22 MAKING A START WITH BEES 
for the saving in time will pay for it within a few hours, in the 
Iusy season. There are several styles on the market, each with its 
peculiar advantages. The hive tool should be so constructed as 
to serve as a pry in loosening frames, have a sharp surface to 
scrape off burr combs, propolis, etc., and at the same time be 
small enough to handle easily and quickly (Fig. 12). 
A smoker} essential and should be procured with the first 
colony of bees. A little smoke, intelligently applied, will enable 
one to control the bees so nicely that it is very unwise to do with- 
[— 
Fig. 12.—Good hive tools. 
out it for a day. There are two very excellent kinds on the 
market and several indifferent ones. Most beginners make the 
mistake of buying a small size, because they have only a few 
colonies of bees. The larger size costs but a few cents more, and 
is much to be preferred in every way (Fig. 13). 
Rotten wood is a very satisfactory smoker fuel, although 
excelsior, cotton rags, greasy waste, or any similar material 
will do. 
Care should be taken not to use too much smoke, a very 
