Iowa voter. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1867-1874, 1871-08-31
Driving Bees from the Hive.

CHOOSE that part ola pleasant day,
when many bees are abroad, and II any
are clustered on the bottom board or out
side of the hive, puff among them q few
whiiis Of smoke-that from spunk is best
so AS to drive them up among the combs.
The bees will go up more readily If the
hive is tipped back, or elevated by small
wedges, about one-quarter Of an inch
above the bottom board. Have in Rad
mess box, which shall call the forcing
box-whose diameter is about the same
with that Of the hive from which you in
tend to drive the swarm. Lift The hive
from the bottom board without the slight
est Jar, turn it over, and carefully carry 1t
off about rod, as bees, if disturbed, are
much more inclined to be pesceable
when removed short distance from their
familiar stand II the hive is gently plac-
cd upside down on the ground, scarcely
bee will fly out, and there will be little
danger ofbcing stung. The timid and in
experienced should protect themselves
with u bce.dress, and may gently sprinkle
the bees with sugar water, or blow more
smoke among them, as soon as the hive is
inverted. After placing it on the ground,
the forcing box must be put over it, and
every opening between IL and the hive,
stopped with paper, or any convenient
material The forcing box. if smooth in
side, should have Stats fastened one. third
of the distance from the top, TO aid the
bees In clustering.
AS soon as the apiarian has confined the
bees, he should place an empty hive
which shall call the decOy hive-upon
their old stand, which those returning
from the field may enter, instead of dis
persing TO other hives, TO meet, perhaps,
with most ungracious reception. AS
general rule, however, bee with load
of honey or bee bread, after the extent OF
his resources is ascertained, is pretty sure
TO be welcomed by any hive to which he
may carry his treasure; while poverty
stricken unfortunate that presumes TO
claim their hospitality is usually at onca
DESTROYED. The one meets with as flatter-
ing reception as a wealthy gentleman
proposing TO take up his abode in coun-
try village, while the other is as much IN
object of dislike as poor man, who bids
fair TO become public charge.
To return To our imprisoned bees their
hive should be beaten smartly with the
palms of the hands, or two small rods, on
the sides TO which the combs are attached.
80 as to run no risk Of loosening them.
These "rappings," although not OF very
spiritual" character, produce, neverthe-
less, a decided effect upon the bees. Their
first impulse, IL no smoke were used,
would be to sally out, and wreak their
vengence on those who thus rudely assail
their honied dome but as soon as they
inhale It's fumes, and feel the terrible con-
cussions Of their once stable abode, sud
den fear that they are to be driven from
their treasures, takes possession OF them
Determined to prepare for this uncere-
monious writ of election, by carrying on
what they can, each bee begins TO lay in q
supply, and in about five minutes, all are
filled TO their utmost capacity. A prodig-
ious humming is now heard, as they be-
gin to mount into the upper box and in
about fifteen minutes from the time the
rapping began--if it has been continued
with but slight intermissions the mass
of the bees, with their queen, will hang
clustered in the forcing box, like any
natural swarm, and may, at the proper
time, be readily shaken out, on q sheet, in
front of their intended hive.-L0ngssroth
| ON tie Bee.