Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 1, 1802).djvu/251

Rh is fitted a hollow cylinder of tin, or other metal, furnished



with a little door i, and terminating at one end in a tube h, (into which the nozle of the bellows is fitted) and at the other end, in a smaller tube, k, through which the smoke is to pass. Into the body of the box, through the door i, is to be put a lighted rag, the smoke of which may be blown, by means of the bellows, into the hive. But, if the hands and face are well covered, these precautions are unnecessary. An empty box must be in readiness, in the place where the hive is to stand; a cover must also be procured; and, as soon as the hive is divided in two parts, the two upper boxes must be taken from the lower ones, and the cover must be immediately put upon the latter, closing all the interstices with the usual cement. The upper boxes are to be placed upon the empty one just mentioned, so that a hive will there be formed of three boxes. The lower boxes, on which the fresh cover was put, must be left at rest till the evening, at which time a third may be placed under them; and when it appears that a proper quantity of work has been done in the lower box (of either hive), a fourth box may be added, under the others.

In the above manner, artificial swarms may be formed; and, by this method, we not only avoid the inconveniencies which attend the procuring of swarms in the common way, but we obtain the advantage of having the hives always well stocked. This ought to be the first object of every one who cultivates bees; for it is allowed to be of more advantage to keep the hives well stocked, than to increase their number; and, in fact, it has been observed, that if a hive of 4000 bees gives six pounds of honey, one of 8000 will give twenty-four pounds.

Upon this principle, it is proper to unite two or more hives, when they happen to be thinly stocked. This may easily be done, by taking a few handfuls of balm, and scattering it in those hives which are intended to be united. By this means, the bees will all acquire the same smell; and, it has been observed, that, by the sense of smelling, bees distinguish those which belong to the same hive. After the above preparations, the hives are to be joined, by placing them one upon the other, in the evening, when they are at rest, taking away those boxes which contain few or no bees. Care must be taken to shut all the little doors, except the lowest.

It may even be proper sometimes to shut the lower door also, when, for instance, any tumult within the hive, causes the bees to endeavour to quit it; which may happen from there being more queens than one, or from the invasion of wasps, hornets, &c. In such case, that the bees may not be deprived of air, a piece of tin, perforated with numerous holes, may be used to close the opening, instead of the usual door, and may be taken away when the bees become quiet.

The following is the method of taking the wax and honey, with little or no injury to the bees; but it