168 SWAEitlNG. 



as before directed, but instead of puttiag them all in one 

 hive, put a dipper full in each, alternately, till all are in. 

 They should be made to enter rapidly ; keep the entrance 

 clear and stir them up often, or sprinkle a very little wa- 

 ter on them, as they should not be allowed to stop their 

 humming until all are inside. There are even chances of 

 getting a queen in each hive. The two hives should now 

 be placed twenty feet apart ; if each has a queen, the bees 

 will remain quiet, and the work is done ; but if not, the 

 bees in the one destitute will soon manifest it , by running 

 about in all directions, and when the queen can not be 

 found, win leave for the other hive where there are doubt- 

 less two, a few going at a time. There are two or three 

 methods of separating these queens. One is, to empty 

 the bees out, and proceed as before, a game of chance that 

 may succeed at the next trial, and may have to be indefi- 

 nitely repeated. Oi*, as Soon as it is ascertained which is 

 without a queen, spread down a sheet, set the hive on it, 

 and tie the corners over the top to secure the bees. Turn 

 the hive on its side for the present, to give them air, or let 

 it down on a wire cloth bottom-board, and stop the hole in 

 the side. The bees would be less likely to be smothered 

 if the hive could be secured to the bottom board and lie 

 on its side. When these are secured, get another hive, 

 and jar out those with the queens. Let them enter as be- 

 fore, and then set them apart, watching the result. If the 

 queens are not yet separated, it will soon be shown. The 

 process must be continued till successful, or the bees with 

 the queens may be easily looked over, and one of them 

 found. Indeed, a sharp look out should be continued from 

 the beginning, and one of the queens caught if possible. 



No danger of her sting need be. apprehended, for she 

 will not demean herself to use it against a plebeian foe — 

 she must have a royal antagonist. When successful in 

 obtaining one, put her in a tumbler or some safe place ; 



