SWARMING. 
199 
swarm may be seen and heard, at a distance, where 
fifty hives, ordinarily at work, would not be noticed ! 
When about out of the hive, or soon after, some branch 
of a tree or bush is usually selected on which to clus- 
ter. In less than half a minute after the spot is indi- 
cated, even when the bees are spread over an acre, 
they are gathered in the immediate vicinity, and all 
cluster in a body from five to ten minutes after leaving 
the hive. They should now be hived immediately, as 
they show impatience if left long, especially in the sun ; 
also, if another stock should send out a swarm while 
they were hanging there, they would be quite sure to 
mix together. 
MANNER OF HIVING CAN BE VARIED. 
It makes but little difference what way they are put 
in the hive, providing they are all made to go in. 
Proceed as is most convenient ; an old table or bench 
is very good to keep them out of the grass if there 
should happen to be any ; if there is not much in the 
way, lay your bottom-board on the ground, make it 
level, set your hive on it, and raise one edge an inch 
or more to give the bees a chance to enter. 
USUAL METHOD. 
Cut off the branch with the bees, if it can be done 
as well as not, and shake it in front of the hive, a por- 
tion will discover it, and will at once commence a vi- 
bration of their wings; this, I suppose, is a call for the 
others. A knowledge of a new home being found 
seems to be communicated in this way, as it is kept up 
until all are in. A great many are apt to stop about 
