162 HANDY BOOK OF BEES. 



are left on the board -when the hive is turned up. The 

 sweat of the bees of such a hive lies in drops in the door- 

 way in the morning. But when ready to swarm, the heat 

 of the hive is so great that the sweat or condensed mois- 

 ture at the door is dried up or driven out two or three 

 inches beyond the door. The noise of the hive is great 

 in fine weather, and many bees have to work hard at the 

 door to temper the excessive heat of the domicile ; and 

 this is done by the rapid motion of their wings, which 

 increases the circulation of air inside. About four days 

 before first swarms issue from their hives, eggs are placed 

 in royal cells, and very often these may be seen on ex- 

 amination when many of the bees are abroad seeking 

 honey. Hives, with queens set in them, should be care- 

 fully watched in fine weather ; and if the owner or his 

 family have no time for watching, swarms should be 

 taken from such hives artificially, as already described. 

 Swarms that come off naturally should be hived as soon 

 as possible, and placed on a stand (where they have to 

 remain) before the bees begin to work. 



Sometimes swarms decline to stay in their hives, and 

 leave it to cluster again on the branch of a tree. In such 

 cases they act from caprice ; and this should be remem- 

 bered, for if returned to the same hive, they would prob- 

 ably leave it a second time. They may readily accept 

 another hive; and another swarm as readily accept the 

 one that was capriciously deserted. Eking, supering, and 

 nadiring, may be practised this month according to the 

 aims and notions of the bee-master. If feeding be neces- 

 sary this month, every strong hive should get not less 

 than a pound of sugar dissolved in a pint of water. Both 

 bees and brood require much food during this month. 



June. — If the weather during last month has been 



