THE BEE-KEEPERS' REVIEW 171 



and the bees, too. and that might easily happen at a critical time, 

 as many a beginner mad on marking has found it out to his cost. 

 So the beginner is advised to use the mark only for the purpose 

 of distinguishing' voung queens that have proved themselves g'ood 

 for some time and are to be left with their OAvn children, from 

 whom, of course, no danger for them is to be apprehended — say at 

 an autumn or spring examination, as he may come across them quite 

 unexpectedly. A queen just hatched or a virgin being introduced 

 into a mating box or one just mated, or a queen introduced any- 

 where, he is earnestly warned not to touch. And in general it is 

 advised not to chase after young queens or queens lately introduced 

 just to satisfy childish curiosity. A breeder of experience, of course, 

 owing to his greater skill and knowledge, may do in the interests 

 cf the Imriness all these things and others also that a novice is warned 

 to leave alone. 



KIND or PAINT USED. 



The paint used is a Cjuick drying varnish — white, yellow, red and 

 blue, obtainable in Switzerland from bee-keepers in a large way, 

 queen-breeders and supply dealers. But a good usable paint for the 

 purpose may easily be made by any one at home thus. The great 

 trouble is to keep it. Obtain, if, for instance, you want yellow 

 paints, just the smallest possible quantitv of chrome yellow from a 

 painter. Rub it up well with spirit varnish to a smooth, thick con- 

 sistency, and when ready add to it as much sulphurous ether as 

 will make it flow pretty easily. Cork it up quickly and secure the 

 cork well, for it must not evaporate. Always shake up well before 

 using. 



A net made of wide-meshed tulle is also required to hold the 

 queen without hurting her while she is being painted. The rim of 

 the net is a convenient ring cut out of cardboard to which the tulle 

 is fastened by wax. by sewing on or by pins. A sharp pointed 

 wooden chip like the usual wooden toothpicks makes the best of 

 brushes. 



HOW TO APPLY THE PAINT. 



The modus operandi is simple, the greatest difficulty being to 

 find out how little paint on the end of the stick will do. The best 

 way to get the paint ready for business and to get just the right 

 quantity on the end of the stick is just this: Have your paint just 

 right ; not too thick or it will not stick, nor too thin or it will run 

 and smear, but just right! Then before using shake it up well with 

 your stick right down to the bottom. AMpe the stick clean. Then 

 after dipping it into the bottle touch the table with the paint and let 

 a drop run ofT. AMiat is left is just right. Touch the queen with 

 it quickly, but do not let just a drop or lump stay on her back. It 



