 

 are soon filled in. Sometimes combs will be started in 

 different places along the guide, and as the circular edge 

 of each nears its neighbour, these are joined, and the 



