and its Economic Management. 341 



them at once by tying a porous cloth over the mqu^h Qf 

 the skep ; and when two or three are to be placed together, 

 let them be united as soon as driven, first securing the 

 queens not wanted that a young one may preside. If 

 there is any use for other surplus young queens, place 

 such in Benton cages with a dozen or more workers each. 



The Novice 



should always begin by driving a skep or two of his own 

 at home, and never attempt to practise first on the property 

 of others, not only for the sake of his neighbour, but iot 

 his own and that of bee-keeping generally. After' some 

 experience in driving, then Mr. Lyon's " Bumping "' pro- 

 cess can be followed to advantage in many cases, though 

 driving will often be more satisfactory, as being less 

 inducive to robbing, there being no broken hoiiey to 

 excite the bees. 



To prevent robbing it is sometimes advised that all 

 hives not being operated upon are to have their entrances 

 closed with a bunch of grass inserted lightly, that ventila- 

 tion may not be impeded. Where an outhouse can be 

 utilized, however, there is no need for this operation. 



Attention has already been called to 



Foul Brood, 



and the bee-keeper should be on the watch for this when 

 he may be taking bees. Where this disease is discovered 

 the bees will be perfectly useless, as probably it would 

 have developed during the spring, and the remaining 

 occupants of the hive will not pay for their carriage home. 

 Tell the owner of the condition of the bees and get him 

 to smother them the same evening by the old plan, both 

 for his own sake and the benefit of his neighbours. The 

 whole skep must be burned ; and do not fail to imprest 



