174 MANUAL OF THE APIARY. 



board only requires that we draw the hive forward an inch or 

 more over the alighting-board. As soon as the bees are fully 

 cljistered, we must manage as best we can to empty the whole 

 cluster in front of the hive. As the bees are full of honey 

 we need have little fear of stings. Should the bees be on a 

 twig that could be sacrificed, this might be easily cut off with 

 either a knife or saw, and so carefully as hardly to disturb 

 the bees ; then carry and shake the bees in front of the hive, 

 when with joyful hum they will at once proceed to enter. If 

 the twig must not be cut, shake them all into the basket, and 

 empty before the hive. Should they be on a tree trunk, or a 

 fence, then brush them with the wing into the basket, and 

 proceed as before. If they are high up on a tree, take the 

 pole and basket, and perhaps a ladder will also be necessary. 

 Always let ingenuity have its perfect work, not for- 

 getting that the object to be gained is to get just as many of 

 the bees as is possible on the alighting-board in front of "the 

 hive. Carelessness as to the quantity might involve the loss 

 of the queen, which would oe serious. The bees will not 

 remain unless the queen enters the hive. Should a cluster 

 form where it is impossible to brush or shake them off, they 

 can be driven into a basket, or hive, by holding it above them 

 and blowing smoke among them. As soon as they are 

 nearly all in — a few may be flying around, but if the queen 

 is in the new hive, they will go back to their old home, or 

 find the new one — which Mr. Betsinger says they will always 

 do, if it is not far removed — remove the hive to its permanent 

 stand. All washes are more than useless. It is better 

 that the hive be clean and pure. With such, if they are 

 shaded, bees will generally be satisfied. But assurance 

 will be made doubly sure by giving them a frame 

 of brood, in all stages of growth, from the old hive. 

 This may be inserted before the work of hiving is 

 commenced. Mr. Betsinger thinks this will cause them to 

 leave ; but I think he will not be sustained by the' experience 

 of other apiarists. He certainly is not by mine. I never 

 know but one colony to leave uncapped brood ; I have often 

 known them to swarm out of an empty hive once or twice 

 and to be returned, after brood had been placed in the hive,, 

 when they accepted the changed conditions, and went at once- 



