aDd hive. After swarming time, an empty hive will 
seldom be found. As soon as the bees are thoroughly 
at work in the hive, so that the manner in which the 
combs are built and moved, may be seen, the holders 
will seldom part with the hive ; and if any one has ob- 
tained bees in this way to stock his apiary, we have not 
yet heard of him. 
The sale of farm rights and hives may be continued 
until late in the season, by transferring the bees and 
combs from the common hives, putting plenty of honey 
into the frames. Some bee-keepers may be reluctant 
to purchase after swarming time. Should he express 
fear of losing his bees from such operations, purchase 
one of his stocks at a reasonable price, informing him 
that he may retain them by paying your regular price. 
In such case select the strongest stock, with broad 
straight combs, and transfer it to the movable-comb hive. 
Never transfer a weak, or hive a small swarm. If early 
in the season, you will often leave out honey enough, 
and comb for wax — which is unfit to transfer — to pay 
for the stock, besides leaving plenty for the bees and 
brood. If the bees are properly subdued, (see “ Hand- 
ling Bees,”) many spectators will be attracted, who, 
seeing the bees so easily handled, become interested ; 
many will purchase books, farm rights, and hives ; and 
the owner, seeing the performance, becomes convinced, 
and will usually pay you at once. If not, in due time 
the honey boxes will be filled with choice honey, and 
