* REtORTS. 4S 



I 



to preserve his stock alive, or to increase it in the least degree. 

 But though it may be good in its place, as a general rule we 

 think there is " a more excellent way." This we deem to be that 

 of naiural colonization. Here in accordance with the laws of 

 their nature, governed by their own instinct, they issue from the 

 old homestead to find anew home for themselves, — a home where' 

 they may enter upon all the departments of domestic life, and 

 economy, and enjoy all its felicities. This mode of colonization 

 we believe to be the true, the natural, the best one — the one to 

 be followed, unless adverse circumstances compel to a different 

 course. In this, our idea accords with that of one who has had 

 experience- in bee culture. To use the language of another, "I 

 have had much expei'ience in the production of 'artificial colo- 

 nies,' and also in what is termed the non-swarming svstem of 

 beea But I have abandoned both, and am satisfied that the bees ' 

 kirow the best time and mode of conducting their colonization.''' 

 Truly of bees, no less than of birds, or of animals in the highest 

 and even to the lowest species, as regards colonization, may it be 

 " said-natura optima et sa[i entissima muter" — nature is the best; 

 and the wisest method. 



But as in the natural swarming of bees, they issue from the 

 maternal hive, unguided by man, the question comes, how shall 

 these be gathered into their new home ? It iscustomary forbees, 

 upon swarming, to alight at first near the hive. This is the same 

 as to soy to the owner, " here we are ; and, if you will make us a 

 new and happy home, we will cheerfully work for t/ou ; but if 

 you will not thus provide, we'll away and work for ourselves." 

 By this process of theirs, they try their strength, they plume 

 their wings, and prepare for a journey to the owner, unknown. 

 Now if by any means, they can be induced to alight handy for 

 hiving, a great thing is accomplished. They generally will have 

 their own way. But it is said, that a board placed in front of 

 the apiary, having one end resting upon the ground, and the 



