BEES. 25 
colonies and usually resent it. If, however, a bee comes heavily 
laden from the field and flies directly into the wrong hive without 
hesitation it is rarely molested. In uniting colonies, the separate 
colony odors must be hidden, and this is done by smoking each colony 
vigorously. It may at times be desirable to use tobacco smoke, 
which not only covers the colony odor but stupefies the bees some- 
what. Care should be taken not to use too much tobacco, as it will 
completely overcome the bees. The queen to be saved should be 
caged for a day or two to prevent the strange bees from killing her in 
the first excitement. 
Another fact which must be considered is that the bees of a colony 
carefully mark the location of their own hive and remember that loca- 
tion for some time after they are removed. If, therefore, two colonies 
in the apiary which are not close together are to be united, they should 
be moved gradually nearer, not more than a foot at a time, until 
they are side by side, so that the bees will not return to their original 
locations and be lost. As the hives are moved gradually the slight 
changes are noted and no such loss occurs. As a further precaution, 
a board should be placed in front of the entrance in a slanting position, 
or brush and weeds may be thrown down so that when the bees fly 
out they recognize the fact that there has been a change and accustom 
themselves to the new place. If uniting can be done during a honey 
flow, there is less danger of loss of bees by fighting, or if done in cool 
weather, when the bees are not actively rearing brood, the colony 
odors are diminished and the danger is reduced. 
It is an easy matter to unite two or more weak swarms to make one 
strong one, for during swarming the bees have lost their memory of 
the old location, are full of honey, and are easily placed wherever the 
bee keeper wishes. They may simply be thrown together in front of 
a hive. Swarms may also be given to a newly established colony 
with little difficulty. 
PREVENTING ROBBING IN THE APIARY. 
When there is no honey flow bees are inclined to rob other colonies, 
and every precaution must be taken to prevent this. Feeding often 
attracts other bees, and, if there are indications of robbing, the sirup 
or honey should be given late in the day. As soon as robbing begins, 
manipulation of colonies should be discontinued, the hives closed, and, 
if necessary, the entrances contracted as far as the weather will per- 
mit. If brush is thrown in front of the entrance, robbers are less 
likely to attempt entering. At all times honey which has been 
removed from the hives should be kept where no bees can get at it, 
so as not to incite robbing. 
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