24 PROFITABLE BEE-KEEPING 
and there is much to be said for such a recom- 
mendation, as swarms cannot transmit disease, and 
if they are obtained early they will often give a 
handsome surplus in their first year. Indeed, 
like good stocks, they will often recoup their owner 
for his outlay. They should be obtained as early 
in May or June as possible, and preference should 
be given to those weighing about six pounds. 
Swarms are usually sold by the pound, and it 
is much the best way of buying them. The price 
is usually 3/- per pound in May and 2/6 in June. 
It will be noted that swarms when received will 
weigh a little less than the weight charged for, 
especially if they have been sent from a distance. 
This is owing to the fact that when bees swarm 
their honey sacs are full, but when received by. 
the buyer this honey has-been partially consumed, 
and there is a corresponding loss in weight. 
Swarms should be hived in a clean hive, and 
with new quilts and frames. There will then be no 
danger of disease of any kind; and the persistent 
way in which this method of starting is advocated 
is well borne out in practice. 
“Driven’’ bees are utilized for conversion into 
‘stocks. To the uninitiated I may, explain that 
‘“‘ driven ”’ bees are the bees taken from cottagers’ 
skeps during August and September, bees which 
are saved from a cruel death in the sulphury pit, 
which unhappily still exists and has many votaries, 
especially in remote country districts. These bees 
may. be purchased at about 1/- to 1/6 per pound, 
