30 BEE CULTURE. 
capped brood, larve and plenty of bees. It should have 
such, to be considered in good condition. 
BUYING ‘‘SWARMS OF BEES.” 
A first swarm is always to be preferred, and if possible 
from a colony which gave a swarm the previous year, for 
then the old queen will be in her second year—vigorous and 
at her best. A small, second swarm should be passed by, in 
purchasing. Arrange the frames about 1} inches from 
center to center; tilt the hive forward, at an angle of 20 to 
25 degrees, and they will be almost certain to build straight 
on the top-bars of the frames. Ifan old colony is purchased, 
let it be one that was heavy in the spring, with straight 
comb coming entirely down to the bottom of the frames, 
or having as much of it as possible. 
HOW TO CARE FOR A FIRST COLONY. 
If it comes by express or freight, take it home carefully 
in a spring wagon. Be sure that the combs run lengthwise 
of the wagon; drive slowly and handle with care. Place 
the hive in the position you wish it to occupy, and let it 
remain until evening, when the wire cloth that is usually 
nailed over the entrance may be removed, and some board 
or other obstacle placed in front of the hive, so that when 
the bees come out in the morning, they will circle around 
and mark the location, before going to their work, and thus 
return in due time with safety. About mid-day, it may be 
well to open the hive and see whether any combs are broken 
down, and if so, get them straightened up, and fastened 
either with twine or wire, until the bees have secured them, 
when such fastenings should be removed. Be sure to smoke 
them well, before opening the hive. 
BEES KEPT ON SHARES. 
As some may desire to keep bees ‘‘on shares ”—though 
we never think it desirable to do so, as it often leads to 
misunderstandings and quarrels—we will here give the 
customary ‘‘terms” of such contracts : 
It is usual for one party to furnish the colonies of bees, 
and the other party the care and labor. The expense of new 
hives, surplus boxes, comb foundation and queens, is usually 
