26 
NATURAL SWARMING. 
TO PREVENT NEW SWARMS FROM LEAVING THEIR IIIVES. 
Natural swarms will occasionally refuse to stay after having 
been hived, usually in consequence of heat or strong odors about 
the hive. In nucleus swarming this seldom or never happens, 
because the bees are never without a comb containing brood and 
honey; and this they will not leave voluntarily. Therefore, 
when hiving a swarm in a movable-comb hive, go to any stock 
that can spare a comb containing brood and honey. Brush back 
the bees, being careful not to remove the queen or any queen- 
cells with the comb, and place it in the hive that is to receive 
the new swarm. It will not only prevent the bees from decamp- 
ing but will greatly encourage them, and should bad weather 
confine them to the hive they will be secure from starvation. If 
the swarm is put in a common hive, place over them a box of 
honey, taken from the parent stock. 
HATCHING AND FERTILIZATION OF QUEENS. 
In about eight days after the old queen leaves 
with the first swarm, the most advanced sealed queen 
is ready to emerge. During this time the old stock 
is without a hatched queen. The young queen im- 
mediately upon leaving her cell, if not restrained by 
the workers, commences the work of destruction upon 
her yet imprisoned sisters. She accomplishes this 
by biting open the side of each cell near its base, and 
dispatching the unfortunate inmate with her sting. 
She is yet incompetent for the maternal duty, and 
must leave the hive to meet the drones in the air for 
Queen cells 
destroyed. 
