22 MAKING A START WITH BEES 



for the saving in time will pay for it within a few hours, in the 

 busy season. There are several styles on the market, each with its 

 peculiar advantages. The hive tool should be so constructed as 

 to serve as a pry in loosening frames, have a sharp surface to 

 scrape off burr combs, propolis, etc., and at the same time be 

 small enough to handle easily and quickly (Fig. 12). 



A smoker is essential and should be procured with the first 

 colony of bees. A little smoke, intelligently applied, will enable 

 one to control the bees so nicely that it is very unwise to do with- 





Fia. 12. — Good hive tools. 



out it for a day. There are two very excellent kinds on the 

 market and several indifferent ones. Most beginners make the 

 mistake of buying a small size, because they have only a few 

 colonies of bees. The larger size costs but a few cents more, and 

 is much to be preferred in every way (Fig. 13). 



Rotten wood is a very satisfactory smoker fuel, although 

 excelsior, cotton rags, greasy waste, or any similar material 

 will do. 



Care should be taken not to use too much smoke, a very 



