SWARMING. 
235 
RETURNING AFTER SWARMS TO THE OLD STOCK. 
Much has been said about returning all after swarms 
to the old stock ; the advantages of which will depend 
on the time of issuing ; whether late or early, the 
yield of honey, etc. It would be unusual to have 
many after swarms without a liberal yield of honey, 
for the time being ; but to tell of its continuance is 
the question to be answered. Second, and even third 
swarms, if early in the season, and the honey con- 
tinues plentiful, may be hived, and these, together 
with the old stock, will prosper. Here the apiarian 
needs a little judgment and experience to guide him. 
WHEN THEY SHOULD BE RETURNED. 
It is always best, if possible, to have good strong 
families. When after swarms are late it is safest to 
return them, as the old stock will need them to re- 
plenish the hive, and prepare for winter. Also a less 
number of worms will infest it, when well provided 
with bees ; and the chances of box honey are greater. 
METHOD OF DOING IT. 
But the process of returning such requires some 
little patience and perseverance. I have said there 
may be a dozen young queens in the old stock. Now 
suppose one, two, or more leave with the swarm, and 
you return the whole together, there is nothing to pre- 
vent their leading out the swarm again the next day. 
Therefore it is policy to keep the queens back. The 
least trouble is to hive in the usual way, and let them 
stand till the next morning. It will save you the 
