and its Economic Management. 19 



so that none may fall on one side, when, after a little more 

 smoke driven across the now exposed combs, any necessary 

 examination may be made ; though of course the investigation 

 can be little more than a superficial one. The smoker is so 

 arranged that when placed in a vertical position there 

 is a continuous draught, but if put down the other way the 

 draught is at once stopped, and the fire goes out. While 

 it is desirable that no more be used than is really necessary, 

 the operator should on no account proceed until he has used 

 sufficient smoke or other intimidant, that he may be quite 

 certain he has the bees well in hand. Many overlook just 

 this necessary precaution, causing needless loss of bee-life, as 

 well as inconvenience to Others, if not to themselves. After 

 any operation these little insects should, if carefully treated, 

 be no more disposed to sting than before. Of course ex- 

 ceptions to this rule will be met with, and while at some more 

 favorable seasons, and with some quieter races of bees, little 

 or no smoke may be needed, there are other stocks nothing 

 seems to thoroughly subdue ; and though these are often the 

 best honey-gatherers, the novice will soon want to be rid of 

 them: this is best done by deposing the queen, and giving 

 one from a quieter strain. When it is desired 



To Drive and Transfer 



bees firom a straw skep, or other fixed combs, to movable 

 frames, then after srnoking and inverting the old hive, let its 

 crown rest upon the ground ; 'place an empty skep or box 

 above, fitting exactly mouth to mouth, and then continue to 

 rap upon the sides of the lower hive with the hands or a stout 

 stick ; but on no account jar in such a rough manner that the 

 combs become broken from their attachments, or many of the 

 inmates will be smothered in the honey. Soon the bees vnll 

 be heard roaring on their march upwards, "being in fear of. the 

 trembling combs faUing about them. In the first instance a 

 cloth may be secured around the junction of the two hives, 



