216 NATURAL SWARMING. 
cating atmosphere of a close garret. If the process of hiv- 
ing cannot be conducted in the shade, the hive should be 
covered with a sheet or with leafy boughs. 
422. In the movable-comb hive, every good piece of 
worker-comb, if large enough to be attached to a frame, 
should be used, both for its intrinsic value, and because 
bees are so pleased when they find such unexpected treas- 
ure in a hive, that they will seldom forsake it. A new 
swarm often takes possession of a deserted hive, well stored 
with comb; whilst, if dozens of empty ones stand in the 
Apiary, the bees very seldom enter them of their own accord. 
It once seemed to us that an instinct impelling them to do 
so, would have been much better for us than the present 
arrangement; but further reflection has shown us that, on 
the contrary, it would have been a fruitful source of dis- 
putes among neighboring bee-keepers; and that in this, as 
in so many other things, the instincts of the honey-bee have 
been devised with special reference to the welfare of man. 
“The bee-keepers of Greece used to attract the swarms into 
their hives by rubbing the entrance and the inside of their empty 
hives with bees-wax and propolis. But such practice was often 
the cause of contests between neighbors, for their bees did not 
inquire about the ownership of the hive selected.’’—(Della Roc- 
ca, 1790.) 
But when a few combs only are given to a swarm, as the 
queen will not follow the builders (229), too much drone 
comb (224) will be built. Then,in hiving a swarm, the 
Apiarist had better dispense with giving any, unless he fills 
the hive (234). 
Drone-combs (224) should never be put up in frames, or 
the bees may follow the pattern, and build comb suitable 
only for breeding a horde of useless consumers. 
423. Frames containing worker combs, from colonies 
that have died in the previous Winter are very good, if the 
comb is dry and clean. Combs of honey will do if the 
