CONTROLLED INCREASE. 
273 
2. Drones, as well as queens, should come from 
selected stocks, and may be obtained early by working 
such stocks into strength by giving brood, feeding, 
and placing a comb of drone-cells in the centre of 
the brood-nest. The feeding should be constant, or 
drone-eggs may be laid and destroyed more than 
once. 
3. Selected drones and selected queens should, by 
preference, come from distinct mothers (if two such, of 
high quality, are at command), or they will not so 
willingly mate ; and possibly, unless this condition be 
observed, bees of the highest energy are not obtainable. 
4. No swarming should be undertaken in chilly 
weather, or when honey is not abundant : the swarm 
has no capital, and an empty house. Unless it 
obtains large supplies, it cannot build comb, and is 
liable to starve. Exception : When we feed con- 
stantly, or supply stored combs to the swarm. 
5. Comb-building must not be left to a colony with 
an immature queen, or drone-comb only will be con- 
structed until she leaves the cell. Exception : When 
full sheets of foundation are supplied. 
6. Although a natural swarm may be placed in any 
position, and the bees will keep to it, a driven swarm 
must occupy the old stand, or be sent to a new 
locality, not less than a mile off. I have known 
of drones returning four miles. Exception : When we 
confine the swarm to its hive, in a dark room, till 
the third evening, providing ample ventilation, and 
giving sweetened water ; the bees will then remain 
wherever stood. With many stocks, results nearly 
as satisfactory may be obtained if they be thoroughly 
VoL. II. T 
