636 SUCCESSFUL FARMING 



her. At swarming time when the bees are full of honey, it is a simple 

 matter to unite colonies. If the two colonies are not near each other, 

 one should be moved nearer the other, a few feet each day, that the bees 

 may not notice the changed location. When side by side the change can 

 be made without difficulty. 



Transferring a colony from a box hive to one with movable frames 

 often becomes necessary. This should be done during the honey season 

 and while the larger number of bees are in the field. The two hives should 

 be adjacent. The new hive should contain combs or sheets of foundations. 

 Turn the box hive upside clown and fit over it a small empty box, inverted. 

 Then drum on the hive until most of the bees desert their combs and go 

 into the empty box above. These may be carried to the new hive and 

 put at the entrance. Care must be taken to secure the queen, as the 

 bees will not remain without her. If there is brood in the old hive, turn 

 it right side up again and after twenty-one days this will be hatched out. 

 These bees may then be gathered in the same manner and, by smoking 

 both colonies, reunited in the new hive. 



General Methods of Handling. — Certain general rules will apply 

 at all times in handling bees. 



Hives should never be jarred or disturbed more than necessary. 

 Rapid movements should be avoided. Bees have a peculiar eye structure 

 which enables them to see movements more readily than objects. Quick 

 movements irritate them, causing them to sting. Stings are not only 

 painful, but the odor of the poison irritates the other bees, thus making 

 them difficult to manage. The novice should wear a veil over a broad hat, 

 and use a good smoker. A few puffs are sufficient to subdue the bees. 

 Gloves generally prove a nuisance, but rubber bands on the arms prevent 

 the bees crawling up inside the sleeves. Black clothing is particularly 

 objectionable to bees. Do not handle bees at night or on cold, wet days, 

 unless absolutely necessary. The middle of the day, particularly during 

 the honey season, is the best time to manipulate bees. Always stand to 

 the side or back of the hive, never in front of the entrance. In handling 

 frames, care should be taken not to let the bees drop off on- to the ground. 

 Swarming. — Swarming is the exit of the original queen with part 

 of her workers to seek a new home. In this manner, new colonies are 

 formed. An abundant supply of honey and a crowded condition of the 

 hive are the immediate causes of swarming. Swarming may occur in 

 May, but is more apt to occur during July and August, or when the honey 

 flow is at its best. 



The only outward indication preceding swarming is a partial cessation 

 of field work and the loafing of many bees about the entrance, as if waiting 

 for some signal. Suddenly the bees all rush forth, accompanied by the 

 old queen, and after circling about for a time, cluster on a nearby limb. 

 This is the critical time for the bee keeper. If he has made no previous 

 preparation to house his departing swarm, he may lose them altogether. 



