338 AGRICULTURE FOR COMMON SCHOOLS 



ers usually pack the hives inside a larger frame, or pack the 

 top and sides with papers or straw matting. The doorway 

 should always be left uncovered so that bees can get out on 

 warm days. Some keepers store their bees in cellars or sheds. 

 In spring all these coverings should be removed. 



Usually in June, when the queen is very active in laying 

 eggs, the hive gets so full of young bees that there is no 

 longer room and swarming takes place. When a swarm 

 comes out it usually settles on the limb of a tree near by, and 

 if undisturbed after a time it will take flight and go away to 

 some hollow tree or crevice previously determined upon. 

 After a swarm has settled, a hive should be brought and 

 placed near with a sheet under it. The limb should be cut 

 off carefully and the swarm jarred off in front of the hive door. 

 If the limb is near the ground it is not necessary to cut it. 

 As soon as the queen enters the hive the rest follow and settle 

 in their new home. The hive can later be removed to the place 

 where it is to stand. The hive used should be cool, as bees 

 will not enter a hot hive. There should be in the hive some 

 frames containing empty comb for the bees to go to work on. 



There is much more to be written about bees but it cannot 

 be said here. One thing is to be kept in mind : bees should 

 always be handled gently and without any show of fear. 

 The Italian races of bees will rarely sting if carefully handled. 

 Bee-keepers frequently wear veils and gloves to protect them- 

 selves while handling their bees. 



