SUBDUING AND MANIPULATION 69 



the frame can be removed by rapidly jerking the frame 

 downwards from the eye level to within a few inches 

 of the hive. Above all keep a sharp look out for 

 indications of "foul brood" (see "Diseases"). 



Having examined one side of the frame, proceed to 

 examine the reverse. To do this, take care never to 

 hold the frame flat, as the comb is liable to break away 

 owing to its great weight, but first lower the right hand 

 corner until the top bar of the frame is vertical instead 

 of horizontal. The left hand will now be immediately 

 over the right hand and the frame will be pointing 

 towards the left. Now revolve the frame for half a 

 revolution, thus bringing the reverse side to view, and 

 finally lower the left hand which will once again bring 

 the frame into a horizontal position but upside down. 

 These motions executed in the reverse order bring the 

 frame back again into its normal position. Proceed in 

 like manner until all the frames have been examined, 

 giving a puff' or two with the smoker from time to time 

 as the bees become obtrusive. 



After the examination is complete, take care that 

 the frames are properly spaced and the dummy 

 placed close to the last frame before closing up with 

 the quilts. 



If properly carried out, the previously described 

 operations should have been performed without crushing 

 a single bee. Like the sting odour, that emanating from 

 a crushed bee tends to make the inhabitants of a hive 

 irritable. 



The beginner will derive considerable benefit if, 

 before handling bees, he will carefully rehearse all the 

 movements just described, using a hive fitted with 

 frames, foundation, etc., in which no bees are housed. 

 Particularly should he practise lifting the frames in 

 and out without touching the sides of the hive or 

 the adjoining frames, and also the movements requisite 



