1534 THE HISTORY OF BEES. 
their proper‘place, and if you had another sms where< 
in to fix them, I would recommend it. °°" > 
The fecond night after the union, in the dufk of the 
evening, loofing the ftring, move the cloth from the 
mouth, (taking care of yourfelf) and they will with a 
great noife immediately fally forth ; but being too late to 
take wing, will go in again: then putting in two pieces 
of tobacco-pipes, to let in air, ftop them clofe in-as be- 
fore, and keep them fo for three or four days longer ; 
after which you may leave the door continually open. 
- But in taking away the cloth.you muft ufe difcretion 
and caution, fince they will for fome time refent the af- 
front and offenfive treatment, 
The beft time of the year for union is after the young 
brood are all out, and before they begin to lodge in the 
empty cells, which they doin great numbers in cold 
weather and winter-time, tho’ Mr. Rufden denies it.* 
As to the hour of the day I would advife young prac- 
titioners to do it early in the afternoon, that having the 
greater light, they may the better find out the Queen, 
The few Bees left in the hive fuffocate with fulphur. I 
never knew fuch combined ftocks conquered by robbers, 
and they will either fwarm the next fummer, or yield 
you an hive full of honey. A little praétice will make 
you perfect. 
As one view of fuch an operation would form a more 
perfect idea of the whole tranfaction, than what the 
ableft pen poffibly can; if any gentleman, or others, are 
_ defirous to fee the performance, the publither freely of 
fers 
(© Rafden's Difeov, pag, 335 
