HIVING BEES 27 



The progress of these cells is the only certain indication of 

 swarming, and when one or more have been capped over, th* 

 swarm is ready to leave for its new and sometimes distant home. 

 The first warm, clear day is generally improved, when the mass 

 of workers, after hastily filling their sacs with provisions for their 

 journey, rush "pell mell" from the hive, accompanied by the 

 queen, with great "noise and confusion." 



After flying a short time, they usually cluster upon some over- 

 hanging branch, more or less elevated. Hives should be kept in 

 readiness, as success depends greatly upon promptness in hiving 

 swarms as they issue, for, if left hanging in the heat of the sun, 

 they soon become impatient and often fly off and are lost in con 

 sequence. 



HIVING BEES. 



The process of hiving is extremely simple nnd pretty generally 

 understood ; if the new hive is cool and clean the bees are not 

 slow in taking possession. If the swarm has clustered upon a 

 bush or tree near the ground, spread down a sheet or piece ol 

 canvas directly under or as near the swarm as practicable. 

 If a table will bring the hive very near the cluster use one. 

 Bemove the cover and quilt and shake the bees directly into the 

 hive if convenient. If not, jar the bees in front of the hive 

 after opening the front entrances, or raising the hive an inch from 

 the bottom board, leaving no opening beneath, which they may 

 mistake for the hive, and guide them to the entrance with a twig. 

 Home will soon discover the new home, and by their joyful 

 hum communicate the glad tidings to the whole swarm. Hav- 



