438 july. 



times towards the latter part a virgin swarm may be ob- 

 tained. 



The business of the apiary is chiefly confined during this 

 month to the swarms. The proprietors who still make use 

 of the common straw hive, will do well to add an eke to 

 each of their hives, for the honey season is now fast ap- 

 proaching, and the bees will soon fill the combs. 



Persons desirous of establishing an apiary, should pur- 

 chase the first swarms of this month : if possible, they should 

 be purchased at the distance of one or two miles from the 

 intended apiary. Move them in the evening of the day on 

 which they have swarmed. 



If the weather prove rainy on the days subsequently to 

 the hiving of the swarms, omit not to give them a little 

 food, carefully keeping in view the instructions given in the 

 chapter on the feeding of bees. Second swarms should be 

 particularly attended to. No positive instructions can be 

 given for their departure, and therefore the utmost vigilance 

 on the part of the bee-master is required. 



The honey harvest is now commencing in its full 

 vigour. The swarming season is over, and the attention 

 of the apiarian must now be solely directed to ascertaining 

 if his bees be within the range of an abundant pasture ; if 

 not, they should be removed. 



The influence of the sun is now great ; shade your hives 

 in the midday, especially the swarms, as from the newness 

 of the combs they are very likely to be melted by the heat. 

 More hives are destroyed by heat than cold. 



The swarms having departed, this is the proper season for 

 the deprivation of hives, as sufficient time will then be given 

 to the bees to replenish the vacuum. Moderation to be 

 observed in the deprivation. 



