TRANSFERRING. 127 
the wire loose (fig. 54). In this way the sticks are in 
pairs ready for use. 
A smoker, a long, sharp, thin-bladed knife, a chisel, an 
axe or hatchet, a small common hand-saw, a small wing, 
and a dish of water, will complete the outfit. 
PROCESS. 
The operation should be performed in a room with all 
the windows but one darkened. ‘The hive to which the 
bees are to be transferred should be placed under this 
window in such a position that the bees may be readily 
brushed into it at the close of the operation. 
After smoking the bees slightly, turn the hive bottom 
up and place an empty box over it the same size as the 
hive. By tapping the hive gently, most of the bees will 
leave it and enter the box above. When most of the bees 
are in the box, place it upon the old stand, raising it a 
little in front for the passage of the bees, and remove the 
hive containing the combs to the room selected. Place 
the hive bottom up on a solid block, or other support, 
about two feet high. Saw the combs and cross-sticks 
loose from the side, or sides, you desire to remove. 
If the combs stand parallel with the sides, it will often 
only be necessary to remove one side, but if they are 
diagonal two sides will need to be taken off. If the grain 
of the wood runs up and down, split the sides in several 
places and take out the pieces separately, but if the grain 
runs across, pry them off with a chisel. During all opera- 
tions use care not to crush any bees remaining in the hive. 
Upon a table or bench near by, place the transferring- 
board. Now, with the knife, remove the outside combs, 
brush off the bees with a wing and set them one side until 
you come to one containing brood. Place this upon the 
board described, so that it will occupy the same position 
as it did in the hive, or if, as is sometimes the case, it 
