City abuzz: Novice beekeepers blamed for recent swarms http://www.amny.com/urbanite-1.812039/city-abuzz-novice-beekeepers-blamed-for-recent-swarms-1.2957436 Historically, a swarm was looked at by the public as as an exciting event. A hundred years ago, crowds would gather on the street, police would halt horse carriages and street cars until the swarm was safe in the possession of someone who would provide them with a good home. Often, the first person who passed by -knowing a little about bees secured the swarm and gained recognition and fame from the community, as the town 'bee charmer' as well as a bit of jealously from others who wanted the swarm for themselves. In the days following, the bee charmer might be stopped by neighbors around town and talk traded and a bit if good humored banter about the gain of a good hive of bees. -Times have changed. The public needs educated that swarming is one of natures wonderful spectacles to behold. There should be no 'blame' here. Best Wishes, Joe Waggle http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/HistoricalHoneybeeArticles *********************************************** The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html Guidelines for posting to BEE-L can be found at: http://honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/guidelines.htm