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divisions would readily fill their hives, lay up a suffi- 
cient amount of honey for their winter food, and give 
a good profit in surplus honey to their owner. Should 
the season prove a poor one, after swarming, weak 
swarms will usually be deficient in population and winter 
stores, and the loss of both colonies will be the usual 
result ; whereas, strong stocks will usually succeed in fill- 
ing their hives and obtaining their winter stores. Should 
any stock be too weak to be divided at the proper 
time for swarming, it should not be swarmed that sea- 
son. From such non-swarming stocks — if they become 
strong — a large amount of surplus honey is usually ob- 
tained. To be sure that your bees may prosper even in 
the poorest season, keep strong stocks and them only. 
2d. The proper time is to be taken into considera- 
tion. About the time natural swarming begins, artifi- 
cial swarms are made most successfully. If honey is 
obtained by the bees in abundance, and drones exist, 
either flying or in the hive, swarms may be made 
earlier. Never delay it until it is so late in the season 
that the bees will not have time to fill their hive, be- 
come rich in honey for their winter feed and strong in 
population before forage is all destroyed by the frost. 
Beginners should regard the issuing of natural swarms, 
or the first blooming of the apple-tiees as an indica- 
tion of the proper time ; if, however, a capped queen- 
cell or a fertile queen can be given to the new swarm, 
