194 INSTRUCTIONS FOR HIVING A SWARM. 



A swarm may be thrown off at a most unexpected period ; in 

 which case, there are several vessels and utensils, which may 

 be used in the interim, until a proper hive can be obtained. A 

 pail, a box, or even a large flower pot will enable the pro- 

 prietor to retain the swarm. We once knew an old woman, 

 who not having any other utensil at hand, took one from 

 under her bed ; but as it happened to be glazed inside, the 

 bees could not obtain a footing in it, and they forsook their 

 unique habitation in search of a better. 



If the bee master has selected new hives for his swarms, 

 his first care should be to divest the interior of all projecting 

 straws, which will save the bees considerable trouble. The 

 most easy method is to singe them, and then rub them 

 violently with a hard brush, by which means, the interior of 

 the hive will become quite smooth, and fit for the operations 

 of the bees. 



It seldom happens that the first flight of a swarm is to 

 any great distance, for they generally alight on a neigh- 

 bouring bush. Every exertion should then be immediately 

 made to hive them, for they generally take to their wing 

 again in two or three hours, especially if the sun shines upon 

 them with violence ; and even when they are hived, they 

 should be covered with a sheet, or table-cloth to protect 

 them from the heat. 



No specific rules can be laid down for the manner in 

 which a swarm is to be hived, as it depends on the particular 

 situation in which it has fixed itself ; if on a bush or 

 the branch of a tree, all that is required is, to put the hive 

 under it, and with a bough, or the wing of a goose, brush 

 the bees into it. Some persons place the hive over the 

 swarm, and then by teasing and provoking the bees, induce 

 them to ascend into it ; but this system is faulty and tedious, 

 for the bees will never ascend until the queen bee sets the 

 example, and it is very seldom that she can be caught in the 

 swarm, as she generally conceals herself in the middle. 

 By the cottagers, various plans are adopted for the pur- 



