1883.] BEE-KEEPING. 158 



times I will allow they are more irascible than at others. In the 

 fall of the year, for instance, when the hive is full of their winter 

 stores, the work of the season, they show a good deal of human 

 nature. Then again in stormy, unpleasant weather, early in the 

 morning and late in the day, also during buckwheat honey -harvest. 



The handling of bees should be done during the warm part of 

 pleasant days; an expert can handle them at any time. 



There is nothing necessary to be done with a stock of bees but 

 what can be done by anyone with impunity and perfect safety, by 

 following these few simple directions: in the first place, provide 

 yourself with a bee-veil and a light pair of leather gloves; avoid 

 all quick, sudden motions or jars; in all movements about the hive 

 be very careful and moderate. The breath is objectionable, of 

 course; avoid breathing upon them. A slovenly person is also 

 very offensive. Clothing that has fur or hair about it, woolen 

 gloves, a silk hat, heavy, bushy whiskers, a heavy head of hair — 

 all these excite and irritate. Before commencing operations, in- 

 variably use a little smoke. If it is only in tipping up a hive to 

 look under, blow smoke in the entrance, then again after the hive 

 is raised. This frightens the bees, causing them to fill themselves 

 with honey; when in this condition the disposition to stin^ is re- 

 moved. Immediately after smoking them, commence operations, 

 accomplish what you intended, then close the hive at once. 



When the weather becomes sufficiently warm, or about the last 

 of May, the boxes may be put on for surplus honey. The idea is 

 advanced by some that this prevents swarming; possibly it may in 

 some instances. 



If the season has been favorable, and your stock strong in num- 

 bers, a swarm may be expected to issue the fore part of June. A 

 new hive should be in readiness, measuring inside twelve inches 

 by twelve, and fourteen inches high, with an entrance cut two- 

 thirds the way up from the bottom. First new swarms generally 

 issue between ten o'clock a. m. and one o'clock p. m. 



To the owner of his first stock of bees, after anxiously watching 

 and waiting for a whole week or more, what is more interesting 

 and exciting than the shout, " The Bees are^ Sioarming / " I well 

 remember the time, when a boy, of hoeing corn during the hot, 

 tedious days of June, when the long hoped-for shout would come, 

 <' The Bees are Swarming ! " This was the signal for dropping 

 work and hoe and starting on a run to the place of excitement. 



