158 NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL INCREASE, 
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 which 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 hive on it, and place a wide 
board before it. Cut 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. 
