BEES, BEE-HIVES, AND BEE CULTURE. 



69 



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

 bee-master 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 perfect ease in manipulation. 



Thus a very simple and inexpensive means of protection 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 j his success and 

 their comfort will be promoted by his " handling them gently, and 

 as if he loved them." " Familiarity " between bees and their 

 master " breed " 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 comrade rouses them to a pitch of 

 exasperation. Their powers of smell are very acute. The best 

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



ENGEAVED PEESSING EOLLEE. No. 46. 



FOR THE GUIDANCE OF BEES IN THE CONSTUUCTION OF 

 H0NE1-C0MB ON THE BAES. 



This is, an engraved metal 

 roller, which when applied to 

 the coated underside of a comb- 

 bar leaves an impression like the 

 diagram shown. The wax having 

 been spread on the flat bar, the 

 roller, heated by being put into 

 hot water, is then heavily pressed 

 over it. The roller has two wood 

 handles, so that considerable pressure may be given to it. The 

 roller is a little less than 2 inches in diameter, | of an inch wide, 

 and the length from handle to handle is 6 inches. The diagram 

 shows the full size of the impressions as left on the wax after 

 passing the roller along the comb bar in the manner above 

 described. It is a contrivance invented in Switzerland, and 



