54 THE COTTAGE AND FARM BEE KEEPER. 



only, instead of tying it up, the bees must be suffered to escape from 

 it until the new swarm is strengthened sufficiently, after which it may 

 be tied up till the third morning. . Should it .appear, however, that the 

 queen is not among them, take two of the combs from the old hive, 

 which seem fullest of eggs and young brood ; next arrange these in 

 the new hive, leaning one against another, or against the side, but in 

 such a manner that, on the introduction of the bees, these combs shall not 

 possibly fall down flat. The best way to do this, is to remove the top 

 from the hive, (which mast be set first on its board,) replacing it after 

 the combs have been well disposed inside. Now carry the hive, board 

 and all, to the old stand, and either slide it on the pedestal, to avoid 

 crushing any of the bees, which will be sure to throng it, or else put 

 it on a stool close by. In a few minutes, the agitated bees will scent 

 it out, and speedily take possession. The old hive, in this case, must 

 not be closed at all, in order to facilitate' as much as possible the es- 

 cape of the bees, many of whom will fly off straight to the old place, 

 now occupied by the new swarm. These will proceed forthwith to 

 rear a queen artificially. It might be an advantage, perhaps, to tie 

 up the old hive, unfastening the bandage every now and then, for a 

 few minutes at a time. In this case, many bees would escape, and 

 not being able to return, would naturally stay with the new swarm, 

 if not previously disposed to do so. 



Or if this plan be thought too difficult and hazardous, the old hive 

 must be replaced upon its stand till another opportunity occurs. In 

 either case the emergency which will require this treatment is a rare 

 one, as in nineteen instances in twenty the bees will readily follow 

 their queen, who on her side will as readily ascend. 



Again, should too many ascend on the first driving, (and, if possible, 

 two or three thousand bees should be left to feed the young brood, 

 and attend generally to the business of the. hive,) let the old stock be 

 replaced ou its wonted stand for a few minutes, until a sufficient num- 

 ber of bees shall have entered into it. It may then be tied up as it 

 stands on the board, and board and all be removed to the place inten- 

 ded for it ; the new swarm on a fresh board may then be substituted 

 for it in the manner already pointed out. This treatment will be found 

 most efficacious in dividing the population of the old stock in its due 

 proportions. 



Let us suppose, however, that everything succeeded well accord- 



