16 
THE BEARING OF QUEEN BEES. 
under confinement is the same as the swarming impulse, we uo not 
know definitely; but, what is more to the purpose, we do know that 
they accept large numbers of queen cells. 
DESCRIPTION OF BOX. 
A style of swarm box which has proven very satisfactory in the 
Department apiary is made large enough to hold five frames of 
standard Langstroth size (see figs. 6 and 7). The bottom is covered 
with wire cloth, and 
small wooden strips, 
nailed on each end, 
raise the bottom from 
the table or floor on 
which the box rests and 
thus allow abundant 
ventilation. Thee top 
of the box is remov- 
able, and has cut in it 
two slots, into which 
are fitted two cell bars. 
Holes are bored in the 
latter to accommodate 
16 flanged wooden cell 
bases. These slots, 
which run almost the 
entire length of the 
box, are so placed that 
if a frame of comb be put on each side of the box and another exactly 
in the middle, the slots are directly above the intervening spaces. This 
then places the cell cups directly over the two spaces left in the box. 
METHOD OF USE. 
In practice, this box is placed on the ground in front of any hive 
from which a considerable number of bees can be taken. The two 
side frames are placed in the box, and bees from about six frames of 
the hive are shaken into it, the middle frame is inserted, and the box 
is closed. The slots should contain the cell bars and the wooden cells, 
which are, however, still empty. The frames used in the swarm box 
must contain honey, pollen, and water, but no brood, and the operator 
must be absolutely sure that the queen of the colony from which the 
bees are drawn is not in the swarm box. To allow easy manipulation, 
the lid of the box should be nailed down or otherwise secured and the 
box removed to a cellar or other cool place for about six hours. It 
has been found even better to use only one frame, properly provi- 
sioned, in place of three, placing it in the middle of the box; but for 
Fig. 6. — Swarm box, showing position of frames and inner side of 
lid, with wooden cells in place, ready for bees (original). 
