8 
sustain the weight of the bees as also that of tho new 
combs which aro alivoys exceeding tender as well os 
softened by their animal heat almost to melting, to en- 
able tho bees to build on, and cnlargo the samo at 
pleasure. 
That tho bottom board should bo suspended and 
brought under tho control of tho button will bo rcad t 
jly seen when treated of in its proper chapter. 
CHAPTER *2. 
ON SVVAUMING AND HIVING. 
t i 
There aro so greut a variety of methods adopted by 
Iheo managers to catch swarms when they sally forth 
1 shall mention but two or three which will bo found 
in tho appendix on tho last pages of this work. 
Every apiarian should have his hives in rcudiness, 
olean, dry, and cool, with their appendages in their 
places drawers bottom up, or slides under them, to 
prevent entrance. When a swarm conies forth and 
has alighted, tho hive should be set on a broad table, 
or board with a billot of wood placed under tho back 
side, so as to bring the hive nearly level. Now cut s 
off the limb and shako the bees on tho tablo by tho 
sido of tho liivo which may be set over them, or stand 
as already placed ; for tho boos will certainly find tho 
-hive, inasmuch os tho limb is taken from tho troo 
