BEES. Ae 
rearing of young is accomplished by having one individual to lay 
egos and numerous others (immature females) to care for the larvee. 
In like manner all work of the colony is apportioned. In general, 
it may be stated that all inside work—wax building, care of brood, 
and cleaning—is done by the younger workers, those less than 17 
days old, while the outside work of collecting pollen and nectar to be 
made into honey is done by the older workers. This plan may be 
changed by special conditions. For example, if the colony has been 
queenless for a time and a queen is then given, old workers may 
begin the inside work of feeding larvee and these may also secrete 
wax. Or, if the old workers are all removed, the younger bees may 
begin outside work. As a rule, however, the general plan of division 
of labor according to age is followed rather closely. 
DIRECTIONS FOR GENERAL MANIPULATIONS. 
Bees should be handled so that they will be little disturbed in 
their work. As much as possible, stings should be avoided during 
manipulation. This is true not so much because they are painful 
to the operator, but because the odor of poison which gets into the 
air irritates the other bees and makes them more difficult to manage. 
For this reason it is most advisable to wear a black veil (fig. 4) over 
a wide-brimmed hat and to have a good smoker (fig. 3). Experienced 
bee keepers often dispense with these, but the beginner should not. 
Gloves, however, are usually more an inconvenience than otherwise. 
Gauntlets or rubber bands around the cuffs keep the bees from crawl- 
ing up the sleeve. It is best to avoid black clothing, since that color 
seems to excite bees; a black felt hat is especially to be avoided. 
The bee keeper should manipulate without exhibiting fear. This 
is not because the bees recognize the fact that the operator is afraid 
of them, as some claim, but because superfluous quick movements 
tend to irritate the bees. The hive should not be jarred or disturbed 
any more than necessary. Rapid movements are objectionable, 
because with their peculiar eye structure bees probably perceive 
motion more readily than they do objects. Persons not accustomed 
to bees, on approaching a hive, often strike at bees which fly toward 
them or make some quick movement of the head or hand to avoid 
the sting which they fear is to follow. This is just what should not 
be done, for the rapid movement, even if not toward the bee, is far 
more likely to be followed by a sting than is remaining quiet. 
The best time to handle bees is during the middle of warm days, 
particularly during a honey flow. Never handle bees at night or on 
cold, wet days unless absolutely necessary. The work of a beginner 
may be made much easier and more pleasant by keeping gentle bees. 
Caucasians, Carniolans, Banats, and some strains of Italians ordinarily 
36827—Bull. 397—10——3 
