238 SWARMING. 



A light box or basket should be in readiness, to 

 brush the bees into when removing the swarm from 

 the place of clustering to the hive. 



Have also a wing, as the most suitable thing for 

 brushing the bees, either from the tree or to cause 

 them to enter the hive. 



A pail of water should also be at hand to sprinkle 

 them with, to facilitate their entering the hive and 

 prevent the issuing of any other swarms while dis- 

 posing of the first. 



DESCRIPTION OF A SWARM. 



For some time previous to the departure of a 

 swarm, the bees cease their labors in a great meas- 

 ure ; but few are seen to 'leave the hive, and they, 

 after flying for a few seconds, return again, doubtless 

 to give intelligence to the organizing swarm that the 

 day is fine, and that they can depart in safety. The 

 bees that are clustered on the outside, remain tran- 

 quil, while within an unusual movement is perceptible ; 

 the sound is changed from a steady roar, as of a dis- 

 tant water- fall, to a sharp and shrill tone ; the move- 

 ments within become more rapid, till finally a rush is 

 made from the entrance. THE BEES ARE SWARMING ! 

 Mounting on the wing, each bee describes a circle, 

 and circle redoubled on circle, they spread, until 

 many thousands are seen in the air. This they con- 

 tinue from five to fifteen minutes, till finally they col- 

 lect together and alight in a cluster, usually on the 



