22 ■ A Modern Bee-Farm 



begin by peeling off^ the quilt gently, and then proceed to 

 remove the combs in the same manner, and hardly a bee will 

 take wing. Get them from the combs by shaking, as above, 

 when necessary, and no stings will be given as a rule. 



Uniting. 



Where bees are in fixed combs, drive both (or all), then 

 remove all queens but the one wanted ; stand the combed 

 hive to receive them in an inverted position near to where 

 they are to remain and throw all into the one. As soon as the 

 bees are a little settled turn the skep right way up on two 

 I -inch sticks laid on the floor board ; remove such sticks in 

 the evening and see that the entrance is not less than 3 in. 

 by f-in. 



Bees in frame hives can be joined by alternating the combs 

 of one with those of the other. Smoke each hive and theh 

 part the combs- so that no bees hang from one to the other, 

 and then proceed to unite the two. Leave only one queen, 

 cover up carefully and do not disturb them again. If two 

 standing near together are to be united, move the hive to be 

 occupied half-way between the two, and take the other hive 

 right away. A board placed against the entrance, slanting to 

 the ground, will aid the bees in collecting at that spot, while 

 the original inhabitants of the hive will also feel in a strange 

 position. In general, when preparing for Winter I nearly 

 always wait until October and then a stock can be carried any 

 distance in the same apiary and joined to another, with no 

 loss of flying bees, as none get far from home at this date, and 

 not flying frequently they always make a note of their position. 



Many use thin syrup scented with peppermint wherewith 

 the bees are sprayed, thinking that a common scent will make 

 them unite peaceably, but there is no need of anything of the 

 kind, if but one queen is allowed, and my directions are 

 followed with regard to separating the combs and fully 

 exposing the whole of the bees to the light for a few minutes 

 before the union is accomplished. 



