BEE DRESS OR PROTECTOR. 14^ 



cire wide enough to allow of clear vision for the operator. 

 An elastic band secures the dress round the waist ; the 

 sleeves also, made of durable black calico, are secured 

 at the wrists by a similar method. The hands of the 

 bee-ma5ter may be effectually protected with a pair of 

 india-rubber gloves, which should be put on before the 

 dress is fastened round the wrists. This kind of glove 

 is regularly used by photographers, and allows of 

 greater ease in manipulation than any other description. 



Thus a very simple and inexpensive means of pro- 

 tection will enable even a novice in bee-keeping to 

 make his observations and conduct his experiments 

 under a sense of perfect security. Still, he need not be 

 careless as to the feelings of his bees ; his success and 

 their comfort will be promoted by his "handling tiien^ 

 gently, and as if he loved them." "Familiarity" be- 

 tween bees and their master "breeds " not " contempt," 

 but affection. 



Any sudden or clumsy movement, which jars the 

 combs or frames, will excite the bees, and if but one 

 should be crushed, the odour of their slaughtered com- 

 rade rouses the inhabitants of the hive to a pitch of 

 exasperation. Their powers of smelling are very acute. 

 The human breath is abomination to them; therefore, 

 when operating upon bees, be careful to close the mouth 

 and breathe only through the nostrils. The best time 

 for most operations is in the middle of a fine day. 



