96 
THE APIARY. 
MOVING BEES. 
When moving stocks short distances, or only to different 
stands in the the same apiary, it should be done during a cold 
spell in winter or early spring, before the bees have fully taken 
their location. 
If they are to be moved a mile or more, it may be done, with 
proper precautions, at any time of the year. The stocks to be 
moved should be prepared early m the morning or when the 
bees are not flying. To prepare a stock in a common hive, blow 
in a little smoke and carefully lifting the hive invert it upon the 
ground. Have ready lour small strips of soft wood and a square 
piece oi wire-cloth, or coarse cotton or linen, large enough to 
cover the mouth oi the hive. Spread the cloth over the mouth 
of the hive, lay on the strips, and tack through the strips into 
the edges of the hive. These strips will save tacks and prevent 
the bees crowding out under the cloth. A sleigh, buggy, or 
spring wagon, is the best lor moving bees, yet, with careful 
driving, they may be moved on a wagon without springs. Place 
the hives in the wagon upon a bed of straw, keeping them 
mouth up to secure ventilation, as bees need much air whenever 
disturbed. Beside, m this position the combs rest upon their 
attached portions and are less liable to break by jolting. If the 
weather be very warm use the wire-cloth to confine the bees, 
and keep the hives shaded from the sun. In most movable- 
cotnb hives, strips must be tacked across the frames to keep 
them from swinging together. To prepare a stock in the Amer- 
ican Hive, simply remove the cap and tack the cloth or wire- 
