NATURAL SWARMING. 59 



over them and the Bees driven upward with a little 

 smoke. When in an awkward place, the Apiarian's 

 ingenuity must be exercised to devise the best manner 

 in which the desired object may be attained, bearing in 

 mind that Bees have a tendency to ascend, and may be 

 more easily driven or coaxed upwards than down- 

 wards. A swarm should be hived as quietly as possible 

 after they have settled down, for if not secured within 

 an hour or two they will probably leave again. After 

 being safely hived, and the ^stragglers gathered to the 

 main body, the stick may be taken away, and the new 

 colony placed at once on the stand it is to occupy. If 

 this be not done at once, it will be better to leave it 

 quietly until evening, shading the hive from the sun's 

 heat by an umbrella or green boughs, as after the com- 

 motion of swarming has subsided, the industrious Work- 

 ers, losing no time, will proceed to gather in some stores, 

 and on their return, not finding the hive, will perish. 

 The Bees forming a swarm always emigrate with their 

 honey-bags full. They have provision enough to last 

 them three days; and if it be found at the expiration 

 of that time that the weather is unfavourable for work, 

 they must be fed, or if the famine continues they will die. 

 Driven Bees or forced swarms are not so full of honey, 

 and their wants must be attended to at an earlier period 

 in bad weather. It should be remembered, as if written 

 in letters of gold, that Bees waste nothing, and so no loss 

 can occur by feeding them. I cannot reiterate the fact 

 too often, that it is false economy to stint Bees in food ; 

 they will not gather an ounce less of honey if they are 

 supplied with an unlimited amount of syrup; on the 

 contrary, the grateful nourishment will invigorate and 

 make them work still harder. Should the Apiarian be 

 desirous of stocking a frame hive with the swarm, let it 



