103 NUCLEUS SWARMING. 



in breeding is equivalent to a swarm," (and we think no close 

 observer will doubt it,) then it follows that we could swarm a 

 stock twice on the nucleus system with no more risk than swarm- 

 ing once naturally, or that we are as safe against poor seasons as 

 those who increase on an average but one-half annually. Yet 

 as "safety and certainty" is our motto, we recommend only 

 doubling the number of populous stocks, at which rate ten stocks 

 would increase to one hundred and sixty in four years if every 

 stock was swarmed annually, which number may be made good, 

 and even a more rapid increase safely secured by using the sur- 

 plus honey stored in frames, as directed under "how to stock an 

 apiary." In short, by the nucleus system of swarming, the 

 vexatious losses attending other methods are avoided, and the 

 process is so easy and gradual that even the day -laborer or busi- 

 ness man, when supplied with hives, will find leisure time enough 

 to manage quite a number of stocks with profit and pleasure. Whilst 

 bees might be managed successfully by doubling each year, more honey 

 can be obtained by keeping the stocks all very strong, and only making 

 one swarm from two hives. By the use of artificial comb-foundation, 

 great advantage is gained. Swarms may be built up much more rapid- 

 ly by giving sheets of this, and not waiting for combs to be built before 

 the queen can lay eggs. Some bee-keepers have been very successful 

 in rapidly increasing stocks, and each year establishing new apiaries by 

 putting the extra hives out on shares to new parties. The owner gener- 

 ally furnishes hives, bees, boxes, and owns all the increase. The other 

 does the work and in the fall the surplus honey is divided equally. 



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