71 
where it can easily be seen by the bees, usually pro- 
duces the desired result. The first bee that happens to 
see it may take it for the cluster which is just formed 
by the swarm to which she belongs, (the round hulls in 
the stalks greatly resemble bees,) and in her eagerness 
to join, darts for it and lights ; others follow her ex- 
amble before the first one discovers her mistake, still 
more are coming, and the swarm is clustered. 
Dead bees strung on a thread, and added to the mul- 
len stalks would probably be of some advantage. 
Corn-cobs, or even a bundle of dark colored rags may 
be substituted. I at one time arrested a swarm of bees 
by throwing my black hat among them just as they 
were passing a tree, the hat was caught on the limbs of 
the tree, and in less than a minute the entire swarm was 
quietly clustered in the hat. 
HIVING BEES. 
New hives should be cool and clean. If a hive has 
become heated from exposure to the sun, bees will sel- 
dom if ever remain in it. All old hives should be 
thoroughly scoured with hot water ; new box hives or 
gums, may be made desirable to the bees by pouring 
over and around the inside some boiling water in which 
some wax is melted ; this will form a thin coat of wax 
over the inner surface and impart an agreeable flavor. 
