I.OS8 OF TIIIC QtlEKN. 
221 
they usually give reliable cvitlciice either that all is well, 
or that ruin lurks within, if their first flight is not noticed, 
it is sometiincs diflicult, 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 bo 
ascertained. If a few imperfect bees are found on the ) 
bottom-bo.ard, or in front of the entrance, it shows that 
the hive has a fertile queen. 
I strongly advise giving every movable-comb hive 
thorough examination, ns soon as the bees begin to work j 
in the Spring.* The combs, with the adhering bees, may I 
be put into a clean hive, and the old one, after being j 
cleansed from everything offensive to the delicate senses I 
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 c.an lend 
a helping hand toothers; and any one needing repairs, 
may be put in order before being used again. Sucb hives, 
if occasionally re-painted, w'ill last for generations, and 
))rove cheaper, in the long run, than any other kind. 
If, in the Spring examination, a hive h.as no queen, it / 
should bo suiqjlied, if poi)ulous, with one from a weaker N 
stock. If it is small, comb, with hatching bees,f should j 
be given to it from a stronger colony. Or it may change 
• I would refoT those, who think that " it U too much tronhlei' to oxfimlno thoir p 
hives In the fiprlnir, to tho ijrnctlco of th& nnclont beo-keepors, as set forth by 1 
Columella:—“The hives should bo opened tn tho Spring, that all tho filth whieh I 
was gathered In them during tho Wlntor may be removed. 8pldo^^ which spoil \ 
thoir combs, and tho wornia flom which the moths proceed, must ho kllliul. When I 
the hlvo has been thus cleaned, tho boos will apply thomselves to work with tho j 
greater dlligenco and resolution.” Tho sooner those abandon beo-koeplng, who / 
consider tho proper care of their hoes ns “ too much trouble," the bolter for thorn* j 
solves anfl their unfortunate hoes. 
i That class of bec-kcopors who suppose that all such operations are ^he “new¬ 
fangled " Inventions of modern times, will ho surprised to learn that Colnmolla, 
IftOO years ago, recominondod strengthening focblo stocks, by evidng out combi 
from stronger colonies, containing workors “Just gnawing out of their cells." 
