384 APPENDIX. 



and a half inches square and dry it thoroughly ; light one end — hlow the smoke 

 among the bees as occasion requires. 



When about ready to examine the combs of any hive, it is well to have a spare 

 empty hive at hand to receive and hold the first frame taken out, or set it in the 

 place of the old one, and the frames can all be put in as they are taken out and 

 examined. The hive just emptied can now becleaned if it needs it, and be ready 

 to receive the bees and comb of another when necessary ; in this way every hive 

 in the apiary may be thoroughly scalded and cleaned if we wish it. "When the 

 frame rests on the rabbeting the bees will wax it fast with propolis. A small bit of 

 wood or iron will bo needed to go in between, the frames to pry them loose — a small 

 chisel will do. Break all lopse before lifting out any — the bees reseat the slight jar 

 of this operation more than lifting them out, and will want a little more smoke to 

 quiet them. Begin two or three frames from the one you design taking out, to gain 

 a little room by moving them away from it, each one a little nearer the next ; then 

 take hold of each end near where it rests on the rabbeting — ^raise it carefully, if 

 possible without striking the ends or other frames ; this, when examined, can be put 

 in the other hive standing by for the purpose. When they are returned, each comb 

 should generally occupy the same relative position — ^the little irregularities or curves 

 will then fit each other exactly. The bees that are on the under side of the honey- 

 board may be jarred off la front of the hive, by striking one edge down suddenly ; 

 it then may be laid on the hive without crushing any bees. But if the hive to be 

 examined contains surplus boxes, we must manage differently, yet they need not 

 be disturbed. Take off the cover to the boxes and turn it bottom up j the honey- 

 board is set over it, without injuring any bees that happen to b6 on the under«side. 

 To put it back without killing many requires a little care, as some of them will be 

 just where they will be caught between the top of the hive and board. By sliding 

 it a little you can usually save the beee 



A swarm of bees is not as readily hived in one of these hives as the old box ; 

 there is no diflQculty however — it only takee a few minutes longer, and probably 

 less trouble than with many other patents. I have found it best to get the bees in 

 a light box, and as soon as quiet, carry them to the stand-they are to occupy, take 

 off the honey-board and adjust the frames, raise the side of the hive an inch ; now 

 jar a part of the beeg«(say a quart, near as possible) from the box directly on the 

 top of the frames ; if no assistant is present to slide the honey-board lenthwise over 

 the frames, the box must be set down while it is done. The balance of the bees 

 may now be shaken by the side of the hive as soon as those inside commence 

 hummmg, and they will soon enter. 



I have several correspondents who have described and recommended a hiver used 

 by themselves, which may answer instead of the box just described.. I had used a 

 similar contrivance, however, to some extent, before the publication of the first 

 edition of the *' Mysteries," and abandoned it, as the trouble and delay often more 

 than balanced the advantages. This migM have been in consequence of some 

 defective arrangement. Those described consist generaUy " of a box about six 

 inches square by twelve in length, made of light thin boards, with a great many 

 holes through the sides — some have them without ends. Poles of different lengths 

 are provided for the different heights that the bees cluster. As soon as the swarm 

 commence gathering on any particular branch, the box is held as close to it as 

 possible," and they will often, but not always, enter it. " When most of them are 

 quietly Inside, bring them down and hive them." I think if such a box would pay 

 with the common hive, it would with this. 



To transfer the bees and comb from the common hive into one of these frames 

 choose one with straight combs. I have found it best to first drive out the bees' 

 (for directions see page 32) then take off the side of the hive and carefully cut out 

 tne.combs. If it contains' brood, Jay it on some yielding surface, made by smoothly 

 folding several thicknesses of cloth ; put on a frame for a measure and cut the 

 comb to fit exactly; then ■vSrith resin and beeswax melted together, and poured 

 around the edge, it will be soldered fast. Otherwise the combs may be held by 

 splints on each side, and tied together at the ends. When the combs are all 

 secured and in the hive, the bees may be shaken out by it, which should occudv 

 the old stand. *^' 



In transporting bees in this hive, it will be necessary to use considerable care to 

 prevent breaking combs, as they cannot be inverted like the common one Springs 

 should be used invariably, as well as to have straw under them. The hive is 

 prepared by simply fastening the honey-board with screws or nails, and when the 

 frames have recently been broken loose, they will need fastening in their places 

 with large tacks, but the propolis will hold them when not broken beforehand 

 Wire-cloth is put over the openings in the tov and entrances. A cloth is then spread 

 on the straw in the bottom of the wagon, and the hive set directly on it Drive 

 carefully, and avoid heavy shaking, and when the hive is taken ftom the' wagon 

 take the cloth with it. Moving them m hot weather should be avoided • also' 

 vhea extremely cold. ' ' 



