BEES. 
135 
which must be cut out one by one, and the bees swept with a 
feather into the bowl, where a little more smoke will, if needed, 
keep them quiet in the interim. As respects the queen, if per¬ 
ceived, as she generally may be, she may be taken away to pre¬ 
vent a quarrel, but the bees will commonly dispose of her in 
their own way by the next morning. The whole being collected, 
they soon begin to show signs of returning animation ; and 
when this is about to take place, sprinkle them freely with a 
mixture of sugared ale. Next, lift quietly from its stand the hive 
to which they are to be united, placing it over the bowl, but 
leaving no opening, except the mouth for ventilation. The bees 
from above, attracted by the scent, will speedily go down and 
commence licking the sprinkled ones. The whole are soon inter¬ 
mixed, and ascend together into the hive over them in perfect 
good will. Leave them till early the following morning, when 
the bowl will be found empty and not a single life lost. Replace 
the doubled hive on its original stand, and the work is complete. 
If it is thought desirable still further to augment its strength, a 
second union may be made in the same way, a day or two after¬ 
wards. All that remains is to see that tlieTiive contains honey 
enough to last the winter; and whatever is wanted to make up 
about twenty pounds must be given for that purpose.” 
