28 PRACTICAL BEE-KEEPING. 



■which the alarmed inmates rush np instinctively to their honey to fiU 

 themselves, so as at least not to be driven away without some resources. 

 Probably not a bee will fly when we turn the whole over and peer down 

 between the combs, whence, by a well-directed discharge of smoke, we 

 may clear the bees so as to get a notion of the condition of things. We 

 ought to find from early spring to late autumn, especially near the middle 

 of the hive, patches of cells sealed over with brown convex caps ; these 

 contain the maturing bees, called in bee parlance "sealed brood" (see 

 Chapter I.), and their existence is an evidence of the presence of the 

 queen. Towards the sides we should also see cells closed with slightly 

 concave and whiter caps ; one of these being removed with a knife the 

 coll win be found to contain honey. 



With a, frame hive we may see and do much more : proceeding 

 similarly so far as the smoke is concerned, we may lift the top board, 

 driving the bees downwards if they appear troublesome, and, after 

 sliding out the dummy, if the hive possess one, lift out a first frame, 

 when we can readily see the stored pollen, distinguished by its colour and 

 mealy appearance, the cells half filled with honey, and those full and 

 sealed. In raising and handling the frame we must be cautious not to jar 

 it or breathe upon the bees, or we shall certainly irritate them. Carefiilly 

 keep the comb hanging plumb, or if new and tender it may fall from the 

 frame (see Fig. 28), which is reduced from Langsworth, and shows his 

 double storied hive, mentioned by and by while speaking of the 

 " Extractor." The end of the frame, held by the right hand, must not 

 pass to the left, or we shall be likely to put the frame back the wrong 

 way. round, and as combs are never mathematically straight, imperfect 

 fitting and possibly considerable discomfort to the bees will follow. In 

 order to get a view of the other side of the comb, drop one hand and 

 raise the other until the top bar becomes perpendicular, when the frame 

 may be revolved, the top bar being the spindle, without the smallest risk. 

 To assist in the correct restoration of the frames, number them seriatim 

 on the top bars. Eeplacing the frame and leaving as much room as pos- 

 sible for the safe withdrawal of the next, we continue our examination, 

 and find sealed brood ; keeping a sharp look out for the queen, who wiU 

 probably be observed where brood also exists, we trace the eggs and note 

 the white advancing grubs. If the bees- assert themselves, give from time 

 to time little dosOBlof smoke, but only sufBcient, and molestation will 

 cease. Be most scrupulous about the safety of the queen in putting all 

 again into its original condition. If we can thus far manage we may 

 consider ourselves as advancing in our novitiate and take courage as fa> 

 cat future competence. 



