FALL MANAGEMENT. 
323 
drop out. Should any pieces project beyond the bot- 
tom of the hive, they may be trimmed off even after 
they are fastened, any time before setting out. An 
additional cross-stick may pass under the bottom of 
the combs, to assist in holding them, if you desire. 
You will probably never discover any difference in 
the subsequent prosperity in consequence of the join- 
ing or crossing of the combs in the middle. I have 
had them in this way, when they were among the 
most prosperous of my stocks. As this operation is to 
be put off till November, it will be an advantage in an- 
other way ; that is, families of the same apiary can be 
united, and will mostly forget the old location by spring, 
and no difficulty arise byreturning to the old stand, etc. 
WHEN FEEDING SHOULD BE DONE FOR STOCK IIIVES. 
In some sections of country the honey is more fre- 
quently wanting than bees, or comb, and some seasons 
in this ; in such cases, it will be found an advantage 
to feed, until enough is stored for winter. This should 
be done in September or October. But if they lack 
comb as well as honey, and you wish to try feeding, 
(which I seldom do lately,) it should be done if pos- 
sible in warm weather, as they cannot work combs to 
advantage in the cold. While feeding bees, it requires 
a great deal of caution to prevent others from scenting 
the honey, and their contentions about it. The safest 
place is on the top of the hive, with a good cap over; 
but they will not work quite as fast, especially if the 
weather is cool. The next best place is under the 
bottom in the manner described in Chapter IX. 
