12 



flight, hundreds and even thousands are reared in each colony in 

 neglected apiaries during the breeding and swarming season. It is 

 believed by many beekeepers that drones keep the brood warm in addi- 

 tion to their use as males. As a matter of fact, they keep themselves 

 upon the brood to enjoy the natural warmth of the developing bees. 

 But during a drop in temperature the workers driving the drones from 

 the hive clearly demonstrates that they are useless in performing this 

 supposed duty. They consume large quantities of stores, not only 



(By Dadant) 



Figure 5. 

 Drone and Worker-brood Sealed. 



in the development stages, but as adults as well. Drones have no 

 sting, but fly with a large buzz, which often frightens the amateur 

 who does not recognize their true character. 



The life of the drone is uncertain, depending upon a great number 

 of external factors. The honey flow coming to a sudden close they 

 are driven from the colony. Likewise, a reverse in temperature means 

 death to the drones. If a colony should become queenless, the drones 

 are treated with more reverence. Possibly it is forseen by the bees, 

 that, the virgin queen, without drones, would not be fertilized and the 

 colony would perish. Unlike workers they are allowed to enter any 

 colony without being challenged until the time of slaughter. 



Drone traps have been placed upon the market to enable the bee- 

 keeper to destroy or reduce the number of boarders among his colonies. 

 However, the use of drone traps is much similar to locking the granary 

 after the wheat has been stolen, because a great quantity of food is 

 required during the developing period that is consumed by drones, be- 



