1392 



Depaetment of Agriculture 



use in a large apiary, the larger sizes are more effectual and re- 

 quire less atteution in repleuisliing fuel. Nuraerous substances 

 may be used as fuel, among which is rotten wood. This is not all 

 alike, and only that which is thoroughly decayed, fine grained and 

 firm, and contains no hard spots, should be used. It must be dry 

 and is therefore best secured in dry weather. Willow, maple or 

 apple wood are favorites with the writer, but planer shavings — 

 those from hardwood — are more lasting ; old burlap sacking, 

 which may be rolled up in suitable size, tied a few inches apart 

 and cut in cartridges with a sharp hatchet is also desirable. 

 Greasy waste may be very effectual, but is so pungent as to be 

 very otfensive to some persons, and it seems a pity to desecrate 

 the honey-laden home of the busy bee with such a foul odor, when 

 something else will answer as well, to say the least. 



Cotton rags, dij^ped in a strong solution of salt peter and dried, 

 are very convenient for starting the smoker quickly. Use a little 

 fine, dry, rotten wood or shavings on this until well started; then 

 fill the stove with the regular fuel — thus avoiding the necessity 

 of using hot coals or kerosene oil at the start, as many bee- 

 keepers do, which is more 

 inconvenient and increases 

 the fire hazard. 

 veils 

 In addition to a good 

 smoker, the novice will 

 need protection in the 

 form of a veil. This will 

 inspire confidence and give 

 a sense of security that 

 will permit him to handle 

 bees with a better chance 

 of success. Even the vet- 

 eran apiarist can often do 

 more and better work in a 

 large apiary by con- 

 descending to wear a veil. 



Fig. 47. A good bee veil 

 (Courtesy of the American Bee Journal) 



Protection for the hands 

 is seldom needed by any 



