16 
one, so that in one night it is possible to free entirely a set of combs 
from bees without any manipulation of the combs, and without smék- 
ing, shaking, or brushing the bees. 
Lastly, reasonable care in manipulation and a suitable system of 
management, which, of course, implies the doing of work in proper 
season, will, with the observance of the foregoing points, make the 
risk of stings exceedingly slight. Indeed, intelligent attention to the 
most important of the points mentioned above, with extra gentleness 
and moderation in manipulation, will enable anyone who so desires to 
avoid all stings. 
WHAT RACE OF BEES TO CHOOSE. 
Reference has already been made to the relative gentleness of the 
various races, and since the gentler types are themselves excellent 
honey gatherers, and the particular advantages to be derived from 
some of the more energetic races which do not happen to be so mild 
in temperament are not likely to be secured by the beginner who is 
unfamiliar with the most approved methods of manipulation of such 
bees, it is strongly recom- 
mended that only the gentle 
ones beat first adopted—either 
Caucasians, Carniolans, or Ital- 
ians. Should full colonies of 
these not be obtainable near 
home, colonies of ordinary 
bees may be changed by re- 
placing their queens with queens of the desired race, the latter having 
been procured in small boxes by mail. If possible the introduction 
had better be made by an expert, although in general, by following 
the instructions which accompany the new queen, success will also 
be attained by the beginner. 
A brief summary of the leading traits of the various races now in 
this country will be of use in guiding the purchaser, as well as 
instructive to him for reference. 
Caucasians are natives of that portion of Russia lying between the 
Black and Caspian seas, are exceedingly gentle, good workers, good 
defenders of their hives, prolific, build many queen cells, and swarm 
often if confined to small hives. The workers are dark leaden gray in 
their general color, and present quite a ringed appearance because of 
the alternation of this dark color with the lighter fuzz which edges the 
segments of the abdomen. They also show frequently one to two 
yellow or leather-colored bands, are somewhat smaller bodied than 
Italians or Carniolans, have good wing-expanse, and hence are nimble 
flyers. The drones are rather small and quite dark in color; queens 
not large, and vary in color from a coppery-yellow to a dark bronze. 
69 
Fig. 3.—The Porter spring bee escape. 
