28 A. AND M. COLLEGE APIARY. 



from the bees, which may be occasioned by robbers, dropping a tool on 

 the hive., or otherwise. Especially is this true with the beginner, who 

 may at times feel a little nervous. This nervousness will in a short time 

 wear off, however, even with the most timid. When the bees show a ten- 

 dency to crawl up the trousers legs, this can be prevented by tucking the 

 latter into a pair of high-topped boots, by wearing leggins, or by put- 

 ting on a pair of ordinary bicycle pants-guards. A good smoker is 

 necessary and the Bingham or Corneil smoker will be found to give the 

 best service and to be the cheapest in the long run. The Corneil smoker 

 is represented in Fig. 7. For fuel in the smoker almost any dry sub- 

 stance, not making too strong a smoke, may be used. We have found that 

 pine shavings make an abundant smoke, and when once thoroughly on 

 fire and well packed will hold fire for a long time. The pine shavings, 

 however, have the disadvantage of gumming up the smoker. Cedar bark, 

 thoroughly dry, is a fine smoker fuel, as is also cotton rags, or dry ash or 

 mesquite wood. In no case should such things as sulphur or tobacco be 

 used in the smoker, even in the smallest quantities. 



HOW TO OPEN A HIVE. 



Having adjusted the veil, and having the smoker well going, blow one 

 or two puffs of smoke into the entrance of the hive to be opened. Do this 

 with a good strong closing of the smoker bellows so as to drive the smoke 

 thoroughly into every part of the hive. This does not mean that the bees 

 should be deluged with smoke. All that is required is that each bee in 

 the hive should get a whiff, however light it may be. Next grasp the hive 

 cover by one end and gently raise it, blowing a puff or two of smoke into 

 the crevice thus made. In the majority of cases this will be sufficient, 

 and further smoke will be unnecessary. In case while working with them 

 they fly out and attempt to sting, a little more smoke may be blown into 

 the hive from above. On general principles no more smoke should be 

 used than is necessary to prevent them from stinging. Smoke demoral- 

 izes the bees and as considerable time is required for them to recover 

 from a severe smoking, much time and consequently honey, is lost by 

 them. As soon as smoke enters the hive and the bees are disturbed the 

 majority of the workers go to the unsealed honey and proceed to fill up, 

 presumably on the supposition that their home is about to be destroyed, 

 and in being compelled to leave they propose to take with them as much 

 of their treasure as possible. When a bee is well gorged with honey it 

 will show no disposition to sting, and where exceptionally cross colonies 

 are to be managed they will be found more docile if a puff of smoke is 

 blown into the entrance about five minutes previous to opening. This 

 will give the bees time to gorge themselves with honey and they will not 

 be as pugnacious as they otherwise would be. In opening the hive, if the 

 cover sticks, do not jerk it off, but use a small screw driver, pocket knife, 

 or other instrument to gently pry it. Having removed the cover, jar the 

 bees off in front of the hive, turn the cover on edge or end and sit down 

 on it. Now gently push the frames apart, or, if stuck tightly, pry them 

 apart with chisel or knife and lift out the one that is to be examined. 



It will be noticed that where the cover joins the hive and where the 

 frames touch each other and the ends of the hive, is found a grayish yel- 

 low substance of a very adhesive nature. This is "propolis," or bee glue, 



