8WAKMTNG AND HIVING. 
133 
hives, which, instead of being gorged with honey, are on 
tlie alert, and very naturally mistake the object of such 
excited demonstrations. The fact that the swarm has 
clustered, makes it almost certain, that, unless the wcathoi 
is very hot, or they are exposed to the burning heat of the 
sun, they will not leave for at least one or two hours. 
All convenient dispatch, however, should be used in hiving 
a swarm, lest it send out scouts, which may entice it from 
the new hive, or lest other colonies issue, and attempt to 
add themselves to it. 
If my hives are used, the whole entrance should bo 
opened, that the bees may get in as soon as possible ; and 
a sheet should be securely fastened to the alighting-board, 
to keep them from becoming separated, or soiled by dirt ; 
for, if separated, they are a long time in entering ; and a 
bee covered with dust or dirt is very apt to perish. Tho 
common hives should be propped up on the sheet, in such 
a way as to give the bees tho readiest admission. 
When the limb on which the bees have clustered can 
be easily reached, it should be shaken, with one hand, so 
that they may gently fall into a basket held under them, 
with tho other. The basket should bo open sufficiently to 
admit the air freely, but not enough to allow tho bees to 
get through its sides. They should now be gently sha- 
ken or poured out on tho sheet, in front of their new 
home. If they seem at all reluctant to enter it, gently 
scoop up a few of them with a large spoon, and shake them 
close to its entrance. As they go in with fanning wings, 
they will raise a peculiar note, which communicates to 
their companions the joyful news that they have found a 
home ; and in a short time, the whole swarm will enter, 
without injury to a single beo. 
When bees are once shaken down on the sheet, they are 
quite unwilling to take wing again ; for, being loaded with 
