190 JUNE. 



In June we will give specific directions concerning putting on, and the 

 management of boxes, which in middle latitudes where honey appears in 

 abundance, should be used this month. 



Hives with young queens are much more apt to make worker comb, if 

 empty frames are given, than those with old queens, which make more 

 drone comb. The best way to prevent swarming is by giving empty 

 comb every few days, between two brood combs, by using the extractor 

 freely on the combs in the broodnest, by giving ample surplus boxes, or 

 by placing the hive above another having empty comb below, and 

 closing all the entrances into the upper one, except through the lower. 

 But if the swarming fever has once begun it cannot well be cured, except 

 by dividing, after which they may be reunited. 



If empty combs at any time are not in use, they should not be packed 

 in a box, or moth eggs will soon hatch and destroy them. Hang them 

 singly in a cool cellar or out building, where the air can pass around 

 them and they are not apt to be injured. 



JUNE. 



In most sections in the North and Middle States this month is the 

 great harvest time for the bee-keeper. It is also the great swarming 

 season and every bee-keeper, who relies on natural swarming, must now 

 keep constant watch over his bees. 



Whenever bees are hived it is always well to put a card of honey and 

 brood from the old stock into the hive. This will usually prevent the 

 swarm from leaving the hive, and also furnish necessary supplies should 

 a few days of cool, rainy weather immediately follow. For modes of 

 hiving, and dividing artificially, see the chapter on this subject. There . 

 is always danger of hives becoming queenless after swarming, as the 

 queen may be lost on her bridal tour, or fail to reach the right hive. 



