296 THE APIAET. 



first day, and others not so strong the next, and continu- 

 ing the process until all were removed, we have safely 

 changed the location of an Apiary, when compelled to move 

 bees in the working season. On the removal of the last 

 hive, but few bees returned to the old spot. The change, as 

 thus conducted, strengthened the weaker colonies, but we 

 would advise bee-keepers to locate their hives in as perma- 

 nent a position as possible, as this moving is not practical, 

 especially with a large number of colonies. Those who do 

 not winter their bees in the cellar, can easily protect them 

 on their Summer stand. See chapter on Wintering (619). 

 If the hives have to be placed in an exposed location with- 

 out shade, it is well to protect them with roofs (369). A 

 roof will be found highly economical, as it not only sheds 

 the rain, but wards off the heat of the sun. 



Procuring Bees and Transferring, 



673. The beginner will ordinarily find it best to stock his 

 Apiary with swarms of the current year, thus avoiding, until 

 he can prepare himself to meet them, the perplexities which 

 often accompany either natural or artificial swarming. If new 

 swarms are purchased, unless they are large and early, they 

 may only prove a bill of expense. If old colonies are pur- 

 chased, such only should be selected as are healthy and 

 populous. If removed after the working season has begun, 

 they should be brought from a distance of at least two 

 miles (13). 



If the bees are not all at home when the hive is to be 

 removed, blow a little smoke into its entrance, to cause 

 those within to fill themselves with honey, and to prevent 

 them from leaving for the fields. Repeat this process from 

 time to time, and in half an hour nearly all will have 

 returned. If any are clustered on the outside, they may 

 be driven within by smoke (382). 



