270 BEE MANIPULATION. [Ch. v. 



using our tube fumigator, with a little of the prepared 

 fungus lighted. Pipes or cigars are not convenient to 

 use for this purpose when the head is enveloped in the 

 dress. As soon as the lid is removed a few bees will fly 

 out to learn the cause of such an interference. Con- 

 ciliation should then be offered by having at hand a 

 little sweetened water, which may be sprinkled, or rather- 

 let drop, from a feather or a brush.* The sudden motion 

 of the hand required in the act of sprinkling irritates the 

 bees, so that, instead of making them our friends, they 

 may become our foes. Mr. Langstroth recommends that 

 a fine watering-pot, containing sweetened water, be used 

 for the purpose. Care must be taken not to drench the 

 bees ; only just sufficient should be given to run down 

 the sides of the combs, as well as sprinkle the top. As 

 soon as the insects really understand that syrup is'being 

 given them, they feast upon it, instead of angrily attack- 

 ing the operator. Thus pacified, and with gentle treat- 

 ment, btit little difficulty will be found in proceeding 

 with the work required. But the unskilled operator 

 should on no account neglect to put on a bee dress and 

 gloves, as described above. We would err on the side 

 of caution, although there is an old saying that " a cat in 

 gloves catches no mice ; " and the apiarian will find that 

 his fingers are not so free to work as he would like, for 

 gloves make them rather clumsy in drawing up the frames. 



* An objection to, this is that robber bees are liable to be attracted 

 from surrounding hives. 



