THE SWARMING SEASON. 63 



loss of time removed the sting and applied plain olive oil, 

 rubbing it gently into the part, then a small quantity of 

 tincture of arnica, and, although I have since been stung 

 hundreds of times, I have not in a single instance after 

 applying the above experienced the slightest inconvenience ; 

 so that a bee-sting to me is a matter of no moment, for the 

 part, although very painful for a few seconds, never in- 

 flames ; the pain disappears as if by magic, and not the 

 slightest swelling is perceived. 



Some persons when stung faint, and lose all command 

 of themselves : in such cases it is well to have at hand, so 

 that it can be used without loss of time, a small quantity 

 of sal volatile, of which a teaspoonful should be taken 

 internally in a tablespoonful of cold water ; this wfill 

 speedily remove the faintness. I have known an apiarian 

 do nothing when stung but suck the part with his mouth, 

 if on the hands ; but he suiFered much from headaches and 

 loss of appetite, which I attributed to the venom. The 

 place bitten by a serpent ' may be sucked with impunity, 

 without any evil results. It thus differs widely from the 

 bee venom, which, whilst acting powerfully upon the blood, 

 will also vitiate the stomach. It will be well to bear this 

 in memory. 



THE SWARMING SEASON. 



No part of the bee-keeper's year is so much prized as 

 the swarming season, which ranges in England from May 

 to July. It is also an anxious period, on account of there 

 being no certainty as to the exact time when a swarm will 

 issue from the parent hive. We have known many young 

 bee-farmers who lost much valuable time from being con- 

 stantly on the watch, from fear lest they should lose a stock 

 by not being on the spot when they left. 



