PRIMARY SWARM. 219 



the swarm can be hived by using a Hght box or swarm-sack, 

 at the end of a pole of proper length. 

 This swarm sack (iig. 87) is made of 

 strong musHn, about two feet deep, 

 fastened around a wire hoop, about 

 one foot in diameter, and is similar 

 to a butterfly net. A piece of braid, 

 '^s- ^- is sewed at the bottom, inside and 



3W ARM-SACK. . . J J. V, 1 



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 flrmlj', 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 (282) 

 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 to suppose that a swarm will not enter a hive unless the 

 qneenis with them. If some start for it, the others will speedily foUow, all 

 seeming to take it for granted that the queen is somewhere among them. 

 Eyen after they begin to disperse in search of her, they may often be induced 

 to return, by pouring out a ftesh lot of bees, which, by entering the hive with 

 fanning wings, cause the others t* bslleye that the queeu is timing at last. 



