20 A Modern Bee-Farm 



When necessary to look into a fixed-comb hive (com- 

 monly called a " skep ") first drive a few puffs of smoke 

 in at the entrance from a bellows smoker, as illustrated, 

 which is of the " Bingham " pattern. Give the sides of 

 the hive several sharp raps, then turn it up in a line 

 parallel with the combs, so that none may fall on one 

 side, when, after, a little more smoke driven across the 

 now exposed combs, any necessary examination may be 

 made ; though of course the investigation can be Httle 

 more than a superficial one. The smoker is so arranged 

 that when placed in a vertical position there is a con- 

 tinuous draught, but if put down the other way the 

 draught is at once stopped, and the fire goes out. While 

 it is desirable that no more be used than is really 

 necessary, the operator should on no account proceed 

 until he has used sufficient smoke or other intimidant, that 

 he may be quite certain he has the bees well in hand. 

 Many overlook just this necessary precaution, causing 

 needless loss of bee-lile, as well as inconvenience to others, 

 if not to themselves. After any operation these little 

 insects should, if carefully treated, be no more disposed 

 to sting than before. Of course exceptions to this rule 

 will be met with, and while at some more favourable 

 seasons, and with some quieter races of bees, little or no 

 smoke may be needed, there are other stocks nothing 

 seems to thoroughly subdue ; and though these are often 

 the best honey-gatherers, the novice will soon want to be 

 rid of them; this is best done by deposing the queen, 

 and giving one from a quieter strain. When it is desired 



To Drire and Transfer 



bees from a straw skep, or other fixed combs, to movable 

 frames, then after smoking and inverting the old hive, let 

 its crown rest upon the ground ; place an empty skep or 



