PRIMARY SWARM. 217 
swarm is hived on a propitious day, otherwise they will at- 
tract robbers (664) and the presence of the latter will 
prevent the swarm from entering the hive. For this reason, 
combs containing honey should not be given to the swarm 
until the following evening. 
424. In the absence of combs or comb-foundation, 
(674) the triangular comb-guide will greatly help to se- 
cure straight combs, in the frames, but it cannot be depend- 
ed upon, in every case. Comb-foundation in full sheets is 
so far superior, and is now in such general use, that the 
triangular comb-guide (319) is discarded by most Apiarists. 
By the use of comb-foundation, crooked combs,—the bane 
of the Apiary—are no longer found, and every comb hangs 
in its frame, as straight as a board. 
425. It has been held, of late, by some writers, that 
the use of empty combs, or comb-foundation, was detri- 
mental, in hiving natural swarms, because the bees filled the 
combs given them, with honey, and left but little room for 
the queen to lay. This actually takes place in extraordi- 
nary seasons and locations, but in the greater number of 
instances, the empty combs help the colony greatly, and, 
in bad seasons, a hive-full of empty combs, furnished to a 
swarm, is equivalent to saving it from starvation, since the 
combs of a hive cost the bees almost as much honey as is 
necessary for them to winter on (223). Should they fill 
the combs nearly full of honey, this honey will be partly 
used up during the dearth which usually comes after the 
honey harvest, and will serve in rearing brood to 
strengthen the hive before Winter. Better be safe than sorry. 
426. Itis very important that the frames should hang 
true in the hive, and at the proper distance apart (316). 
If the hive has to be removed, they should be previously 
fastened in their places, by the use of small wire nails only 
partly driven, and removed later. The cloth (352) and 
mat (353) should be carefully placed over the frames, or 
