PRIMARY SWARM. 219 
the swarm can be hived by using a light box or swarm-sack, 
eae at the end of a pole of proper length. 
Hing ‘This swarm sack (fig. 87) is made of 
hi strong muslin, about two feet deep, 
iM fastened around a wire hoop, about 
® one foot in diameter, and is similar 
to a butterfly net. A piece of braid, 
Fig. 87. is sewed at the bottom, inside and 
cities outside, to help in emptying it. 
When the sack is placed under the swarm, the bees are sud- 
denly 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 unexpected 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 exercised, as this unceremonious imprisoning of the bees 
is apt to cause some to be angry. A little smoke (382) 
should be used, or a few seconds should be allowed to 
elapse before they are gently liberated in front of the hive. 
431. The sack is preferable to a box or a basket, as the 
latter do not close readily, and a number of the bees are 
apt to fly back to the clustering spot, before they are emp- 
tied in front of their intended abode. 
If this happens, the process of hiving must be repeated, 
unless the queen has been secured, when they will quickly 
form a line of communication with those on the sheet. If 
the queen has not been secured, the bees will either refuse 
to enter the hive, or will speedily come out* and take wing, 
* It is a mistake tosuppose that a swarm will not enter a hive unless the 
queen is with them. If some start forit, the others will speedily follow, all 
seeming to take it for granted that the queen is somewhere among them. 
Even after they begin to disperse in search of her, they may often be induced 
to return, by pouring out a fresh lot of bees, which, by entering the hive with 
fanning wings, cause the others to believe that the queen is coming at last. © 
