356 SPRING DWINDLING. 
this, that it may take place in any season, and that the 
deserting bees do not raise any queen-cells previously, is 
more frequent in cold backward Springs than at any other 
time. 
At different times we have seen bees deserting their 
hives and forsaking their brood for lack of pollen (264). 
A comb containing pollen having been put in their hive 
and the bees returned they remained happy. But the 
worst of these desertions is when the bees have suffered 
while wintered in-doors (651.) These colonies abandon 
their hives very soon after being replaced on their Sum- 
mer stands. When such desert’on is feared, it is better 
not to put out more than one dozen colonies at one time, 
and to prepare a few dry combs, in clean hives, to hive 
the swarm as soon as possible; for, too often some other 
colonies following the example, mix with the first, the 
queens are balled (538), causing great annoyance and 
loss to the bee-keeper. Such swarms should be hived on 
clean dry comb, and furnished with honey and pollen. 
The capacity of the hive in which they are put should be 
reduced to suit the size of the swarm, and increased very 
cautiously, from time to time, when the bees seem to be 
crowded; for warmth is indispensable to bees in Spring. 
The condition of such colonies must be regularly ascer- 
tained and their wants supplied. 
We would refer those who think that ‘‘it is too much 
trouble’’ to examine their hives in the Spring, to the prac- 
tice of the ancient bee-keepers, as set forth by Columella: 
‘¢ The hives should be opened in the Spring, that all the 
filth which was gathered in them during the Winter may be 
removed. Spiders, which spoil their combs, and the worms 
from which the moths proceed, must be killed. When the 
hive has been thus cleaned, the bees will apply themselves 
to work with the greater diligence and resolution.’’ The 
sooner those abandon bee-keeping, who consider the proper 
