BEES. ] ] ) 



as possible after swarming". It is only a strong comniimifcy 

 that can so successfully establish themselves before winter, 

 us to be in no danger from its severity. This junction may 

 be performed by fumigation, and taking* away one of the 

 <[ueens. A stock without a queen may by the same means 

 be added to one that is more fortunate : and this applies 

 even to the restoration of a swarm to its own parent hive if 

 there be ample room m it. 



We have said nothing* of the plan of annually destroying 

 the bees, for it is almost an insult to the readers of JBoohs 

 for the Country to suppose they would approve of so 

 senseless and unprofitable as well as cruel a practice. It is 

 quite true that thus all the honey that is made in a season 

 may be obtained at once, just in the same way that all the 

 golden eggs of the goose in the fable were to be obtained at 

 once. And if this wholesale deprivation be desired, it is 

 perfectly obtainable without destroying the bees, by simply 

 fumigating them, and removing* them to another hive. And 

 if you don't choose to feed the bees during the winter, let 

 somebody else have them that will. It is possible, in a 

 favourable late season, they may not need any assistance. 

 At all events, let it be the golden maxim of bee-manage- 

 ment never to allow a single bee to be injured if you can 

 Lelp it. 



BEE-DRESS. 



And now, lastly, as to the chances of the bees injuring 

 you. All apiarians agree that there is no danger worth 

 consideration when the bee-habits and temper are duly 

 understood and respected. Treat them as dangerous crea- 

 tures, as, for instance, by keeping them too remote from 

 intercourse with human society, and they will soon justify 

 your caution. But then it is you who have created the 

 fierceness they will exhibit. Bees don't like people to come in 

 rude perspirations betwixt the wind and their nobility ; and, 

 as before pointed out, they have a particular objection to 

 your breathing upon them. It is well, however, to feel safe, 

 as well as know you ought to consider yourself so, not only 

 for your own sake, but for the greater ease of all your ope- 

 rations. Therefore, wear a beo-dress at all such times, until, 

 at least, experience says you may do without it. Such a 



