DRIVING. 173 



the successful Bee-keeper feels astonished how he could 

 have failed in such an easy operation. When once the 

 work is begun never give in until completed satis- 

 factorily. It becomes only a question of time, the Bees 

 must go. Supposing now it is desired to expel the 

 whole of the Bees from their hive, and it is the operator's 

 first attempt to drive, I would suggest the following 

 method of procedure, which, if followed, will result suc- 

 cessfully : — In the middle of a fine day, when a good 

 many Bees are abroad, commence by blowing two or 

 three puffs of smoke into the hive you desire to drive, 

 then give it a smart open-handed smack on each side, 

 and leave it ; the smoke and the smacks immediately 

 put the Bees into intense excitement, and after, perhaps, 

 an alarmed sally to the entrance to take stock of the 

 enemy, every Bee proceeds' to fill herself with honey to 

 be prepared against contingencies. Whilst this is going 

 on, get ready a pail or stand on which to set the hive — a 

 pail is best if the hive is round-topped, as it will be 

 held more secure ; also two empty skeps, two sticks 

 about 1 inch in diameter, and two iron skewers, and if 

 the operator be timid a round towel as well as 2 or 3 

 yards of stout string ; five minutes will have by this 

 time elapsed. Now the hive must be boldly lifted off its 

 floor-board and placed mouth upwards in the pail or on 

 the stand, and another skep of the same size placed 

 (mouth to mouth) on the top of it. On the stand where it 

 came from, place an empty skep to amuse the Bees who 

 come home whilst we are operating. The round towel 

 may now be wound round the juncture of the two hives 

 and secured with the string ; this, after the experience of 

 a few drivings, will be dispensed with. Now, with the 

 two sticks, or with the open hands, smartly strike the 

 sides of the full hive, keeping up a continual drumming ; 



