Page:Jardine Naturalist's library Bees.djvu/163

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THE HONEY-BEE.
159

diffused over the whole colony, and pillage generally ensues. In swarming, too, when the newly departed emigrants are discouraged by a sudden blast or change of atmosphere, and the Queen hastens to return to her old abode, her ignorance of the locality, having, if a young queen, never been abroad before, renders her very apt to mistake and enter a hive where she is by no means welcome, and, the swarm following her, a bloody conflict takes place. All these inconveniences point out the propriety of a large interval between the hives, and this arrangement is especially called for when, as in very extensive apiaries, the hives are placed in double rows. We do not approve of double rows; they occasion great confusion often in the swarming season. If the number of hives be too large for a single row, let there be a second group formed in another quarter of the grounds. This detached apiary will be found useful in such operations as require the temporary removal of stock-hives from their original stations.

Some difference of opinion exists among Bee-masters as to the precise exposure which the apiary ought to have. In fact, this must be regulated by the nature of the climate; and it is obvious that the hives ought not to face the direction of the prevailing winds, or the rainy quarter. But, generally speaking, a southerly aspect is preferable, inclining, perhaps, a point or two to the east. This is Feburier's opinion, and we think him right. If the bees are induced, in consequence of this easterly inclination, to venture out in the chill of the morning, they have the advantage