things quite often become even more involved, because the wind 

 seems to spring up or rain threatens. Stings, even if only a few, are 

 then an almost inevitable consequence. 



Having made up one's mind exactly what is to be done, carry 

 out all equipment that will be wanted and place it handy. It is 

 also as well to bring a second charge of fuel for the smoker, because 

 if the operation becomes unduly extended, especially if corrugated 

 paper is being used it burns up quickly and the smoker may go 

 out before the job is finished. Actually corrugated paper alone is 

 not the best type of fuel to use, for not only does it burn quickly, 

 but towards the end of the charge the smoke becomes very hot, 

 scorching and distracting to the bees. 



The best type of fuel to use in the smoker is tinder, dry well- 

 rotted sacking, or alternatively, cartridges formed of interleaved 

 corrugated paper and sacking, form an excellent substitute. 



Two essential things to take with one, are a hive tool and a pair 

 of manipulating cloths. These latter are two pieces of smooth 

 material, such as calico, each the size of the brood chamber with a 

 rod sewn in at two opposite ends, as shown in Fig. 4. A 10 per cent, 

 solution of carbolic lotion (Calverts No. 5, obtainable from any 

 chemist) should be sprinkled over them. They are invaluable for 

 spreading over the brood chamber when exposed, and rolling back 

 gradually to expose the combs in turn. The slight, but pungent, 

 odour of the carbohc keeps the bees down, and the weight of the 

 rods at each end keep the cloth in position when the wind is blowing. 

 Some bee-keepers work with a carbolic cloth only, but the best 

 results are obtained with a smoker supplemented by the carbohc 

 cloth. 



Everything having been set ready and being suitably arrayed, 

 the bee-keeper may now put in hand the first process of subduing 

 the bees without further delay. 



The gentle art of subjugating the bees is one which, Hke learning 

 to ride a bicycle, is acquired only by actual experience. Most good 

 books, however, give ample instructions on this as well as the correct 

 way to handle frames of comb and the various hive parts. 



Always operate from the back of the hive, keeping the hght as 

 far as possible behind one, when examining brood, and use deliberate 

 motions free of flurry or jerky impetuous movements. Keep quite 

 cool, calm and collected, taking little heed if a sting should be 

 accidentally given. This is the right frame of mind, and the only one 

 for deciding what is to be done when the brood-nest is opened. 

 It is seldom indeed that one finds things exactly as anticipated, 

 and comphcations and the unexpected are more customary than 

 otherwise. 



During, the removal and replacing of combs in the brood 

 chamber, extreme care must be exercised to avoid crushing the bees. 

 Apart from the cruelty of so doing, even if unintentional, nothing 

 infuriates the bees more and goads them into action, than the smell 

 of a crushed bee. ■ Furthermore, an injured queen will put the whole 

 stock out of action. 



48 



