196 8UMMEE. 



PAETICULAK DIRBCnONS FOR TESTISG THK MATTER. 



I will now give more minute directions for an examina- 

 tion. Full hives require a little more care tlian those 

 containing fewer bees. Don't let the crowded state 

 of the hive, even if some are outside, deter you 

 from gratifying a laudable curiosity, (such hives are 

 most likely to possess these cells.) Let the satisfac- 

 tion of ascertaining a few fects for yourselves stimu- 

 late you to this exertion, the risk is not much ; "what 

 I have done you may do. This is better than to rely on 

 any man's " jjjse dixitr I do it without any protection 

 whatever for face or hands ; but, if you have too much 

 fear of stings, a veil to protect the face may be put on, 

 but do without it, if you can find the courage, as you 

 will want a good view. The best time is, when most 

 of the bees are out at worknearthe middle of the day ; 

 but then the bees from the other hives are sometimes 

 cross, andinterfere. On that account I prefer morning or 

 evening, although there are more bees to be smoked 

 out of the way. If you are accustomed to smoking^ 

 tobacco, you will find a pipe just the thing for makitig' 

 a smoke here; if not, vide a description of anappara-' 

 tus in chap. 18th, p. 281. When you are ready to 

 proceed, some smoke must be blown under the hive 

 before you touch it ; then raise the front side a few 

 inches, and blow in some more ; now carefully lift the 

 hive from the stand, avoiding any jar, as this would 

 arouse their anger ; turn it bottom upwards ; also, be 

 careful all the time not to breathe among them. More 

 smoke will now make them crowd among the combs out 

 of your way while you examine. It is very coomion for 



