274 ^ Modern Bee-Farm 



four combs well crowded with bees, and protected at the 

 sides with chaff dummies. When a comb of eggs is 

 removed, at the same operatioi; insert another, empty, or a 

 sheet of foundation if not too late in the season. Con- 

 tinue the process every two or three days if many queens 

 are being reared, with a number of such hives to keep 

 up the supply ; and where it is likely that too much 

 honey will be brought in to hinder the queen by the little 

 lot getting strong, then carry the queen and two or three 

 of the best combs of brood and accompanying bees to a 

 new situation, thus providing her with attendants mostly 

 too young to store a surplus. Use the remainder as a 

 nucleus, or add to another hive. 



Drones 



are to be produced by stock which has shown good 

 qualities and correct colour (if pure) for two generations 

 back, as the colony directly producing them does not 

 impart to our drones its own characteristics. For their 

 good qualities we must look to the grand-parent, and the 

 colony producing the drone which mated with her, if 

 possible. Early drones are best secured by arranging 

 drone comb at the centre of a well-provided stock the 

 previous autumn. No useless drones should be produced 

 as they consume considerable stores. A strong colony 

 well provided and made queenless in autumn before the 

 slaughter is likely to commence, will save their drones till 

 •winter, but the special breeding of drones for autumn 

 •work must be carried on during July. 



Many bee-keepers and some of the various breeders 

 endeavour to secure the 



Correct mating of Italian Queens 



in this country, but the process is such a disappointing 

 one to the majority that the attempt is soon given up as 



