FUMIGATION. 69 



and less handy than fustian. Old corduroy or fustian is 

 better than new, unless the matter which is used to 

 stiffen it he completely washed out. The stiffening matter 

 will not burn — will not let the rags burn ; hence we use 

 and recommend old stuff which has lost it. Let us ask 

 the most timid apiarian to get a piece the size of a man's 

 hand, rolled up and fixed at one end — not to blaze, but to 

 smoke. Let him now place the smoking end so close to 

 the door of the hive that most of the smoke may go in 

 when he blows on it. After six or eight puffs have been 

 sent into the hive, it may be gently lifted off the board, 

 turned over, upside down, so that the bees and combs stare 

 him in the face. By holding and moving the smoking 

 rags over the face of the bees, and blowing the smoke 

 amongst them, they run helter-skelter down amongst the 

 combs, more afraid than hurt. Now he can carry the 

 hive round his garden under his arm, and then round 

 the house, without being stung. "Whenever the bees are 

 likely to rise, they should be dosed again. They always 

 should get plenty of smoke before the hive is touched at 

 all. 



If the reader has hitherto not dared to handle his 

 bees in this manner, we ask him to try the experi- 

 ment, believing that he will be more than satisfied with 

 the result, and find that he has now got the mastery of 

 his bees, and can do with them as he likes. Yes ; he 

 will be able to drive his bees out of one hive into another, 

 and, moreover, tumble or even spoonful them back, as men 

 take peas from one basket to another. 



This smoke does not injure the health of bees, or stop 

 them from work more than a few minutes. 



