CHAPTER XXIII. 



BEE-STINGS. 



Gentleness necessary in Manipulation — Causes of Irritation of Bees — 

 Examination of Stoclcs — Treatment of Stings — Remedies — Effects 

 of Stings — Inoculation — Bee Dress — Smoke and its Uses. 



There are some personal requisites, in addition to 

 what is called " bee-dress," if immunity from attack 

 is to be secured. The first of these are, calmness and 

 self-control. Many persons become so much alarmed 

 by a single bee buzzing about them, that they begin 

 fighting and buffeting the insect, with the idea of 

 driving it away. No surer method can be devised 

 for inciting its anger and its persistent efforts to 

 wound. If, on the other hand, perfect quietness is 

 maintained, it \yill rarely happen that a buzzing bee 

 will sting. When mischief is really meant, the attack 

 is usually delivered with great speed and directness. 

 Even if stung, it is much the best policy to be as 

 self-possessed as possible, lest violent movements 

 and angry acts should invite other bees to use their 

 weapons ; and they are the more likely to do so, if 

 the first offender be crushed ; for the smell of the 

 sting poison and of murdered comrades readily stirs 

 the wrath of the insects. 



