and its Economic Management. 121 



tion can be made, while there is no loss of time by any accident 

 such as an abortive cell or queens hatching in any way defective. 



Eggs for Queen Raising 



are more readily obtained from our select queens if the latter are 

 in small colonies, having not more than four combs well crowded 

 with bees, and protected at the sides with chaff dummies. When 

 a comb of eggs is removed, at the same operation insert another, 

 or a sheet of foundation if not too late in the season. Continue 

 the process every two or three days if many queens are being 

 raised, with a number of such hives to keep up the supply ; and 

 where it is likely that too much honey will be brought in to hinder 

 the queen by the little lot getting strong, then carry the queen 

 and two or three of the best combs of brood and accompanying 

 bees to a new situation, thus providing her with attendants 

 mostly too young to store a surplus. Use the remainder as a 

 nucleus, or add to another hive. 



Drones 



are to be produced by stock which has shown good qualities and 

 correct colour (if pure) for two generations back, as the colony 

 producing them does not impart to our drones its own character- 

 istics. For their good qualities we must look to the grand-parent, 

 and the colony producing the drone which mated with her, if 

 possible. Early drones are best secured by arranging drone comb 

 at the centre of a well-provided stock the previous autumn. No 

 useless drones should be produced as they consume considerable 

 stores. A strong colony, well provided and made queenless in 

 autumn before the slaughter is likely to commence, will save their 

 drones till winter. 



