THE BEE. 



accessories, some of which are of occasional, and others of 

 constant use. 



The bee-dress, fig. 86, is a sort of armour, by which the operator 

 is protected from all hostile attacks of the insect. It is usually 

 made of Scotch gauze, or catgut, and so formed as to inclose the 

 head, neck, and shoulders, as shown in fig. 76, p. 17, where a 

 person invested with such a dress is represented in the act of 

 hiving a swarm. It should have long sleeves to tie round the 

 wrists over a pair of tkick gloves, and the body should descend 

 low enough to be tied round the waist. Thick 



Fig. 87. Fig. 88- ,. . . , .. 



woollen stockings and a woollen apron are recom- 

 mended, the material being ^one from which the 

 bee can readily withdraw its sting. 



Knives of different forms (figs. 87, 88) should 

 be provided, for the partial removal of the honey- 

 combs, when the smothering process is not re- 

 sorted to. 



A bellows connected with a fumigator (fig. 89) 

 for projecting tobacco- smoke into those parts of 

 the combs from which it is desired to expel the 

 bees, should be provided. 



A hive with a handle for mixing swarms is 

 often useful (fig. 90). 



A basket, with an open bottom, placed over 

 a tub for the purpose of draining the honey-combs, is also a 

 convenient accessory (fig. 91). 



200. A hive should, in general, be purchased in autumn, and 

 its value will be pretty well ascertained by its weight. That of 

 a good hive which will be sure to go through the winter, and 

 to be productive in the ensuing season, should be from 25 

 to 30 Ibs., and should contain about a peck of bees. If the 

 weight be much greater than 30 Ibs., a part of the honey 

 may be advantageously taken out. Hives are to be preferred 

 which are only a year old, and which have sent out no more 

 than a single swarm. Such will be distinguished by the 

 superior whiteness and purity of the combs. The transport 

 should be made in cool weather, and should be conducted without 

 shocks or jolts. 



201. Honey should never be taken from any but the nearest and 

 most populous hives. If they are provided with movable comb- 

 frames, it is usual to make a partial harvest in May, the principal 

 stores of the insect being collected between the middle of May and 

 the end of June, the commencement and termination, however, 

 varying three or four weeks, according to the climate peculiar to 

 the locality. 



104 



