356 SPRING DWINDLING. 



this, that it may take place in any season, and that the 

 deserting bees do not raise any queen-cells previously, is 

 more frequent in cold backward Springs than at any other 

 time. 



At different times we have seen bees deserting their 

 hives and forsaking their brood for lack of pollen (264). 

 A comb containing pollen having been put in their hive 

 and the bees returned they remained happy. But the 

 worst of these desertions is when the bees have suffered 

 while wintered in-doors (651.) These colonies abandon 

 their hives very soon after being replaced on their Sum- 

 mer stands. When such desert'on is feared, it is better 

 not to put out more thah one dozen colonies at one time, 

 and to prepare a few dry combs, in clean hives, to hive 

 the swarm as soon as possible ; for, too often some other 

 colonies following the example, mix with the first, the 

 queens are balled (538), causing great annoyance and 

 loss to the bee-keeper. Such swarms should be hived on 

 clean dry comb, and furnished with honey and pollen. 

 The capacit}' of the hive in which they are put should be 

 reduced to suit the size of the swarm, and increased very 

 cautiously, from time to time, when the bees seem to be 

 crowded ; for warmth is indispensable to bees in Spring. 

 The condition of such colonies must be regularly ascer- 

 tained and their wants supplied. 



We would refer those who think that " i< is too much 

 trouble" to examine their hives in the Spring, to the prac- 

 tice of the ancient bee-keepers, as set forth by Columella: 

 " The hives should be opened in the Spring, that all the 

 filth which was gathered in them during the Winter may be 

 removed. Spiders, which spoil their combs, and the worms 

 from which the moths proceed, must be killed. When the 

 hive has been thus cleaned, the bees will apply themselves 

 to work with the greater diligence and resolution." The 

 Booner those abandon bee-keeping, who consider the proper 



