and its Economic Management. 



141 



CHAPTER XX. 



BUYING, PACKING, AND MOVING 

 BEES. 



IN an early chapter, much has already been explained as to the 

 best time to buy bees. If possible they should be obtained 

 in hives that are in general use, and can be adapted to modern 

 management. 



In most cases the seller packs the bees and delivers them to 

 the rail, the buyer paying carriage ; but if he has the time and can 

 make it convenient, the buyer will find it greatly to his advantage 

 to see them packed and delivered to the railway company, 

 especially where many hives are concerned. 



Though some are more suited to the purpose than others, I 

 have yet to see the hive, legs or no legs, that could not be turned 

 " top-side-down " for travelling ; and all should be so sent as the 

 combs then ride more securely, having their base resting upon the 

 top bar of the inverted frame. Tapes may or may not be 

 fastened round the frames to enclose the combs more securely ; 

 but to dispense with this, where I can make my own selection, I 

 use combs that are well fastened down the side bars of the frame. 



Shade must be provided in hot weather, with more ventilation 

 than at other times. Bees are lost more from want of ventilation 

 in travelling than anything else, and due provision should be 

 made according to the number of the occupants in whatever 

 receptacle may be provided. If sacking can be arranged to give 



