212 
ARTIFICIAL SWARMS. 
operation is very simple, more satisfactory, and less 
dependant on contingencies. Let a hive be prepared 
of precisely the same dimensions as the one to be 
operated on, and of the same construction, namely, 
opening vertically in two halves. Early in the 
morning, or in the evening, when the bees are all at 
home, let the hive be gently separated. The bees, 
always most irritable when idle, will dart out in no 
placid humour, and must therefore be kept from an- 
noying the operator, hy the use of smoke. Apply to 
each full half an empty one, carefully fastening them 
together by hooks and eyes previously arranged. 
We have thus two hives, each half full of bees, brood, 
and honey. One of them will possess the queen, and 
the other will have royal brood, or at all events, eggs 
and larvae of all ages wherewith to originate a queen. 
As soon as they have recovered from the panic caused 
by the operation, and have all retired into the inte- 
rior, let both doors be closed that there may be no 
communication between the two divided communi- 
ties. Two or three hours afterwards, listen atten- 
tively to each, and it will be readily ascertained from 
the quiet state of the one, and the loud disorderly 
buzzing of the other, that the queen is present until 
the former, and that the other is distressed at the 
discovery of their loss. Cany off the one with the 
queen, and shut it up in a dark apartment for twenty- 
four hours, leaving the other in the original station. 
If this last had no royal brood at the time of the 
separation, it will, within twenty-four hours, have set 
about forming an artificial queen, and the operation 
