166 SWARMING. 



HOW TO KEBP SWAKMS SEPARATE. 



" Prevention is better than cure." We can, if we are 

 -watchful, often prevent the issue of more than one at a 

 time. This depends in a great measure, on our knowledge 

 of indications. I have said that before beginning to fly- 

 off, they were about the entrance in great numbers ; there 

 may be one exception in twenty, when the first indica- 

 tions will be a column of bees rushing from the hive. To 

 pursue our investigations a little further, we Avill look 

 within, that is, if glass boxes are used, such as have been 

 recommended. It is an advantage to know which are 

 about to cast swarms, as long beforehand as possible. 



These glass boxes are usually filled with bees ; j^revious 

 to leaving they may often be seen in commotion long be- 

 fore any unusual stir is visible outside, sometimes for nearly 

 an hour. The same may be noticed in a glass hive. In 

 good weather, when we have reason to expect many 

 swarms, it is our duty to watch closely, especially when 

 the weather has been unfavorable for several days previous. 

 A number of colonies may have finished their queen cells 

 during the bad weather, and be ready to send out swarms 

 within the first hour of sunshine that occurs in the middle 

 of the day. "We must expect this to take place sometimes, 

 niid in large apiaries there is apt to be trouble, unless pro- 

 per precautions are taken. It is well to know by previous 

 examination, which hives have made preparations for 

 swarming, and as soon as one has begun to issue, look at 

 all the rest that are in condition to swarm; or, what is 

 much better, look before any have stai-ted. Even if noth- 

 ing unusual is perceived about the entrance, raise the cover 

 to the boxes. If the bees there are all quiet as usual, no 

 swarm need be immediately apprehended, and you wiU 

 probably have time to hive one or two Avithout interruption. 



But should you discover the bees running to and fro in 

 great commotion, although qniet it the entrance, you 



