1 6 A Modem Bee-Farm 



CHAPTER II. 



HOW TO HANDLE BEES. 



AMONG the uninitiated the general impression is that 

 ^ bees are certain to sting if molested, but if let alone 

 they will not touch one. This is to a certain extent true, and 

 while the novice would generally be unable to open a hive to 

 take out the combs and bees, without being attacked, the 

 expert may do almost anything with neither veil nor gloves, 

 and seldom receive a sting. Of course, the difference is that 

 the former has not yet gained that caution and confidence 

 necessary in all his manipulations, and this will come oiily by 

 practice ; no one can give him the desired skill to start with. 

 A calm and dehberate motion should be acquired by all who 

 hope to handle bees successfully. I have known those looked 

 upon as experts to have a very unpleasant manner while 

 manipulating bees, making it unsafe for any unprotected 

 companion, and disturbing a whole apiary for days. Though 

 such operator may not himself mind stings, this carelessness 

 should be overcome if the owners visited are to have any 

 pleasure in their apiaries. 



Precaution against Robbing. 



Where an expert is called upon to put an apiary in order, 

 or remove the crop of honey, difficulties are likely to occur 



