165 
water ; raise the corners of the sheet and shake them 
together ; set a box — mouth down — over them, and 
place two sticks under it, so as to raise it about two 
inches, in order to admit air. 
If the combs are not old and tough, this cannot be 
done, for the combs might break from their attach- 
ment. Should they do so, proceed as if the bees had 
been driven out, taking care not to crush the queen in 
any operation. After one comb is transferred to the 
new hive, the bees from the next comb may be brushed 
into it. To guard against robber-bees entering either 
hive, keep a sheet over them. 
In the operation of transferring, it will be well to 
protect the face by a head dress ; and to subdue the 
bees thoroughly at the start, keeping the smoke at hand, 
ready for use at any time if needed. 
