QUEENS. 147 
CLIPPING QUEENS’ WINGS. 
This practice is thought by many to be one of the new 
discoveries of the age. Mr, Langstroth tells us in his 
work that it was followed in Virgil’s time, and also men- 
tions an account bearing date as early as 1766, of a bee- 
master in Spain who carefully clipped the wings of his 
queen-bees, to prevent loss by swarming. ‘There are, 
doubtless, some slight evils incident to the practice. 
T am satisfied that I have had many fine queens super- 
seded from the dissatisfaction of the bees with 4 queen 
with this imperfection. I do not imagine, however, that 
it is any real detriment to the value of the queen. There 
are so many arguments in favor of the practice that I 
could not relinquish it, even if it involved a much greater 
loss. The chances of loss from other sources are very 
much reduced, and the benefit realized in various opera- 
tions, as demonstrated herein, pEONee its utility and en- 
tire practicability. 
THE PROCESS. 
It may be done with a sharp knife, or with a pair of 
scissors. If a knife is used, grasp the 
queen by the forward part of the body, 
and place the wing to be removed upon 
a smooth surface, and cut about one 
half of it away (fig. 63). If scissors 
are preferred, use those with round 
points, as they are less liable to in- 
jure the queen, and may be more saieiy ,, 
g. 63.—QUEEN WITH 
carried in the pocket than sharp point- ~~ curprep wine. 
ed ones. The mexpert would do better to handle the 
queen by the wings. 
HOW TO HANDLE A QUEEN. 
To handle a queen with perfect safety to her majesty 
requires some experience. Never allow the least pressure 
