and its Economic Management. 199' 



old stores or pollen, each of these new combs will be pro- 

 ductive of more brood than two combs partly occupied' 

 by stores at this season. Indeed, in early spring the old 

 stores, particularly of pollen, are the greatest impediment 

 to the rapid extension of the brood nest. By all means 

 keep such stores in the hive, but unless intersected by new 

 <:ombs a stock cannot be pushed on with rapidity towards 

 the swarming point. During autumn and winter, tough 

 warm combs are a necessity, but as soon as mild weather 

 approaches, and the bees again expand, clean new combs- 

 are a convenient medium for producing the greatest 

 possible numbers ; but these combs must be constructed 

 while the queen is following with eggs close behind the 

 workers. 



The general principles of rapid brood production are 

 now before the readers ; but we want the best results 

 without the usual stimulation of all stocks, which does not 

 always bring on the happy results expected. Under 



The New Process 



the object is to prevent this general stimulation, and 

 additional loss of life ensuing thereafter. The great 

 thing is to " Plump," or fill up each stock in rotation,, 

 with all the brood it can care for (according to the season) 

 at one operation, beginning on the strongest, and so orn 

 down to the weakest in rotation ; otherwise disturbing 

 none, and feeding none until so " plumped." That is 

 another Golden Rule in feeding operations ; always leave 

 the weaker colonies alone until the stronger can help them 

 by brood, and perhaps some sealed stores. 



As the Season Advances, 



and there may be some danger of drone cells being built 

 in the central frame of those hives being drawn upon by- 



