they frequently climb up one's legs under the mistaken impressiore 

 that they are entering some naturally dark home like a hollow tree, 

 and a quick flexure of the limbs makes the wearer suddenly conscious 

 that a bee is inside his clothing. 



Many beginners swathe themselves up in protective clothing 

 which hampers their movements, and is awkward if a bee should 

 find a way in, and it is surprising how easily they do manage to 

 gain access. The best plan considered as a long term policy is. to 

 endeavour to acquire immunity, because unless one is super-sensitive, 

 stings are not so terrifying as they are frequently made out to be. 

 Having once gained that superior attitude of mind, when one is not 

 afraid of being stung, and the blood has acquired its anti-toxic 

 virtues, the beginner will really enjoy his bee-keeping and manage it 

 far more efficiently. Not only are his movements unrestricted by 

 clumsy clothing, but his mind is free to concentrate on what he is 

 doing without the dread of being stung. 



As for protecting the arms and hands, gloves or gauntlets may 

 be worn at first to secure confidence, but there again the bees do not 

 approve of leather, and, furthermore, gloves are very clumsy to 

 work in. It is frequently difficult to pick up the lugs of frames when 

 wearing thick gloves, particularly if the former become fixed down 

 with propolis, and for the more refined manipulations, such for 

 instance as catching the queen, they are quite useless. 



Thin rubber gloves are the best in the circumstances, as they 

 are absolutely sting-proof, but they make the hands very hot. If 

 worn, the hands should be dusted with french chalk or powdered 

 talc to prevent the rubber sticking to the flesh when perspiration 

 takes place. 



As mentioned before, the best policy is to work bare-handed, 

 but in that case the hands should preferably be washed before 

 doing any manipulations. This cleans the skin and frees it from 

 any body odours or perspiration, which is always there in hot 

 weather, for even if the bee-keeper cannot himself detect it the bees 

 will. Those who possess a high sting liability (as distinct from people 

 who are super-sensitive to the effects of venom) should always plunge 

 their arms into cold water before going into the apiary. 



Coming lastly to the face, a veil should always be worn. An 

 expert can frequently be seen at work without one, but do not be 

 misled by his apparent immunity from attack into thinking that 

 anyone else can do likewise, for one is certain to be quickly and 

 sadly disillusioned. Most experts wear a veil when handling other 

 people's bees, for there is no fun in being stung merely to show off 

 one's skill, and even if he isn't wearing one, an expert either carries 

 it in his pocket for emergencies or wears it round his hat clear of 

 his face. Remember also that an expert can usually detect at once, 

 often before actually opening the hive, whether he is going to have 

 a " rough house " or not, and acts accordingly. This faculty is 

 only attained after many, years experience in working among bees. 



In spite of what has been said before about black clothing, the 

 veil is best made from a black material. If a white net is worn, it 



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