FIFTY YEARS AMONG THE BEES 257 



INCREASING 9 WEAK COLONIES TO 66. 



In the year 1899, at the Hastings apiary, I increased nine 

 colonies to fifty-six, making tliem rear tlieir own queens, and 

 building- up mostly on foundation. No advantage was taken in 

 the way of hauling colonies from home to divide, and the same 

 plan would work just as well if I had had only one apiary. 

 The increase was very satisfactory, considering how weak the 

 colonies were at the start. May 29 there were only forty-one 



Fii]. 90 — Nucleus Bottom-Board. 



combs containing any Ijrood in the nine colonies, counting eacli 

 comb with brood, even if the patch of brood were no larg-er 

 than a silver dollar. I doubt if the nine averaged any more 

 than three and a half good frames of brood each. On the 

 other hand, the year was unusually favorable for increase, for 

 there was a continuous though not strong flow right tlirough 

 until, I think, in September. 



No attempt could be made at increase until the colonies 

 were stronger, and the first step looking in that direction was 

 not made until June 12. On that date No. 237 with its seven 

 frames of brood and bees was taken from its stand, and a hive 



