82 HOW THE BEES MAY BE DRIVEN FROM BOXES. 
years, in the village of Newark, Licking Co. Ohio, and they have 
produced a yoarly yield of from fifty to one hundred and thirty pounds 
of honey, of the purest quality, and the demand for them there, 
where they have been thoroughly tested, is such, that a hive, with 
a good swarm of bees in it, will readily sell for fifteen dollars. I 
could have disposed of scores of them at that price last season, had I 
the bees to accompany the hives. 
CHAPTER XXXVII. 
HOW THE BEES MAY BE DRIVEN FROM BOXES. 
In boxes destitute of bottoms, there is little difficulty in clearing 
them from the bees. Where the boxes will admit of it, a little smoke 
may be blown into it for a few moments previous to taking it from 
the hive. Ifthe boxes have no bottoms, have a piece of board in 
readiness, and set the box at once upon it to confine the bees, and it 
may then be removed with safety to any place desired. I generally 
perform this operation a little after sunset, at which time the bees are 
desirous of returning home; andI think they will leave the boxes 
more readily. After blowing a little smoke into the box I take it a 
short distance from the hive and turn it bottom up on the ground; 
the bees will immediately commence crawling upon the upper side of 
the box and combs, when with a wing I brush them off carefully upon 
the ground, and move the box a short distance and let others come 
up, when I brush them off; and by continuing the operation for some 
twenty minutes, the bees may all be made to leave. Another plan 
practised by many, is to carry the box into the cellar, or dark place, 
with a small opening to admit a little light, and the bees will soon 
leave and make for the light and return to their hive. 
If the boxes have no bottoms, bottoms should be fitted immediate- 
ly. Ifthe honey is intended for market, thin board is best; but iffor 
family use, a bottom made of press paper will answer every purpose. 
