76 FIFTY YEARS AMONG THE BEES 



and not trimmed at all at the ends. One of these is 

 always in the tool-basket. 



Of course no shaking or pounding of combs is admis- 

 sible if queen-cells are on the combs that are considered 

 of any value. 



TOOL-BASKET. 



The tool-basket spoken of is simply a common splint 

 basket (Fig. 29). At dififerent times I have had differ- 

 ent arrangements for carrying the things most generally 

 needed, at least two different tool-boxes having been 

 made for that special purpose with separate compart- 

 ments for the various articles. But the basket is Hghter, 

 and although things get a little mixed up in it, it seems 

 to have the preference at present. At one time I tried to 

 Ts:eep an outfit at each apiary — smoker, hive-tools, etc. — 

 so that there should be no need to carry anything from 

 one apiary to another, but one gets used to tools and pre- 

 fers to use the same ones day after day, so the basket is 

 used. 



CONTEXTS OF TOOL-BASKET. 



Of course, the number of objects carried in a basket 

 must be somewhat limited. The bulkiest part is the 

 apron, sleeves and gloves of my assistant. The record- 

 book must always be present. Then there will be smok- 

 ers, hive-tools, hammer, cages, matches (although 

 matches are always kept covered with the fuel in each 

 apiary), saltpeter-rags, nails, and any other light objects 

 that may happen to be needed at any particular time. Of 

 course there will be heavier articles, not convenient to 

 -carry from one apiary to another, and each apiary must 

 have its own, as a hive with a closed entrance and a rob- 

 Tjer-cloth, ready to contain at any time frames of brood 

 or honey safe from robbers. Generally, however, there 

 will be no need to be so careful against robbers, and the 

 one or two frames lifted out of a hive will be leaned 

 np against it. taking pains to stand any frame where the 



