RAISING AND INTRODUCTION OF QUEENS. 333 
the comb, the homely contrivance represented in 
Fig. 88. It holds a frame of any size, and side pressure 
does not move it from the perpendicular, while both 
hands are quite at liberty. 
During prosperous times, twelve hours’ confinement 
may suffice, but late in the season three days will 
frequently be required; and Mr. Root, without exaggera- 
tion, says a week is sometimes necessary. When 
the hive is opened, if the bees are found clustering 
densely over the cage, and curving their abdomens 
Fig. 88.— Simple Comh-rest. 
C, Cage for Queen. 
as though determined to sting — encasing the cage,, 
as it were, because they cannot actually encase 
the queen — more time must be given. If we venture 
to lift the cage, judging that the bees are no longer 
unfriendly, or are even paying court through the 
prison bars, any backing out of the way of the 
advancing queen, accompanied by repeated touching 
with a down stroke of the antennae, may be regarded 
as a favourable omen. The excessive curiosity and 
superfluous attention of one or two clambering upon 
her back, apparently intent on cleaning her coat. 
