and its Economic Management. 391 



more than ten days, the presence of uncapped larvae, 

 whether in queen cell cups or ordinary cells, may be put 

 down to the action of fertile workers. 



Bees winter best with plenty of room below the frames. 

 ^ Many of my own stocks have been wintered with the 

 lower body under the stock chamber, as used for preven- 

 tion of swarming, with very satisfactory results. The 

 Conqueror supplies this space without a second chamber. 



The best show card I have been able to find for the 

 retailer is an Observatory Hive, placed in the shop 

 window. A single comb with bees and queen has proved 

 to be a very great attraction, introducing new customers 

 in quite an unlooked-for manner. 



The single-comb observatory is made as illustrated, 

 with a 3-inch space below the comb and three i-inch 

 holes each side, covered on the inside with perforated 

 zinc for thorough ventilation ; while at the same time such 

 darkened recess hides any refuse or dead bees that may 

 drop from above. A comb should be selected not too 

 light nor too dark, about half full of stores ; not more than 

 enough bees to cover one side of the comb ; having no 

 brood, but a nice yellow queen. If the bees are mostly 

 young very few will die, as the window will be shaded 

 from the sun, and before they are ready to be exchanged 

 young bees are hatching out from the small patch of brood 

 generally started. A suitable darkened crate with con- 

 venient handle must be provided for transit. As no brood 

 is inserted in the first instance, this kind of advertising can 

 be carried on in all but the coldest weather. 



Many inquire how they are to know when honey is 

 coming in. Examination of the hive will, of course, show 



