OF MANAGING BEES. 43 



to the under side of the top piece of all his new drawers, so 

 as to facilitate the labors of the bees in commencing work 

 ill the box ; which is done by melting some beeswax, and 

 attaching the comb to it, when dripped on to the board 

 while hot. In this way, bees may be directed how to build 

 their comb to suit their owner ; for they will usually follow 

 their master's orders, if they are in accordance with their 

 instincts ; and the bee-master affixes the bit or bits of comb 

 in the box as he wishes them to build. It is found that 

 rubbing hard the inside of new hives or boxes with cold 

 beeswax is the best preparation for a young swarm, or to 

 assist the bees in beginning their work in a drawer ; the 

 under side of the top boards where the bees first begin their 

 labors requires particular attention. They may be com- 

 pelled to write the names of men and things, or draw the 

 likeness of birds, quadrupeds, &c., if their master will lay 

 out their work for them, by mutilating their combs a little 

 so as to form the letters or features desired. Bees will 

 make honey in glass tumblers, bottles, cylinders, bells, 

 globes, &c. But the author of this work cannot recom- 

 mend either of the foregoing vessels as a substitute for 

 drawers, further than curiosity has its claims. It is found 

 by various and often-repeated trials, that bees will make more 

 comb, and store more honey, in a given time, in a drawer 

 square in its form than in any other, unless the same is made 

 largest at the top, tapering as it descends towards the bot- 

 tom. Drawers in old stocks should be turned so as to let 

 the bees into them as early in the spring as blossoms are 

 seen. 



