226 THE BEE-KEEPER’S MANUAL. 
As far as it can be managed, it is desirable that 
attention should be paid to the previous position of 
the hives intended to form unions, for there is 
always a disposition in bees to return to the spot to 
which they have been accustomed. Where it is 
practicable, therefore, it is best to unite adjoining 
families, and, if a few yards apart, to place the doubled 
colony midway, removing the emptied hive entirely ; 
or when the union is to consist of three, to unite 
to a hive in the centre, one on each side. But 
as this cannot always be arranged, it is highly 
advisable to gradually shift the colonies nearer to 
each other by movements not exceeding a yard per 
day. A little foresight as to the arrangement of the 
hives, exercised at the time of swarming, will often 
facilitate after proceedings. Some have resorted to 
the plan of confinement of the bees, but this does not 
always meet the difficulty; for, on the first opportunity, 
many of them will return to their old haunts, and 
seek in vain their former dwelling.* 
Fumigation may often be resorted to in cases 
where a superabundance of honey exists in a 
stock-hive at this season; for after the introduction 
of a little smoke the bees will fall down. The 
dwelling may then be reversed, and a portion of 
comb cut away in due moderation. Restore the 
bees to the hive, and replace its board, when the 
whole may be turned back to its proper position 
without injury. The extreme outside combs will be 
the only ones whose honey is pure enough to take. 
* Mr. Cheshire, however. says that this danger is passed by the 
third day. Our author’s statewent must be modified accordingly. 
