148 THE APIARY. 



• 



generally in about ten minutes; but the effect varies 

 according- to the populousness of the hive and the quan- 

 tity of comb in it. The projected operations must now 

 be performed speedily, as activity will soon be regained. 

 See preceding directions. 



THE BEE DRESS OR PROTECTOR. 



All operations connected with the removal or the 

 hiving of bees should be conducted with calmness 

 and circumspection. Bees, although the 

 busiest of creatures, entertain a great 

 dislike to fussiness in their masters, and 

 become irritable at once if the apiarian 

 allows them to see that he is in a hurry. 

 Hence, there is great advantage in having 

 the face and hands covered whilst at work 

 amongst the bees ; for when the operator 

 knows he cannot possibly be stung, he 

 can open his hives, take out the combs, gather in his 

 swarms, or take the honey, with all the deliberation of 

 a philosopher. Various kinds of bee-dresses have been 

 contrived ; one that we keep ready in stock is of a very 

 simple construction. It is made of strong Mack net, in 

 shape like an inverted bag, large enough to allow of a 

 gentleman's wide-awake or a lady's hat being worn 

 underneath. The projection of the hat or cap causes 

 the dress to stand off from the face, and the meshes, of 

 the net, though much too small for a bee to penetrate, 



