§ 9.
THE QUEEN-BREEDING-HIVE.
This is a small box with moveable parts, more or less large does not matter. The principle thing is, that they are made of equal widths that every comb of each hive fits into any other hive.
About twelve inches long and six inches broad and high (that is square) might be about the right size. Lengthwise, on the top of the inner sides, fix two pieces of wood, each about three-eights of an inch broad. These are the supporters of the combs, on which the combs or chips rest, to be able to take out easily, and to replace each comb separately. Better still, if small frames instead of chips are used. The top opens upwards, and to make it fit tight, nail or paste soft cloth or paper round the edges. In the top make a hole about two inches in diameter, which serves as a feeding hole; for such little people want frequent feeding, else they will often entirely go away.
§ 10.
SUPPLYING OF THE QUEEN-BREEDING-HIVES.
No. 1. That mother which has been picked out as breeding bee must be taken with part of her people and some brood-combs, honey-combs, and empty ones, until the little box is quite full, and is then placed on the stand where the Italian bees and drones are kept. After a few days, the queen is taken with a few combs of brood and their bees, and is put into a breeding-box.
No. 2. This also should well supplied with honey, empty combs and a few ripe breeding-combs. After a few days, when the queen has established herself well and has filled the cells with brood she is to be again taken out with a few combs and some people, and form a new colony.
No. 3. And so on, until you have enough. But never neglect to feed these little people well,[3] particularly the one which contains the queen.
[3] Else it is to be expected that some fine day they will take their departure, when generally every one of them will leave, for such little colonies cannot keep themselves unless it be in the high honey season.