and its Economic Management. 53 



would be superseded, and a number of swarms come 

 forth headed by young queens. Where old queens are 

 avoided there is less trouble with these bees in that direc- 

 tion. 



They are so very prolific that considerable attention is 

 required just at the critical time, in giving plenty of room, 

 and free access to all parts of the hive. 



One great point in their favour is their good temper. 

 Without smoke, or other intimidants, hive after hive can 

 generally be opened, and no stings are received. 



Carniolans are very active during the summer months, 

 andjyet are restful when confined during winter ; in fact, 

 they come from a cold mountainous region, and there is, 

 therefore, no doubt either as to their energy or good 

 wintering qualities. It is reasonable to suppose that they 

 at one time were a cross between Cyprians and the 

 German bee ; the Cyprian element, however introduced, 

 must have subsided, and the colour reverted to that of the 

 majority, though the extremely broad white bands on the 

 latter segments of the abdomen of the yellow race have 

 been retained, thus distinguishing the Carniolans from 

 blacks. 



The queens vary in colour from yellow to black ; some 

 being " ringed," the colour of the abdomen shading alter- 

 nately from light to dark, but all produce workers of the 

 typical sort, having on the abdomen near the thorax a 

 mere shade of bronzed yellow, and then follow several 

 extremely broad white bands, giving the bees an attrac- 

 tive appearance. 



Many of the queens imported throw workers having 

 one or two distinct bands of yellow, which shows that 

 either the native bee-keepers have introduced some of the 

 yellow kinds, or that the ancient admixture of yellow 

 blood is still strongly in evidence. 



