NATURAL SWARMS 57 
One of the best methods of utilizing a swarm 
is to hive it on the parent stand, moving the old 
stock to one side with the entrance at right angles 
to that of the swarm. The next day turn the 
entrance of the parent colony, a little more towards 
its old position, and continue doing so each day, 
until at the end of a week the two entrances are 
side by side. Now remove the old stock to a new 
position, which will add a considerable number of 
flying bees to the strength of the swarm, and also 
discourage the throwing off of after-swarms on 
the part of the old stock. 
Casts are second swarms thrown off by old 
stocks, generally on the ninth day after the first 
or prime swarm. They are headed by an unfertile 
or virgin queen. Usually it is best to return these 
swarms, after cutting out all the remaining queen- 
cells. Other after-swarms may be thrown off 
if not prevented, in addition to the casts. These 
small swarms should always be avoided by the 
removal of the cells, as they greatly weaken the 
parent stock. 
Casts and after-swarms will issue in any kind 
of weather, and frequently travel far afield. 
When swarms are required for sale due atten- 
tion should be paid to their packing, especially, 
in the matter of ventilation. They travel best 
either in the original hiving skep, or in a specially 
constructed swarm-box. ; 
If they are- despatched in the skep the mouth 
should be tied over with a single thickness of 
