and its Economic Management. 145 



should be almost dry, and give no sign of "running" under any 

 temperature. 



It is best made up some time before actually required for use, 



1 so that any excess of moisture may descend, leaving the upper 



1 portion just right for the cages. When the compartment is filled 



a sheet of wax or a piece of parchment covers the opening, while 



a thin lid of wood fits over the whole, being secured with brads 



or tacks. 



Inserting the Bees. 



The lid is to be tacked on only at one corner, at the side of 

 the food compartment. Hold the cage in the left hand with the 

 thumb on the lid just above the ventilated chamber, and now pick 

 from the combs about a dozen young bees with the right hand, 

 inserting them one at a time while the thumb moves the lid back 

 to receive each in its turn. The queen is to be put in last to 

 make sure of no mistake, when the remainder of the tacks can be 

 driven in. 



If the weather is cold more bees must accompany the queen, 

 and additional waraith may be given by outside packing, though 

 this is seldom necessary with Benton's cage. Instead of the brad 

 holes I have found a sawcut through the end more effective for 

 ventilating in hot weather. 



Packing Swarms. 



A " rough-and-ready " way is to tie a piece of strainer cloth 

 over the mouth of a skep in which the swarm may have been 

 taken ; but for long distances something more substantial is 

 necessary, and a frame of honey will be required. 



The box must be as hght as is possible consistent with strength, 

 and ventilation must be given on at least two opposite sides. I 

 have had very good results with air space all round the top, the 

 lid being raised and secured to the main body with perforated 

 zinc. 



Swarms should always be purchased by weight, and the buyer 

 ought to insist upon receiving no other. There are 3,500 bees to 



