AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 261 



of the hives,* let no noise, no interruption incommode 

 them ; but if they fly along, as if they were unsettled, 

 some tinkling noise or the loud report of a gun, will 

 make the fugitives repair to the nearest lodgings. If 

 there is an empty hive with combs and some honey 

 in it, they will readily go there. If a new hive is 

 used, remember to smooth it well within, and singe. 

 ofT loose straws. Perpendicular sticks should never 

 be employed. Four cross sticks at equal distances 

 will support the combs. Old hives do very well for 

 late swarms that are not to be preserved through the 

 winter ; but box hives are best for them, as the bees 

 work fastest there. They are not, however, fit for 

 being kept through the cold seasons. 



It is to be observed that great haste in forcing a 

 swarm into the hive may disperse them. Give them 

 time to settle undisturbed, though keep a steady eye 

 on their motions : but whenever they gather into a 

 cluster, lose no time in placing the hive over them. 

 If the swarm rest on any thing that can be brought to 

 the ground, spread a clean linen cloth : lay two sticks 

 on it, two feet asunder ; lay the body on which the 

 swarm have fixed, gently on the sticks ; covering it 

 with the hive by a motion the least perceptible ; and 

 taking care that the edges of the hive rests upon the 

 sticks. Cover hive and all with a cloth; for the sun 

 might allure the bees to rise again. When they have 

 gone into the hive, cover it with its own board, and 

 carry it cautiously to its station. Bees are apt to 

 leave their hive even after they begin to work, so they 

 must be watched till evening, and throughout the 

 ensuing day. Whenever they are sure to remain, fix 

 the hive to its board with a little lime round the edges ; 

 and crown it with green sods to keep out too great 

 heat or rain. 



