THE PRODUCTION OF HONEY. 491 
the storifying system are quickly learnt, but the de- 
tails allow of almost limitless variation ; these varia- 
tions frequently being dictated by special but transient 
circumstances. 
Where standard frames are used, the brood-nest 
occupies, under ordinary circumstances, a single storey 
only, and to this, at the opening of the harvest or just 
before it, the bees being already strong, another may 
be added containing a set of combs, or frames fitted 
with foundation. But circumstances alter cases, and 
the problem is by no means so simple as would at 
first appear, for arguments are adducible in favour of 
making the addition both above and below the brood- 
nest. For the latter, or nadiring method, it may be 
urged that as honey is brought in it will take its 
natural place above as bees hatch out, . while the 
brood-nest will be gradually forced downwards, as 
happens normally with undisturbed colonies during 
the accumulation of wealth in summer, necessitating 
the descent of the wax-workers, queen, and nurses 
to occupy the storey below ; that, although the hive 
has been doubled in capacity at one stroke, no peril 
from chill arises, the bees passing down only as they 
are able to occupy new territory ; that the danger 
from swarming is, for the time at least removed, and 
that the bee-keeper may, the honey flow continuing, 
and the weather being warm, add another box of 
combs ; and that, in this manner, the combs below 
(foundation having been given) will reach completion 
slowly — not'at all if those in the top tier be replaced as 
they are capped by others that have passed through the 
extractor, whereby the swarming impulse is most un- 
