Another that did well, was a cross between the Italian and Carniolan stock. On the whole, I find the Carniolans much less desirable than the Italians. It may be that my Carniolans were not pure, but they are extra-good fighters, vindictive, and often pounce on me without provocation. So I've been superseding the queens for two years.
Gainesboro, Tenn.
Brace-Combs—Cause and Prevention.
Written for the American Bee Journal
BY E. J. CRONKLETON.
Brace-combs and bees must be studied in connection, in order to arrive at correct conclusions about brace-combs. I think I will be able to convince every well-informed bee-keeper—one who has well learned the nature, habits and instincts of the bee—that there is some truth in my theory, or at least it will cause him to do a little thinking, and that is healthful.
We all know how irritable the bee is, especially by a jar—the least little jar will bring a response from every bee in the hive. Well, suppose it does, what of that? Well, nothing particular, only we learn something by it. Suppose the frames are loose at their bearings, resting on metal bearings for your convenience, and a perfect torment to the bees—torment because they cannot glue them down at the ends, and their walking over the combs causes them to tremble, and a bee cannot stand that—it is a constant annoyance. What is the result? Why, brace-combs are the inevitable result? They go right at it, and brace up and strengthen those combs, just as long as there is the least jar or tremble about them.