28 



hive for some days before the swarm issues. 



There are exceptions, how- 



ever, and the bees come out where 

 swarm. 



there is little or no indications of a 



An Interior examination of 

 the colony is the only method 

 to ascertain with any degree 

 of certainty if they are about 

 to swarm. If queen cells are 

 found with eggs or lavae 

 ■nearly sealed a swarm may 

 be expected soon after the 

 cells are sealed or as soon as 

 the weather is favorable. 



After the bees issue from 

 the hive they whirl a few 

 minutes in the air and then 

 cluster into a mass on a 

 branch or limb of some con- 

 venient tree or bush. They 

 should be hived as soon as 

 possible after the cluster is 

 formed for they may soon 

 leave to seek their new home 

 (B.v A, I. Root Co.) that has been selected by 



Figure 13. scouts sent out for that pur- 



Swarm Entering Hive. pose. 



If for some reason or cause the queen should fail to join the swarm, 

 the swarm will return to the hive as soon as they make the discovery. 

 Sometimes the swarm will fly directly to their newly selected quarters 

 without clustering but this seldom happens. 



AFTERSWABMS. 



Secondary or atterswarms issuing a week or so after the first swarm 

 are not desirable and should be returned to the original hive after all 

 queen cells have been removed. This usually does away with any further 

 swarming for the season. 



CARING FOR THE SWARM. 



It is always best to have hives prepared in advance for emergencies. 

 The frames should have either full sheets of foundation or drawn out 

 comb. After placing the hive in readiness, remove the entrance block so 

 that the bees will have a wide opening to enter the new home. Then 

 spread a sheet or cloth of some material other than wool in front of the 

 hive. If the bees have clustered on a tree, remove the limb or branch 

 very carefully and carry it to the hive and shake the bees on the sheet. 

 By gently tapping on the front of the hive the attention of the bees will 

 be directed that way and with the addition of a little smoke directed 

 upon those inclined to crawl away from the hive will start them in the 



