62 BEEKEEPING 



a small bellows attached, with which one 

 can produce an abundance of smoke at 

 will. The best material to use for fuel in 

 the smoker consists of old cotton rags or 

 pieces of burlap. An old burlap bag 

 rolled rather loosely and cut up into two 

 or three inch sections tied with string 

 makes excellent fuel for this purpose. 



I do not know just what effect the 

 smoke has on the bees but it certainly has 

 a quieting influence on them and the 

 crossest colony can often be handled with 

 impunity after being smoked. 



In opening a hive it is always well to 

 blow a little smoke in at the entrance, not 

 much, just enough to announce to the bees 

 that something is about to be pulled off. 

 Then, pry up the cover about a quarter of 

 an inch and shoot somewhat more smoke 

 into the hive. If the colony is a gentle 

 one but little smoke will be required, but 

 if it is cross or if the weather is cool or 

 damp more smoke should be used. 



Eemove the cover firmly but gently so 



