He who by Bees doth ever think to thrive,  
Must order them, and neatly trim his Hive.     

The ordering of Bees: OR, THE TRUE HISTORY OF MANAGING THEM From time to time, with their honey and wax, showing their nature and Breed.  
As also what Trees, Plants, and Herbs are good for them, and namely what are hurtful: together with the extraordinary profit arising from them.  
Set forth in a Dialogue, resolving all doubts whatsoever.  
By the late unparelled experience of JOHN LEVETT, Gent.  
I H  DUM SPERO FERO  printer's or publisher's device of John Harrison (?) 
LONDON, Printed by Thomas Harper, for John Harison, 1634.   

TO THE VIRTUOUS gentlewoman M rs. Dorothy Kemp, wife to the Right Worshipful Mr. Robert Kemp, Esquire, one of his Majesty's justices of Peace in the County of Northfolk.  
MOst virtuous and kind, I here present unto your hands and view, this Treatise not great, of a subject in seeming small, indeed full of greatness and glory. For howsoever the body of this little creature, while she is under sail on her airy voyage, can scarce be apprehended of sense; yet the admirable power and manifold wisdom of the Creator, manifested in this his working work, cannot be comprehended by reason, no not by the industrious inquisitors into her busy industry. This therefore hath in many ages busied many of the most learned of Nature's Secretaries, to observe the nature, working, policy, thrift, and exquisite perfection of this little Fly, in all affairs of war or peace, at home or abroad: and yet have they all been rather brought to height of admiration, than made fit for full explication of the wisdom which (surpassing their own wisdom) they have found in the Bee. Among others, the Author of this Book, Father to myself and it, was a scholar of this school, and hat thus written of their orders and ordering; which he not living to publish, I have presumed to set forth under your Name, as the heir of that love and duty which he bore to the common good, and yourself; whom in regard of birth, qualities, and fortunes, as gentle, friendly, and the most worthy wife of a most worthy husband, he always highly esteemed. I hope therefore, that (to be silent of myself) either of your own generous disposition, or your love to the deceased Author, or your charity to this posthume Orphling, you will most hearty accept what I most hearty dedicate, together with myself, unto you.  
Your Worships in all duty, JOHN LEVETT.   

To the Reader.  
BEcause it is the most usual manner (friendly Reader) of those that publish any thing in writing, to bestow an Epistle upon the courteous and well affected Reader, I resolved also to follow the same order: But I stood long in doubt, whether I should do it by way of Apology, for surchargeing the world with more books, whereof that seemeth overfull; for writing of so mean a subject, when all men's minds conceit great matters: or for that myself, being one of the least, should presume to thrust in my opinion among so many rare, and excellent inventions found out by the curious wits of these days: or else following the most ordinary and old fashion, when all men inquire after new, I should fall to commendation of the matter I writ of, and the profit and commodity that may grow by the well-ordering of the same. Yet at the last I determined to say something concerning them all.  
they account a part thereof; whom our English writers following, have not a little erred. And this is the cause that concerning the ordering and keeping of Bees, little is found amongst them (some precepts of Mr. Southerns' only excepted) worthy remembrance.  
And although that for the breeding, industry, art, and government of Bees, they have written many curious and good observations of the Ancients, which are worthy the knowledge, especially of such as keep Bees; again, I was not much dissuaded from my intention, because the greatest use of this book will be for the unlearned and Country people, especially good women, who commonly in this Country take most care and regard of this kind of commodity, (although much the worse for the poor Bees) because sometimes they want help, sometimes diligence, but most times knowledge how to use them well. And this principally moved me to undertake this work, which I have performed without Art or Eloquence, and after a different method or order from all those which have formerly written of Bees, having set down every thing that I supposed worthy observation. And notwithstanding many of them at the first sight may peradventure seem to be of little worth, or else needless, for being commonly known to most that keep Bees: Yet I would entreat your patience in reading of those also, and I suppose that my purpose being to teach, I was unwilling to omit any thing (were it never so little) worthy the noting. Moreover, have I written any thing contrary to the common received opinion, or different from your conceit; be not over hasty to censure it, but observe and then try before you give judgement. And thus much by way of Apology. Last of all, to conclude with the excellency of honey and wax, let this only suffice, that they are numbered amongst the notable and chief commodities of some Kingdoms, and the very Land of promise itself, to give the Israelites a better liking unto it, was called the Land that flowed, or to use our English phrase, abounded with Milk and Honey, which were esteemed at that time, amongst the principal earthly commodities that were to be expected from the blessing of God. And as for the profit of this book, I refer it to the success that it shall please God to give in the use of it.  
And so Farewell.   

TO THE MEMORY OF THE THRICE WORTHY Gentleman, Mr. JOHN LEVETT deceased: and to the eternity of his well-taken-labour in this most excellent and profitable Relation and History of BEES.  
THere are two immortal enemies, which, like Butcher's dogs (whose mouths are ever bloody) do continually besiege and assault every good labour, and that is, Curiosity and Envy; the first striving to find out knots in Rushes or Miracles beyond man's capacity: the other devouring and gnawing upon all virtuous Actions, till, with the poison of her corrupt Nature, she have brought all wholesome Intents within the compass of scandal; with these two enemies, if this excellent and well-taken-labour chance not to encounter, it may pass into the world with infinite applause, and well-liking of all men, being a work so exact and compendiously done. So plain and easy for the meanest understanding, yet with all so succinct, deep, and elaborate, that as a Fly may easily wade it, so an Elephant may with difficulty swim in it, not that there are unresolved Enigmas or things fetched beyond the clouds to adorn it, but because the Experiments being new, approved, and allied both to truth and Reason, the collections so manifest, and not to be controlled, the corrections and reconcilements of the errors of others former publishing, so modestly handled, cleared, and adorned, and the whole work so purged from all gloss or flourish of airy words, from the folly of amazing Inventions, and from the intricate windings, turnings, and returnings of a wild brain, which many times carries the Reader into a new world fare beyond all his acquaintance; That here every good man and good Mind shall find as much as he can expect, and yet no more than is sufficient. For mine own part, I have had a singular affection, and an earnest desire in the pursuit of this knowledge, and was once a great Master of these creatures; neither have I spared to bestow my pen in the advancement of the Art and knowledge of the Bee; yet not with that felicity and happiness which this Gentleman hath attained unto, to whom I cannot choose but allow all possible praise and estimation; confessing ingeniously that I have not read or seen any work of this Nature more exact and complete than this is. And howsoever others have, or may add more words, more acquaint devises, and more amazing Meanders, yet the substance of the Art, and the excellent things which are meet to enrich and adorn every good man's knowledge, cannot be better or more fully discussed: for here you shall know what the Bee is, his breeding and government, how to order him, house him, and maintain him, how to remove him, purge him from injuries, and to preserve his health, of swarming, driving, hoisting, and destroying things superfluous. And lastly of their profits, and how those profits are to be disposed, and what accommodations are necessary for the support and increase of so useful and delicate a commonwealth. And he that in this Art will look beyond this, let him look beyond the Moon, I will neither lend him mine eyes nor my commendations.  
Your Admirer GERVASE MARKHAM.   

I. S. ad lectorem.  

FOr profit, pleasure, policy, and fame,  
High pregnant wits themselves have lost to find,  
But couched here lo under Levetts name,  
These virtue's grave, flow from his godly mind:  
Athenians look for news of other kind,  
Fables not truth, their fancies for to feed,  
Sure virtue is news, who is to her inclined,  
Virtue is gone Maecenas being dead.   

From Court and City to the Country fled,  
Obscure she lives amongst her rural friends,  
Thence by her beams are little Bees descried,  
Their wit, their work, their policy and kinds:  
But poor not much upon this regal race,  
Lest ere you know, they sting you on the face.   

Idem.  
Non quantum sed quale, jovis primordia parva,  
Rebus in exiguis grandia saepe latent.    

S. Purcas.  

Unskilled am I to usher forth thy Book,  
Or blaze thyself with terms of commendation,  
(Nor busy Bees such idle court ' sies brook,  
Nor can I rules quaint affected fashion.)   

Thyself, thyself enough, enough thy Book,  
Thy Book commends, and I, my Levett, leave it,  
Here in small Bees, God's greatness first I look,  
And then thyself though dead to live yet.   

Industrious Fly, fly forth, and sound him fare,  
Which here sounds thee, thy nature, art, thrift, keeping,  
Much can he praise thy peace, and much thy war,  
Model of policy, a sweet good seeking:  
And in those lazy Drones thy sting fix sure,  
Which nor their own, nor others pains can dure.    

Idem ad I. L. Editorem hujus libelli.  

Well hast thou shown the world thy father's worth,  
(As by the foot is known in Symmetry  
The body whole) when thou this Book sett'st forth,  
Just witness of his wit and industry.   

And though he never sipped at Hippocrene,  
Nor clymbed Parnassus' top, he well devised  
Of Mathematics, (which no Academe  
Him taught) but studious pains, and time high prised.   

Of policy of States, of peace, of war,  
Of nature's art, plants, planting, lands to measure,  
Of Histories, times, places, near and fare  
Off; oh, but death hath robbed us of this treasure:  
Earth hath his earth, heaven his heavenly part, his name  
Thou here intomb'st while Bees there be in fame.    

Nos quoque nostra A. Cook.  

Let Bees be praised by that Latian Bard  
That sweetly sang their occupation,  
(Enriching with his song, his song rich nation,  
Himself with never dying fames reward.)   

While thee we praise with hearty love's regard,  
That hast set forth this sweet Fly's operation,  
With Maro's skill, though in another fashion,  
To thee thy Country men like fame anward.   

Oh had thy Countrymen enjoyed thee still,  
How many choice fruits had they reaped by thee,  
Which now death envies to posterity,  
What art-surpassing drops did heaven distil  
Into that graden where this plant did grow,  
And thousands more which nature's hand did stow?   

The winged Citizens of mount Hymete  
(Forsaking once their flowery mansion)  
Flew down to Athens laden with sweet meat  
For infant Plato's mouth to feed upon.   

There did they turn his cradle to a hive,  
And gently buzzing, harmless busses gave him,  
Thereby presaging that his name should live,  
And that his wisdom from to die should save him.   

I saw a swarm descended of that stock,  
Fly to our Author's tomb, from whence proceeds  
This posthume birth conceived of heavenly seed,  
I heard the humming of that airy flock,  
Mourning his death; then swearing on this book,  
His fame as they should dure, their flight they took.   L. M. utcunque P.  

A Table of the principal heads contained in this Book.  

REmoving of Bee's page. 1  
Coating of Bee's page. 9  
Ordering of Bees in the Spring page. 14  
Choosing of Hives page. 16  
Trimming of Hives page. 19  
Swarming of Bee's page. 21  
Hoisting of Bee's page. 32  
Killing of Drones page. 34  
To know if Bees will live page. 37  
Of driving of Bee's page. 39  
The ordering of Honey page. 49  
The ordering of wax page. 51  
Trees and Plants. good for Bee's page. 52  
The nature of Bee's page. 58  
The breeding of Bee's page. 61  
Of the master Be page. 65  
The government of Bees. page. 69    

An Alphabetical Table of all the things contained in this Book.  

A  
A Bricots good for Bee's page 53  
Air how hurtful page 13  
Angelica good for Bee's page 57  
Aunts hurtful to Bee's page 8  
Apple trees good for Bee's page 53  
when to plant them page 54  
Avens good for Bee's page 57  
Author his way of Coating of Hives. page 10   

B  
Balm good for Bee's page 57  
Basins not to be rung page 23  
Barley good for Bee's page 21  
Bearefoot good for Bee's page 55  
Beans good for Bee's page 55  
Bees are lovers of quietness page 58  
how to place them 6. of the master Be 31.32.64.67. how long Bees will swarm 36. to know if Bees will live 37. the best seasous for Bees 38.39. if Bees be to be killed 41. how long Bees will live 46. gelding of Bees, Ibid, the nature of Bees 58. the breeding of Bees 61. the government of Bee's page 69  
Black-berry bush good for Bee's page 57  
Box tree hurtful to Bees page 57  
Buck-Hyssope good for Bee's page 57  
Borage good for Bee's page 55   

C  
Cabbages good for Bee's page 55  
Cherry trees good for Bee's page 53  
Claver good for Bee's page 57  
Coating of hives 9.10. when to Coat page 29  
Cow dung good for Bee's page 15  
Combs how to order page 51  
Cucumbers hurtful to Bee's page 57   

D  
Driving of Hives how, when, and the use 39.41.42.47. the benefits 43. choice of stocks to drive, 44. avoiding inconveniences in driving. page 49  
Drones whether to be killed, how and when 43. their injury page 41  
Dung hurtful to trees page 54   

E  
Elm hurtful to Bees page 57   

F  
Feeding of Bee's page 14   

G  
Googe confuted page 47  
Gelding of Bee's page 47   

H  
Hills opinion for killing of Drones page 35  
Hives how to be placed 6.8. the daubing of Hives, ibid. hurts in setting Hives too close, 7. the choice 16.17.18. Hives must not be too broad 18. the trimming of Hives 19 anointing 20. what Hives have most store of Honey page 45  
Honey when most plentiful 26. how to order it page 49  
Hoisting of Bee's page 33.34   

I  
Iramboys good for Bee's page 55   

L  
Lavender good for Bee's page 57  
Lysimachus good for Bee's page 57   

M  
Mallows good for Bee's page 57  
Malt good for Bee's page 20  
Mayweed hurtful for Bees page 57  
melilot good for Bee's page 57  
Mice enemies to Bees page 68  
Moths enemies to Bees. page 44   

O  
Olibanum good for Bees. page 15   

P  
Pallatilla good for Bee's page 55  
Peach trees good for Bee's page 53  
Pease good for Bee's page 20  
Plants good and hurtful for Bee's page 52  
Pliny of the nature of Bee's page 59  
Plumb trees good for Bee's page 53  
Ponds how hurtful page 8  
Primrose good for Bee's page 56   

R  
Rapes good for Bee's page 55  
Raspis good for Bee's page 55  
Removing of Bees, 4.12. observations in removing, ibid. the time of the year, ibid. how they should stand page 5  
Rivers how hurtful page 8  
Rosemary good for Bee's page 54   

S  
Sage good for Bee's page 57  
Sallow good for Bee's page 56  
Sarazanica good for Bee's page 57  
Snails enemies to Bees page 6  
Solidago good for Bees Southernes' way of Coating of Hives page 10  
Spat of Bees. page 62  
Spiders enemies to Bees page 44  
Spurge hurtful to Bees page 57  
Stecados good for Bee's page 57  
Sticking of Hives page 19  
Swarms when to be attended, page 21  
how ordered 22. that but one swarm rise at one time 24. whether many swarms from one Hive 25. in what season they swarm most, ibid. putting diverse swarms in one Hive, and how, 27. when Bees will swarm 30. to hinder Bees from swarming 32.33. how long swarms may rise without danger 36. what swarms to save. page 1   

Thime good for Bee's page 57  
Toads hurtful to Bees. page 8  
Trees good and hurtful for Bee's page 52  
Trimming of Hives page 19  
Turnips good for Bee's page 55   

V  
Violets good for Bee's page 56  
Virgil on the Master Be page 66   

W  
Wax how to order page 51  
Western honey not good page 49  
Wicker Hives page 18  
Wind and weather how to defend Bees from them page 9  
Woade hurtful to Bee's page 57  
Worms hurtful to Bee's page 8.44  
Wormwood hurtful to Bees page 57   

Y  
Yew tree hurtful to Bees. page 57   
FINIS.   

A DIALOGUE CONCERNING THE ORDERING OF BEES.  Tortona. Petralba. TOrtona. 
Well met good neighbour Petralba, but whether away so fast man, thus early in the morning? I suppose your business is important, you make so much haste.  Petralba, 
O I cry you mercy Sir, I saw you not before you spoke; in good sooth I was even coming to you, my friend and kinsman that was, Philippo Ambrosia, having (as you know) made me his Executor, amongst some other things, hath left me some eight or ten Hives of Bees, which at the first I made small account of, but after my business of greater regard was over, I began to look over his Books, amongst which I found these discourses or Pamphlets concerning the ordering of Bees: whereupon I began not only to consider the profit reported to arise and come of them, but also to take especial delight, as well in their order and government, resembling the form (if they report the truth) of a most exquisite and well governed Commonwealth, as also admired their notable art and industry, in framing of their combs, gathering of their honey, and other labours and great travails to maintain and preserve themselves and their Brood.  Tortona. 
Good neighbour Petralba, there is no man more welcome unto me then yourself, and I am very glad that any cause hath made you to take pleasure and delight in Bees, because myself as you know, do also the same. For by this means I shall have a companion to converse withal: for according to the old Proverb, simile simili gaudet, and that may-communicate with me in the same pleasures, and so make them the more delightsome unto me, which for want of conference with such as take pleasure in the same, seem often wearisome and irksome unto me. And to talk of Bees to those that love them not, is like music out of tune, or a pleasant tale told to the sorrowful. But wherefore do you bring your Books with you?  Petralba. 
Marry Sir, although my Books have stirred up in me some affection towards Bees (as before I said) and have some what informed me of the manner how to use them, at the least in my conceit, yet knowing your great practice and long experience amongst Bees, with the plentiful increase, and profit that I suppose you make of them (by that little that I have read of the profit of Bees) I made bold to confer with you first, before I put in practice any of those precepts that are taught in these my books, and for that cause I have not stirred nor meddled with them as yet, until I might perceive how your opinion agreed with their writings, or dissented from the same, and this was the cause that I brought my books with me. Again, my purpose is shortly to remove them to mine own house, if you think the time fit and convenient for the same.  Tortona. 
Concerning the time fit for their remove, I will tell you my opinion hereafter, but first let me know whose works those books are that you have brought with you.  Petralba. 
The one is that which we commonly call Googe his husbandry, who amongst many other precepts of husbandry concludeth his work with a Dialogue of the ordering of Bees: the other is a Pamphlet set forth by one Master Southern; to the same purpose I have also seen a book called the Country Farm, lately set forth, wherein also there is somewhat said concerning this matter, I make no doubt but you have seen them all.  Tortona. 
Yea verily I do know them well: the first of them is principally a short collection, gathered out of the works of sundry learned men that have long since written of Bees: as Aristotle, Virgil, Varro, Pliny, Celsus, Collumella, Didmus, Dionysius, Thaseus, and others: rather than any great knowledge or experience that himself seemeth to have had in the ordering of Bees. But the other is only certain practices and experiments gathered by his own observations, by long keeping of Bees as himself confesseth. Both which works no doubt are worthy of commendations, and have profited many, yet neither the one with his authorities, nor the other with his experiments do so fully entreat of them, but that much more may be added, and many things also are alleged by them, which for mine own part I cannot approve, but do hold them altogether impertinent or dangerous.  Petralba. 
Surely myself imagined no less, and because I am not able to distinguish the good from the counterfeit, I was desirous to confer with you (as I said) before I meddied with them.  Tortona. 
You must understand before that you remove them, it shall not be amiss for you to observe three things. First, the fittest time for their remove and the manner how to do it. Secondly, a place convenient and good for them to stand in: and thirdly, the order and manner how to place and set them. Now concerning the time of their remove, I hold it not much material so it be carefully, gently, and quietly done, with as little s●irring them as may be; yet do I think the best time to be between the months of january and May, having especial care to keep them as much from the air and cold as is possible, which will do them much hurt at that time of the year. And the worst time of remove I hold to be between the beginning of May and November, for at that time of the year they are either full of Bees, or else heavy with honey, and by that means are apt to take hurt by much troubling the Bees, or stirring and breaking the Combs, and consequently of spilling and spoiling their honey. But for Swarms the best time to remove them, is as soon as may be after they are swarmed. And concerning the fittest place to set them in you are well informed in your books, namely, in some Garden or Orchard or other several place, free from cattles or much resort, if it may be, for they are great lovers of quietness, and hate the contrary: again, it were good they had the South and West Sun open unto them, but if they be defended from the East and North, it is much the better, be it either by pale, hedge, trees, housing, or such like. You must also observe that a hill or mountainous place is not good for them, because they will be the more subject to storms and wind, which is very hurtful and perilous for them, and doth exceedingly hinder them in their labour.  Petralba. 
Master Googe saith, that the place of their standing would neither be to hot nor to cold, but as temperate as may be, so as they be neither offended with the cold of Winter, nor the heat of Summer.  Tortona. 
In more hotter regions, as in France and Spain, I am of their mind which so affirm, yet could I never perceive that Bees were offended with the heat of any place that ever I could see in this Country: provided that their Hives be well coated (as I will after show) to defend them from the heat of Summer and the extremity of cold in Winter, for otherwise the extreme heat of the Sun in the Summer may melt their Combs, and cause their honey to run out, as many times I have seen amongst my neighbour's Bees, where provision hath not been made to prevent it. And again the extreme frosts in Winter will so benume them, as they being pinched therewith, will fall out of their Combs and presently dye; and all for lack of warm keeping of them: both which extremities may be prevented by one remedy namely, by the coating of their Hives, as after shall be declared.  Petralba. 
Well Sir, now let me have your opinion concerning the manner of placing or setting of them.  Tortona. 
Touching the manner of placing of them, Master Southern hath written very well, and therefore I will descent from him very little, because I hold his judgement the best therein of any that I have read. And first to begin with all, I would have every Hive placed upon a several plank board or stone, within two foot of the ground at the most, for so the winds will have the less power over them at the entrance into the Hive. And the plank, board, or stone whereupon the Hive standeth, must be some three or four Inches at the least broader than the Hive on the South part, where the hole or mouth of the Hive must be, for so the Bees shall have room to light upon it, before they creep into the Hive, and I hold it best that the South part of the plank board or stone, should stand somewhat lower than the North part, for by that means no water, snow, or hail, can run into the Hive but will presently fall off again as it melteth. Lastly, let the upper part of the mouth of the Hive be but a little distance from the board, least Snails, Mice, or some other vermin creep in, to the great danger and hurt of the Bees; nevertheless you may let it be some three or four inches broad in the Summer time, or else they will want convenient room, to go in and out at their pleasure. But round about the Hive, except at the mouth let the Hive be daubed up close, with Clay, Cowdung, or Mortar, or rather a mixture of the two former with Ashes or Sand.  Petralba. 
In every place where I travail (except with you) I see them set upon a plank, or board, almost close one to another, wherefore then should you place every one upon a several board, which, as I think, requireth much more plank or board, and also many stakes, with a great deal more labour.  Tortona. 
I confess, the manner you speak of is most usual, especially in this Country, but how hurtful it is, might easily be perceived, if those that use it would diligently observe the same. For at some times by standing so near one another, they will undoubtedly infect one another with their smell, especially when any infection or diseases happeneth amongst them, as many times there doth. Secondly, they will be the more ready to run one to another, and fight, and by that means the weaker are often oppressed by the stronger: Again, their nearness will hinder one another in swarming time, and when they do labour much. And lastly, their coats cannot be taken off and on, as occasion shall serve. And whereas you object, that it will spend more plank and board, that is not so, for the plank or board, need be no longer than the breadth of the Hive, only it must be wider, and so it must be the other ways: now for a few more stakes, and the greater pains, it is not worth the speaking of, considering the benefit that will arise by it, prove it who that will.  Petralba. 
But do you hold it of necessity that the mouth or hole of the hive must stand towards the South?  Tortona. 
No verily, I would not have you take me so, yet do I hold it absolutely the best, both because the Bees delight chief to fly that way, as also it is the hottest; and the South sun in his heat will cause them the readilier to swarm: Nevertheless, I have seen some stand towards the West, that have done prettily well; but to the East, I hold it not good, and to the North, much worse; because those winds are most cold, and the Sun hath least power upon the hives that stand with their mouths that way.  Petralba. 
Mr. Southern holdeth it not good to place them near a river, or great pond, if it be on the South part of them, because (saith he) many of them will fall into the water, especially in windy and tempestuous weather.  Tortona. 
If the river or pond be very near them, it is true, but if it be any distance off, as some furlong, or quarter of a mile, it mattereth not much, for then the Bees will fly high out of the danger of the same. Marry this I know to be especially good, to pair the ground under and on the South side of them, some four or five foot off, so that no grass or weeds may grow thereon, or else keep the grass very short, because if the wind beat them down, they will get up much the sooner: again, mice, toads, ants, and worms, will the less resort unto them to hurt and annoy them, because they shall find no covert or shelter there to hide them in.  Petralba. 
I think you said that you would have them stand privately, as fare from noise or much resort as conveniently may be, what should be your reason for that?  Tortona. 
I did say so indeed: for Bees of all other creatures can worst away with any great noise, especially in the winter time, or in the night, for than they do for the most part continually sleep.  Petralba. 
How fare do you think it convenient that one hive be placed and set from another, without danger of annoying his neighbour hive: and what form would you observe in the placing of them?  Tortona. 
I like best the setting them in rows from East to West, and being placed in that manner, I think if there be a foot, or half a pace between the outsides of the hives, that is enough although where there is plenty of room, it shall not be amiss to set them a yard asunder. But if you shall be constrained to make more rows than one, in this case you must place South and North at the least some fifteen or sixteen feet asunder, before or behind the other, both to have sufficient room upon any occasion to go between them, as also to prevent any hurt that may happen amongst them, by their over nearness, in their going out and in. And thus much I think is sufficient to instruct you, what shall be needful to be done concerning the removing and new placing of your Bees.  Petralba. 
But all this while I have heard you say nothing, what house or defence were fittest to be made for your hives, to keep them from wind, rain, and cold of the winter, for I cannot imagine that it were good to let the hives stand bare and naked to the extremities of our cold winters and violent storms.  Tortona. 
No, nothing less, for assure yourself, the well defending them against the extremities of heat and cold, is one of the principal means of their welfare and increase, and therefore I will at large declare my opinion, which way I take to be the best to defend them from the wind and weather. In many places (as you know) they use to make pentises or low houses covered with board, thatch, or tile, and so set them upon planks under the same, which indeed keepeth them from the rain, but neither from the heat of summer, nor cold of winter, for the hives standing naked, the heat or cold easily taketh hold of them, especially any great and long frost. Again, the winds many times maketh a great noise in the hollowness of these kind of houses, which sore annoyeth the Bees in their rest. And therefore with Mr. Southern I utterly mislike those kinds of houses and pentises, as unprofitable and hurtful unto Bees; yea I may boldly say, I never saw any great store of Bees where they were kept in such houses. I will therefore show two manner of Coating or Covering of hives, the one of Mr. Southerns' invention, the other of mine own; so that you may accept of which you like best; for either of them will serve for that purpose very well.  
Mr. Southerns' way is this, upon some rainy day, when the Bees are all at home, stop them up close, thrusting in a little quill to give them air, but not to let them come forth, for troubling you and themselves; then take sand & Cowdung, or clay with Cowdung, tempered well together, and amongst it temper good store of straw cut very short; then take wheat, rye, or barley straw, and lay a good deal of it upon the hive, and upon that a good thickness of the mortar aforesaid, and fasten it on, so hard as you can with a trowel, and so let it stand; then with a pair of Tailor's shears or other shears, cut away the straws that hang to low, round about the hive, and when the mortar is dry, you may take it off or on at your pleasure, and it will hold well together, and not break, one of these (as saith Mr. Southern) will last two years.  
Now those of mine own invention, I make thus, with wheat or rye straw only, without any daubing at all, in this manner; I take a pretty handful of straw, and towards the one end I bend it up again, and there, within four fingers of that end, I tie it fast with rope-yarne, or good Elm peeling, then do I take another handful, using it as before, and tie it fast to the other with a single knot between them, and so tie handful after handful, until it will reach round about a hive: then do I tie the first handful fast to the last handful, and put it upon an empty hive, which I have of purpose ready by me; and when the lower end that is so fastened together, is within some six inches of the ground, I gather all the upper ends of the straws together, and tie them all fast together right above the crown of the hive, and as nigh it as I can, and then cut the straws away a foot above the place where you last tied it above the crown of the hive, and if any lose or short straws stick out, cut them away with a pair of shears or such like. And thus can I make as many as I list, and afterwards at my pleasure in an evening or morning put them upon my hives without troubling or molesting my Bees at all. And if the lower end of my Coat come near the plank or board whereon my Bees stand, as sometimes they will do, I cut away the straw right against the the mouth of the hive, for troubling the Bees in their passing out and in.  
And these kind of Coats will hold out rain, and keep the Bees both from the heat in the Summer, and from the cold in Winter: and are done with little or no cost, but only a little pains taking twice or thrice in the year to renew such as decay, or to make new for the swarms in swarming time, for once or twice a year at the least these must be viewed, and some of them amended or renewed as need shall require.  Petralba. 
Although these Coats or cover which you teach the making of, will defend the Bees as you say from the rain, heat, and cold, yet me think Mice, Flies, and other vermin should have great means to hide themselves, yea and to breed also under them: which must needs be very perilous and hurtful to the Bees, as both yourself and all others that writ of them confess.  Tortona. 
It is out of all doubt, that without looking unto once or twice in a month, it will fall out as you say: for no commodity is without his discommodity, and therefore to avoid that, you must as I said before, sometimes lift up, or else take of their Coats, to see if any such offensive vermin be there, and to drive them away or kill them if it be possible, and also to look that it be not perished, so that the rain may run in and hurt the Hive, for whosoever will have profit and commodity of Bees, must overlook them many times, and be viewing and repairing their wants as need shall require, because they require much more diligence, pains and industry, than either expenses or cost. notwithstanding to those that love them, it is rather to be termed a pleasure and delight, than any irksome or laboursome toil at all, for what is it to spend a quarter of an hour amongst them once or twice in a month or six weeks, to overlook them: which will serve although you had half a hundred Hives.  Petralba. 
I do not perceive that they need any great pains, and that may be done at idle times for the overlooking of them. But one thing I must ask you more concerning their remove. I find them now close stopped up, except one little hole to the South not much bigger than will suffice for one Be to come out at. When I remove them shall I stop them up so close again?  Tortona. 
If you remove them before the latter part of March, stop them up again as close as you found them, but altar that time, whether you remove them or not, open their holes or mouths by little and little, until it be mid April or toward the beginning of May, for by that time you may open them as wide as shall be needful, namely, as I have said elsewhere, some four Inches at the least.  Petralba. 
Why may I not open them as wide as need shall require at once, rather than to make so many works of it?  Tortona. 
You may do so if you please, as many others do. Yet me think reason should teach you, that as a man or woman having long time kept house and been out of the air, if at their first coming abroad, they continue long therein, or be in a place where much air cometh, it will much offend them, and therefore such are wont, by little and little to accustom themselves, to the air: even so, to let much air come into the Hives upon a sudden, at that time of the year. there then happening after many cold blasts, it cannot be but with great danger to the Bees, especially if they be weak or feeble (as myself have often seen) for a little thing helpeth or hurteth them at that time of the year. Again at the time when you begin to open them, or within a while after, lift them easily clean up from the board whereon they stand, and scrub and sweep away all the filth and sharings of Combs or other things that you shall find under them, and then set them down gently again, for so shall they have the more pleasure to labour, and to repair their Combs, those noyous and filthy things being taken away.  Petralba. 
What if some of my Bees be poor and weak in the Spring time, shall I not seed them, or do somewhat else to cherish relieve them?  Tortona. 
Master Southern doth utterly mislike the feeding of Bees, and allegeth some reason against it, namely, that old honey will make them to scour and dye, or else the use of feeding will make them fall to robbing, and some other reasons which for mine own part I cannot absolutely allow. For I have seen Bees even almost dead revived again by a little feeding. Truth it is, it must be very warily done, and not often used but it an extremity. And when necessity shall constrain to do it, you must take especial care that the other Bees come not unto them, and therefore you must stop them up saving a little hole to give them breath, for otherwise the stronger Bees will fight with them for it, and not only get it away but will kill them for it. And yet I must needs confess that in the beginning of the Spring I have seen more hurt then good come by feeding of them. But this I have both seen and proved, that when in the latter end of May, or beginning of june a cold and Easterly wind hath continued long, or some continual rainy weather hath happened, the Bees have first brought out the Drone spat, and after that their own spat: and lastly if it hath continued, have died themselves.  
In the year 1600, between the 17 of May and the 6 of june, I had twelve as goodly swarms as ever I saw, and then there happened a dry and cold East wind, that my swarms for the most part perished, and my other Bees also having brought forth their brood or spat, began also to die themselves, which I espying (by the great number I might see dead on the ground at the mouth of the hive) did a little feed them in the evenings and mornings, and it did presently strengthen them, that no more died. And ever since at that time of the year, I do diligently observe, that when I see them begin to bring forth their spat, being forced thereto by any cold and dry weather, presently to feed them, as I have taught you; and whereas for the most part every year since about that time, such a like cold hath happened, yet by this means I have prevented the danger that would have fall'n upon my Bees. But to feed them in February, March, or April, is surely to no great purpose, without a great chance.  Petralba. 
Is there no course to be taken at the beginning of the spring, for the help and strengthening of such hives where the Bees be poor and weak?  Tortona. 
Mr. Southern affirmeth that if about the later end of March, you perceive the Bees in any of your hives to be faint, and that they go but slowly out and in, it is good to buy some Olibanum at the Apothecaries, and take a little of it bruised in a mortar or such like, and sprinkle it upon a chafing-dish of coals, and then hold that Hive of Bees over it, that the smoke of the Olibanum, may ascend up into the Combs amongst the Bees; and it is, saith he, much the better, if a little dried Cowdung be mixed amongst the Olibanum. This he constantly affirmeth will make them abide the sharpness of the weather the better, and will strengthen them very well. One groats worth of Olibanum he saith will serve forty Hives, if need be. But how good it is for that purpose I never yet made trial, nor any that ever I could learn, yet do I hold it very probable and likely to do good. The Bees being quickly set down again, and well closed up; for this I forgot to tell you when you begin to open the mouths of your Bees, if they be weak, open them the less, and if strong, you may be bold to open them the more:  Petralba. 
Well Sir, I suppose I am now sufficiently instructed how to order my Bees in their remorse, and after the same until the spring of the year, or beginning of May. I pray you let me also understand what is further to be done, for then (if I mistake not) beginneth the chief and principal time of their breeding, with the exportance of increase and profit by them.  Tortona. 
It is very true, and therefore you must at this time (if not before) provide hives, planks, board, or stones, and all other things necessary for the receiving and keeping of those swarms that you may probably expect.  Petralba. 
I have seen (as I remember) some hives wrought with osyers', or woodbine, or such other like stuff, and daubed on the outside with Cowdung and ashes mixed together, but of late days I have seen most of our hives made altogether of straw, whether of these two fashions do you hold the better?  Tortona. 
divers countries have their several fashions, as well for the matter whereof they are made, as also for the manner and form of their making. But in our country (as you say) the hives made of wickers or of straw are principally in use; but whether of them is the better I will not peremptorily determine, because I have seen Bees prosper and increase well in both: and I hold it not a material part of the well ordering of Bees, to use the one or the other, yet do I like best those of straw if they be well made, as the warmer and most agreeable to the nature of Bees, for we see that humble Bees, Wasps, and other Flies (whereof no doubt these are a kind) preserve themselves all the Winter, only in the warmness of straw, as in thatch and such like.  Petralba. 
Is there then such difference in the making, that you so much prefer the one before the other?  Tortona. 
Yea verily, and I had rather give seven pence a piece for some, than four pence a piece for other some, and yet are the best commonly as good cheap as the worst.  Petralba. 
How then shall I know them asunder, for I am like enough to buy the one as soon as the other?  Tortona. 
You shall easily know them asunder, for the goodness will soon appear in the fast and well binding of them, and in their good and handsome form and fashion. For if they be lose and thinnely bound, they will not last, and besides that, when they are laden with honey, the weight of it will press down the crown of the Hives, and so mar the Combs and kill the Bees. Of strawen Hives the best that ever I saw are made in Suffolk and Norfolk, were it not, that they make them for the most part somewhat to great.  Petralba. 
Do you not like great Hives? me think they should be the better, because they will hold good store of honey, and the Bees have the more store of room to work in, and therefore should cast the greater swarms.  Tortona. 
It may peradventure seem so indeed unto many, but experience and proof doth declare the contrary, and therefore in any case avoid the buying of great Hives as hurtful to the increase and prosperity of your Bees. For I assure you, I did never in my life see a great Hive yield any good increase, or almost come to any good: for if you put into a great Hive a swarm that is little or that swarmeth late, the room is so large that they cannot any thing near fill it the first year, by means whereof so much vacant place remaineth empty, that it maketh all the Hive so cold in the Winter time, that it is great odds if it die not. And if you put in a forward swarm that is great, yea though it be a double or triple one (as often I have seen) and that it fill the hive, yet will it seldom or never cast any swarms, as experience hath taught, and the reason seemeth to be, for that so much labour is spent in repairing of their Combs, renewing their brood, and filling so great a space with necessaries, that they cannot, or need not send forth any Colonies, but have enough to do, to keep and furnish their own.  
Again, let not your Hives be over broad especially at the Crown, for in such Hives Bees do not delight, and therefore I had rather have my Hives high so they be narrow, then broad although they be short. And thus much I suppose is sufficient for the choice of your Hives. I know that many prefer the Hives that are made of Wheat straw, before those made of Rye straw, as best liked and agreeable to the Bees, yet I could never perceive any great difference for that matter, but like them as well as the other if their making be alike.  Petralba. 
But yet me think that the Hives made of wickers should be much more profitable in one respect, because it must needs be granted that they will continue longer than those made of straw.  Tortona. 
Surely if the straw Hives be well made as I have seen some, and withal well preserved from the weather, namely, from the Sun and Rain as before is taught by coating of them, they will last many years, and I think verily as long as the wicker Hives, and also they have another commodity, for they are not so dear as the other, yet is all this nothing to the benefit that will grow if your Bees prosper well.  Petralba. 
When I have provided them according to your direction, what then shall I do to them, for I have seen some put sticks into their Hives fastened to both the sides which I judged they did to keep the Combs, from stirring or falling out of the Hives.  Tortona. 
You guessed rightly, for to that purpose they serve indeed. But first when you have bought and provided your Hives, you must with a knife or pair of shears pick and cut of all the straw's ends that stick out within your Hives, and make them as smooth as is possible, for the Bees will like them much the better. Now concerning the sticking of your Hives, sundry men have sundry fashions according as they conceit or like the same. But if your Hives be of straw, I hold it good that you make a Crown tree for them in this manner. Take a stick of Sallow or Hasell about the bigness of a man's thumb, let it be a foot long or somewhat more, then cleave it cross ways from one end until you come within a handful or thereabouts of the other end, and no farther: then bend every quarter a several way, cutting off the sharp edge in the midst of every of them: Then must you put the end that is not cleft to the crown of the Hive, and bending every of the parts a several way, stick them into the sides of the Hive, that they may force the upper uncleft end hard to the crown of the Hive. But if the Hive have a little hole in the crown (as the most straw Hives have) then cut the upper end of your said crown tree where it is not cleft small enough to go thorough it a little way, leaving a shoulder on the inside to stay it and this is good to keep the crown of Hives from sagging downwards (as they will do except your Hives be excellent good) when they are heavy laden with honey, but this you must observe, that if you put your crowne-tree through the crown of your Hive, you must make it somewhat the longer as experience of itself will teach you. Lastly, take a smaller stick, and cleave it clean through in the midst, cutting both the parts flat and smooth, and put them cross▪ wise into the hive, within four fingers of the board they shall stand upon; and this is all the sticking that shall need for any hive, only this you must note, that the four lower ends of the crown tree should come and stick within half a foot at the least of the lower part of the hive.  Petralba. 
Do you not usually dress and trim your hives with some honey, or other sweet liquor, before you put any swarm into them?  Tortona. 
It is a common matter so to do indeed, yet if the hive be new and sweet, I hold it not material to do any such thing, but the Bees will like it well enough without it. Nevertheless, because it is a thing that may help those that be old, and somewhat unsavoury, and cannot hurt any, I will show you what myself and diverse others use to do in this case. Gather some fennel, mallows, or other sweet herbs, and dip them in fair water, drink, or sweet wort, putting a little honey into them, if you have it, and sprinkle or rub well the inside of your hives and sticks, or if you have no honey, do it with any of the former, or with milk that is sweet, and it will suffice. But this kind of dressing would not be done until you are ready to put the swarm into it, or a very little time before.  Petralba. 
Mr. Southern saith, that if your Bees be froward, so that they will not tarry in any hive, than it is good to take your hive whether it be old or new, and pull out the sticks, and put therein two handfuls of barley, pease, or malt, yet the last (saith he) is the best, and let a Hog, Sow, or pig eat it out of the hive, turning the hive as he eateth, with your hands, that the froth he maketh may remain on the hive, then wipe the hive lightly again with a cloth, and put in your sticks as before, and hive your Bees again, and they will undoubtedly tarry in the same, as he saith.  Tortona. 
True it is, he affirmeth so indeed, but whether it be so or no, I know not, because I never made any trial thereof, for I never had any swarm that I could not make take liking of one hive or other that I had by me, and therefore I never trouble myself to make trial of Mr. Southerns' experiment; yet do I believe that he would not so confidently have written it without some good proof, and also the knowledge thereof, if it be true, is worth the noting, and the trial also if occasion serve: and thus much I hold sufficient for your instruction in the dressing and trimming of your hives.  Petralba. 
Well Sir, I thank you for your pains, I would now entreat you to let me understand about what time of the year I may in likelihood expect swarms, because of giving attendance and watching of them, as I believe we must in swarming times.  Tortona. 
Concerning the time of the year when Bees accustomably begin to swarm, there can no certain rule be given, because the forwardness of the Spring, warmness of the weather, and business of the Bees may make them swarm much sooner than otherwise they would do. Yet do I hold it good to have all necessary things ready by the midst of May at the farthest, it not before; for then every day you may probably look for swarms, if the other circumstances be favourable; and therefore you must from that time forwards, so long as their swarming time endureth, diligently watch and look unto them. Now concerning the using of your swarms, thus much; when any hive beginneth to swarm, have a good eye upon them where they light or settle, yet so that you trouble or molest them not, with running to and fro amongst them: and when they are settled, take your hive made ready as you are taught before, and put them into it in this manner; If they be settled upon the bough of a tree, bush, hedge, or such like, that you can put your hive under them, lay first a fan or board right under them, with a stick or twain upon it, for keeping the hive that it stand not too close unto it, so that the Bees cannot go out and in, and then turn your hive upward, and shake as many of the Bees into the same as you can, and set it gently upon the said board or fan, and spread a sheet over the hive, to keep away the heat of the Sun, yet so as some one place be open for the Bees to find the way to the hive, and to work and make clean the hive. But if any of them cluster again about or near the place from whence they were shaken, shake them off again, or else sweep them off with a wing, and lay Mayweed or wormwood about the place, and they will forsake it, and follow the rest of their fellows into the hive. But if your swarm light so low in a hedge, or such like place, that you cannot put your hive under them, nor shake them into it, nor sweep them into it with a wing, then may you set your hive over them, so that it touch the upper part of of them, and by laying Mayweed or wormwood under them, and about them, you shall make them run up into the hive without any other trouble, still following them with the Mayweed or wormwood, as they go up from it, though peradventure it will be somewhat long ere they be all gone up, yet they will go up at the last, without stirring.  Petralba. 
In some places I have seen, that they would not hive their swarms until late in the evening, and me think it should be a very good way, for at that time there is not so much danger of stinging, as in the heat of the day, as also they will be then hived very quietly.  Tortona. 
By that means they are in danger to lose many swarms; for I have many times seen swarms that have settled themselves very well, and within an hour or two after, for want of hiving, have gone back again to the hive from whence they came, yea, and sometimes have taken their flight clean away, which might have been prevented in time, if they had presently been hived. Again, where there are store of Bees, there will sometimes happen three, four, or five swarms in a day, and within a very small time one of another, if they should not be hived soon after they are settled, they would go all or the most part of them together, which sometimes can hardly be prevented, do the best a man can.  Petralba. 
But all this while I hear you speak nothing of the ringing of basons, or such like, which I have often heard when a swarm is up, or in rising; it seemeth you are of Mr. Southerns' mind in that thing, for he seemeth to mislike it much.  Tortona. 
Yea verily, for it is a very ridiculous toy, and most absurd invention; and I assure you, if it worketh any effect, it is rather hurtful than profitable to the Bees. For as I said before, all great noise doth undoubtedly disquiet and hurt them; and so fare am I from thinking that it will hinder them from flying away, that I verily believe it may be a principal cause to make them go away the rather, besides other hurt in disquieting of them, which maketh them fierce and waspish, for myself have had above forty swarms in a year, and have not lost one of them, when my neighbours having a fare less number, and using this kind of ringing and jangling, yet have lost diverse.  Petralba. 
I heard you say, that when diverse swarms arise together, or presently one after another, namely, before the other be hived, that it is odds but they will go together: what means have you to prevent that?  Tortona. 
The best way is, not to suffer two or more swarms to arise together, and that is done in this manner; as soon as one swarm is risen or rising, mark well your other hives, and if you see any begin to swarm, take a table napkin, or other clean linen cloth, and stop up the mouth or hole of the hive as close as may be, laying a brickbat or stone upon it, until the other swarm be put into the hive, and all quiet: then pull away the cloth, and it will presently swarm, or within a very short time after. And thus may you let them out one after another, at your pleasure, though you have half a dozen that will swarm in a day. And if you use not this means, when one swarm ariseth before the former is clean hived, you may do thus, (for if two rise together, there is no help except they part of themselves, which is very rare.) But in the other case, when you see the latter swarm go to the former, and are almost lighted about and upon the hive, and that there is a good part of the former swarm gone into the hive, take that hive clean away as secretly as you can, and carry it some eight or ten rods from that place at the least, first having set an empty hive where it stood, and often times I have seen the latter swarm go quietly into it, and have both done very well, yet sometimes they will find out one another, and go together do what you can. And that I take to be when all the master Bees happen to go into one hive, so that the other hive hath none, without whom (as I think) they cannot live and prosper, but of that I will speak elsewhere, when I shall declare the manner of breeding and government of Bees.  Petralba. 
Mr. Southern seemeth to mislike the having many swarms of one hive; what say you to that?  Tortona. 
That hive which hath cast me one good swarm, I acknowledge to have done well for that year; yet although it yield me another, the stock may do well enough, but the last swarm is in hazard, except it happen soon; but if a stock swarm three or four swarms in a year (as sometimes I have seen) both the stock and the latter swarms are all in great danger to die the next winter, except you put two or three such swarms together; and for the stock, the best way is, to drive it at Bartholomew tide, for in moist summers you shall have some hives will almost swarm out all their Bees, as myself have had.  Petralba. 
Will Bees swarm most in moist and wet summers?  Tortona. 
Yea, without all question, and thereof cometh that proverb, that in moist years there is plenty of Bees, and in dry year's plenty of honey; yet may there be good store of both in one and the same year: for if May and june prove stormy, you shall have plenty of swarms, and if july prove dry, you shall have good store of honey.  Petralba. 
What do you think should be the reason of this?  Tortona. 
Experience doth prove it to be so, yet I take the reason to be, for that the Bees both spat faster and preserve and nourish their brood the better, by the moisture that falleth in those times, which in dry weather they cannot so well get, except such as is in part corrupted being mixed with other waters. And this I take to be the cause that Bees will come abroad so fast presently after a storm of rain, and again want of rain and dews at that time of the year maketh them to lose their brood as I have before declared.  
Now for honey it is out of all doubt that there is never any store until july, or towards the latter part of june, and without question dry weather is best for that, Because it is nothing else but a gummy and thick dew made by the influence of the Stars, or rather caused by the providence of the divine power, for the profit and delight of man falling from heaven at that time of the year, (being digested and made perfect by the nature of the Bees (created for that purpose,) which storms and rain will dissolve and wash clean away: And this is so apparent that every man of any observation may manifestly perceive. For when there is greatest store of honey, so that it is sensibly to be felt upon leaves and flowers, if there happen any great storm, or rain of any continuance, presently after there will be no such thing perceived, but it will be clean gone and washed away. Again, mark the Bees when they gather honey fastest (as may be perceived easily in the morning, by a dew and moisture, that will be at the mouth of the Hive and also by the great smell of honey if you come near in the evening) yet if a rain happen to fall of any quantity (as I said before) you shall see no such dew the morning following, nor some two or three mornings after, although it be fair weather again, until the dew being thickened and sweetened by the heat, have again obtained the former quality, but of this more hereafter. See Southern to take Bees out of a hollow tree.  Petralba. 
You spoke of putting two or three swarms together, I pray you how do you that? For I have heard some affirm that they will fight and kill one another if they be put together, and can hardly be made to agree.  Tortona. 
It is then because it is unskilfully done, for otherwise they will either not strive at all, or else very little, and the manner is in this sort.  
When you have a second swarm or castling (as some call it) put it into a Hive as you do the rest, and set it up with your other, and when you have another like unto it that you would put to it, Hive it also in a Hive by itself and so let it stand until the evening; then at night when it is dark, take a Fan or board and lay it by your first second swarm to which you would put the other, laying a small stick or two upon it to keep the Hive for standing too close to the board or Fan: lastly, take your later swarm and carry it thither, and with your hand jump it down upon the Fan or board so hard, that all the Bees in it may fall out upon the same, then take your other Hive wherein your first swarm is, and gently set it over them, and the Bees will presently run into it, but if any happen to creep up on the outside of the Hive (as many times some will do) with a wing sweep them down and they will run into the Hive also: and so it being done when it is late in the night, there will be no great stir or fight, and by the morning all will be agreed and quiet. Whereas if you put them together in the day time or any other manner (that ever I could see) they will indeed fight and kill one another, to the great danger of them both.  Petralba. 
I promise you I like this manner of putting them together well, and I have not heard of he like, but I pray you why may not the former swarm be put to the later, as well as the later to the former?  Tortona. 
You may do so also if you please, but I like the other the better for this cause, peradventure you shall not have another second swarm sometime three or four days, or a week after your former, and by that time your first swarm hath cleansed their hive, and wrought some pretty store of combs, yea, and peradventure gathered some honey also, which would be lost if you should put them out of their hive, to the other, whereas the other have gathered little or nothing, being swarmed but the day before.  Petralba. 
That is very true indeed, you have fully satisfied me for this. But I pray you, is it certain, that by this means the Bees will live and prosper better than they would have done, being in two several hives?  Tortona. 
Yea verily, for all experience doth teach, that very few second swarms will live over a year, if they be not swarmed soon in the year, (which seldom or never happeneth) except you use them in this manner; by putting two or three swarms together, and then they will do as well as a first swarm, although it be great and good, as myself have had good proofs and experience.  Petralba. 
But as I think, a few Bees should need but a little food, and many Bees much food, and therefore it should not be the number of the Bees that should make them thrive or live the better, but the proportion of the food they gather, according to the number of the Bees that are to live upon the same, be they many or few, whereas multitudes many times make scarcity, and bringeth danger to all the company.  Tortona. 
You have some probability for that you say, but yet it is not altogether so in his case. For although it be manifest that Bees cannot live without honey, which is their food, yet is warmth an especial matter unto them in the winter, which is the only time when they can suffer want; and therefore when there is a great company, they fill the Hive or near unto it, and so keep one another the warmer: whereas if there be but few, so great a place remaineth empty, and having gathered but little they easily take cold. Whereon the contrary we see that many hands make light work, so that such a multitude easily gather some good quantity of wax and honey to furnish the Hive, and to keep them warm: and although many of them happen to die, yet some good number remaineth alive until breeding time. Whereas if there be but a few, and some of them die, the number remaining is not able to do any thing, and so will either die also or else forsake the Hive.  Petralba. 
One thing I will here ask you while I remember it: do you coat your Hives at this time of the year, or do you tarry till winter time when cold weather approacheth?  Tortona. 
When you have any swarm that is set up, Coat it as soon as you can, for the heat of the Sun may otherwise do it much hurt, for although any great heat of the Sun hurteth old stocks very much if they have no defence, yet doth it hurt swarms a great deal more, and will make their wax and honey to melt much sooner, as in all reason may easily be conjectured because their Combs are soft and tender, and their honey fare thinner than that in the old stocks.  Petralba. 
I have not yet heard you declare how one might know when a Hive will swarm; is there no certain rules for that?  Tortona. 
No surely that ever I could perceive, especially before a Hive hath once swarmed, but afterwards if it will swarm again, you shall know it if you go in the evening, for you shall hear a touting in manner like the sounding of a Bugle horn amongst the Bees.  Petralba. 
I have seen in some places where I have been, that their Bees have exceedingly lain out upon the Hive and board, is not that an apparent sign that they will very shortly swarm.  Tortona. 
Experience doth teach that when Bees do lie out as you speak of, it is often very long ere they swarm, yea and sometimes not at all that year: and I take the reason or cause to be twofold, one is when they are oppressed with heat either by the force of the Sun or some other matter, so that they cannot well abide in the Hive, which hindereth their breeding, and also they cool themselves abroad, and therefore care not for swarming: another cause I take to be when there is good store of honey which they are loath to forsake, & so continue without for the most part rather than to swarm, yet commonly when a Hive maketh a great noise and stir in the evening, it is a great probability that it will swarm ere it belong.  Petralba. 
I remember, Master Southern saith that if two swarms happen to go together, they will not be so good as one. For (saith he) although they will tarry together, yet there will be contempt between them, so that they will not thrive nor prosper.  Tortona. 
That is nothing but a mere conceit of his without probability or ground, for I hope he taketh not Bees to be reasonable creatures to know one another a long time after there coming together, to be of another breed. And although that Bees and other unreasonable creatures meeting with others of the same kind, will often at the first sight strive and fight amongst themselves: yet being a little accustomed together they agree well enough without thinking how they came together, or contending for superiority. For else it must needs be granted that they should have memory which is a part of reason, whereof all creatures (except man) are uncapable of. And for mine own part I can assure you, that always I have seen by experience that they have liked and done very well. Yet this I have often seen, that when two swarms have gone together of their own accord, that one of the Master Bees hath been found dead upon the board or Fan whereon the Hive hath stood, which hath been killed (as it seemeth) by the rest of the Bees, to avoid confusion in their government, which must needs happen by multitude of Governors.  Petralba. 
Because you here speak of master Bees, you put me in mind to ask your opinion concerning them. For Master Southern seemeth to deny that there are any such kind of Bees (contrary to the opinion of all that ever (I think) wrote of them) and affirmeth that Bees are led either (as other creatures) by those that put themselves foremost, or else by the Drones who are more stronger and lustier than the other Bees, and do make the greater noise which, saith he, the other follow.  Tortona. 
He seemeth to be of that opinion indeed, wherein he showeth exceeding ignorance in that thing, and I therefore imagine that he never saw Master Bee.  
And yet me think had he no other reason to persuade him but the very master Bees houses or cells, he might well have supposed them to be a different kind of Bees from the other, both considering the different fashion in the making thereof, as also the place apt and fit for command.  Petralba. 
Is there any such great difference in the manner of the making and placing of their houses that should declare so apparent a difference between them?  Tortona. 
Yea for certain very much: for all the other Bees have their houses or cells joined together in an uniform order without any difference, as every one can place himself, which we call the combs. But the houses or cells of the master Be, are not placed like the other, nor have the like fashion, but are made by themselves long, thick, and much stronger than the other. Besides that, they are not ranged amongst the rest, but are placed at the passages of the Bees, as they go to and fro up and into the hives: in such sort as a man may well perceive, are most fit to oversee and command what is needful to be done; but I will more at large answer that Mr. Southerns' objections in another place.  Petralba. 
Well Sir, than I will propound no more questions concerning that at this time, yet I remember you were of this opinion with Mr. Southern, that many swarms were not good out of one hive; what means is there to prevent it?  Tortona. 
Surely in some years, and of some hives there is little remedy for it; nevertheless, my order is, that when I have had one swarm of a hive, within a while after, if it be in May or june (for if the first swarm be afterwards, there is no great likelihood of a second or third swarm) I hoist or lift up the stock the thickness (or sometimes) the breadth of a brick, and so lay brickbats under the hive round about, except at the mouth; provided that they go no further under the hive, than the thickness of the sides; then do I daub it well up again, and make a handsome mouth, with a piece of a trencher, or little board. And this will make them more room, and cause them to be busy in filling the empty place up again, so that it is a great chance if they swarm any more that year: I have seen in Suffolk and Northfolk things made of straw for that purpose, which are very good, but we have them not here about. Now if the hive be hoist before, then there is no remedy that I know, but that they will swarm as often as they list.  Petralba. 
Mr. Southern, I think, speaketh of such a matter, but he would have the hoisting taken away, and the hive set down again towards the winter.  Tortona. 
He doth indeed, and I cannot but wonder at his error, for I never saw any hive hoist up in my life, if it were done any thing soon in the year, namely in May or june, but the Bees did work down to the board or plank they stood on again; and then every man may conjecture, that the combs would be pressed and thrust together by taking away of the brickbats, or other hoisting, and many of the Bees killed, as also the place would be stopped up for others to go to and fro, and much of the honey pressed out with the weight of the hive and honey.  Petralba. 
Surely in reason a man would imagine no less, and therefore I think he must needs be deceived in this. And yet I suppose he holdeth another opinion as absurd as this; and that is, that he would not have the Drones killed, who all the world hold to be enemies to the Bees, devourers of their food that they should live by in the winter, and such as altogether do live by the labours of others.  Tortona. 
But therein you deceive yourself, for although, I confess, I am not fully of that opinion with him in this matter, yet do I hold also that the Drones are necessary and helpful to the Bees, so long as they exceed not a due proportion (much like to our Lawyers) but let their number grow to great (as often it doth) and they will indeed devour the substance of the Bees (as the Lawyers of the Commonwealth) and finally bring it to destruction. And therefore Nature having taught the Bees to perceive this thing, hath also armed them to kill in the later part of the Summer, when they increase too fast, so many of them as shall be a burden unto them. I would reason would teach us by their example to provide a remedy against the unmeasurable multitude of our Lawyers, which I dare boldly speak, have the same quality in our State that Drones have in a hive, namely to be good if they exceed not proportion.  Petralba. 
Then you would not kill any Drones yourself, but let them alone to the pleasure of the Bees to kill or save as many as they list.  Tortona. 
I am in part of that mind indeed, yet have I seen some hives so full of Drones, as I think verily that the Bees were not able to overmaster them without some help: and therefore in such a case I would have you with your finger or knife (standing close by the hive, that you see surcharged overmuch with them) kill a good many of them as they come out and in amongst the Bees: and having made a good beginning, you shall see the Bees go forwards and perform the rest: marry to do it with a Spark leap or engine of rods, I utterly mislike. For so you may kill the master Bees, or some of his brood, instead of Drones, as sometime I have seen: and again, by that means all or the most part of the Drones may be taken, which is also hurtful, for this assure yourself, you shall never see a hive prosper well, be it a swarm or an old stock, until there be some good number of Drones in it.  Petralba. 
Do you not remember that Mr. Southern scoffeth at Mr. Hill for a device he hath written, how to destroy Drones, namely by pulling off some of his legs, and one of his wings, and to let him go into the hive again, for the Bees (saith he) will fall upon all the rest and kill them?  Tortona. 
As fantastical as Mr. Hill is, that conceit of his is not altogether so absurd as Mr. Southern maketh it. For this you shall well perceive, if you diligently observe it, that about mid july or somewhat after, at which time Bees begin to kill their Drones, if some hive do not then fight with, and kill their Drones, do but maim or kill some two, three, or four, and lay them upon the board at the mouth of the hive, or put them into the same a little; and this very thing will begin the fray and contention between them, and they will kill them sooner than peradventure otherwise they would have done: Nevertheless, except it be about that time of the year, it will nothing at all prevail, and that might deceive Mr. Hill, who indeed like a forward Gentleman, published his experiments at the first sight, as he did the setting of Wheat, and many other fantastical toys, without due proof, good probability, or sure ground of reason. But to our kill of Drones: I hold it the best way to let the Bees themselves to execute their justice upon them whom nature hath taught to do that which shall be for their own good, as well in this as in sundry other matters, as experience doth well teach.  Petralba. 
Until what time of the year will Bees swarm?  Tortona. 
Bees do commonly cease from swarming about the fifteenth of july, yet have I had some in the beginning of August, notwithstanding when they happen so late in the year, they are nothing worth, except it be to drive and to take that little honey and wax that they have gathered, about September, and to kill the Bees.  Petralba. 
How long may it be ere a hive swarmeth, and yet the swarm in likelihood may live?  Tortona. 
I cannot give any certain rule for that, because the goodness of the year, and greatness of the swarm may make much to the furtherance of the same: yet have I sundry years observed, that those swarms which happened at or before the fifteenth of july, have done well: but never later in all the time of my observation amongst Bees: and yet notwithstanding it must be understood of such as are either first swarms, or where two or three are put together as before is taught.  Petralba. 
Then it seemeth to me by that which you have said, that all such swarms as happen at or before mid july, are in probability likely to live, and such one may keep for store or else not.  Tortona. 
The time of their swarming (as I said before) cannot be given as a certain rule, to judge by, whether they will live or die until the next year: For I have had swarms about the eighth or tenth of july, that have prospered better than some that were swarmed a month before; for it is with them as with all other creatures, where many times the likeliest and most goodly in show or expectance, prove worst in the end, and those that seem little or nothing worth, prosper and do well: Yet I must needs confess, this is extraordinary and rare. Nevertheless, it is worthy of observation, because without it you may presume of the goodness of aswarm according to the time of the swarming, which without other considerations may be a false rule.  Petralba. 
What rule is there then to be given to know which are likely to live, and which for certain will die: because (as I think) if there be no probable hope that a hive will live, it is better to take their honey, than to lose both honey and Bees also?  Tortona. 
That is most sure, and therefore many have endeavoured to prescribe rules for the knowledge of the same; amongst whom Mr. Southern is one, who holdeth, that except a hive have five quarts of honey or near thereunto, it must needs die the next winter fallowing. But I am fare from this opinion; for in some wet Summers scarce one hive amongst half a dozen, will gather so much honey as he speaketh of. And I do verily believe, that I have seen swarms live over a year that have not had a pottle of honey, nor yet scarce three pints in it. But I must needs confess, that there is great odds and difference in some years, yea almost half in half, and that consisteth especially in the goodness and temperateness of the Spring following: because from some fortnight or three weeks after Michaelmas, until about mid February, Bees for the most part do continually sleep, and so do spend but little of their food, so that at that time of the year foul weather doth them no hurt, if they be kept dry and well stopped up; but rather warm weather which maketh them come abroad, and become hungry. Now about the midst of February, the Spring being at hand, and the Sun about noon giving some forcible heat, they will then begin, if the weather be fair and warm, to look abroad, and to play about, especially if the Sun shine: yet do they gather nothing worth the while, until towards April, nor then neither except the Spring be forwards, and therefore their hardness, if any be, cometh in now, and that is two manner of ways. The one is a late Spring, by which means it is long ere Bees begin to gather. The other, which is worse, is when the Spring time falleth out sometimes wet, and sometimes dry, now hot, and now cold, for heat wakeneth them from sleep, and maketh them to come abroad, and after that cold pincheth them. Again, wet and warm weather maketh them to drink much water, and dry and cold weather coming after it maketh them to scour, and so to die.  Petralba. 
What manner of Spring do you hold best for Bees?  Tortona. 
As I said before, the forward Spring that is temperate. But if there happen any excess, I do prefer a dry Spring before a wet. For always in dry Springs although they be lateward, I have seen Bees do very well, and swarm timely, which I could never perceive in an over wet Spring. But to answer your former question, for the making of my choice of those swarms I would keep: About mid August, or somewhat after, I take a view of all my swarms, especially of those that swarmed after the eighth or tenth of july, (for the other if I see them work lustily, I make no doubt of:) now these I lift up gently with my hands from the board whereon they stand, and if they be any thing heavy, and have about three quarters or more filled the hive with combs, I have great hope in them.  Petralba. 
Have you no certain weight that you go by in your choice of those that you save?  Tortona. 
No truly, but experience herein must be your best rule, let them all affirm what they list: yet I must confess, I would not save any by my will, except I did think them to have a pot of honey at the least in them.  Petralba. 
Well Sir, I suppose I am sufficiently now instructed about the ordering of Bees, and what times and seasons are best and most pleasing unto them. For if I mistake not, you would have the spring of the year (which I suppose you mean to be the months of March and April) to be warm and somewhat dry, that they might be doing betimes, and as most agreeable unto them. The latter part of May and june, you like best to be somewhat moist, with warm showers, because the Bees do breed and swarm best in such weather. But july you desire should be hot and dry, for that as you say, causeth great store of honey.  Tortona. 
Yea verily, and the year falling out in this manner, where Bees are well looked to and ordered as here is taught: they will in all probability bring forth great increase, and yield much profit to those that keep them.  Petralba. 
Yet all this while you have said nothing concerning the driving of hives, about which I have heard so great variety of opinions, as namely whether it be best to drive them, and yet to save the Bees, or else to take as much honey as one can, and burn the Bees. I pray you show me your conceit and judgement in this also?  Tortona. 
You must understand that in the driving of Bees, consisteth all the profit that the owner maketh by the keeping of them, and therefore it behoveth you, and all men that will keep Bees, so to do, as you may make the most profit by them that you can devise, with the least hurt and destruction to the Bees. And this I hope no man of understanding will deny. Now, Sir, it remaineth for me to argue and prove whether of these two ways you speak of, will perform or come nearest that matter, and this is the thing (as I imagine) that you desire to know.  Petralba. 
Yea without all question, that is my desire indeed.  
To deliver my opinion in few words, I hold that to drive them about Bartholomew tide, or a little after, and so to burn or kill the Bees, is simply the best and most profitable, both for the owner, and the increase of his Bees. Now my reasons to prove the same, I will briefly declare. First, the time of the year to drive them in, when there is any hope to save them, must needs be about Mid summer, or before, and then there is great store of spatt and young Bees, who are altogether destroyed by that means. Again, the Bees are so discouraged by the loss of that which they have gathered, that they have almost no heart to labour again, and that may be made apparent by this. For as I said before, I have seen many swarms that came at mid july, that have prospered and done well, but never any that were driven so late, almost by ten days, (which is a great matter at that time of the year) furthermore, if you drive them at that time, you are sure to have small store of honey, which is the principal end of your driving of them: and lastly, which is worst of all, these Bees being thus rob as it were of their provision, and made unfit or unable to furnish themselves again, for the most part fall to robbing of others, and so not only work idly or else cease from gathering themselves, but do much hurt to their neighbours, especially to those that have gathered least, whose Hives being in part empty, they have the more room to get in amongst them. And by this means are the cause of the loss and hurt of more than themselves: as whosoever will diligently observe them shall well perceive the same.  Petralba. 
If it be thus dangerous to themselves, and hurtful to others, I wonder that so many do accustomably drive their Hives after that manner, yet have I hard some hold opinion that it is great pity to kill the Bees that have laboured so for us.  Tortona. 
A foolish custom and a fond conceit will often prevail more with many, than either reason or experience. For now and then peradventure a Hive may be driven after that manner which doth live, and therefore they will adventure again upon the like hazard, hoping they may live also, which I dare undertake scarce one among five doth: and that peradventure may be with the destruction of two or three other Hives that they have rob, which is never perceived of those that own them. Again, to answer their pitiful humour that they would not have Bees killed: Hath not God given all creatures unto us for our benefit, and to be used accordingly as may seem good unto us for our good? we see that many other creatures of greater account are daily killed in infinite numbers for our sustenance, and often for our pleasure, and is it not lawful for us, to use these silly creatures in such sort as they may be most for our benefit▪ which I take to be the right use of them and the very end of their creation?  Petralba. 
Yes without all question, for mine own part I make no doubt to use them so, if it be most for our profit, and also for the good of the rest, as you have to my understanding sufficiently proved, and therefore I suppose you use that way altogether and never drive any until about September.  Tortona. 
Yes that I do sometimes, and that to my benefit. But it is only in this case: when I have a Hive that standeth two or three years and doth not swarm (as amongst many Hives there will almost ever be some such) which I take to be upon some dislike, or fault in the hive, or Combs, or else in the over bigness thereof. About the beginning of july I do many times drive such a hive, yea perhaps two or three in a year, and have had very good success after it. For whereas they have stood before, and have not swarmed at all, I have had two swarms of a hive, the next year following. But often and for the most part they have prospered much better than before, and have yielded me some good increase. And I hold it very probable and likely seldom to fail that a hive may be driven about the fift or sixth of july, so that it hath not swarmed that year, and may do very well. But let it cast but one swarm, and then drive it although it be a week sooner, and I dare hold three to one that it will perish the winter following, except the year be very good. For when a hive swarmeth, the most part of the Bees go away in the swarm, as you may perceive, for sometimes you shall have a swarm so great, that it will almost fill a hive as big as that it came out of, and yet have no Combs in it at all: marry true it is, that they leave much spat and young Bees behind them, which will presently after be come to perfection and ready to labour. But if you drive your hive shortly after, you destroy them all, and so utterly discourage and spoil all the rest of your Bees in that hive for ever, or else it is a great chance.  Petralba. 
Surely Sir, I like very well your dryving of hives in manner as you teach; for such as have many, as you and some others that I know: yet for a young beginner that hath but a few, to do so, it would be long ere he should increase his store, when he must kill some of them he hath.  Tortona. 
If it hole profitable for the increase of Bees, in many, it holdeth good also where there are few. For I will propound the case as if I had but one hive. Now I do know whether it be an old stock, or a swarm of the last year: if it be an old stock, and I fear it will decay with age, rather than you'll increase. I will drive it betimes, as I taught in the last section, into another hive, and not look for a swarm no longer than the beginning of july. And then have I a stock as good as a swarm, whereof I may expect swarms three or four years after, without need to drive it again: But if my stock be young and cast me a swarm, I will not drive it that year, until my store be increased: the next year if either one or both my hives do swarm, I may have one at the least to drive and yet my stock will go forwards notwithstanding: and thus have I many or few, it will be the best course for me both to preserve my stock and to take some honey also, for there will be more honey in one hive at Bartholomew-tide, then in four at midsummer or in the beginning of july.  Petralba. 
Your reason is good, but a little more concerning the driving of hives at Midsummer, or about that time. Although it be granted, (as I confess it is probable by that you have said) that Bees driven at that time of the year, are in apparent danger of death themselves, yet can I not perceive how they should procure the hurt or destruction of any others, because the other in likelihood should be stronger than they, and their hives better filled than theirs, and so should be able to make resistance. Again, why should not late swarms who are also poor enough, of which you save some, hurt their neighbours as well as the drifts?  Tortona. 
You must understand, that although other Bees will indeed to their power resist robbers, yet at one time or other, partly by stealth, and partly by force, they will get into their hives, and rob them, and especially in the winter time, for then other Bees sleep: but the poor ones being pinched with hunger, will in a warm day seek abroad into other hives, and yet the other Bees will at that time scant perceive them, as you may see that Mice, Spiders, Moths, worms, or any such like will easily get into hives in the winter, if there be any room left for them to get in, which in the summer dare not come near, because the Bees will then resist and sting them, being in the prime of their strength. Now why swarms be not robbers as well as drifts, the reason is manifest: For they are composed for the most part of young Bees, who know not how to shift and rob as the old ones do, and having not been rob themselves, seek not to rob others.  Petralba. 
In what manner do you make your choice of those stocks that you mean to drive at Bartholomewtide?  Tortona. 
For the most part of the eldest hives. Because in time Bees will decay and die of themselves, although they were never driven; for that their combs will become black and unsavoury, so that they will mislike them: and again, old Bees are not so good for increase and breeding as the young, nor yet (as some hold) so strong or lusty for labour, and therefore as I said, I always, or for the most part, drive of my eldest hives, ever observing this, that they have cast me one swarm at the least, that year.  Petralba. 
It seemeth to me, that a hive which hath not swarmed, should gather more honey than one that hath swarmed, because in likelihood there should be more Bees, and many hands, as they say, make light work, and fill the hive the better?  Tortona. 
It is out of all question, that hive which hath not swarmed, will have more store of honey than a hive that hath swarmed that year, yea and often times a swarm more than a stock. But a man that desireth to have both profit and increase, must so use the matter, that he may have profit for the present in such sort as he may continue, and still maintain and (if may be) increase his stock for the time to come: for if my stock have swarmed, I do not diminish my store, though I drive my stock, whereas if I drive it before it hath swarmed, I must drive it early, and so have little or no honey, or else if I drive it late, lose stock and all, and so diminish my store. And yet I am not so earnest of increase, but that sometime, when I have good store, and my Bees swarm well, I do drive one that I perceive to be of an extraordinary weight, though it hath not swarmed at all: Marry I do not use it often, neither would I do it at all, except I had good plenty of hives, as you see, for I utterly mislike it in a new beginner.  
Again, another reason why I take such as have swarmed is, for that sometimes (especially in wet summers) some hives will swarm so much, as there will not be Bees enough to keep the honey warm in the winter time, nor in any sort to furnish the hive; so that they would be in danger to die, although they should not be driven, and especially if they be of any great age.  Petralba. 
How long do you think the Bees in a hive will continue and live, if they should not be driven at all, but to let them alone as long as they live?  Tortona. 
How long the Bees in a hive will continue and live, I hold a very uncertain thing to affirm; although I know that many have set down their opinions concerning the same, with great variety and weakness of judgement, which I list not to stand about to confute, nor do I think it necessary. Only this I say, that no man can judge by the time a Bee will live, (although the time were certainly known, which I think no man can justly determine) how long a hive will continue with Bees in it; because all experience doth teach that Bees are every year daily renewed in the summer time: and yet this is the rule they pretend to go by. But I think rather that this thing must be known, by the time that Bees will like and prosper in a hive amongst their old combs, which with continuance will (as I said before) become black and unsavoury; and that will be sooner or later, as the Bees stand to health, and the years happen to prove good or evil for them. And therefore I would advice no man to make trial of this matter, except he like better of curiosity than profit. Myself do not ordinarily suffer any to stand above three, four, or five years at the most, for if I see a hive like well, and that doth cast me a swarm every year, I let it stand the longer; whereas otherwise I drive it the sooner, especially if it cast me no swarm in the two first years: But then I only change it into another hive about the beginning of july, and save the Bees to see if they will do better in another hive.  Petralba. 
Mr. Googe doth keep a great ado concerning the gelding of Bees (as he calleth it) and the proportion that he thinketh fit to leave in the hives for the Bees. And I conceive his meaning to be, to take from every hive some part, and to leave them sufficient to keep them in the winter, and so by this means doth not altogether drive or kill any at all. If it will perform that, it seemeth to me to be a very good way; yet do I not remember that ever I have hard it so much as spoken of in this Country: what do you think of it?  Tortona. 
Marry Sir, I think it a very good way for those that are willing to be rid of their Bees: For let any man that hath been accustomed amongst Bees consider, how this thing can be done, without great trouble, hurt, or danger to the Bees, and also much loss of their honey. And therefore I never knew any so absurd to practise that way that ever I could hear of, for which cause I will not trouble myself to confute it, as palpable enough to all men of any understanding or knowledge.  Petralba. 
In what manner do you use your Bees when you drive them, do you burn them or drown them? For I have heard of some that use the one way, and some the other, but whether is best I know not.  Tortona. 
I make no great difference between the one way or the other, whether is the better. But my manner of driving my hives and killing of my Bees is in this sort. When I purpose to drive any hive, I take an empty hive and stick it, like as I have taught to put in aswarm, and then with a sheet put about it and the hive, I purpose to drive, using it as the common manner is in driving of hives.  
The order and manner whereof is so well known almost to every man, that I shall not need (as I think) to make any further speech thereof. But when I have driven the Bees as clean as I can out of the Hive where they were, into the empty one, I set up the same in the place where the other hive stood, until it be good and late in the night, and that I have taken the honey out of the hive that I have driven, by which time the Bees will all be gone close up together into the top of the hive. Then I take it from the place again gently, and carry it to some plain place made of purpose, and with my hand stamp the hive hard upon the place, and so all the Bees will fall out: Then have I ready a broad board, which I presently lay upon them, and tread upon it, and so presently kill them all, that none escape, whereas, in the burning or drowning of them or any other way that ever I could see, many get away and trouble the rest of the Bees.  Petralba. 
I think it is not good to drive any hives until night, because of troubling the Bees, and to avoid the danger of stinging, which must needs happen in the day time.  Tortona. 
For mine own part I seldom or never drive any until somewhat late in the evening. Yet I have seen some drive hives at noon day, and when it is rainy, it may reasonably well be done, yet as I said, I do hold the evening best and least troublesome. And when I drive three or four in a night (as sometimes I do) it is but sitting up so much the longer.  Petralba. 
When you drive such hives as are hoisted, and raised up with Brickbats or such other things: which of necessity you must take away, when you drive them: how do you make the hives agree and fit well together that the Bees may go well out of the one hive into the other: because the Combs will be longer than the lower part of the hive, and therefore it cannot come near or go close to the other hive.  Tortona. 
For the avoiding of that inconvenience, which will be troublesome I confess, you must do thus, Let your hive into which you will drive your Bees, be somewhat broader than the Hive you drive, and then, the ends of the Combs will go into it, and you shall drive the Bees into it without any trouble or inconvenience at all, more than if the hive were not hoisted at all.  Petralba. 
After what manner do you order your honey, for if I be not deceived, I have seen much better honey in some places, than in other some: But whether the cause hath been in the using of it, in the difference of the place where it was gathered, or in the goodness or badness of the year wherein it was gathered, that I was not able to determine.  Tortona. 
Without all doubt, any of these three causes may work some effect in the goodness of honey. Yet do I hold the well ordering of it, to be a great and principal cause to have good honey, for it may be spoilt at the first taking of it out of the Hive, or afterwards in the evil keeping thereof. You see what manner of honey that is, which we call Western honey, which for mine own part I loath to taste, and I have seen some hereabouts not much better. But how they use it I know not, nor have any list to understand. But howsoever it might not be of the best gathering, yet I verily believe it would have been much better, if it had been well handled. Concerning the manner that I use and like, I will show you two ways. The first way is this, Take a great earthen pan or such like, and spread over it a large new Canvas cloth, that is very thin: and wring the honey out of the Combs, as hard as you can, when you have done all, knit the cloth at the four corners together, and hang it up by putting a stick or staff through at the knitting, right over the said pan, and so let it run into the pan of its own accord without forcing. Then put it up into a pot that hath not been washed, or if it be washed, let it be perfectly dry again, and so keep it for use, and you must take heed that no water or other things run near unto it, to fall into it. For there be many things that will corrupt honey. The other way is in this sort, in stead of your cloth take a searce and lay it over your pan, and so to refine your honey by letting it run through it. Both which ways I take to be good enough. And this is all that I use to do with my honey at the driving of my hives. And as for the keeping of it afterwards, it shall need nothing else, but that the pots be close and safe from any thing coming or falling into them. And if any rose worketh or spurgeth up (as sometimes it will do) you must take it away. Yet this I must tell you, that the honey of aswarm will not be so thick as that of an old stock, nor honey that is gathered late, so good as that which is gathered in the former part of the Summer: But I suppose the chief reason to be, for that the former hath continued longer amongst the Bees, who with their heat have composed it to a better substance, then that which hath lain a lesser while amongst them, and therefore is not so well refined as the other is.  Petralba. 
After what manner do you deal with your Combs to try out the wax.  Tortona. 
The manner thereof is so common and well known to every one, as I shall not need (but for form sake) to say any thing thereof. And therefore I will be the more brief. When the honey is all gotten out, put all your Combs (as well those that had no honey in them as the rest) into a good quantity of fair water, (of this water some make a kind of drink called Meath) which if you do change your Combs into other water, and boil them a little while, till the Combs are well melted, then put the Combs and water together into a Canvas bag, made like an hippocras bag, viz. narrow at the lower end, and strain as much as you can thorough the same, letting it run into a vessel of cold water, casting away the rose that remaineth in the bag. After this, gather the wax well together and melt it in a posnet or such like at a soft fire, and let it be made into what form you please, but if it be not purified at the first trying well enough (as peradventure it will not be) then try or melt it again, first having scraped or pared of the rose that settleth at the bottom. But if you will have your wax very yellow, you must not put to it the Combs, of your swarms that you drive, but try that by itself, for the wax of swarms is much whiter than the wax of an old stock; and being tried with it, will make it have a more pale colour then otherwise it would have. And this is as much as (in my conceit) shall be needful to be done concerning the well keeping and ordering of Bees.  Petralba. 
Mr. Googe and others that have written of the ordering of Bees, make report of many sorts of Trees, Herbs and Plants, which as they say are profitable and helping to Bees, if they be placed and set near unto them, and that by gathering of them, they will prosper and increase much the better. Therefore I pray you let me not be without your opinion, and judgement concerning that point also. And if you think them any furtherance to their prosperity, that you would set down the names of those that you think most necessary, and the manner how and when to plant them.  Tortona. 
It cannot be denied, that as all other creatures are benefited and furthered by such things as Nature hath created for their sustenance and delight, even so the silly Bees also are not without their benefit by being near such trees and plants as they joy and delight to gather of, especially such as blossom in the beginning of the Spring, when few or no plants are to be found for that purpose growing in the fields: but if April be once past, I hold it not much material, because then every field hath plenty of flowers and plants for them to gather of. And therefore I do like well that you should plant such things about your gardens and yards, the names whereof and the manner how to do it, I will declare unto you, of so many as I can remember. But for those that blossom later, as things of less regard for this purpose, I will only name them without any more ado. And yet one thing I will here remember unto you, that should have been spoken of before; I hold it very good to plant young trees about and near unto your Bees (so that they stand not to the South of them) which will be both good for them to light and settle upon in swarming time, as also for them to gather upon their blossoms if they be fruit trees.  Petralba. 
What fruit trees do you hold best for that purpose?  Tortona. 
Such as blossom early, as Cherrytrees, Plumtrees, and Pearetrees; and in that number you may also reckon Apricocks and Peaches, which blossom at that time of the year, or rather more early: for if you observe it, you shall see the Bees exceedingly to gather in their blossoms, when they blow.  Petralba. 
What sorts of them do you think best to be planted, for I would plant of such as should be best for them?  Tortona. 
It is not my purpose in this place to distinguish of the goodness of fruits, as not material to the matter in hand; because Bees delight as well in the blossoms of the worst as of the best. And again, I suppose it a bustle piece of work to perform, for every man's taste will challenge a censure in that thing, because we see one man loveth that which another can scarce abide to see: yet would I wish you if you plant, to plant such as are of most account, and that you shall best fancy in your taste. Now concerning the manner how to plant them, it must be done in the winter time: and if your soil of ground be light, as of sand, or such like, then plant them between October and December, setting them somewhat deep into the ground; but if it be a heavy soil, and the bottom be of clay, than set them fleet and shallow into the ground, and remove them not until between December and February, for the coldness and witness of that kind of ground will do them much hurt if they be soon removed.  Petralba. 
Are not Appletrees also good for them?  Tortona. 
Yes, without all question, they are most excellently good for them to settle and light upon, and the Bees will also gather of their flowers or blossoms: but because they blow later, I do not account them amongst those that are altogether so good as the other for Bees to gather upon.  Petralba. 
At what time of the year are they to be planted?  Tortona. 
At all one time with the other trees before named, and the same manner I would wish you to observe in the planting or setting of them.  Petralba. 
What kind of soil do Apple trees like best?  Tortona. 
I hold that Appletrees do best delight and prosper in a soil mixed of clay and sand; For sandy grounds will make them much subject to the canker, and claiy grounds as much to be anonyed with moss, and therefore it is out of all doubt, that a soil composed of them both, is most fit to plant them in. But herein I would not have you take me to mean such a mixed soil as many yards and gardens are, which with continual dunging grow to be a black earth, for in such grounds Appletrees are most of all subject to the canker; but I mean it of such as naturally or by art have such a mixture, without any dung.  Petralba. 
Do you hold dung to be hurtful to trees?  Tortona. 
Yea verily, and this is a general rule, that for the most part of plants and herbs dung is very good and profitable, but for trees I hold it rather hurtful than good?  Petralba. 
Now you have spoken of trees that you hold best to be planted for the benefit of Bees, I pray you do the same also for herbs and plants.  Tortona. 
In the first place for plants that blossom early, I will remember Rosemary, which flowreth both in the Spring and again in Autumn, in the flowers whereof Bees do exceedingly delight: it is planted of the slip, and almost at any time of the year, especially in the Spring; it prospereth best in a light soil, and is to be planted on the South or West side of a wall or pale, for it loveth warmth, as a plant that groweth naturally best in hot countries.  
Borage also is a plant in the flowers whereof Bees do very much delight to gather, and it blossometh most part of the year; it is planted best of the seed, at any time of the year, and loveth a fat soil.  
In this number I will also place the Raspis or Iramboys, although that they flower somewhat later than the other, for it is exceeding that Bees will lie and gather in them: they are planted of the young shoots from the roots, in February and March, and joy in any kind of ground almost, so it be any thing good.  
There is also a little plant called Pulsatilla that flowreth in the beginning of April, that they also much delight in: it is planted of the seed, in the winter time, and loveth somewhat a fast and stiff soil.  
Rapes, Turnips, and Cabbages, are plants that Bees delight to gather in their flowers, but they flower in the second year after their planting, they grow of seed, and delight in a fat mid well dunged soil.  
Bearfoot is also a plant that flowreth early, and Bees do much delight to gather of the blossoms thereof; it is planted of the seed or young sets in the Spring, it loveth a good and fat soil, yet is apt enough to grow any where.  
Beans are also plants that Bees do much delight to gather in their flowers, who if they be planted early, will blow in March and April, and so be very good for Bees that are near unto them; the manner of planting of them is so commonly known, as I need say nothing thereof.  
Sundry other small plants there are that flower early, which Bees will gather of, as Primroses, single Violets, and such like, the recital whereof would be to small purpose, because those most material and fittest to be planted, are aforenamed.  Petralba. 
Then you are of opinion, that these plants and trees, or the most part of them, you would advice such as keep Bees, to plant about them.  Tortona. 
I do indeed, for as I have elsewhere said, in the Spring of the year when Bees are weak, and little or nothing to be found in the fields, a very small thing maintaineth life, and cherisheth them, as mine own experience hath taught me. For by reason that I have some plenty of such trees and plants, I have seen my Bees lusty and strong in the Spring, when others have been feeble and weak, yea and have wrought and laboured well, when others have found little or nothing abroad to do them any good.  Petralba. 
You speak as though there were many other plants that blossom more late in the year, which Bees also do gather of, I pray you which be they?  Tortona. 
If May be once well entered, the fields almost every where yield abundance of flowers, both for the profit and delight of all creatures, as especially for the benefit of Bees, a catalogue of the most part of those that they usually gather of, I will briefly set down; not for that I hold it necessary to plant them in gardens, or other places, for the benefit of your Bees, (except such as serve for other good and necessary uses) for that were an endless work, but only to acquaint you with their names, and to satisfy in part the minds of some curious readers.  
I will begin with the Sallow tree, which beareth the Palm, upon which Bees will gather exceeding much, and it might have been placed among the for most number, for the timely Blossoming, and the profit that Bees take by it, but that it is of that sort which is not convenient to be planted near a house, nor in a garden or orchard, because it beareth no fruit, nor hath in it any delectation or pleasure for any extraordinary use or delight.  
The Maple also is a tree that Bees much delight to gather in the flowers thereof, and they also come somewhat early.  
The Birch and Beech trees are also good for Bees to gather in the time of their flowering, as also the plants following:  
Angelica, Melilot, Stecados, Avens, Solidago, Sarazanica, Virga aurea, Lisimachia, Radix cava, Mallows, Balm, Clover, especially that with the white flower. Bramble or Blackberry bush; in the time of the flowering of this plant happeneth the greatest plenty of honey. Thyme, Branck or Buck Hisop, Lavender, Sage. And these are the principal that I can now call to remembrance.  Petralba. 
Are there not some trees and plants that are hurtful unto Bees, and so not good to be placed near them?  Tortona. 
Yes, sundry, whereof the chiefest are these that follow: the Yew tree, the Box tree.  
And of plants these, Spurge, Wormwood, Woad, wild Cucumbers, Mayweed: some hold the Elm in flowering time to be hurtful for Bees.  
Any oily or unctuous matter is very hurtful for Bees.  Pet. 
Sir, I am bold to claim your promise, for your further declaration unto me of the nature, breeding and government of Bees.  Tortona. 
Sir, I will declare unto you my opinion and conceit concerning your request. And yet I must here tell you, that as in our former speech I did chief trust to mine own experience and practice amongst Bees; in this day's work I must as much lean to, and be ruled by the opinions of others: now and then mixing amongst them some of mine own observations and experiments, yet so, as I rather leave them to the consideration of those of better judgement, then affirming them as a certain and undoubted truth. Because many of the questions that will offer themselves here to be considered of, are so intricate and doubtful, that they shall need much observation and great judgement to determine. But to proceed, Aristotle, Virgil, and diverse others that have curiously searched and written, of the nature, government, and breeding of Bees: do make many sorts and kinds of Bees, as well for their difference in their quantity and bigness, as also in their fashion and form. Aristotle he liketh best the short, speckled, and well knit Bee, and Virgil preferreth the long, smooth, and fair Bee. But for mine own part, as one not so well acquainted with the variety of their kinds (wherein I could never perceive in our country any great difference) I do like best such Bees as be gentle and well coloured, for the waspish and fell Bees are never good, neither for increase or profit, and the evil coloured are not in health.  
But because every man must content himself with such as he hath, or can get, it behoveth those that have of the worst sort, so to use them by gentle and good means, that their cursed and waspish qualities, may be bettered and made more gentle.  
Plinysaith that the Bee is the only best of all Infects whatsoever, exceeding every one in profit, excellence and use, they are creatures of a strange composition and much stranger substance, for they have neither flesh, blood, bones, or sinews, do not move by joints, have neither chine, nor gristle; fat or excrement; but are compact and made of a corporeal substance or middle nature between all these, through which the life or moving is dispersed generally and not seated or settled in any particular part; as other creatures have in the heart and in the brain, whence it cometh (as we see by daily experience,) that if you divide and cut them or dismember them into two parts, each part will equally live a long time after such dismemberings.  
They have no Intraylls or other inward Organs, by which either to retain or evacuat, only a certain Conduit or pipe, which instead of a gut (being wrapped together carrieth and disposeth whatsoever it receiveth.  
They have many feet, that is to say, six, and the reason thereof is, because (as before I said) the vital parts are not seated in any one member, but dispersed abroad and communicated to every other part of the body, holding the least of it residence in the head.  
They have wings to transport and carry them to what place they please, and also to bring them home when they are laden with the wealth and riches of their labours.  
Their feet are crooked, and longer from the bent downward then from the bent to the body, and the longer the feet are, the better: for it is a great sign of long life and faithful labour.  
They have all the five senses which man hath, and in a liberal proportion: As first eyes, by which they see and discern to distinguish of one Flower from another, and to make choice of that which is most amiable and best agreeing to their natures and profits.  
Then hearing, by which they listen unto sounds, as the commands of their Sovereign or Master Be, the noise of their companions and their one or others Music, as we see by daily experience, when the tinkling of a Basin or such like Instrument will congregate and gather them together, when the swarms are never so fare or wide dispersed.  
Then smelling, by which they know the sweet Flowers from the bitter herbs, cleaving unto Roses, Violets, bugloss, borage and the like, but eschewing and abandoning Onions, Garlic, Rew, and Hemlock, nay so excellently curious are they in their smelling that they will not abide any distasteful smell that is about them that Govern them, and will naturally take an offence at a stinking breath.  
Then feeling, as is most easily to be perceived by their embracing and love to the things they affect, and the offence and revenge they take, when at any time they are oppressed or offended, being so sensible of pain that they will lose their sting (which is half a loss of life) rather than to be tormented, or pained above their nature.  
Lastly, they have the sense of tasting, being able to judge which Flower is sweet and will afford plenty of Honey, and which is gummy or slimy from whence they may draw wax.  
The Bee (of all creatures) is the most laborious, and never giveth over his day's labour from the midst of April till the beginning of November, neither would he then cease, were it not for his two mortal enemies, Snow and Frosts, the bitterness of both which he can neither endure nor suffer. And thus much I thought good to say concerning their nature or kinds.  
Now concerning their breeding, there is much ado, and great variety amongst writers, as well for the manner of their breeding, as also for the time of their bringing forth, and the coming to perfection of their brood. Some hold the Drone to be the Male, and the Be the female, and that they engender by copulation. Others affirm that they engender not, but that they gather their young ones, upon some Flowers: again some are of opinion that the Kings or Master Bees, do engender all the rest: and some that they lay eggs and sit upon them, which will come to be Bees in 45 days. But I am of opinion with Mr. Southern, that they do blow as a Fly and Wasp doth in their holes or Cells, and as the blows of the Flies are nourished by the flesh wherein they are blown, and the young of the Wasps by the earth wherein they are bred, so the spat or brood of the Bees are nourished by honey and water: For in the Combs wherein they are bred, you shall see every second or third hole or cell filled with water or honey, whereof if they want, their spat will perish. And if they are bred by copulation (as some affirm, and as may be, without contradiction to the former opinion) being thereby made able to spat or cast their brood, I could like of their opinions which hold the Drones to be the Males. Because all experience doth teach that never any Bees were, or can be without Drones; and therefore without all doubt nature hath created them for some principal use: and I nor no man can perceive any greater than this, or as almost fit for little or nothing else.  Petralba. 
If that were so, I me think there should then be as many Drones as Bees, and again the Bees would not kill them, because we do not read of any other creature, that the Males are killed by the Females.  Tortona. 
You must not think that I would certainly affirm that, which so many learned men have but guessed at, yet by way of reasoning I may thus much say in answer of your objection: We see that many creatures do increase best, when there are but a few Males amongst them, in comparison of the Females, as Cows, Sheep, Coneys, and many others; and although the Females of these kinds cannot, of will not, kill their Males themselves, yet who knoweth whether this be not a peculiar property in the Bees or no, when they find themselves to be surcharged with them. And this is most certain, that the Bees never fall to killing of their Drones until breeding time be almost out for that year.  Petralba. 
How long is it ere the spat or brood of the Bees will come to perfection, and be ready to gather?  Tortona. 
Most of the ancient writers do hold, that from the first calling of their spat to the coming forth of the same, it is forty and five days. But Mr. Southern affirmeth, that they bring forth their brood in fifteen days at the most. Yet notwithstanding Mr. Southernes' supposed reasons to the contrary, I rather yield to the former opinion, as most probable by fare in my conceit  Petralba. 
I pray you what are his reasons that he aleadgeth against so many great and ancient learned men?  Tortona. 
He allegeth two, but the former of them he answereth himself, namely, that an old stock after it hath cast a swarm within nine days hath cast another, but (this faith he) may be alleged to be of the remnant of the other, or else some that then were almost ready to fly, and I say that this allegation is true: (or I have of ten seen a hive cast a swarm, and within four days cast another.  
His other reason is, that he hath had a swarm put into a new hive, which hath swarmed again within fifteen days after, and therefore he concludeth that these must needs be bred since their putting into that hive.  Petralba. 
His first reason I confess it is but weak, but, how do you answer this last?  Tortona. 
For answer of the other, I said that no greater proof than he allegeth, cannot (in my conceit) weigh down, the long observations and reputations of so many learned men, concurring in one opinion, whereof no doubt some of them might and did make trial. But to let them pass, I hold that a great swarm (having laboured 15 days, in which time about the begin▪ of july, they might almost fill the hive with wax and some honey, and also have left good store behind them of spat) may swarm out more than half the Bees, which will be a pretty swarm, and yet leave some store behind in the hive to maintain their spat, and also to labour until the other be ready: as myself have seen the like. Nevertheless when such a thing happeneth, it is as I think upon some fault in the hive, or other dislike, and will put the same in danger to dye the next winter as himself confesseth, which could not be, if all the old store remained behind, who were able well to maintain the hive.  
But in very truth, whosoever shall observe the manner of their breeding, must needs confess, that they cannot bring forth in fifteen days, nor near unto it, as Mr. Southern conceiteth; for when Bees first cast their spat, it is as small almost as a little fly-blow, than it increaseth to the fashion of a worm, and will be quick, and dieth again, lastly it obtaineth the form of a Bee some good time before it come to perfection, whose continuance is so much, that by mine own experience I dare affirm, that Mr. Southern is mistaken in this matter.  Petralba. 
Although this should be granted that you say, yet how should they do for another master Bee to go out with the swarm, or else to remain behind in the hive?  Tortona. 
I do not take it for certain, that there is but one master Bee to a hive, or swarm, for some hold there are to every one two, and some more, and yet peradventure, the multitude of master Bees in that swarm, may be one principal cause to make it swarm again; for it is an extraordinary matter to have a swarm cast a swarm again, especially so soon as Mr. Southern speaketh of, namely within fifteen days; yet I confess, I have seen the like by a great and forward swarm, or when two have gone together of their own accord, betimes in the year.  Petralba. 
But how do you know that the swarm that it cast was not of a new increase?  Tortona. 
Besides the reasons that I have alleged, this also may be added, for that in the like case a man shall perceive but a few Bees to be left behind, for they will work much more slowly until the time come to bring forth their brood, and then they will be full again, as before, which would not be perceived if the old Bees had been all left behind.  Petralba. 
What part of the year do you take to be the principal time of their breeding?  Tortona. 
They will breed or spat from April until it be mid September; but the principal time I take to be between mid April and mid july; for between those times, if you drive any hive, you shall ever find great store of spat and young Bees: and yet aswarm will breed very much, even until the end of August.  Petralba. 
Here cometh to my remembrance a question, which I purposed ere this to have propounded unto you: I believe you have heard it to go for a common received opinion, that Bees after they have lost their sting by stinging of any thing, will be Drones, which Mr. Southern seemeth to scoff at, I pray you, what think you concerning that matter?  Tortona. 
I am fully of Mr. Southerns' opinion for that, because what Bee soever hath lost her sting, shall lose her life also within a short time after, as losing some part of her intrals withal, for Drones are bred as other Bees are, as any man that driveth a hive, shall well know the Drone spat by the bigness thereof, before it come to any perfection.  Petralba. 
Well Sir, now I pray you, let me have your opinion concerning the King, or master Be, first for his quanity and form, for their number, and lastly for their power and command over the rest of the Bees?  Tortona. 
Aristotle and Virgil do make mention of two sorts of Kings or master Bees, the one sort being of a golden colour, very fair and gallant to the sight; and these they suppose to be the best: but the other sort are of the colour of other Bees. Now all the master Bees that ever I saw, differ little in colour from the other Bees, but that their legs are yellow, inclining to a golden colour: they are bigger than another Bee, and much more longer, almost by the one half.  
Concerning the number of them in a hive, I dare not determine any thing for certain; yet do I think that one hath the principal command, if they agree and prosper well: their young ones or spat are bred in their own houses or cells, and not amongst the other Bees, as I have often seen.  
Now for their authority and command, with the great obedience which the other yield unto them, I will cite the opinion of Virgil, Englished by Mr. Geoge.  
Not Egypt in his prime,  
Nor Lydia large and wide,  
Nor yet the Parthian people great,  
Nor all the Medes beside,  
Do so their King obey,  
Who being safe and well,  
Their minds are altogether one,  
He only hears the bell.  
If the King perish, the rest of the Bees never prosper, but come to nought. Not long since I had two swarms did arise almost at one time, and when the first was almost hived, the other came to them, and when part were gone into one hive, I took that away clean, and put another hive in the place, into which the most part of my Bees went, and I set them up both, but that which had most Bees, by little and little came to nothing; and I take the reason to be, for that both the master Bees were gone into the other hive, before I took it away, which the other could not find, and therefore perished, as I say; for when I came to take a view of my Bees in August, I found that they had almost gathered nothing, which I doubted before, by their lazy going out and in.  Petralba. 
It is a marvel that Mr. Southern should be so much deceived, to think there are no such Bees, contrary to the opinion of all men.  Tortona. 
As I said before, so I say again, I do much wonder at it, in a man of any practice amongst Bees, for by the very master Bees houses, which he could not be ignorant of, but must needs imagine such a kind of Bee. And I do verily believe that there is not any man that ever did drive a hive with any observation, but will condemn his opinion, as altogether absurd, although that he never saw master Be himself.  Petralba. 
I pray show unto me at large the difference you speak of.  Tortona. 
You must understand, that all the other cells or holes, are made and placed in one uniform order, as a troop or squadron of soldiers ranged in order of battle, or lodged in a well pitched camp; every cell or hole being six square, according to the number of the Bees feet, and of the depth of a Bees length and somewhat more; and this order is double, as you see with a film or stop in the midst, that the one Bee cannot go thorough to another, so that the thickness of this workmanship or frame, which we call a comb, is as thick as two Bees are long, and are commonly as broad as the hive is wide, and as long as the hive is deep: all which are placed so near one to another, as the Bees may conveniently pass to and fro between the said combs. But the master Bees houses or cells are not ranged or placed in the form and order of the rest, but are seated upon some side or top or corner of a comb, in or near such places as the Bees most commonly pass by with their substance that they gather: and as the Captains or other Commanders are pitched in a camp, or in the head or place convenient in a troop or squadron of soldiers. Again, the fashion of them is nothing like the other, but they are sumptuously built round, thick and long, very artificial and stately.  Petralba. 
Is there but one of them in a hive, or do they build many such?  Tortona. 
There are sundry of them in every hive, but the number is uncertain, yet did I never see fewer than 5 or 6. nor ever above 9 or 10. which being placed and dispersed into sundry parts of the hive, seem to be places of remove as occasion shall require, to oversee any part thereof.  Petralba. 
Do not the Master Bees breed or spat in their houses, as the other Bees do in their Combs or Cells.  Tortona. 
Yes without all question, for myself have often times, found of their young in some of their houses of all sorts, namely, some ready to fly, and some white spat, and they hold that these Bees have wings and feet at the first, and are not like a worm at all as the other Bees are.  
These Master Bees are absolute in their authorities and commands, and out of a regal power or civil discipline answerable to our Marshal laws, and as having a supreme prerogative above all the rest, he overvieweth all that are within the compass of his squadrons, he administereth justice unto all, correcting the lazy, floathfull, and disobedient, and giving honour and encouragement to those which are painful, laborious and diligent: In recompense whereof, and as it were a Tribute due unto him from their duties, they ofter unto him all their services and loyalties, guarding and defending him from all dangers whatsoever, either civil and domestic, as in his own hive, or foreign and abroad when they encounter with the assaults of other strange Bees.  
This Master Bee doth not alone after a general manner take view of their general labours, but particularly over-looketh every particular work, every edifice, building, store-house, and whatsoever is necessary and appertaining either to the support or maintenance of that little Commonwealth, and wheresoever he findeth error, there he enforceth a present amendment.  
This Master Bee hath a sting as well as the rest, yet more for ornament then use, being so guarded and defended by those Armies which encamp about him, that he seldom or never findeth any occasion to employ it?  
Again, as he hath this general guard of the whole multitude or Army of common soldiers, so he hath a sellect and particular guard of choice officers or supreme Commanders, as Generals, Lieutenant Generals, Marshals, Sergeant-Majors, Colonels and Captains; and these whensoever he pleaseth to issue from his hive attend on him in a singular and formal equipage, being so Marshaled abroad and encamped at home, that no Military discipline can either exceed or amend the excellency of their orders; and thus much I think shall suffice concerning the breeding of Bees, and the power of the chief commander.  Petralba. 
Well Sir, now I pray you let me have your opinion concerning their order and manner of government, so much spoken of and admired, as well the ordering themselves in their hives, as in disposing themselves to labour abroad, and their gathering admirable and profitable commodities.  Tortona. 
They live together in their hives, as it were in a Camp, and duly keep their watch and ward at the mouth or hole of their hive: in the morning you shall see them go forth warily, not too far at the first, especially if the weather be suspicious, whereof they seem to have some knowledge by a certain kind of natural instinct, as the Poet hath well observed in these words.  
Vir. Nor from the hives if likely it be to rain,  
They fare do stray, nor trust they will the sky,  
If that the South winde blow but still remain  
At home or busied be with water nigh.  
Being loaded they fly with the wind: if any tempest suddenly arise, they countervail themselves with little stones, flying in the wind as near the ground as may be, they labour both at home and aboard as appointed, as Virgil affirmeth in these words.  
Some range for food,  
And ply the fields abroad,  
Some still at home,  
Do labour busily,  
And round about with wax,  
The hives do load,  
Which from the gums,  
They painfully do try.  
For they gather the wax of Flowers and gummy substances that they find, as may be well perceived by their going home loaden therewith, upon their legs and backs.  Petralba. 
It is a common received opinion, that Bees gather as much honey of Flowers, as wax, if not more.  Tortona. 
I do confess it is, and I will not deny but that they may gather honey upon some Flowers, as upon the Bramble Flowers, Glover, and some other that blossom about the time of year when they gather most honey. Yet for the most part I am fully persuaded they gather very little honey upon Flowers, but almost altogether wax, except only sufficient to maintain life, and to breed withal, and yet they want of that also in the dry and cold times that after happen in May & june: but of this I have spoken before; where I shown what Trees and plants are good for Bees, and how the Bee garden ought to be accommodated with all things that are necessary for the benefit and increase, both of honey and wax. And so I conclude this short discouse or History of Bees with that of Virgil,  Sic vos non vobis, etc. 
FINIS.