of the increasing warmth of the day; whereas, a western exposure tempts them to continue their excursion, and linger in the fields till they are caught by the evening cold.
When the apiary is situated in a garden, there will be no want of bushes and low-growing shrubs on which the bees may alight when swarming. But when it is located on a lawn or smooth level, the swarm is extremely apt to fly off altogether, or to take up its station on some high tree in the vicinity, from which it is difficult to dislodge it. A few ever-green shrubs growing in front of the hives, and at a few yards' distance, will prevent this. Or if such an arrangement be, from particular circumstances, not expedient, the evil may be so far remedied by sticking into the ground, near the apiary, some branches of trees, retaining their foliage, about the period when swarming may be expected. Water is essential to the operations of these insects during spring and summer; a shallow pebbly stream in the vicinity will, therefore, be most advantageous, where they can drink without danger of drowning. Its absence should be supplied by artificial means; and a shallow vessel of water placed in a secluded and quiet quarter of the apiary, having a few smooth round stones thrown into it, of a size to project above the surface, and afford footing to the drinkers, will answer the end. The neighbourhood of large sheets of water, however, or of broad rivers, is injurious; the little foragers, in crossing during high winds or dashing rains, perish by hundreds in a single day.
