48 
BEES AND BEE-KEEPING, 
his apiary when the bees are swarming, or by placing 
it in some central position, he invariably secures 
every swarm/^ 
The obviously necessary instinct just referred to 
may, however, bring to the bee-keeper an entangle- 
ment not quite easily unravelled. The conditions 
which ripen one stock for swarming will be likely to 
similarly affect another ; while the advent of pecu- 
liarly favourable weather may determine more stocks 
than one to leave at about the same time. And, in 
addition, the sound of a swarm in the air has a 
peculiarly exciting effect, often bringing out others 
that, without this stimulus, would not have left till 
days later; while nuclei (see “Nuclei^’), especially if 
very weak, similarly prompted, often leave bodily. 
Under the united action of these causes, a union of 
swarms is not an altogether uncommon experience. 
Separation must be accomplished, unless one queen, 
at least, be sacrificed ; although it is wise to re- 
member that a doubled swarm, if early, will generally 
also be profitable. If two swarms only have joined, 
sprinkle well with water, and hive in a skep or 
basket as usual, and now arrange a sheet, spread 
flat, and two hives, instead of one, as before directed. 
Throw the bees upon the sheet, near its middle, and 
at a point equidistant from the two hives, again 
sprinkling gently, so as to thoroughly disincline the 
bees from taking wing. Now scoop up a small con- 
tingent for each hive, which drop down just in front, 
to draw on the rest. Have, if possible, an assistant, 
and carefully scan the thinned-out, advancing ranks, 
so as to catch sight of the queens. If so far fortunate 
