EXAMINING AND HANDLING BEES.—Chapter IX. 
After the outer cover of the hive has 
been removed, use the hive-tool to pry 
up the inner cover and blow a little 
smoke into the top of the hive. 
As gently as possible take off the 
outer cover. 
the bees; but usually the smoker can be sep dowt, alongside the hive, and 
frame after frame be lifted out without receiving a single sting. The first 
frame or two removed from the hive may be set down on the ground and 
leaned against the hive while the othe? ffames are exantined. - 
Especial care should be taken, not, to pinch any bees nor kill any. Take 
good care to place the fingers only where there are no bees; ‘and, tf bees 
are very numerous, simply push “them over to one side by:: pushing the 
cae fingers down among them, being careful not to pinch ther i in doing 
To pinch any of the bees or to kill any of them may, result, i mm _enraging 
the whole colony. Always remember to make no quick movements. “Be delib- 
erate and cool in the manipulation of bees always. Nervousness or any 
quick movement on the part of the operator seems to anger the bees. fae 
After the beginner has opened the hives a few times he willbe able 
to discard the gloves, and later he can dispense with the v eil at-times (not 
Just enough smoke is needed to keep 
Separating the frames with a hive-tool the bees driven down between the 
preparatory to lifting them out. frames. 
51 
