and its Economic Management. 15 
It is as easy to handle bees as flies; nay, more so, when 
one is once acquainted with their peculiarities and 
temperament under varying conditions. The owner 
should always be assured that his little friends are 
under perfect control before he proceeds to carry 
forward any manipulation. 
CHAPTER. II. 
HOW TO HANDLE BEES. 
i ae the uninitiated the general impression is that 
Se, 
bees are certain to sting if molested, but if let alone 
they will not touch one. This is to a certain extent 
true, and while a novice would generally be unable to open 
a hive to take out the combs and bees without being 
attacked, the expert may do almost anything with neither 
veil nor gloves, and seldom receive a sting. Of course, 
the difference is that, the former has not yet gained that 
caution and confidence necessary in all his manipulations, 
and this will come only by practice; no one can give him 
the desired skill to start with. A calm and deliberate 
motion should be acquired by all who hope to handle bees 
successfully. I have known those who were looked upon 
as experts to have a very unpleasant manner while 
manipulating bees, making it unsafe for any unprotected 
companion, and disturbing a whole apiary for days. 
Though such operator may not himself mind stings, this 
carelessness should be overcome if the owners visited are 
to have any pleasure in their apiaries. 
Precaution against Robbing. 
Where an expert is called upon to put an apiary in 
order, or remove the crop of honey, difficulties are likely 
