22 A Modern Bee-Farm 
not to crush any bees while so doing, and see that your 
smoker is on hand in good order, in case they may get 
troublesome. If the combs are to- be cleared, shake the 
bees back into the hive, or at the entrance by a.motion 
similar to that of throwing, beginning however with a 
gentle shake, and then more vigorously, as the bees become 
frightened. Nothing tends to subdue them so thoroughly, 
and on no account should a brush or feather be used until - 
the bees have first been so shaken; as by brushing them 
from the combs in the first instance they are much irritated. 
Italian and Carniolan Bees seldom require to be intimi- 
dated. They can be handled almost anyhow, and what 
is remarkable with both these varieties, and also some 
stocks of Syrian bees, it matters not how long the hive 
may remain uncovered, they continue perfectly peaceful. 
With these, begin by peeling off the quilt gently, and 
then proceed to remove the combs in the same manner, 
and hardly a bee will take wing. Get them from the 
combs by shaking as above, when necessary, and no stings 
will be given as a rule. 
Uniting. 
Where bees are in fixed combs, drive both (or all), then 
remove all queens but the one wanted; stand the combed 
hive to receive them in an inverted position ‘near to where 
they are to remain and throw all into the one. As soon 
as the bees are a little settled turn the skep right way up 
on two I-inch sticks laid on the floor board; remove such 
sticks in the evening and see that the entrance is not less 
than 3-in. by 3-in. ’ 
Bees in frame hives can be joined by alternating the 
combs of one with those of the other. Smoke each hive 
and then part the combs so that no bees hang from one 
to the other, and then proceed to ‘unite the two. Leave 
