bee-keeper's manual. 327 



purchase bees ; yet it can be done at almost any time. 

 If the purchase be made in the fall, all that it is neces- 

 sary to know in regard to the family is, whether it be 

 populous, and whether the hive contain honey enough 

 to carry the bees safely thi'ough the winter. Turning 

 up the hive, will show if it contain a strong family ; as 

 it should be full of combs, and the bees should crowd 

 the interstices down near to the bottom. A sudden rap 

 given to it, with the ear quite near, is an index to their 

 strength. A strong family make a long continued buzz, 

 while that of a weak one is quick, sharp, and soon over. 

 The weight of the hive will generally show whether 

 there is honey enough within for the winter supply. It 

 should weigh at least 20 pounds over that of an empty 

 one. 



TRANSPORTATION OP BEES. 



The transportation of bees in the fall, winter or spring, 

 is not attended with difficulty. The bottom-boards 

 should be secured firmly, with sufficient ventilation ; and 

 then hives may be placed in a spring-wagon, and trans- 

 ported almost to any distance. They should be turned 

 bottom upwards, if the shape of the hive will admit it. 

 Ordinary box-hives should have the floor-boards nailed „ 

 on, and then pry them off just enough to admit the air, 

 and the bees will go safely. I refer to common hives, 

 used by those who pay little or no regard to improve- 

 ment in such things ; and which contain no means of 

 ventilation, when the floor-boards are nailed close. In 

 the summer season, it is more difficult to transport bees, 



