State Act

Portuguese Civil Code, 1867

Article 402 – Occupation of swarms of bees - It is lawful for anyone to take possession of swarms of bees, which he found first: 1. If it is not being pursued by the owner of the bee-hive who had created the swarm; 2. If it is not found resting in the property of the owner of the said bee-hive, or in any building, or within the property in which it is not lawful to do hunting. § Sole paragraph - But if the bee-hive is pursued by the owner of the swarm, the owner of the property shall be bound to permit him that he may collect it or to pay the value thereof.