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hives, while an assistant keeps a watchful eye near the 
other. If both queens are seen to start for one hive, 
seize one by the wings, and give it to the opposite hive; 
divide the bees about equally between both hives, and 
remove them to their stand. If but one queen is seen, 
catch and confine her, until needed, in a glass tumbler 
covered with a thin cloth, to admit air; divide the bees 
equally, and watch the hives for a few minutes, until 
you ascertain from the movements of the bees which 
hive is queenless; if, in a few minutes, the bees begin 
to run around and over the hive, especially around the 
entrance, while others are more quiet, you may be as- 
sured that they are searching for their queen. Present 
her to them, at the entrance, when she will be joyfully 
received, and the bees will at once become quiet. 
If the bees all enter the hives and neither of the 
queens be seen, set the hives a rod or more apart, and 
watch the movements of the bees for a few minutes ; if 
both remain equally quiet, you may be assured that 
each has a queen. But if either of them show signs of 
being queenless, confine the bees to the hive, admitting 
air ; if in the common box hive or gum, tie a thin 
cloth over the mouth, and lay it on the side to admit 
air. Then take the other hive and shake the bees a 
second time on the sheet, and proceed as before ; if you 
find one queen, seize her and give her to the confined 
swarm ; set both hives on their intended stand, and 
open the entrance. 
