and tts Economic Management. 19 
none, as a rule, attempt to retaliate when the hive is 
examined. 
When necessary to look into a fixed-comb hive (com- 
monly called a “skep”) first drive a few puffs of smoke 
in at the entrance from a bellows smoker, as illustrated, 
which is of the “ Bingham” pattern. Give the sides of 
the hive several sharp raps, then turn it up in a line 
parallel with the combs, so that none may fall on one 
side, when, after a little more smoke driven across the 
now exposed combs, any necessary examination may be 
made; though of course the investigation can be little 
more than a superficial one. The smoker is so arranged 
that when placed in a vertical position there is a con- 
tinuous draught, but if put down the other way the 
draught is at once stopped, and the fire goes out. While 
it is desirable that no more be used than is really 
necessary, the operator should on no account proceed 
until he has used sufficient smoke or other intimidant, that 
he may be quite certain he has the bees well in hand. 
Many overlook just this necessary precaution, causing 
needless loss of bee-life, as well as inconvenience to others, 
if not to themselves. After any operation these little 
insects should, if carefully treated, be no more disposed 
to sting than before. Of course exceptions to this rule 
will be met with, and while at some more favorable 
seasons, and with some quieter races of bees, little or no 
smoke may be needed, there are other stocks nothing 
seems to thoroughly subdue ; and though these are often 
the best honey-gatherers, the novice will soon want to be 
rid of them; this is best done by deposing the queen, 
and giving one from a quieter strain. When it is desired 
To Drive and Transfer 
bees from a straw skep, or other fixed combs, to movable 
