STARTING AN APIARY. 805 



if the bees are exposed to loo much heat, they will be sure 

 to suffocate. If the swarm is unusually large, and the 

 weather excessively warm, they ought to be removed at 

 night. Unless great care is taken in moving bees, in very 

 hot weather, they will be almost sure to perish : therefore 

 always be certain that they have an abundance of air. A 

 good box for transporting new swarms, may be made out of 

 an old tea-chest. 



When a new swarm is brought, in this way, to its intended 

 home, the bottom-board may be unscrewed, and the bees 

 transferred at once, to the new hive ; (See p. 161-2.) I 

 very much prefer sending a box for the bees : one person 

 can easily carry two such boxes, each with a swarm of bees ; 

 and if he chooses to fasten them to two poles, or to a very 

 large hoop, he may carry four, or even more. 



The following directions are given, in case the movable- 

 comb hive is sent away to receive a swarm of bees, and 

 should be carefully followed, whenever hives of this kind 

 are to be transported to a distance : With small nails fasten 

 the frames, at proper distances apart, to the rabbets on which 

 they rest, leaving the nails to project, so that they may 

 readily be drawn out again. Secure the surplus honey-board 

 with nails or screws, removing the tins, and putting wire 

 cloth over the holes. Take away the entrance blocks, and 

 shut up the portico, by tacking in front of it, a towel, or cloth. 

 Bees thus secured, will bear confinement for many hours, 

 and will travel over rough roads, with perfect safety. If, 

 however, they are to be shut up a day or more, it will be 

 best to fasten wire cloth before the entrance, after the blocks 

 are removed, and to leave off the surplus honey-board, after 

 very firmly securing the top-cover. If confined too long, 

 they will gnaw holes through a towel, or cloth. When aa 

 old colony is to be transported, the bees must be subdued 

 26* 



