86 Bee-keeping for Beginners. 



management, you may secure a little surplus honey, 

 but large harvests can only be taken from hives which 

 have not swarmed at all. 



22. To hive a swarm, first skep it, then place hive 

 in position, frames being level across. Wedge up 

 front of hive to form a large entrance, and place a large 

 board or sheet, one edge resting on alighting board, 

 the other sloping down slightly from it. Now, give 

 the swarm a- puff of smoke, and shake them out in 

 front of the entrance, when, with very little guidance, 

 they will quickly run under cover. If done towards 

 evening very few bees will fly. 



23. When you open a hive of bees, if you see any 

 robber bees flying about, you may be sure that there 

 is no honey in the fields, and you must avoid leaving 

 the hive open, or exposing honey within their reach. 

 A robber bee is easily recognised by its quick motions, 

 and buzzing round the hive doors, and occasionally 

 trying to settle on the footboard near the entrance. 



24. All bees will become robbers if tempted with 

 exposed sweets in time of scarcity. 



25. Decrease the size of the entrance after the honey 

 crop is past, but be sure and have it very large during 

 the honey harvest. 



26. In seasons of scarcity your bees should be fed, 

 and they will probably repay you tenfold the following 

 one. 



27. If the bees have to be fed after cold weather sets 

 in, soft candy should be given them. 



