BEES. 251 



iiives, which should be done speedily, let those bees 

 which are found unable to fly be thrown into a vessel 

 of cold water, so contrived that they can crawl out 

 again, and they will soon recover their activity. In this 

 method of managing, it will be seen, that there is no 

 necessity for the process of fire and brimstone forget- 

 ting rid of the bees ; a procedure equally cruel and de- 

 structive of the race. 



Another method of taking the honey, without killing 

 the bees, is by driving them out of the full hive, at 

 night, into an empty one, by placing the full hive bottom 

 upwards, and fixing the other upon it. There should be 

 cross-pieces in the empty one for the bees to light on. 

 Strike gently on the two sides of the full hive to which 

 the edges of the combs are fastened. This method is 

 also used to join two or more swarms together. 



One of the greatest errors in the management of bees, 

 is, in giving the swarm old and decayed hives; these 

 hives are generally intested with those insects which 

 are the enemies of bees and ruin the swarms. 



Were we merely to consult our own feelings, we 

 should advise to feed bees when their stock is exhaust- 

 ed. If this be near the close of winter, interest alone 

 will dictate the measure ; but, if they are found desti- 

 tute at an earlier period, their destiny should be averted 

 from motives of compassion. Is the industrious insect, 

 that toils for us incessantly during summer, unworthy of 

 pity in the hour of distress? Honey is the most natu- 

 ral food for them. It is to be conveyed into the hives 

 by little troughs, and the food is to be given daily, un- 

 til they can provide for themselves. Let some good 

 sweet-wort be mixed with the honey, and it will then 

 go much farther. Sugar or molasses may also be used 

 in place of honey. Some prescribe toasts of bread, 

 sopped in strong ale, of which they will not leave one 

 crumb remaining. The quantity of provisions they 

 have in store is known by the weight of the hive. — 

 The weight of the swarm, and the hive containing 

 them, should always be known and marked ; and then, 

 after a reasonable deduction for the weight of the comb, 

 the remainder must be honey and bee-bread. 



