The Manipulation of Bees 235 



Hasty movements and the jarring of the hive are to be 

 avoided. The organization of the bee's eyes enables it to 

 see movement more readily than still objects. On seeing 

 bees flying about the face, the beginner often strikes at 

 them or moves quickly to escape the sting, thus provoking 

 an attack. It requires quiet nerves not to jerk a frame or 

 even to drop it when the hand in which it is being held is 

 stung. 



Equipment for manipulation. 



Aside from a smoker, veil and hive-tool, the beekeeper 

 needs no other equipment in opening a hive, but the be- 

 ginner may find gloves (better those with the fingers removed) 

 desirable. If special clothing is worn in the apiary, and it 

 is desirable for both comfort and economy not to wear one's 

 best, white suits are most satisfactory. They are the most 

 comfortable in the heat of summer and the beekeeper has 

 a good excuse for this comfort because they are best for 

 apiary use. 



When to handle bees. 



The best time to open hives is in the middle of warm days, 

 especially when the bees are busily engaged in collecting 

 nectar. Bees should never be handled at night nor on wet, 

 cold days. It is not always possible for the extensive bee- 

 keeper to choose the ideal time but it is well to plan to open, 

 hives in favorable times, not only for the comfort of the 

 operator but principally because it interferes least with the 

 work of the colony. 



Opening a hive. 



Before opening the hive, a little smoke should be blown 

 in the entrance. When the cover is slightly raised, a little 

 more smoke should be directed over the frames before the 

 bees have an opportunity to escape. If the frames are 

 covered by a mat or oilcloth, which is not desirable but 

 often used, the outer cover may be entirely removed and one 



