This discussion reminds me of an African beekeeper I correspond with. When he first wrote, he was desperate to learn how to populate his empty hives. I suggested he split the strong colonies. He gave me a lesson on beekeeping in West Africa.

"Our hives are hollowed out logs hung in trees as swarm traps. We need bees to come and fill our empty hives, but none come".

I asked if he had any live colonies...he did..I suggested he divide the living colonies and allow them to raise a new queen.

"You don't get it Mr Mike. When God smiles upon us, he sends the bees to fill our empty hives. The elders would never permit such a thing as dividing bees".

Beekeeping takes all kinds.

Mike



>I think you should apologize to African beekeepers for that remark, Peter.
>Moreover, I think if you really consider it for a moment you will also
>conclude that it is not a very defensible attitude.

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