SAVAKMING AND HIVING. 57 



hive, covers all very nicely with a clean sheet, and 

 leaves them alone to enter the hive. At about sun- 

 set he will place the hive with the bees in it on the 

 stand it is to occupy. 



At the time designated (about sunset) he goes out 

 to his hive on the table. It has been a very hot 

 afternoon, and the hive was where it received the 

 full force of the sun's rays. He carefully raises the 

 sheet. There is the limb on which the bees clus- 

 tered — but where are the bees ? they are not on the 

 limb ! Why, in the hive, of course. That is 

 where he expected to find them. He peeps care- 

 fully imder the hive to see how they are getting 

 along, but astonishment is depicted on his counte- 

 nance when he discovers that his hive is empty. 

 His bees have left for other parts beyond his knowl- 

 edge. He tries to think of some reason why the 

 bees have gone, and seeks to lay the blame upon 

 the hive. "Oh!" he says, "I guess they did not 

 like the hive, but I guess I shall have better luck 

 next time." 



To a progressive bee keeper, one who has correct 

 and practical knowledge of the natural habits of 

 bees, it is very plain why they left. They were 

 actually driven away by mismanagement. The 

 heat of the sun pouring down upon them, was 

 enough of itself to drive them off. Then placing 

 the limb, with the cluster adhering to it, on the 

 table near the hive, showed lack of knowledge of 

 the natural habits of bees. The hive might as well 

 have been in the house, as placed where it was. 

 Then an hour or more taken to get the hive ready, 



