ana tts Economic Management. 23 
only one queen, cover up carefully and do not disturb 
them again. If two standing near together are to be 
united, move the hive to be occupied half-way between the 
two, and take the other hive right away. A board placed 
against the entrance, slanting to the ground, will aid the 
bees in collecting at that spot, while the original inhabitants 
of the hive will also feel in a strange position. 
If both (or all) lots are smoked a few minutes before 
uniting, and the bees presently shaken from their combs 
and mixed up in the hive to be retained, fighting will be 
out of the question. 
Late Autumn Uniting. 
In general, when preparing for winter I nearly always 
wait until October and November, and then a stock can 
be carried any distance in the same apiary and joined to 
another, with little loss of flying bees, as none get far from 
home at that date, and not flying frequently they will 
always make a note of their new position. Many use thin 
syrup scented with peppermint wherewith the bees are 
sprayed, thinking that a common scent will make them 
unite peaceably, but there is no need for anything of the 
kind, if but one queen is allowed, and my directions are 
followed with regard to separating the combs of the 
respective lots and fully exposing the whole of the bees 
to the light for a few minutes before the union is 
accomplished. : 
Another very satisfactory way is that of removing the 
best of the brood combs, and adhering bees of a colony 
to any distant hive requiring them, while the remainder 
may be united to any neighbouring hive, without the 
possibility of losing any flying bees. The queen, if one, 
being utilised as may be most desirable. 
