NATURAL INCREASE. 
133 
use and recommend a bag (D) made of cheese-cloth, 
instead of a box. The swarm is dropped into the 
bag by cutting it gently from its attachment by 
means of the iron ring, which is then turned edge- 
ways, so as to hold the bees prisoners while they are 
carried to their hive. To get rid of the bees, the 
bag is turned inside out. The disadvantage here 
lies in the liability of the bag to catch on every 
projecting twig, and to become hopelessly contorted 
amidst branches. 
These forms of apparatus have the one virtue of 
being very rapid in action, but would be only rarely of 
service, except to large owners in favour of natural 
swarming, to whom the quick disposal of each colony 
is important, as reducing the liability of swarms 
uniting — a veritable nuisance, hereafter considered. 
We may, in the absence of special appliances, 
operate thus : Firmly attach two or three small, leafy 
boughs to the end of a pole of sufficient length to 
enable us to reach the swarm, and provide another 
pole, furnished with a hook. Push the leafy bunch 
in amongst the cluster, and allow a minute or two 
for the bees to attach themselves to it ; now draw 
it back gently, carrying as much of the cluster as 
possible with it, holding those we have secured near 
to, and, if practicable, somewhat beneath those hang- 
ing in the original place of settlement, so as to catch 
at least part of those whose fall we intend to compass. 
Now shake the tree limb with the hook, throwing 
off all the bees remaining upon it into the air. 
Those on the wing, anxious to join the majority, 
settle at the end of our pole, and are soon so 
