384 
APPENDIX. 
ami a half inches square and dry it thoroughly ; light one ond— blow the smoke 
among tho bees as occasion requires. 
When about ready to exaraino tho combs of any hive, it is well to have a sparo 
empty hive at hand to receive aud hold tho llrst frame taken out, or set it in tho 
place of t*ho old one, and the frames can all be put in as they aro taken out and 
examined. The hive just emptied can now be cleaned if it needs it, and be read^ 
to receive the bees and comb of another when necessary ; in this way every hive 
in tho apiary may bo thoroughly scalded and cleaned if we wish it. When tho 
frame rests on tlie rabbeting the bees will wax it fast with propolis. A small bit of 
wood or iron will be needed to go in between the frames to pry them loose — a small 
chisel will do. Broak all loose before lifting out any— the bees resent the slight jar* 
of this operation more than lifting them out, and will waut a little more smoke to 
quiet them. Bogin two or three frames from the one you design taking out, to gain 
a little room by moving them away from it, each one a little nearer tho next ; then 
take hold of each end near where it rests on the rabbeting — raise it carefully, if 
possible without striking the ends or other frames ; this, when examined, can bo put 
in tho other hive standing by for the purpose. When they aro returned, each comb 
should generally occupy the 'same relative position — the little irregularities or curves 
will then lit each other exactly. The bees that are on tho under sido of tho honoy- 
bourd may bo jarred olf in front of tho hive, by striking one edge down suddenly ; 
it then may be laid on the hive without crushing any bees. But if tho hive to be 
examined contaius surplus boxes, we must manage differently, yet they need not 
bo disturbed. Take off tho cover to the boxes and turn it bottom up ; the honey- 
board is set over it, without injuring any bees that happen to bo on tho under sido. 
To put it back without killing many requires a littlo care, as some of them will bo 
just where they will be caught between the top of the hive and board. By sliding 
it a little you can usually save the beefc 
A swarm of bees is not as readily hived in ono of these hives as tho old box ; 
there is no difficulty however— it only takes a few minutes longor, aud probably 
less trouble than with many other patents. I have found it best to get tho bees in 
a light box, and as soon as quiet, carry them to the stand they are to occupy, take 
off the honey-board and adjust tho frames, raise the sido of the hive an inch ; now 
jar a part of the bees (say a quart, near as possible) from tho box directly on the 
top of the frames ; if no assistant is present, to slide tho honey-board lenthwiso over 
the frames, the box must be set down while it is done. Tho balance of the bees 
may now be shaken by the side of tho hivo as soon as those inside commonco 
humming, and they will soon enter. 
I have several correspondents who havo described and recommended a hiver used 
by themselves, which may answer iustead of the box just described. I had used a 
similar contrivance, however, to some extent, before tho publication of tho first 
edition of the u Mysteries,” and abandoned it, as the trouble and delay often more 
than balanced the advantages. This might havo been in consequence of some 
defective arrangement. Those described consist generally “ of a box about six 
inches square by twelve in length, made of light thin boards, with a groat many 
holes through the si les— some havo them without ends. Poles of different longths 
are provided for the different heights that the bees cluster. As soon as the swarm 
commence gathering on any particular branch, tho box is held as close to it as 
possible,” and they will often, but not always, enter it. “ When most of them are 
quietly inside, bring them down and hivo them.” I think if such a box would pay 
with the common hive, it would with this. 
To t rang IV- r tho bees and comb from the common hive into one of these frames, 
choose one with straight combs. 1 have found it best to first drive out tho bees, 
(for directions see pagi* 32) then take olf tho sido of the hive and carefully cut out 
tie- combs. If it contains brood, lay it on some yielding surfaco, made by smoothly 
folding several thicknesses of cloth ; put on a frame for a measure and cut tho 
comb to lit exactly ; then with resin and beeswax meltod together, and poured 
around the edge, it will be soldered fast. Otherwise the combs may be held by 
splints on each side, and lied together at tho ends. When the combs aro all 
secured and in the hivo, the bees may be shaken out by it, which should occupy 
the old stand. 
In transporting bees in this hive, it will bo necessary to use considerable caro to 
prevent breaking combs, as they cannot bo inverted like the common one. Springs 
should be used invariably, as well as to have straw under them. Tho hivo is 
prepared by simply fastening the honey -board with screws or nails, and when tho 
frames have recently been broken loose, they will need fastening in their places 
with large t ick. 1 , but the propolis will hold them when not broken beforehand. 
Wire-cloth is put over the openings in the lop and entrances. A cloth is then spread 
on the straw in the bottom of the wagon, and the hive set directly on it. Drive 
rarefully, and avoid heavy shaking, and when tho hivo is taken from the wagon, 
tuko the cloth with it. Movin' them in hot weather should bo avoided; also, 
when extremely cold. 
