FARMER'S ASSISTANT. 25 



We have before observed, that Bees in swarming often 

 appear to have no place in view to remove to ; but at other 

 times the case is different. In such case, after leaving the 

 hive, they will rise to some height in the air and go off in a 

 straight direction, sometimes to the distance of two or three 

 miles, to some place apparently before selected for their 

 future residence, which, in this Country, is commonly 

 some hollow in a tree. 



When this happens, it is usual to attempt to prevent 

 their flight, by producing confusion among them, by loud 

 rattling noises, and thus bring them down and cause them 

 to settle. For this purpose, firing off a gun among them is 

 said to be most efficacious. Throwing sand or fine gravel 

 among them is also recommended ; the Bees, mistaking 

 the sand for rain, are suddenly disconcerted. Whatever is 

 done in these ways should be done quickly, and effectually, 

 or it will probably be disregarded by the Bees. 



If they get fully under way, for the place of their desti- 

 nation, they are hardly to be arrested in their progress. 

 They may be followed, if the Pursuer can keep in si^ht of 

 them; and brought back, if not lodged in the hollow ot a 

 tree, or other inaccessible place. If they light on a branch 

 of a tree, for instance, after they have settled, the branch 

 may be gently cut off and laid on the ground; and then the 

 hive, supported on two sticks, is to be set over them, and 

 the whole covered with a sheet, when they will soon ascend 

 into the hive and commence working. 



In the evening, when all is still within, the hive is to be 

 brought to its place in the bsehouse. Let them settle 

 where they will, after swarming, they are to be got into the 

 hive in this way, or as nearly so as the circumstances of the 

 case will admit, and set to their place in the evening. 



It is said by Mr. Bonner, that after they have settled they 

 may be taken up in handtuls, and put into the hive. We 

 should, however, advise to previously fortifying the hunds 

 vi\\\\ leather gloves. A case is mentioned by Mr Thorley 

 where the Bees lighted on the head of his servant Girl, and 

 remained there, without stinging her; and that, on finding 

 the Queen and seizing her and some others, and pining 

 them into the hive, the rest, on missing her, soon followed 

 in crouds and took possession of the hive. 



In dealing with Bees, care should be taken not to breathe 

 on them, as nothing is more irritating to them; while, at 

 the same time, they take no offence at being blown on with 

 a bellows. Where they are to be scraped together, make 

 use of a feather for the purpose. It is advisable to fit your 

 dress to them, by putirig on clothes through which they 

 cannot sting ; and to protect the face, and particularly the 

 eyes, by a pair of goggles; though many neglect these pre 



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