RECEIPT BOOK. 197 



served through the winter; but box hives are best 

 for them, as the bees work fastest there. They 

 are not, however, fit for being kept through the 

 cold seasons. 



It is to be observed that great haste in forcing a 

 swarm into the hive may disperse them. Give 

 them time to settle undisturbed, though keep a 

 steady eye on their motions: but whenever they 

 gather into a cluster, lose no time in placing the 

 hive over them. If the swarm rest on any thing 

 that can be brought to the ground, spread a clean 

 linen cloth: lay two sticks on it, two feet assunder; 

 lay the body on which the swarm have fixed, gen- 

 tly on the sticks; covering it with the hive by a 

 motion the least perceptible; and taking care that 

 the edges of the hive rests upon the sticks. Cov- 

 er b've and all with a cloth; for the sun might al- 

 lure le bees to rise again. When they have gone 

 into the hive, cover it with its own board, and carry 

 it cautiously to its station. Bees are apt to leave 

 their hive even after they begin to work, so they 

 must be watched till evening, and throughout the 

 ensuing day. Whenever they are sure to remain, 

 fix the hive to its board with a little lime round the 

 edges; and crown it with green sods to keep out 

 too great heat or rain. 



If a hive divides into two swarms, it is a sign 

 that CQch swarm has a queen. Put each into old 



hives or boxes; but they must be kept separate. 



If a cluster of bees about the size of a small plum 

 are seen together, the queen will generally be 

 found there. Separate them, and wtih a drinking 

 glass turned down, you may seize the queen. Put 

 her, and a score or two of her subjects into a box 

 full of holes, large enough to admit air, and yet 

 17* 



