DRIVING. l8t 



more readily, and diere will be no loss of larvae in the 

 cells. 



It generally happens that, in about fifteen minutes, the 

 bees regularly commence the ascent ; their exodus will 

 be known by the distinct rushing sound which is always 

 noticed when a colony of bees is on the move. The first 

 thing bees do when disturbed is to fill their honey-bags, 

 as they invariably do at swarming time ; consequently, 

 after the first rush into the new hive is over, as in the 

 case of a swarm, the "flitting" bees are not much 

 disposed to take wing. When the noise made by the 

 ascending bees has been heard, and has in a great 

 degree subsided, the cloth may be removed, and the old 

 hive, now deserted, may be taken indoors ; and if a few 

 bees yet remain, they may be brushed off with a feather. 

 An experienced apiarian, on first hearing the rushing 

 noise before mentioned, will not hesitate to tilt the top 

 hive over a little on one side, so that he may watch the 

 bees during the ascent ; the queen may be seen passing 

 up, and if the operator desires to take her away, he can 

 secure her by placing a wine-glass over her. This ex- 

 pedient is often resorted to in the autumn, when stocks 

 are to be united, for in such a case the removal of the 

 queen prevents some fighting. 



If the taking of the honey be the object of the bee- 

 master, then "driving" is manifestly a better plan- than 

 resorting to the fumes of sulphur for the purpose ; for 

 the bees from whom the store is taken can be joined to 



