OR, MANUAI< OF THE APIARY. 345 



apiarian supplies. It is reported that heavily starched linen 

 is proof against the bee's sting-, and so may be used for gloves 

 or other clothing. Some apiarists think that dark clothing is 

 specially obnoxious to bees. It is certainly true that fuzzy 

 woolen, and even hairs on one's hands, are very irritating to 

 them. Clothes with a heavy nap should be rejected by the 

 bee-keeper, and the Esaus should singe the hair from their 

 hands. 



For ladies, my friend, Mrs. Baker, recommends a dress 

 which, by use of a rubber skirt-lift or other device, can be 



Fig. 162. 



Bee- Veil. — Original. 



instantly raised or lowered. This will be convenient in the 

 apiary, and tidy anywhere. The Gabrielle style is preferred, 

 and of a length just to reach the floor. It should be belted at 

 the waist, and cut down from the neck in front one-third 

 the length of the waist, to permit the tucking in of the veil. 

 The underwaist should fasten close about the neck. The 

 sleeves should be quite long to allow free use of the arms, and 

 gathered in with a rubber cord at the wrist, which will hug 

 the rubber gauntlets or arm, and prevent bees from crawling 

 up the sleeves. The pantalets should be straight and full, and 

 should also have the rubber cord in the hem to draw them 

 close about the top of the shoes. 



