30 



the south and only in rare instances toward the north or northwest. 

 The matter of wind breaks deserves attention. Hedges, forests, or- 

 chards, as well as buildings, and tight high board fences, make excel- 

 lent wind breaks. The old custom of constructing sheds opening on 

 one side in which to keep bees, is discouraged. Such buildings still in 

 use should be abandoned. The proper manipulation of the hives are 

 hindered to such an extent that they are a detriment to the beekeeper 

 and the bees. Hives arranged in groups set on brick or dram tile over- 

 come dampness, and are more easily attended than if they were placed 

 on high shelves or benches. The entrance should be at least an inch 

 lower than the back part of the hive so as to prevent the accumulation 

 of water at the rear of the bottom board. A piece of board placed in 

 a slanting position from the entrance to the ground assists the heavily 

 laden'bees to the hive as they often fall before reaching the entrance. 

 Grass and weeds should not be allowed to obstruct the entrance. The 

 use of sand, gravel or cinders around and under the hives, will pre- 

 vent the growth of grass and weeds; or a liberal quantity of salt along 

 the front of the hive will assist in control of this matter. Pasturing 

 the apiary with three or four sheep will keep the grass and weeds from 

 reaching an obstructing growth. 



WHERE AND HOW TO OBTAIN BEES. 



Where no bees are at hand and an individual having no experience 

 in the handling of them desires tp begin an apiary, it is advisable that 

 he purchase two or three strong colonies from some reliable breeder 

 or dealer. If the individual has bees and wishes to increase the num- 

 ber of colonies in his apiary the same can be done through the purchase 

 of pound packages in the spring of the year from southern bee breeders. 

 It has been found through experience by many apiarists that returns 

 from colonies started from pound packages have more than repaid 

 them for the bees and labor the first season. Where bees are already 

 at hand and the size of apiary is desired to be increased, the same 

 may be brought about by artificial methods as explained under 

 swarming. 



Spring is the best time to transport or move bees from one locality 

 to another. April is probably the best month because the combs con- 

 tain the least amount of honey, and the colony is at its minimum ia 

 numbers. Bees in hives can be moved with ease by simply nailing 

 the cover and bottom-board to the main body and closing up the en- 

 trance with ordinary wire window screen. Sufficient ventilation will 

 be supplied through the wire cloth. If the weather is hot, it will be 

 necessary to remove the top and bottom board and replace them with 

 a frame fitted with wire cloth protected with slats which lessens the 

 danger of having holes punched through it. Bees transported under 

 such conditions should be protected from the direct rays of the sun. 

 Where bees are transported short distances, less than two or three 

 miles, there is danger of the old bees returning to their old stand. 

 To avoid this, drum them so as to frighten them before releasing, 

 and then it is well to place some obstruction in front of the entrance 

 which causes the bees to notice the change in location at the first issue. 



