SPRING MANAGEMENT. 299 
but it must be done when the first hive contains 
but a few combs. 
In this place it may be noticed, that in an apiary 
where a weak and sluggish old stock is now 
observed, opportunity can be taken to add to its 
numbers by uniting to it an after-swarm in the 
mode just pointed out; though some persons would 
prefer pufting a little smoke to both parties. If 
either queen be removed, the strangers will usually 
be well received, and this accession of numbers is 
almost certain to lead to a vastly increased activity 
and industry. 
Like most other operations on bees, the mode of 
uniting swarms admits of variety, according to 
choice and circumstance; and some apiculturists 
prefer driving in the way for which general direc- 
tions have been given at page 229; a plan that 
may be resorted to almost at any time. Another 
mode of junction can be effected by the aid of a 
sheet of perforated zinc inserted between the two 
hives about to be united—which will then require to 
be placed the one upon the other. As already 
remarked, there is little reason to doubt that the 
members of each colony of bees are distinguishable 
amongst themselves by a certain peculiarity of 
odour, and if this is assimilated to that of another 
colony, the proceeding appears to have the effect 
of preventing mutual dissension. When the construc- 
tion, therefore, of the hives admits of their being 
brought into juxtaposition, the perforated zinc allows 
a free circulation of scent between them, without 
permitting actual contact of the bees. After leaving 
