] GO APIARIES. 



of the increasing warmth of the day; wnereas, a 

 western exposure tempts them to continue their ex- 

 cursion, and linger in the fields till they are caught 

 by the evening cold. 



When the apiary is situated in a garden, there 

 will be no want of bushes and low-growing shrubs 

 on which the bees may alight when swarming. But 

 when it is located on a lawn or smooth level, the 

 swarm is extremely apt to fly off altogether, or to 

 take up its station on some high tree in the vicinity, 

 from which it is difficult to dislodge it. A few 

 ever-green shrubs growing in front of the hives, and 

 at a few yards' distance, will prevent this. Or if such 

 an arrangement be, from particular circumstances, not 

 expedient, the evil may be so far remedied by sticking 

 into the ground, near the apiary, some branches of trees, 

 retaining their foliage, about the period when swarm- 

 ing may be expected. Water is essential to the opera- 

 tions of these insects during spring and summer ; a 

 shallow pebbly stream in the vicinity will; therefore, 

 be most advantageous, where they can drink with- 

 out danger of drowning. Its absence should be sup- 

 plied by artificial means ; and a shallow vessel of 

 water placed in a secluded and quiet quarter of the 

 apiary, having a few smooth round stones thrown 

 into it, of a size to project above the surface, and 

 afford footing to the drinkers, will answer the end. 

 The neighbourhood of large sheets of water, how- 

 ever, or of broad rivers, is injurious; the little foragers, 

 in crossing during high winds or dashing rains, per- 

 ish by hundreds in a single day. 



