John Burgess <[log in to unmask]> wrote:   
> And another term is "tanging", the process of
> persuading a swarm to come 
> to ground by e.g. beating a frypan with a ladle!


Thanks John, I checked it out.
Some interesting history about tanging swarms dating to Ancient Roman 
times.

“…since Ancient times it was believed that a flying swarm could be induced 
to settle by ‘tanging’-striking two metal objects together to make a loud 
noise…”
(The World History of Beekeeping and Honey Hunting, Pg 239, Eva Crane, 
1999)

“This custom of tanging swarms was as universal in the British Isles as in 
the Roman Empire, and it may be that the custom was introduced into 
Britain by the Romans, but it is certain that the English were acquainted 
with it before they came to England.”
(The Sacred Bee in Ancient Times and Folklore, Pg. 225, Hilda M. Ransome, 
2004

(Rural Recollections: with Other Poems, William Holloway, 1803)
“…And the shrill tinklings of the brazen pan, In van of swarming bees….” 

tang - tanging or tinkling   “innilusque cie et Matris quäle cymbala 
circum” Tinnilusque cie. "Call forth, also, tinklings," i. e., make a 
tinkling noise with brazen vessels. A tinkling noise is generally, though 
erroneously, considered to be useful in inducing bees to settle ; it is 
usually made by drumming smartly upon a frying-pan with a large key ; and 
the cottagers, according to Bevan, call it tanging or ringing. It was 
probably practised at first, as Butler says, to proclaim to the neighbours 
that a swarm was up, serving as a public notification to them from what 
quarter the swarm proceeded. "This view of the matter is confirmed," says 
Bevan, " by the opinion prevalent in some districts, that unless the 
apiarian can prove the tanging, he cannot justly lay claim to the swarm, 
if it happen to cluster on the premises of a neighbour. The original of 
this proceeding seems, however, to be lost sight of, and what was founded 
on reason has been continued from habit ; consequently, the practice is 
regarded by most of the cottagers as quite necessary to effect a speedy 
and satisfactory settling of the bees. Most scientific apiarians 
discountenance it, and I am convinced that it is wholly unnecessary. It 
is, however, a very ancient practice, older than the days of Aristotle." 
(The Eclogues and Georgics of Virgil, Pg 401, Charles Anthon, 1847

Tanging was called ‘tinkling’ by the ancient Roman times.  In Virgils Book 
of Georgics, we can date the custom of tanging to 29 B.C.E.  Here, a 
section from the Book of Georgics that describes tinkling swarms. 

“You marvel at yon dusky cloud that spreads And lengthens on the wind, 
then mark them well; For then 'tis ever the fresh springs they seek And 
bowery shelter: hither must you bring The savoury sweets I bid, and 
sprinkle them, Bruised balsam and the wax-flower's lowly weed, And wake 
and shake the tinkling cymbals heard By the great Mother: on the anointed 
spots Themselves will settle, and in wonted wise Seek of themselves the 
cradle's inmost depth.”  (The Georgics, Virgil, 29 B.C.E.)

Best Wishes
Joe
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/HistoricalHoneybeeArticles

****************************************************
* General Information About BEE-L is available at: *
* http://www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/default.htm   *
****************************************************