HIVING BEES 
21 
The progress of these cell3 is the only certain indication of 
swarming, and when one or more have been capped over, the 
swarm is ready to leave for its new and sometimes distant home. 
The first warm, clear day is generally improved, when the mass 
of workers, after hastily filling their sacs with provisions for their 
journey, rush “pell mell” from the hive, accompanied by the 
queen, with great “ noise and confusion.” 
After flying a short time, they usually cluster upon some over- 
hanging branch, more or less elevated. Hives should be kept in 
readiness, as success depends greatly upon promptness in hiving 
swarms as they issue, for, if left hanging in the heat of the sun, 
they soon become impatient and often fly off and are lost in con- 
sequence. 
HIVING BEES. 
The process of hiving is extremely simple and pretty generally 
understood ; if the new hive is cool and clean the bees are not 
slow in taking possession. If the swarm has clustered upon a 
bush or tree near the ground, spread down a sheet or piece of 
canvas directly under or as near the swarm as practicable. If 
the common hive is used, place a board about two feet square 
upon the end of the sheet, and upon that your hive. Let the 
hive be raised about an inch from the board, with blocks or strips 
of wood. If convenient, the hive may now be lifted and the 
swarm jarred directly into it and then carefully replaced upon the 
board, or the bees may be shaken upon the sheet in front of the 
hive. Some will soon discover the new home, and by their joy- 
ful hum communicate the glad tidings to the whole swarm. Hav- 
