OF MANAGING BEES. 93 



only apology we can make for dwelling so long on this point. 

 We have known many to suffer serious losses In consequence 

 of moving their bees after they were well settled in their 

 labors. 



Bees should never be irritated under any pretence what- 

 ever. They should be treated with attention and kindness. 

 They shovild be kept undisturbed by cattle and all other an- 

 noyances, so that they may be approached at any time with 

 safety. 



An apiary should be so situated, that swarming may be 

 observed, and at the same time where the bees can obtain 

 food easily, and in great abundance. A bee-house should be 

 so constructed as to secure the hives perfectly from the raya 

 of the sun, and weather, and well saturated inside and out at 

 least once a year with whitewash made of lime, which is a 

 great preventive to the collection of cobwebs, moths, and 

 other insects ; at the same time it .promotes the health and 

 vigor of the bees. Whitewash made of lime makes a good 

 paint for hive.', particularly bottom boards, which should be 

 well washed over with it every spring. All the light the 

 bees can have about the hive is necessary, to induce them to 

 swarm early in the season ; and a plenty of good air (not air 

 exhausted- of its vitality) is absolutely necessary to promote 

 their health, prevent them from acquiring habits of indolence, 

 and hostile feelings ; at the same time^ a strong current of 

 air in the immediate region of the hive, near the entrance, 

 where the bees alight, must be avoided : otherwise, when the 

 bees slack up their speed to alight, the wind will blow thein 

 so far from the hive that many of them fall and perish. 



Much depends on the construction of the house, as well as 

 the hive. It has been a general practice to front bee-houses 

 either to the east or south. This doctrine should be ex- 

 ploded, with all other whims. Apiaries should be so situ- 



