When considering this discussion of beekeeping management and relating it to any given system of management under observation, it is desirable that the first comparison should be made with the one-story clear brood nest system, because that embodies all the necessary practices in their simplest form. The beginner would also do well to use the one-story system until thoroughly familiar with all the practices involved, and the reactions of the bees to these practices; otherwise he is likely to omit or neglect some factor essential to success. The Langstroth and Modified Dadant hives are both well suited for use with the clear brood nest systems.

After learning how bees behave under the one-story clear brood nest system, he may then safely make use of one of the two-story Langstroth hive systems described, or of their variations. As his colonies increase and experience grows, he may want to evolve a system of his own; all the time, the eight essentials of practice should be borne in mind.

In all beekeeping for honey production, whether the clear brood nest system followed makes use of (1) a one-story brood chamber, either Langstroth or Modified Dadant; (2) a two-story brood chamber throughout the year; or, (3) a two-story brood chamber until the beginning of the honeyflow, the basic idea is that the brood nest must be large enough so the queen can lay as many eggs as are needed to build up a colony from standard spring strength to reach standard honey-storing strength at just the right time, neither too early nor too late. This brood nest must also be immediately under the supers in which honey is to be stored.

If the locality is such that a colony will build up and attain standard honey -storing strength too early, then disturbed conditions, cessation of brood rearing, and swarming will naturally result. In such a location the bee master finds a way to have his colonies reach the right strength (his own standard of strength) a little later, usually by (1) taking away brood or bees for equalizing or for use in nuclei; (2) by requeening at a certain time and leaving the colonies queenless for a short period; or, (3) by dividing these strong colonies at the exact time that will permit each part to build up to standard honey-producing strength at the right time. The third procedure is the most difficult, requiring more knowledge and experience, while the first, which is a vital part of the one-story clear brood nest system, is the easiest, but requires more labor. Only by correlating his system of apiary management with local conditions does a beekeeper become a successful honey-producer. Whatever system of management is followed, the successful operator consciously or unconsciously, uses the principles involved in the practice of the clear brood nest method, as discussed in this book. With these principles as a part of his beekeeping practice, anyone may work out such a system of management as best suits his locality and personal preferences.