In a message dated 3/30/99 4:49:23 PM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

> Perhaps because we have seen so many different lines (American, New Zealand,
>  Australian and now home grown) in western Canada we have seen just how much
>  diversity there is.  It is hard to generalize with bees and this is another
>  example.

   Dave, I'll give you the point, seeing as you have experience with other
lines. I have tried Carniolans, and they did not do well in the heat of South
Carolina, so probably have little trace of them left. My bee breed is what I
would describe as mongrelized Italians, and the generalization (first and
second year swarming) have worked pretty well for me. Of course, there are
exceptions and your mileage may vary; you are certainly in a different
environment as well.

    Every now and then the bees don't read the bee books and follow the rules
either. Today I saw two mature queens on opposite sides of the brood frame.
They are NOT mother and daughter, and they have to have coexisted, at least
since last fall.

[log in to unmask]     Dave Green  Hemingway, SC  USA
Nostalgia just ain't what is used to bee!
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