1416 Department of Ageiculttjee 



and quicker to handle. They should admit of tiering up when 

 desired, with free communication between same. 



A pound-section, so-called, is most desirable, preferably four 

 by five inches in dimension, this shape being handsomer in appear- 

 ance and more readily salable than a square one. The Danzen- 

 baker section, I consider 0. K., and when used plain, in con- 

 nection with the fence separator, makes a neat outfit ; however, I 

 use and prefer a slotted separator and bee-way sections. The 

 plain separator is less expensive, more durable and easier to clean. 

 These are one-eighth inch thick and dressed on both sides. I nail 

 a separator in one end of the super and another one on the 

 follower, thus giving a passage-way from the hive to the outside 

 of the end sections, which facilitates the finishing of them. 



I would reoommend using full sheets of thin super foundation 

 in all sections, thereby increasing the yield greatly, besides getting 

 straighter and smoother combs. Leave one-fourth of an inch space 

 at bottom of foundation in a section five inches in height to give 

 room for sagging and to prevent buckling. Some apiarists recom- 

 mend using extra thin super foundation, but as it is liable to sag 

 in hot weather, and is sometimes torn dovpn Ijy the bees during a 

 scarcity of honey, I prefer the " thin " only. I have received no 

 complaint in regard to what is usuiilly called " fish-bone " in 

 comb honey, caused by the use of foundation with heavy septum. 



Bottom starters may possess some advantages, but I have never 

 felt the need of them, consequently have never used them. They 

 certainly require more labor and I have endeavored to secure the 

 maximum quantity of surplus of good qiiality with the least expen- 

 diture of time and money. 



Examine all colonies early in the season, to ascertain if they 

 have good prolific queens, and plenty of honey to foster brood- 

 icaring. Them they will increase their brood as fast as they can 

 care for it. The apiarist who gets anxious to assist bees in this 

 process and spreads the frames of brood, often finds it a delusion 

 and a snare. 



The apiarist must decide whether he will allow a moderate in- 

 crease before the principal honey flow, or prevent it altogether, 

 and turn the entire working force into the supers. 



