BEE MANUAL. 107 . 
pounds weight of bees), with a fertile queen not more than two 
years old, if obtained near at hand in the spring, I consider 
worth fifteen to twenty shillings ; a similarly good established 
colony in a Langstroth hive, just at the commencement of the 
swarming season, should be worth half as much more, besides 
the value of the hive and combs. For the sake of economy it 
is as well to start with common (black) bees, and, if considered 
desirable, purchase an Italian nucleus colony or queen later on 
and Italianise the common stock, according to the instructions 
given in Chapter XII. 
MOVING HIVES. 
Beginners are apt to think that bees may be moved about 
their grounds from one place to another without making the 
slightest difference to the colony. A little knowledge of the 
habits of bees would at once convince them of their error. 
The usual range of a bee’s flight is from one and a half to two 
miles. For the first day or two after a newly-hived swarm 
has been placed in position the bees, on taking flight, will fly 
and dodge about the front of the hive for some time, with 
their heads towards it, marking the surroundings ; presently 
they begin to fly in circles, enlarging each one till out of sight. 
As soon as they are used to the locality they do not need to 
take these precautions, and consequently fly direct from the 
hive. Now, if it should be moved to a new position within 
the range of their flight, the bees when returning, recognising 
some of the old landmarks, will make direct for the old locality. 
On arriving there, and finding their hive gone, they will hover 
about the place till they are starved to death or die with cold ; 
or possibly, if there is another hive near, will try to enter it, 
and so meet death that way. This will happen even if the 
hive has only been shifted a few rods. 
Moving established colonies short distances should always 
be avoided if possible, but if it is absolutely necessary, they 
should only be shifted a few feet every day, till in their new 
position. If there is more than one to move, the first must 
be allowed to get a considerable distance away before the next 
is moved, and so on. 
Natural swarms may be located anywhere as soon as hived, 
but if an established colony is procured near at hand it would 
be better to move it, say, two or three miles away, and let it 
