THE HONEY-BEE. 
199 
experience has satisfied us that the use of these noisy 
implements is by no means indispensable on such 
occasions. Ten swarms out of twelve, if let alone 
altogether, and suffered peaceably to take their own 
way, will alight on the first shrub, bush, or low-grow- 
ing tree, that stands in nearly a direct line from the 
mouth of the hive, whatever may be their intentions 
as to any ulterior destination ; and to defeat such in- 
tentions, if any such are threatened, let the swarm, 
as soon as it has settled on an accessible spot, be 
housed immediately, and shaded carefully from the 
sun. In half an hour afterwards, let it be removed 
to its permanent station in the apiary. If the swarm 
settle on the branch of a high tree, let a ladder be 
got and fastened to the trunk by ropes, and let the 
operator ascend it, carrying up with him a small bag, 
distended within by a slender hoop in which he will 
inclose the swarm. The operation will be facilitated, 
if the branch can be cut and brought down along with 
it. Sometimes the swarm, after alighting, returns in 
a few minutes to the hive. This happens when the 
queen has left, as she sometimes does, the settled 
group, and makes her way back to her original abode ; 
the swarm will, in these circumstances, gradually 
follow her and return also, but will come off again 
next day, or perhaps the same day. Sometimes the 
bees return to the hive without alighting at all ; and 
sometimes, unfortunately, the queen in such a case 
commits a mistake and enters a wrong one, while her 
followers crowd after her, and alight in myriads about 
the mouth and round the pedestal, without, however. 
