224 



SEASON FOR FORMING ARTIFICIAL SWARMS. 



describe the operation as performed in those hives, and 

 which offer every facility for the purpose. In the formation 

 of an artificial swarm from the common straw hive, it be- 

 comes necessary to revert it, and then placing an empty hive 

 over it, to drive the bees, by knocking at the sides of the 

 hives, from the lower into the upper one. This knocking at 

 the sides of the hive, unless performed with great caution 

 and care is apt to break the combs, whereas in our hive, we 

 have recourse to the simple process of fumigation, which is 

 at once speedy and efficacious ; the necessity in being com- 

 pelled frequently to lift the common straw hive, in order to 

 ascertain the progress of the bees from the lower hive into 

 the upper, is another very serious drawback in the operation 

 of this experiment; whereas in our hive, by simply removing 

 the top, the interior state of the bees can be ascertained 

 without the slightest risk or molestation. 



The most seasonable time for the performance of the 

 experiment is from seven o'clock am. to one p m. the wea- 

 ther propitious, and the bees busy at their labours. In all 

 our experiments we prefer the middle of the day to any 

 other time ; a considerable number of the bees are then in the 

 fields, and they are too intent upon their own labours to pay 

 any attention to the inroads which are making upon their 

 works or property. Having opened our hive at the top, and 

 taken away the flap board and the netting, we immediately 

 apply the board constructed thus: 

 the necessity of which is obvious, 

 as the lower part of the hive being 

 smaller in diameter than the 

 upper, no junction can be formed 

 so exactly as to prevent the bees 

 from creeping out at the sides. 

 Having procured some tinder 

 made either of dried leaves, rags, 

 or dried cow-dung, we insert the 



