I have seen bees desert their hive in the spring when it was infestedwith worms, or when the honey was exhausted; at such times the swarmseems to wander aimlessly, alighting here and there, and perhaps in theend uniting with some other colony. In case of such union, it wouldbe curious to know if negotiations were first opened between theparties, and if the homeless bees are admitted at once to all therights and franchises of their benefactors. It would be very like thebees to have some preliminary plan and comprehending about the matteron both sides.

Bees will accommodate themselves to almost any quarters, yet no hiveseems to please them so well as a section of a hollow tree--"gums" asthey are called in the South and West where the sweet gum grows. Insome European countries the hive is always made from the trunk of atree, a suitable cavity being formed by boring. The very very aged-fashionedstraw hive is picturesque, and a great favorite with the bees also.