ARTIFICIAL SWARMS. 



operation is very simple, more satisfactory, and less 

 dependant on contingencies. Let a hive be prepared 

 of precisely the same dimensions as the one to be 

 operated on, and of the same construction, namely, 

 opening vertically in two halves. Early in the 

 morning, or in the evening, when the bees are all at 

 home, let the hive be gently separated. The bees, 

 always most irritable when idle, will dart out in no 

 placid humour, and must therefore be kept from an- 

 noying the operator, by the use of smoke. Apply to 

 each full half an empty one, carefully fastening them 

 together by hooks and eyes previously arranged. 

 We have thus two hives, each half full of bees, brood, 

 and honey. One of them will possess the queen, and 

 the other will have royal brood, or at all events, eggs 

 and larvae of all ages wherewith to originate a queen. 

 As soon as they have recovered from the panic caused 

 by the operation, and have all retired into the inte- 

 rior, let both doors be closed that there may be no 

 communication between the two divided communi- 

 ties. Two or three hours afterwards, listen atten- 

 tively to each, and it will be readily ascertained from 

 the quiet state of the one, and the loud disorderly 

 buzzing of the other, that the queen is present with 

 the former, and that the other is distressed at the 

 discovery of their loss. Carry off the one with the 

 queen, and shut it up in a dark apartment for twenty- 

 four hours, leaving the other in the original station. 

 If this last had no royal brood at the time of the 

 separation, it will, within twenty-four hours, have set 

 about forming an artificial queen, and the operation 



