210 BEES AND BEE-KEEPING. 



so, either water them or blow smoke into the en- 

 trance for a minute or two, thus keeping them in 

 check whilst the one out is being hived. Should a 

 second one come out when the first is partially hived, 

 a large cloth or sheet should be spread over it for a 

 few minutes, until they cluster elsewhere; or what is 

 better, when our hives are used (the entrance being 

 easily closed,) close up the entrance entirely before 

 there is any possibility of the queen of the second 

 swarm entering, being careful to turn the tin caps 

 from the holes intended for ventilation. Should they 

 persist in clustering upon or near the hive, get 

 another hive and put them in at once, the first one 

 being still closed up. When the majority of the bees 

 have entered, the other may be opened. In this way 

 the stragglers will be divided. When all, or nearly 

 so, have entered the hive, remove them at once to 

 the stand. 



The greatest possible dispatch is necessary in 

 hiving swarms, when others are expected to come 

 off every minute. Should two or more swarms, how- 

 ever, come off together, it is important to divide 

 them, getting a queen with each, if possible. This 

 is not very difficult, if an expert attendant is at hand 

 to assist. Take your watering pot (openings for 

 water to pass through should be very small), after 

 shaking all down upon a sheet or table, sprinkle 

 them pretty well ; this will prevent them from moving 

 so rapidly, and gives a good chance to see the queen 

 as she passes along. Now set a hive at each side, if 

 two swarms ; if more, a hive for each. Take a quill 



