136 HANDY BOOK OF BEES. 



honey-liives, and if there were four honey -hives the 

 stocks would get a whole swarm each. 



But suppose a honey-hive is standing at some distance 

 from those we wish to strengthen by its hees, how can 

 we act without risk 1 There is some, if not great, diffi- 

 culty in. arranging such matters. 



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Suppose we want to get the honey from No. 2, and 

 strengthen with bees 7 and 9. If the bees of 2 were 

 to be put into 7 and 9 they would return to their old 

 stand, and probably be killed at the doors of 1 and 3. In 

 such a case we drive all the bees out of 8 and unite them 

 to 7 and 9. Then we drive the bees out of 2, and 

 throw them into 8, placing 8 on stand 2. Thus the honey 

 is obtained, and aU the bees preserved. 



Sometimes it may be desii'able to unite the bees of two 

 weak stocks in the winter season or in cold weather. This is 

 done by candle-light in some room or house. The bees of the 

 hive to be surrendered are fed by sprinkling syrup over 

 them. In about fifteen minutes after, they are suddenly 

 shaken into the other hive, or otherwise on the floor and 

 the other hive placed over them. "We have never known 

 an unsuccessful effort made to unite bees by candle-light. 

 Of course the candle must be speedily removed, as the 

 bees on the floor would naturally fly or creep towards it. 

 Before daylight next morning the united bees should 

 be placed where they have to stand. A little self-confi- 

 dence, and a fair share of celerity, will enable any bee- 

 keeper to accomplish all he wishes to do in his apiary. 



