20 A Modern Bee-Farm 



sticks laid on the floor board ; remove such sticks in the evening 

 and see that the entrance is not less than 3 in. by f-in. 



Bees in frame hives can be joined by alternating the combs 

 of one with those of the other. Smoke each hive and then part 

 the combs so that no bees hang from one to the other, and then 

 proceed to unite the two. Leave only one queen, cover up care- 

 fully and do not disturb them again. If two standing near 

 together are to be united, move the hive to be occupied half-way 

 between the two, and take the other hive right away. A board 

 placed against the entrance, slanting to the ground, will aid the 

 bees in collecting at that spot, while the original inhabitants of 

 the hive will also feel in a strange position. In general, when 

 preparing for winter I nearly always wait until October and then 

 a stock can be carried any distance in the same apiary and joined 

 to another, with no loss of flying bees, as none get far from home 

 at this date, and not flying frequently they always make a note of 

 their position. 



Many use thin syrup scented with peppermint wherewith the 

 bees are sprayed, thinking that a common scent will make them 

 unite peaceably, but there is no need of anything of the kind, if 

 but one queen is allowed, and my directions are followed with 

 regard to separating the combs and fully exposing the whole of 

 the bees to the light for a few minutes before the union is 

 accomplished. 



In the case of Cyprians and Syrians some caution is needed, 

 but I have found that if both lots are first made queenless these 

 bees can be united to any, while in that condition ; the queen to 

 be retained, being returned in the evening. Except it be in the 

 middle of the day during a good flow of honey nothing else will 

 induce these bees to amalgamate with strangers. 



Agents used in Quieting Bees, 



Mr. Cheshire mentions that methyl salicylate, using a few 

 drops rubbed over the hands, will effectually prevent bees attack- 

 ing the same.* The same author also recommends a small 



* " Bees and Bee-keeping," vol. II. 



