Rules for Purehctsing. 115 



KIND OF BEES TO PURCHASE. 



At the same price always take Italians, as certainly they 

 are best for the beginner. If black bees can be secured for 

 three, or even for two dollars less per colony, by all means 

 take them, as they can be Italianized at a profit for the differ- 

 ence in cost, and, in the operation, the young apiarist will 

 gain valuable experience. 



Our motto will demand that we only purchase strong col- 

 onies. If, as recommended, the purchaser sees the colonies 

 before the bargain is closed, it will be easy to know that the 

 colonies are strong. If the bees, as they come rushing out, 

 remind you of Vesuvius at her best, or bring to mind the 

 gush and rush at the nozzle of the fireman's hose, then buy. 

 In the hives of such colonies, all combs will be covered with 

 bees, and in the honey season, brood will be abundant. It is 

 always wisest to begin with few bees. He wUl generally suc- 

 ceed best who commences with not more than four or five col- 

 onies. 



IN WHAT KIND OF HIVES. 



As plans are already made, of course it is settled as to the 

 style of hive to be used. If bees can be procured in such 

 hives, they will be worth just as much more than though in 

 any other hive, as it costs to make the hive and transfer the 

 bees. This wiU be certainly as much as two or three dollars. 

 No apiarist vnll tolerate, unless for experiment, two styles of hives 

 in his apiary. Therefore, unless you find bees in such hives 

 as you are to use, it will be best to buy them in box hives and 

 transfer (see Chapter VII.) to your own hives, as bees in 

 box hives can always be bought at reduced rates. In case 

 the person from whom you purchase will take the hives back 

 at a fair rate, after you have transferred the bees to your own 

 hives, then purchase in any style of movable comb hive, as it 

 is easier to transfer from a movable comb hive, than from a 

 box hive. 



WHEN TO PURCHASE. 



It is safe to purchase any time in the summer. In April 

 or May (of course you only purchase strong stocks) if in the 

 latitude of New York or Chicago — it will be earlier further 

 south — you can afford to pay more, as you will secure the in- 



