SummaryNumbers of eggs, larvae, sealed cells, and adult workers and drones, were recorded on three dates during the active season in colonies begun with package bees. Ratios of brood to adults decreased throughout the season, and at peak nectar flow the ratio was estimated to be 0·8: 1 to 1: 1; the adult population at this time was 30 000–35 000 bees. Preliminary data indicate that proportionately fewer bees were foraging from colonies in late June than in late August, when adult numbers were higher and the amounts of brood less.