158 XATtTBAt AlTD ARTIFICIAL IlTCllEASB. 



The first outside indications will be an unusual number of 

 bees about the entrance from one to sixty minutes before 

 they start. The utmost confusion prevails, bees running 

 about in all directions. When first rising from the hive, 

 they describe circles of but few feet, but as they recede, 

 they spread over an area of several rods. Their move- 

 ments are much slower than usual. In a few moments, 

 thousands may be seen revolving in every possible direc- 

 tion. When all are out of the hive, or soon after, some 

 branch of a tree or bush is usually selected on whicli to clus- 

 ter. In less than half a minute after the spot is indicated, 

 they are gathered in the immediate vicinity, and all clus- 

 ter in a body, from five to ten minutes after leaving the 

 hive. They should now be hived immediately, as they 

 show impatience if left long, especially in the sun ; also, 

 if another stock should send out a swarm while they 

 were hanging there, they would be quite sure to unite. 



HOW TO HIVE THEM. 



It makes but little difference in what way they are put 

 in the hive, providing they are all made to go in. If 

 there is nothing in the way, lay the bottom board on the 

 ground, make it level, set the hivo on it, and place a wide 

 board before it. Out off the branch on which the bees 

 are hanging, if it can be done as well as not, and shake 

 them off in front of the hive ; a portion will discover it 

 and will at once commence a vibration of their wings, 

 which seems to be a call for the others. A great many 

 are apt to stop about the entrance, thereby nearly or quite 

 closing it, and preventing others from going in. You can 

 expedite their progress by gently disturbing them with a 

 stick or quill. When gentle means will not induce them 

 to enter in a reasonable time, and they appear obstinate, 

 a little water sprinkled on them will greatly facilitate 

 operations, or they may be readily driven in by the use 

 of the smoker. 



