72 
If the bees are clustered on a bush near the ground, 
sprinkle them with cold water , this will jiartly chill them, 
and close clustering will be the result - . If possible 
spread a sheet directly under the cluster, and if they 
are to be hived in a common box hive, place a board 
nearly two feet square near one end of the sheet, and 
upon it set the hive, elevate one side about two inches, 
by placing a block under it ; if the limb is small and 
not very valuable it may be cut with a sharp knife, 
avoiding all jarring ; shake the bees upon the sheet in 
front of the hive, raise up the end of the sheet not oc- 
cupied by the hive and gently shake the bees towards 
the hive which they will readily occupy. The strag- 
gling bees flying about will soon join the rest, and as 
soon as all are in, the hive should at once be placed 
where it is to remain for the season; if left on the 
place where hived until night, many bees will go to 
work and mark the spot; if changed at night many 
will return the next day, thus reducing the strength of 
the swarm. As soon as placed on the new stand they 
should be shaded, by placing a green bush or board 
over the hive. 
If the bees have clustered on the limb of a fruit tree, 
or other bush too valuable to be cut off, take a closely 
braided basket or a light box, thoroughly sprinkle the 
bees with cold water, hold the basket or box under the 
bees and with a quick jerk shake them into it, and give 
them another slight sprinkling to prevent their flying ; 
