92 HOW TO KEEP BEES 



others, who are just as good, so far as we can detect. 

 This apparent capriciousness has been explained 

 in many ways. Some hold that the bees have a 

 fine sense of smell, and thus distinguish us by odours 

 rather than by sight; and in this case their ire is 

 aroused because they do not like the perfume 

 exhaled by the obnoxious person. Others claim 

 that it depends upon the movements; if one 

 moves nervously and quickly, he is much more 

 subject to attacks. It is certainly true that if a bee, 

 which is buzzing threateningly, is struck at, she 

 becomes more enraged and is more certain to sting, 

 but this is because she recognises an aggressive foe 

 because of the act. However, the senior partner 

 in our apiary is an exceedingly active and nervous 

 man, and I have seen him move with all haste and 

 energy while working with bees, and though he 

 seldom uses bee-veil or gloves, he is rarely stung. 

 Our bees seem to be acquainted with him, and 

 accept his rapid movements as one of the common- 

 places of bee existence. It is well for anyone who 

 wishes to work with bees to spend some time in the 

 bee-yard just watching the little citizens coming and 

 going, and listening to the peculiarly soothing hum 

 which always fills the air around the hives. It is 

 sympathy with the bees more than actions that 

 finally results in handling them without harm. 



HOW TO OPEN THE HIVE 



First of all, fire up the smoker. The way to do 

 this properly is to place some easily ignited material 



