and its Economic Management. 



i6S 



CHAPTER XXIV. 



DRIVEN BEES 



WHERE these can be secured in Autumn, the general rules 

 laid down for management of ordinary stock will of 

 course apply in their case. 



There are, however, a few minor matters that require attention, 

 especially by those who have had no practice in this undertaking. 

 Where the surrounding cottagers are willing to part with their bees 

 instead of killing them, the general way is for the bar-framist to have 

 them for his trouble, but on no occasion should he give more than 

 IS. for each lot, or they may turn out a dear bargain. 



How to Carry the Bees. 



By using lightly-made straw skeps, the bee-keeper can carry 

 eight or nine around his shoulder, slung on a broad strap. Thus 

 by uniting as they are taken, two and three lots into one, I have 

 been able to carry home the bees from a large number of 

 cottagers' skeps, over a distance of four or five milefe, where no 

 trap could go. When a conveyance can be taken, suitable well- 

 ventilated boxes can be used to greater advantage. 



As soon as the bees are driven from their combs, secure them 

 at once by tying a porous cloth over the mouth of the skep ; and 

 when two or three are to be placed together, let them be united as 

 soon as driven, first securing the queens not wanted that a young 

 one may preside. If there is any use for other surplus young 



