20 



be medium and heavy. Light brood may be used but is liable 

 to sag or break down if a heavy swarm is hived on it unless it 

 has first been given to a strong colony as a super to draw out 

 and fasten securely. This is a safe practice in any case where 

 swarms are united, though there will be little trouble where 

 heavy brood foundation is used if securely fastened and wired 

 in frames. 



To the novice who takes down his first swarm, it is usually 

 an experience filled with considerable misgiving and doubt but 

 it is really a simple process if the cluster has settled on the 

 branch of a tree and can be easily reached. 



First, place the prepared empty hive on the ground near where 

 it is to remain, block up the front end off the bottom board 

 with one or two inch blocks, lay a board on the ground in front 

 of the hive and level with the bottom board. Then use a light 

 shallow box six inches deep in which to catch tbe swarm. This 

 may have a handle fastened to the bottom. It will be safer for 

 one to wear a veil, and the novice should also wear gloves. The 

 smoker should be lighted and ready to give off a good volume 

 of smoke if needed, — it is not often used but it should always 

 be at hand. If the swarm is cro^ss and the bees leave the cluster 

 and attempt to sting, which is rare, blow a few puffs of smoke 

 into the cluster. In most cases they will be found to be gentle 

 and may even be taken in the bare hands if care is used not to 

 jam them. When all is in readiness, hold the box close up 

 under the cluster and give the limb a quick jar. Another quick 

 snap and most of the bees will be in the box. Carry them 

 quickly to the hive and pour gently out in front. Those 

 left in the box may be jarred out with a quick shake. Enough 

 may go back so that the operation may need to be repeated. 

 The bees will soon enter the new hive and can be set on a per- 

 manent stand. If a strong colony, they should be given one or 

 more supers at once owing to the time of seiason. When the 

 prime swarm issues the old queen comes with them. From a 

 few to perhaps twenty queen cells are left. With the emerging 

 of the first young queen, the old colony is apt to cast a second 

 swarm, usually about the eighth to tenth day. If the bees 

 decide to swarm no more, the remaining queen cells are 

 destroyed and, when the yoUng queeo mates, which will be in 

 about a week, the colony settles down again to normal condi- 



