How to re-inforce Bee=bives. 134 
very beft plan that I know of, they will fome- 
times fight a little ; but, although [ cannot ab- 
folutely prevent this inconvenience, nor indeed 
have I ever, met with any author, or feen any 
perfon, who could take in hand to doit, yet I 
can ufe fuch means, as will probably prevent 
any conflict from taking place in one of a dozen 
_ of thefe operations ; and, although a few battles 
may occur among fome individual bees, yet 
in general very few will be killed on either 
fide. I am, therefore, never afraid to unite 
them, when I have reafon to believe it will an- 
fwer a good purpofe in other refpects. Bur, 
in all cafes of uniting bees, particular care 
fhould be taken firft to try the deficient hive 
with a fpecimen of the bees that are intended. 
to be introduced into it; and if thefe ambaffa- | 
dors are eracioully received, the reft of their ! 
brethren may be fafely offered: But, if other- 
wife, the whole of the bees fhould be kept 
back, till thofe of the receiving hive fhall bein 
5 better 
again. But after ftanding fix weeks, it may be returned back to 
its former fituation. ‘The above general directions, I think ab- 
folutely neceflary to be obferved, in driving, re-inforcing, and 
fwarming of’ bees; and I am perfuaded they will anfwer in moft 
cafes, though particular circumftances may occur, wherein the 
practical bee-mafter’s judgment muft direét him ; as it is impoffible 
to anticipate every contingency, in a limited work of this nature. 
