22 



Many times swarms of bees can be purchased from a neighbor 

 -beekeeper during the swarming season. Where this is possible the 

 first swarm cast is desired. After the swarm is well established it 

 is best to remove the queen and introduce another, thus lessening the 

 risk of loss through an old queen which has lost her vigor and 

 prolificacy. 



EQUIPMENT AND ITS VAIXJE. 



It cannot be emphasized too strongly that bees can only be keep 

 profitably in movable frame hives. Likewise the use of full sheets 

 of foundation in the frames causes the bees to build straight combs, 

 making it very easy to manipulate or interchange them whenever the 

 beekeeper desires. The keeping of bees in boxes, hollow logs or bar- 

 rels, is not profitable and in many cases a menace to the progressive 

 beekeeper, especially where brood diseases are prevalent. 



WORKSHOP. 



It is usually desirable, especially where an apiary is of any size to 

 have a workshop, or honey house as commonly called by beekeepers, 

 where the supplies may be prepared and stored, as well as caring 

 for the honey crop. Where the apiary site is not level it is recommend- 

 ed that the building be placed at the lowest part of the site so as to 

 facilitate the carrying of heavy loads down grade. The building 

 need not necessarily be very expensive, the only necessary features 

 about the construction is to have it bee and mouse proof. The latter 

 can be easily done with the use of a concrete floor. To prevent the 

 entrance of bees the windows and doors should be well screened with 

 wire cloth. This should be placed on the outside of the windows ex- 

 tending about six inches above the opening. To provide exit for bees 

 which accidently get in the house, the upper boards should be held 

 away from the frame with narrow wooden strips about a quarter of 

 an inch thick. Bees will not enter at the openings. However, any 

 that are likely to be carried in the house will fly at once to the 

 windows and crawl upward, soon clearing the house of all bees. The 

 arrangement of windows should be such that the sash may be slid 

 entirely away from the openings to prevent bees from being im- 

 prisoned. The arrangement of benches and racks for tools, supplies 

 and surplus comb can be made to suit the tastes of the owner. 



HIVES. 



The type of hive recommended for' use in this state is a movable 

 frame hive — the principal of which was invented by Rev. L. L. Lang- 

 stroth. The hive body proper consists of plain wooden box holding 

 frames hanging from a rabbet at the top and not touching the 

 sides, top or bottom. Hives of this type are constructed so as to 

 hold eight, ten or more frames. The ten framed hive with standard 

 equipment is recommended for use in West Virginia. The frame con- 

 sidered as standard and in general use is the metal spaced Hoffman 



