1156 THE PEOPLE'S FARM AND STOCK CYCLOPEDIA. 



at once be united with a strong colony, which contains a vig- 

 orous queen. 



UNITING COLONIES. To unite two colonies we first, by moving 

 each a few feet each day, get them side by side. We then set 

 the stronger colony a little to one side, place the other hive 

 which is to receive all the bees midway between where the two 

 just stood, smoke both colonies thoroughly, remove one queen 

 if both colonies have one, then shake all the bees in front of the 

 hive which has been placed centrally as regards the former 

 position of the two, and set the frames of the hives so as to 

 alternate in the hive where the bees are henceforth to stay. 

 As soon as the frames are all adjusted or so many as are 

 desired close the hive, and smoke the bees in from the front ; 

 so much common trouble unites the bees in one amiable broth- 

 erhood. Uniting is often desirable, especially in autumn, when 

 by uniting two weak colonies or their nuclei we secure one 

 strong colony. Every apiarist should remember that strong 

 colonies pay, weak ones never. So uniting at other seasons may 

 often be very desirable and wise. 



To INCREASE THE NUMBER OF COLONIES. Natural swarming 

 has several objections. It is often carried so far as to seri- 

 ously weaken the bees. It requires close watching, or bees go 

 off. Hiving a swarm from some lofty tree-top is not always 

 easy, if it is even possible. 



If, however, it is practiced, a clean hive should be placed 

 where it is to stand, and the frames either empty or, better, 

 filled with comb, or foundation placed in it. We then manage as 

 best we can to shake the bees in front of the hive. If they 

 are on a limb of a tree (Fig. 27) we may be able to saw it off 

 and bear it to the hive, when by a sudden shake all the bees 

 are dropped on the alighting board, and quickly enter the hive. 

 It may be easier to shake the cluster into a light box or basket, 

 and then quickly carry and turn them down in front of their 

 prospective home. 



Hiving is made easier when the queen's wing is clipped. 

 This, too, will prevent the loss of the colony if the apiarist is 

 away. The queen may be lost as she will come out of the hive, 



