38 A Modern Bee-Farm 



Cyprians, the latter cannot compete with them for colour of comb- 

 honey. It has been stated that they swarm immoderately, but 

 this is more the result of bad management than a fault on the 

 part of the bees. There is one thing, however, which would give 

 that impression : the demand for imported queens has been so 

 great that I am afraid many old queens have been sent over, 

 more especially as none of the native holders make any attempt 

 to raise queens for the market. Therefore, in the natural order 

 of things, the old mothers would be superseded, and a number of 

 swarms come forth headed by young ones. Where old queens 

 are avoided I am aware that there is no more trouble with these 

 bees in that direction than with any others. 



Mr. F. Benton has now established an apiary in Carnioha ; so 

 that in future bee-keepers generally can depend upon getting good 

 imported queens of this variety. 



One great point in their favour is their 



Good Temper. 



Without smoke, or other intimidants, hive after hive can be 

 opened, and no stings are received ; and without a doubt the 

 introduction of this variety will do more to make bee-keeping 

 popular than any device in hives which has been brought forward 

 for the convenience of the novice. Carniolans are the bees 

 for beginners, and none should now start with any other kind. 

 By working with these, confidence will be rapidly gained, and 

 presently, if desired, one may with greater assurance give other 

 kinds a trial. 



Carniolans are very active during the summer months, and 

 yet are restful while confined during winter, in fact they come 

 from a cold mountainous region and there is, therefore, no doubt 

 either as to their energy or good wintering qualities. It is 

 reasonable to suppose that they at one time were a cross between 

 Cyprians and the German bee ; the Cyprian element, however 

 introduced, must have subsided, and the colour reverted to that 

 of the majority, though the extremely broad white bands on the 



