1 88 THE HONEY-BEE. 



We will speak of the process called driving. This 

 is the method adopted with the ordinary skep, and 

 is practised as close or open driving. In the first case, 

 the plan pursued is as follows : Into the entrance- 

 hole of the hive to be operated upon a few good 

 puffs of tobacco, or other smoke, are blown. This 

 frightens the bees, and they immediately rush to the 

 cells, and gorge themselves with honey. After giving 

 them a couple of minutes for this purpose, they 

 become much more quiet and tractable. If this pre- 

 caution be not taken, many of the workers will fly 

 in anger at the operator, and, though be may be 

 protected by veil and gloves, will greatly disturb the 

 comfort of his manipulations. The hive is then 

 lifted from its floor-board, and inverted, i.e. turned 

 upside down, on a tub, pail, or pan, partly filled with 

 water, to keep it firm. Upon it is placed an empty 

 hive of the same diameter, and round the junction 

 of their rims is tied carefully a round-towel, or a 

 bandage of some kind, so as to prevent the escape 

 of any of the bees. At the same time, or as soon 

 as possible, another empty hive, with a little syrup 

 sprinkled on the interior, is put on the stand from 

 which the stock has been brought, so that the bees, 

 who were abroad when their home was removed, may 

 be amused, or, at least, diverted from going to other 

 hives, where they would be attacked and slain as 

 robbers. Returning then to the hive from which the 

 swarm is to be driven, it must be beaten smartly, 

 but not sharply enough to shake down the combs. 

 A tolerably stout stick in each hand, or the hands 

 themselves, may be used for the purpose. It is best 

 to begin gently, and to increase the force of the 



