LOSS OF THU QUEEN. 
221 
they usually give reliable evidence either that all is well, 
or that ruin lurks within, if their first flight is not noticed, 
it is sometimes difficult, in the common hives, to get at 
the truth. If the bees are driven up among the combs, 
by smoke, the presence or absence of brood may often be 
ascertained. If a few imperfect bees are found on the 
bottom-board, or in front of the entrance, it shows that 
the hive has a fertile queen. 
I strongly advise giving every movable-comb hive a • 
thorough examination, as soon as the bees begin to work 
in the Spring.* The combs, with the adhering bees, may 
be put into a clean hive, and the old one, after being 
cleansed from everything offensive to the delicate senses 
of the bees, may be given to another stock. 
In making this thorough cleansing of his hives, the 
Apiarian will learn which require aid, and which can lend 
a helping hand to others ; and any one needing repairs, 
may be put in order before being used again. Such hives, 
if occasionally re-painted, will last for generations, and 
prove cheaper, in the long run, than any other kind. 
If, in the Spring examination, a hive has no queen, it 
should be supplied, if populous, with one from a weaker 
stock. If it is small, comb, with hatching bees,f should 
be given to it from a stronger colony. Or it may change 
* I would refer those, who think that “ it ia too much trouble ” to examine their 
hives in the Spring, to the practice of the ancient beo-keepors, ns set forth by 
Columella: — “The hives should be opened in the Spring, that all the filth which 
was gathered in them during the Winter may be removed. Spiders, which spoil 
their combs, and the worms from which the moths proceed, must be killed. When 
tho hivo has been thus cleaned, the bees will apply themselves to work with the 
greater diligence and resolution.” The sooner thoso abandon bee-keeping, who 
consider the proper care of their bees as “ too much trouble," tho better for them- 
selves and their unfortunate bees. 
t That class of bee-keepors who suppose that all such operations are tho “new- 
fangled inventions of modern times, will be surprised to learn that Columella, 
1800 years ago, recommended strengthening feeble stocks, by cutting out combs 
from stronger colonies, containing workers “just gnawing out of their cells.” 
