CHAPTER VII 
Hints on Working the Bees—(Cont.) 
Swarming.—One of the oldest practices asso- 
ciated with bee-keeping is that of ‘‘ ringing 
the swarm.’’ Immediately the swarm was 
seen to issue from the hive the bee-keeper 
began to create as loud a din as he could by 
beating a tin or tray, and, so doing, followed 
the bees in their flight. ‘This entitled him to 
claim the swarm wherever they settled, even 
though it might be in a neighbour’s hive. 
‘‘Ringing’’ is still continued, for it is the 
most effectual means at command for causing 
the bees to settle. The explosion of firearms, 
a clap of thunder, or the roar of a blast, will 
secure their doing so, and probably the most 
effectual ‘‘settler’’ for a swarm is a shower 
of rain—but none of these is at the im- 
mediate command of the bee-keeper. 
When, therefore, the swarm is seen issuing 
from the hive preparations should be made 
for ‘‘ringing’’ and following it. ‘The noise 
should not be commenced until it is certain 
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