99 
over the box, it is presumable that the queen is not with 
them. The presence of the queen may also be ascer- 
tained, by placing under the box a piece of black paper 
or black oil-cloth ; after a few minutes, examine it for 
eggs, which the queen is compelled to drop for want of 
comb in which to deposit them. If the bees remain 
quiet, although no eggs are seen, it is reliable evidence 
that the queen is with them. We may now pro- 
ceed to hive them ; if they are to be hived in the mov- 
able-comb hive, prepare it by inserting a comb from 
another stock, etc., as directed for hiving a natural 
swarm ; set the hive on one end of the sheet and shake 
the bees from the box on the sheet about two feet from 
the entrance of the hive ; with a feather or spoon scat- 
ter the bees towards the hive; the hum of those first 
entering will attract the others, and they will begin 
to follow them. Watch near the entrance for the 
queen ; she will usually be seen among the old bees, 
who outstrip the younger ones in their march for the 
hive. When all but a quart have entered, take the 
sheet with the bees to the old hive, and if the queen 
lias not been seen, make them travel in a thin column 
to the hive, still watching for the queen, which may be 
among them ; if seen, seize her by the wings — never 
by the abdomen, as that may destroy her fertility — and 
carry her to the forced swarm. The young bees will 
remain in whatever hive they are placed ; many of the 
old ones, however, will return to their old stand, and 
