104 TREATISE ON THE 
€ 
some particular selected spot in view. It is 
supposed, indeed, and on feasible grounds, 
that in every case the Bees, previous to 
swarming, have fixed on a place of abode, 
that they alight in the first instance on a 
bush or tree, merely as a general rendezvous 
before proceeding to their final destination, 
and. that some days previously they send out 
some of their number in the character of 
scouts to look out for a suitable habitation. 
Whether this be the fact or not, is a question 
which has given rise to considersble discus- 
sion, and a host of apiarians have taken op- 
posite sides on the subject. As far as my 
experience goes, it is in favor of the scout 
system. At the approach of the swarming 
season, the Bee-owner should have empty 
hives in readiness and in their places in the 
apiary, for the reception of swarms. When 
aswarm has come forth and has alighted, 
cut off the limb; if convenient, have your 
hive in readiness on the table, with the 
screen bottom out, and lay the limb on the 
table, and start the Bees with a quill; inthe 
