104 HOW TO KEEP BEES 



sight while she is working. The passage which 

 leads from the hive to the opening in the window 

 has a glass top, so the actions of the bees as they 

 enter the hive may be watched. A hood of thick 

 black cloth is pulled down over the hive when the 

 observations are finished. Similar observation hives 

 may be purchased of dealers in apiarists' supplies. 

 Such an observation-hive would be of great value 

 to the enterprising bee-keeper, as it would be the 

 means of helping him to understand conditions 

 which were puzzling, and thus aid him in dealing 

 with crises that are sure to occur. The advantage 

 of this hive over any other is that frames from any 

 hive may be kept under closest observation. But if 

 the hive were a means of interest merely, it would 

 still be worth while, for the bee-keeper cannot know 

 too much about the ways of bees, supposing all he 

 knows is true. 



MAXIMS FOR OPENING THE HIVE 



Have the smoker ready to give forth a good volume 

 of smoke. 



Use the smoker to scare the bees rather than to 

 punish them. 



Do not stand in front of the hive lest the bees 

 passing out and in take umbrage. 



Be careful not to drop any implements with which 

 you are working; take hold of all things firmly. 



Move steadily, and not nervously. 



Do not run if frightened, for the bees understand 

 what running away means as well as you do. 



