august. 439 



The deprivated hives to be removed with all possible speed 

 to the vicinity of buck-wheat or heath. 



Look for wasps' nests, and destroy them according to the 

 directions, Chapter X. 



In this month the virgin swarms are cast ; they are, how- 

 ever, so very rare, and in all cases ought to be so particularly 

 prevented, that no instructions for their preservation are 

 necessary. Should, however, one be thrown, join it to a 

 weak second swarm, or return it to the mother hive. 



It is generally from this month to October that a hive 

 shows the strongest symptoms of approaching decay. The 

 following are some of the most visible signs. First, when 

 few bees are seen to enter the hive with the load on their 

 legs. Secondly, when at the hour of exercise, which the 

 bees take in fine weather from twelve to three, the bees of 

 any particular hive remain tranquil. Thirdly, when on 

 turning them up to examine them, the bees show not any 

 signs of anger. Fourthly, when ants and other noxious 

 insects are seen to enter the hive without opposition. Fifthly, 

 when the food, which has been given to them, has not been 

 taken up and deposited in the cells. Some of these signs 

 are indicative of the death of the queen, or that the moth 

 has carried its depredations so far as to render the hive 

 untenantable. The proper steps to be taken under these 

 circumstances will be found in the respective chapters. 



The proprietor is now looking forward to his harvest. 

 In this month the bees collect a prodigious quantity of 

 honey. 



The middle of this month is not too late to deprive the 



hives of a part of their superfluous store, provided it be 



intended to remove them immediately to the vicinity of 



heath. Be careful to weigh the hives previously to the 



8 



