C6 PURCHASING. 



CHAP. VI. 



ON PURCHASING OF BEES. 



HE beft time for eftablifhing an apiary, 

 is juft before the taking up feafon : which 

 is generally about the latter end of Auguft, 

 for then bee-keepers referve as many of the 

 beft ftocks as they judge expedient for their 

 next fummer's fupply ; and, therefore, after 

 that period are not difpofed to part with 

 any, unlefs at an advanced price : whereas, 

 by purchafmg fome time before, a choice 

 may be made of the beft y and at the accuf- 

 tomed rate. 



They mould be fele&ed by a rjkilful per- 

 fon, in a cool evening, or rather morning 

 very early. By tapping about the hive, a 

 pretty near guefs may be formed, whether 

 or not it is full of bees, as alfo if full of 

 combs. But for greater certainty, turn 

 thofe that fern heavy upon the edge of the 

 hive, and obferve if the interjilces between 



the 



