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honey from flowers. The honey harvests, as many 

 term them, are in some countries, three times a 

 year, viz. the latter end of May, the end of July, 

 and beginning of September; though to take the 

 combs but twice a year, viz. May and August, is 

 best. If the hive by reason of a young brood be 

 overcharged, which you may perceive by the bees 

 clustering- about the mouth of it, and the great 

 noise within, having new hives in readiness, watch 

 the coming forth of the young fry for several days, 

 from eight till twelve in the morning, lest taking 

 wing, they seek a new habitation; or if they delay 

 to come forth, you may drive out the whole stock 

 with galbanum, at which time having two kings, 

 they will settle in two companies, and so you may 

 hive them. Or if a stock be decayed, you may 

 put two hives together, by killing the king or mas- 

 ter-bee of the one hive. If at any time two hives 

 swarm together and fight, cast dust upon the hives, 

 or sprinkle them with the juice of pleasant herbs, 

 or honey and water boiled, and the fray will be par- 

 ted. 



If the master-bee of any hive be too apt to lead 

 the swarm abroad, and by that means endanger 

 losing them, to prevent this roving, clip his wings, 

 and then, not daring to trust them, he will stay at 

 home. 



The signs to know when your combs are full of 

 honey, are when the bees drive out the drones; 

 when there is an extraordinary noise and rejoicing 

 within, and when they play about the mouth of the 

 hive, neglecting to perform their tasks; for in no- 

 wise take the honey before the combs are full, lest 

 displeasing the bees they leave you. 



Many are of opinion, that the mouth of the hive 



