TAKING OUT FRAMES. 165 



fine watering-pot, filled with sweetened water, be used 

 for the purpose. Care must be taken not to drench the 

 bees ; only just sufficient should be given to run down the 

 sides of the combs, as well as sprinkling the top. As 

 soon as the bees really understand that syrup is being 

 given them, they feast upon if^ instead of aijgrily attack- 

 ing the operator. Thus pacified, and with gentle treat- 

 ment, but little difficulty will be found in proceeding with 

 the work required. But the unskilled operator shouW 0*1 

 no account neglect to put on a bee-dress and gloves, as 

 described above. We would err on the side of caution, 

 although th^e is an old saying that " a cat in gloves 

 catche* no mice; " and the apiarian will find that bis 

 fingers are not so free to work as he would Kke, for 

 gloves, make them rather clumsy in drawit^ up the 

 frames. 



The frames must now be gently prised from front to 

 rear;; this may be -done with a small screw-driver or 

 other stout instrument with a wedged end to go into the 

 notches. The frames fit loosely so as to allow of a Kttle 

 movement from back to front; a lateral or side-way 

 movement might kill the queen, or, if not so fata,! as 

 thaS, might crush some of the bees and injure the brood 

 combs, which must be carefully avoided. Of coiarse, much 

 depends upon the nature of the operation that has to be 

 p^fbirmed,, whether or no all the frames should be thus 

 loosened. If it be for makii^ artificial swarms, or for any 

 purpose requiring an interview with her majesty, the 



