>>Over the last few decades the bees seem to prefer the peach teesf or swarming... I'll keep an eye. I planted a peach tree two years ago. In fact, it has borne fruit for the first time this year. If I recall it's the variety you mention - Redhaven. >>Missouri almond tree ( I brought back from California on a flatbed bee truck as far as I know the first almond trees to Missouri around five years ago). Stark Brothers from Louisiana, Missouri :)) has been selling self- pollinating, hardy almond trees for years. I bought and planted one 2 years ago. >>special swarm boxes made from a full depth hive body which is screened on the bottom (8 mesh) and a screened (8 mesh) removable lid. I keep my bee vac and cardboard boxes in the trunk. The inner box in the bee vac set-up has screen sides. If there is no place to plug in the vac, I shake/brush the bees into the screened box. I have seem photos of some giant swarms but the ones I've encountered had 3 lb of bees at most. Waldemar -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l for rules, FAQ and other info ---