an Anne Bennett snip... 
I have a hopelessly queenless hive (which became queenless through
an error of mine about four weeks ago, which I fully realized only a
few days ago), which I'd like to "keep alive", insofar as possible,
until a new queen arrives from my preferred local breeder, in three weeks.

Personally Anne I would wait just a while longer before thinking the hive was hopelessly queen less.  When I am actively making up queens here my calendar allows one month between starting the process and looking for a mated queen.  Tossing in a mated queen in a hive that has a queen cell or a virgin is pretty much a waste. I would also be hesitant about removing honey or any manipulation that disturbs the hive excessively..

Gene in California and enjoying he fine weather...

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