196 THE FARMER'S 



pillar in front should be an inch shorter than the 

 otner two, and the three pillars should be within 

 twelve or fouiten inches of the outer edge of the 

 board, to exclude rats and mice. For the same 

 reason no tall growing plant, no wall,nor any meana 

 for ascent should be within three or four feet of 

 the hive. In fine weather, the entrance to the 

 hive must be four inches long, and an inch and a 

 half in depth. 



In the beginning of the fine seaon, when the 

 bees can get food, or have stores remaining, the 

 beemaster has nothing to do but to keep the ground 

 about the hive clear from weeds, and from what- 

 ever might enable vermin to climb there. Yet as 

 a thriving stock inclines very soon to swarm, the 

 hives must be frequently looked after, from eight 

 in the morning till five in the afternoon. The 

 symptoms are gensrally thus: The little city seems 

 crowded with inhabitants. — They are continually 

 in motion during the day; and after working-time, 

 they make loud noises. The drones may be seen 

 flying about in the heat of the day, and the work- 

 ing bees go with a reeling motion and busy hum. 

 When the bees come regularly out of the hives, 

 let no noise, no interruption incommode them: but 

 if they fly long, as if they were unsettled, some 

 tinkling noise or the loud report of a gun, will 

 make the fugitives repair to the nearest lodgings. 

 I^ there is an empty hive with combs and some 

 honey in it, they will readily go there. If a new 

 hive is used, remember to smooth it well within, and 

 singe oflf loose straws. Perpendicular sticks 

 should never be employed. Four cross sticks at 

 equal distances will support the combs. Old hives 

 do very well for late sv/arms: tliat are not to be pre- 



