204 BEES AND BEE-KEEPING. 



have just returned from the fields with pollen on 

 their thighs, may. also be seen in considerable num- 

 bers. One of the mysteries that is yet unexplained, 

 to me at least, is, where the line of demarcation 

 exists between those that go and those remaining in 

 the hive. 



CULTIVATE FRUIT TREES IN OR NEAR THE APIARY. 



It is very important to have low trees growing in 

 and about the apiary, to furnish suitable places for 

 swarms to cluster, and for convenience in hiving 

 them. For this purpose I would urge the planting 

 and cultivation of fruit trees, which serve for this 

 purpose and will also produce abundantly. It is but 

 little more trouble to plant a fruit tree than to make 

 a hole and set in a bush ; the additional cost would 

 be but a few cents ; the fruit produced would pay a 

 generous interest on the investment, besides adding 

 to the appearance of the apiary. Such trees should 

 be selected as are of slow growth, or will stand fre- 

 quent cutting or pruning. The apple, quince, pear, 

 morello cherry, or peach, may be shortened in severely 

 every year. Dwarf trees would perhaps be preferable ; 

 even currant bushes would do very well. All the 

 cultivation any of these require is to dig or spade 

 around them occasionally during the summer, and 

 give them a few shovelfuls of manure. Where tall 

 trees are already growing near the apiary, the tops 

 should be cut off so as to render them more conve- 

 nient for taking down swarms, should they cluster 

 on them ; or else cut them down entirely, and plant 

 others in their places. 



