Ernest Gregoire states that queen introduction is easier in the Spring than during the Fall (Autumn in the UK). Is this yet another variation between our climates as I have found the exact opposite applies. As the strip of water between Tom and me is considerably less than between Ernest and both of us in the British Isles and Ireland, would/should the experience of Ernest apply to us? The problems that I have experienced with Spring introductions is coinciding with any swarm preparations that the colony may be making, but generally these can also be overcome by using, as Ernest states, the safest method possible - the introduction into a nucleus (always advocated by that great queen breeder in Ireland, Michael Macgiolla Coda, and by the late Brother Adam in Devon). Apologies to my UK beekeeping friends, (that includes Tom and Chris) too busy to dig out my copy of Wedmore but no doubt they will. Ken Hoare Shropshire, UK