THE HONEY-BEE CAPABLE OP BEING TAMED. 197 



386. A bee-veil, although objectionable to some bee- 

 keepers, who prefer to handle their bees barefaced, is really 

 a necessity in a large apiary. Timid persons feel safer in 

 using it, and even the boldest bee-keepers recognize the neces- 

 sity of wearing one, when colonies become aroused by accident. 

 The best veils are sewed to the outer edge of the rim of a 

 straw-hat; with a rubber at their lower extremity, to fasten 

 around the neck. The veil can be slipped on and of! in a 

 twinkling, if necessity requires; when not in use, it is simply 

 folded into the crown of the hat, where it is always at hand. 



We keep a number of these veil hats in our bee-house, for 

 the accommodation of visitors, who wish to look through the 

 wonders of the bee-hive, without fear of stings. 



Most veils are made removable, with a rubber at each end; 

 the upper one being slipped over the crown of the hat. This 

 veil can be taken off at will, and carried in the pocket. 



In his "Success In Bee-Culture," Mr. Heddon says: "A 

 bee-veil should never be any color but black, as all other 

 shades are more or less difficult to see through clearly," and 

 we fully agree with him. White veils are most especially ob- 

 jectionable. Green is the best color after black. 



387. The hands may be protected by india-rubber gloves, 

 such as are now in common use. These gloves, while im- 

 penetrable to the sting of a bee, do not materially interfere 

 with the operations of the Apiarist. As soon, however, as he 

 acquires confidence and skill, he will much prefer to use noth- 

 ing but the bee-hat, even at the expense of an occasional sting 

 on his hands. 



An English Apiarist advises persons using gloves to cut the 

 tips of the fingers so as to handle the frames more dexterously, 

 and to wash their fingers with some kind of Apifuge. 



Stings on the hands usually cause but little suffering or 

 swelling, while stings on the face are quite painful; and the 

 grotesque appearance which the swelling often gives to the 

 human face, makes it much more desirable to protect the head 

 than the hands. 



