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["Shirley Murphy" <samurphy@isp.com>]

Honey bees have been a rare siting in my area in the past.  This year, however, I noticed that they are blanketing the orchard floor where yellow flowers have volunteered.  Finally, the source became evident as I was walking my creeklline.  Up about 25 feet in an old hollow in a hornbeam was a bustling bee business.  After several years of considering beehives, I am delighted that they set up a homestead on their own.  I am considering setting up an uninhabited "turn-key" hive in my little orchard.  In case they decide to divide and swarm they might find it convenient.  Has anyone ever tried this?