PRIMARY SWARM. 223 



be cut with sharp pruning-shears, without jarring the swarm, 

 or damaging the value of the tree, they may be gently carried 

 on it to the hiving-sheet, in front of their new home. If they 

 seem at all reluctant to enter it, gently scoop up a few of them 

 with a large spoon, or a leafy twig, or even with the fingers 

 (TS), and shake them close to its entrance. As they go in 

 with fanning wings, they will raise a peculiar note, which 

 communicates to their companions the joyful news that they 

 have found a home; and in a short time the whole swarm will 

 enter, without injury to a single bee. 



When bees are once shaken down on the sheet, they are 

 quite unwilling to take wing again; for, being loaded with 

 honey, they desire, like heavily-armed troops, to march slowly 

 and sedately to their place of encampment. 



429. When they alight on a high limb, which cannot be 

 reached, or when the limb is too valuable to be sacrificed, the 

 swarm can be hived by using a light box or swarm-sack, at 



the end of a pole of proper length. 

 This swarm-sack (fig. 96) is made of 

 strong nmslin, about two feet deep, 

 fastened around a wire hoop, about 

 one foot in diameter, and is similar 

 to a butterfly net. A piece of braid 

 swAKM-sACK. IS scwed at the bottom, inside and 



*"'^' ®®' outside, to help in emptying it. When 



the sack is placed under the swarm, the bees are suddenly 

 shaken into it by a single tap on the limb. Hold the sack 

 firmly, as the sudden weight will draw it down in a most un- 

 expected manner. To prevent the bees from escaping, hold 

 the handle perpendicularly, as this will close the opening of 

 the bag instantly. 



430. In bringing it to -the hive, and turning it inside out, 

 by holding the braid with the fingers, some care must be exer- 

 cised, as this unceremonious imprisoning of the bees is apt to 

 cause some to be angry. A little smoke (382) should be used, 



