36 
it is natural for the bee to habit the hollow tree ; — 
that the bee is an insect so peculiar in its nature, that 
man cannot improve it or that it will never prosper 
where a man and wife quarrel ; and finally will never 
do anything only for a lucky man. 
That the bee possesses instinct none will doubt. We 
are willing to concede to it exercise of reason, but to be- 
lieve that it is cognizant of family feuds and broils, 
dying scenes and mourning friends, or decreasing fortunes 
or frowning favors, is a stretch beyond our “fanatical” 
conceptions even of the Honey Bee. 
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HOW TO TRANSFER BEES FBOM COMMON 
HIVES TO MOVABLE COMB HIVES. 
Which should always be done in the morning of a 
pleasant day in swarming time. 
1st. Prepare a table or platform a few rods from the 
bee house or stand, then have in readiness a pail of cold 
water, a new hive, pans or tubs to receive the combs 
and honey, a wing and ball of strong cotton twine ; also 
a box of some kind near the size of the hive, a com- 
mon half bushel will answer. A sheet and rope or a 
pair of leading lines will be found necessary in this op- 
eration. Should the bee-master and his assistant be in- 
experienced in such transfer, it would be well to make 
use of Protectors. The bee-master should now approach 
the hive with a fumigation pipe and give them one breath 
of smoke, with the cold water sprinkle them slightly 
with the hand and also sprinkle other swarms should 
there be any near by ; this partially subdues them which 
will cause most of them to enter the hive. The rope or 
lines should be placed upon the ground with the box or 
half bushel, turned bottom side down. Then set the 
