18 
sting is visibly digging itself deeper into the skin, while 
more and more poison is being poured into the wound. This 
indicates that the sting should be removed with all speed, 
and it must not be simply plucked out by finger and thumb, 
for this would squeeze the poison-sac and drive more venom 
into the wound, The finger-nail or the blade of a knife 
should be placed against the point of the brown sheath just 
where it enters the skin, and the sting should be scraped out 
without any pressure being applied to the poison-sac. In 
order that stings near the eyes should be quickly removed 
it is advisable that the bee-keeper should carry a tiny pocket 
mirror. 
A whole host of specitics have been recommended for 
bee-stings, each being guaranteed to allay the pain 
immediately and to prevent all swelling. Alkalis, such as 
aminonia, are frequently recommended, on the ground that 
bee venom is a weak solution of formic acid. The fact is 
that sting-poison is just as effectual after its acidity has been 
completely neutraljzed, and, in any case, the microscopically 
small aperture made by the sting has completely closed long 
before anything can be applied. The active principle in the 
poison is probably a very subtle substance, and the only 
efficient antidote is that prepared in Nature’s secret 
laboratory, situated in this case within the body of the 
bee-keeper that has been frequently stung. 
Conclusion. 
An attempt has been made to explain to the beginner 
the methods used by the expert in handling bees. In most 
cases the principles underlying the practice have been 
discussed at some length so that the bee-keeper may use the 
various methods with intelligence. It is not claimed that 
perusal of a’bulletin is the quickest or best way of learning 
to handle bees, but a study of the problem beforehand, with 
an occasional revisal as experience is acquired, should be of 
considerable service, 
It is essential, however, that the novice should have an 
opportunity of seeing bees handled by a competent bee- 
