NATURAL SWARMIXU. 199 



perhaps not more than one in a hundred, that has 

 attempted to go oft' without first clustering. The 

 custom of tanging, ringing bells, or making some 

 hideous noise, has prevailed from time immemorial, 

 and still does in some places. I discarded it many 

 years ago, finding it entirely unnecessary, and have 

 discovered no difference in the swarms clustering. 



When the place is selected, and the greater part 

 of the swarm clustered, they should be hived imme- 

 diately, as they soon become impatient, and other 

 swarms may come off in the mean time and unite 

 with them. A hiving stool should be in readiness 

 and kept in the apiary for instant use ; one about two 

 feet six inches square, with posts or legs at each cor- 

 ner, making the stool from twelve to eighteen inches 

 high. This is cheap and simple in its construction, 

 and answers the purpose very well. 



Hives should always be in readiness before swarms 

 are expected. Set your stool in a level position, as 

 near as convenient to where the cluster hangs; set 

 the hive upon it. If open entirely at the lower end, 

 put a stick or block under one side, to raise it an 

 inch or so from the bench ; if it has a stationary bot- 

 tom board, with the entrance at one side, it should 

 be left open at least one inch. If the swarm has clus- 

 tered on a limb that can be cut off conveniently, cut 

 it off and lay it gently down, or rather hold it against 

 the opening left for them to go into the hive ; brush 

 the bees which are next to the opening gently with 

 some kind of brush (the feather end of a goose quill 

 is the best thing for this purpose) ; when a few are 



