SPRING MANAGEMENT. 803 
left quietly to themselves. The drenching or anoint- 
ing of a hive, intended for a swarm, with any kind 
of material, is another common practice much better 
avoided. A dry clean hive is preferable; only, if of 
straw, cutting off the loose ends. 
As respects the precise mode of housing a 
swarm, no directions will meet all cases. After 
rushing in great apparent excitement from the 
family domicile, the bees form a cloud in the air, 
wheeling about in a thousand directions, and ex- 
hibiting a scene of the greatest animation; then, 
for the purpose of assembling together, they alight 
and cluster round the queen that has accompanied 
them, usually on a bush or branch of a low tree. 
The hive must now be put close under the swarm, 
into which it is easily shaken; or, according to 
circumstances, swept with a light brush, which is all 
the better if made of very fine shavings; but care 
should be taken not to crush any bees. The 
success of the operation depends upon the inclusion 
of the queen, when the new family will soon collect 
with her, within the hive, on placing this in its 
proper position, a little raised on one side, and 
shaded in some way from the sun. In the event of 
a swarm settling in an awkward position for hiving, 
it may require to be either smoked or drummed 
therefrom —the hive being held over it, or a 
loose branch fastened by some means to tempt its 
acceptance. 
On the occasion of swarming, bees are seldom 
much inclined to use their stings, unless uritated 
by wind; if any stinging does take place, it will 
