TO PREVENT SWARMS CLUSTERING TOGETHER. ‘23 
slide and entrance block, when, if the hive stands flat on the sheet 
to prevent bees from getting under the bottom board, they will 
readily enter. It is sometimes convenient to remove the mova- 
ble side and shake the swarm directly into the hive. Most of 
those flying about will soon join their companions at the common 
entrance. Now, close in the bees and carry the hive to its per- 
manent stand. Let the bees have the full width of the entrance, 
by removing the small slide. In this way, hiving is quickly 
accomplished; and dispatch in hiving is important, as in very 
large apiaries, if natural swarming is permitted, much difficulty 
is often experienced from two or more swarms issuing about the 
same time, when, unless prevented, they are almost certain tc 
unite. It is some trouble to separate them and have a queen for 
each. Therefore, when many swarms are expected, the apiary 
should bo closely watched. 
TO GUARD AGAINST SWARMS CLUSTERING TOGETHER. 
At times, the swarming fever seems to be contagious. One 
swarm will scarcely have settled till another stock, and another, 
will send forth their crazy legions to darken the air and make 
“confusion worse confounded.” The watchful bee-keeper will 
judge from the state of the weather and the condition of his 
stocks, when these things are likely to happen. While a swarm 
is issuing, if other colonies “ hang out ” threateningly, he should 
immediately sprinkle these outsiders with water, or blow a 
few whiffs of smoke into each hive. This will slightly discon- 
cert them, and probably give time for hiving the swarm already 
out. If, however, one should start when the first is but partially 
