THE HONEY-BEE. 199 



experience has satisfied us that the use of these noisy 

 implements is by no means indispensable on such 

 occasions. Ten swarms out of twelve, if let alone 

 altogether,, and suffered peaceably to take their own 

 way, will alight on the first shrub, bush, or low-grow- 

 ing tree, that stands in nearly a direct line from the 

 mouth of the hive, whatever may be their intentions 

 as to any ulterior destination ; and to defeat such in- 

 tentions, if any such are threatened, let the swarm, 

 as soon as it has settled on an accessible spot, be 

 housed immediately, and shaded carefully from the 

 sun. In half an hour afterwards, let it be removed 

 to its permanent station in the apiary. If the swarm 

 settle on the branch of a high tree, let a ladder be 

 got and fastened to the trunk by ropes, and let the 

 operator ascend it, carrying up with him a small bag, 

 distended within by a slender hoop in which he will 

 inclose the swarm. The operation will be facilitated, 

 if the branch can be cut and brought down along with 

 it. Sometimes the swarm, after alighting, returns in 

 a few minutes to the hive. This happens when the 

 queen has left, as she sometimes does, the settled 

 group, and makes her way back to her original abode ; 

 the swarm will, in these circumstances, gradually 

 follow her and return also, but will come off again 

 next day, or perhaps the same day. Sometimes the 

 bees return to the hive without alighting at all ; and 

 sometimes, unfortunately, the queen in such a case 

 commits a mistake and enters a wrong one, while her 

 followers crowd after her, and alight in myriads about 

 the mouth and round the pedestal, without, however, 



