GETTING ACQUAINTED 3 
frequently handle his bees without veil or gloves, and without 
a sting. Others, who have had a few bees about for years, with- 
out really becoming acquainted with them, always arm them- 
selves with a sting-proof armament, and usually arouse the 
bees to such an extent that it is unsafe for any member of the 
family to leave the house for twenty-four hours. At such times 
Bee * 
y » 
Fia. 2.—Getting acquainted. 
chickens have been known to be stung to death, and other animals 
to be badly used. 
The successful bee-keeper must take the trouble to get ac- 
quainted with the bees, and to comply with the few simple 
requirements necessary to handle them easily and successfully. 
In the first place, never place yourself in the direct line of flight 
