102 HANDY BOOK OF BEES. 



after a time ; at least the swelling or inflammatory power 

 of stings was comparatively lost on them. 



Those who are liable to swell much on receiving a sting 

 should wear a bee-dress when likely to be attacked by 

 bees, or when doing anything among them. A bee-dress 

 is simply a piece of crape or muslin tied above the brim 

 ,qf a hat, to hang over the face, and some inches below the 

 chin. The other parts exposed are the hands only, which 

 can be protected by gloves. Fortunately we ourselves 

 do not suffer or swell much on being stung, and there- 

 fore never use a bee-dress of any description. When bees 

 attack one, or mean to do so, the hands should be spread 

 in front of the face — or, better stOl, a bush held before it 

 — then walk slowly away. When the bees see the fingers 

 . or bush they are afraid of an ambuscade — as sparrows are 

 kept from gooseberry-buds by the use of thread. 



