263 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER 



If a hive divides into two swarms, it isi a sign that 

 each swarnn has a queen. Put each into old hives or 

 boxes ; but they must be kept separate. If a cluster 

 of bees about the size of a small plum are seen to- 

 gether, the queen will generally be found there. 

 Separate them, and with a drinking glass turned down, 

 you may seize the queen. Put her, and a score or 

 two of her subjects into a box full of holes, large 

 enough to admit air, and yet not to allow the bees to 

 escape. Feed her with honey combs, and keep her in 

 reserve in case of the death of a queen in one of the 

 hives. When a hive ceases to work, it is a sure sign 

 the queen is no more. Then the bee-master may wait 

 an hour and not see a loaded bee enter the habitation. 

 But if the spare queen be taken late in the evening, 

 wetting her wings to prevent her escape, and intro- 

 duce her to the desponding society, they will receive 

 her gladly, and begin to work. 



If a hive fights among themselves, be. assured there 

 are two queens : and they will destroy each other, if 

 one is not taken away to keep. 



When bees are to swarm a second, or more times, 

 they do not come out in clusters : but they make a 

 sound called bellings, which may be heard ; ceasing 

 for a little, and renewed again and again. If there 

 are different tones, it is certain there are several young 

 queens in the hive. It is only by putting the ear close 

 o it, that the sound can be heard distinctly. 



PRESERVING MEATS, &c. 



If meat be intended merely for family use, and to 

 be used in two or three months, the following pickle 



