CONTROLLING BEES. 89 
approach in merely a threatening attitude, buzzing around 
very provokingly for several minutes in close proximity to 
one’s ears and face, apparently to ascertain our intentions. 
If nothing hostile or displeasing is perceived, they will 
often leave ; but should a quick motion, or disagreeable 
breath offend them, the dreaded result is not long delay- 
ed. Too many people are apt to construe these threaten- 
ing manifestations into positive intentions to sting. 
SMOKE, A CONTROLLING AGENT. 
The ability to subdue the irascibility of these insects by 
the judicious use of smoke, has been so clearly demon- 
strated by years of successful practice, that but little 
need be said concerning the necessity of it, further than 
to consider the best modes of applying it. Old English 
bee-masters of the past, were familiar with the stupefying 
effects of ‘‘puff-ball” (a well-known fungus, found in 
this country as well as in Europe), which our veteran bee- 
keepers also largely used in their earlier experience. 
Tobacco next came extensively into use, and for many 
years was considered the sine qua non of controlling 
agents. Although decisive in its effects, it arouses such 
an antagonism in the bees, that the repeated use of it 
but serves to increase their irritability. Although Mr. 
Quinby recommended it heartily in the previous editions 
of this work, he had, for a number of years, discontinued 
its use; having found partially decayed wood, which 
will burn without blazing, to be an efficient substitute. 
In all of his later writings, he discountenanced the use of 
tobacco, and advised the adoption of this wood instead.- 
MODES OF USING DECAYED WOOD. 
At first, and for some years, Mr. Quinby used the 
wood cut into sticks of suitable size ; the smoke of which, 
