THE PROTECTIVE BEE-HIVE. 45 
to with Christian resignation, when the old mansion, in consequence of 
its leaky condition and multitudinous vermin, has become no longer 
tenantable, but not a thing to be desired so ardently as that a match 
shall be ruthfully seized for this purpose. I would say to the 
advocates of this measure, that I have seen swarms, which have 
worked well in the same comb, and prospered well, and swarmed well 
for fourteen and eighteen years in succession. Others have kept them 
in the same comb, and in aprosperous condition, for twenty-five or 
thirty years. Facts are preferable to theories. To obviate the 
necessity of a transfer, the comb should be kept in a good 
condition, by abundant ventilation in winter. The accumulation of 
moisture in the hive is to be prevented. As to the contraction of the 
cells, I would say that no perceptible difference is discovered between 
the size of the Bees reared in recent cells, and those which have been 
long in use. Besides, I have yet to learn that a small Bee is not as smart 
and active, and as great a honey gatherer, as a great, or dronish one. 
The reasons for a transfer, are: 1. The leaky condition of the hive. 
2. The bad condition of the comb. 38. The presence of the Bee-moth. 
When a transfer becomes necessary, as it may in extreme cases, and 
has been decided upon, the method which I prefer is the following: 
1. Make an opening into the top of the hive, which, for the present, is 
to be closed. 2. Invert the hive. 3. Place your new hive, into which 
the Bees are to be driven, over the mouth or inverted end of the old 
one. 4. Protect entirely the joint between them, that no Bees may 
escape. 5. Rap smartly upon every side of the old hive, with sticks 
of the size of a small cane, for several minutes, until the Bees are 
thoroughly routed, or begin to ascend into the new hive. 6. Setit into a 
large tub which shall be as deep as the old hive. 7. Open the aper- 
ture made in the top of the old hive. 8. Pour water into the tub 
gradually, for about half an hour, until it is filled, and the Bees have 
ascended to the new hive. 9. Cut off the communication between the 
two hives, by placing a board or zinc plate between them. 10. Remove 
the new hive to the spot where the old one stood. They are now sub- 
stantially in the condition of a new swarm which has just been hived. 
This operation may be performed from the 15th to the 30th of May, 
or about ten days after the first swarm has issued, or at any time in the” 
month of June, if a swarm does not issue. If transferred later than. 
this, it may be doubtful whether they will gather a sufficient quantity 
of honey for their winter stores. 
