NECESSARY EQUIPMENT 49 



are very important to the safety of the hive. 

 On the approach of strange bees or strange 

 men, these guards are Hkely to use their stings 

 vigorously to prevent the looting of their 

 treasure. 



By the use of smoke, the beekeeper can 

 quickly disorganize the whole community and 

 tear the hive to pieces without resistance. If 

 the bees are blacks, much more smoke will be 

 necessary than with gentle Italians or Cau- 

 casians. By placing the nozzle of the smoker 

 against the front of the hive and blowing a few 

 puffs of smoke into the entrance, and then re- 

 moving the cover and blowing more over the 

 tops of the frames, even cross bees are likely to 

 be quickly quieted and to lose all thought of 

 defence. Care should be used not to use any 

 more smoke than is necessary, a very common 

 fault with beginners. If the bees are gentle 

 it will not be necessary to use smoke at the en- 

 trance, but only a little across the top of the 



