FIFTY YBAES AMONG THE BEES 73 



the smoke with more force, but, as already mentioned, shortens 

 the life of the smoker, because the bellows becomes foul with 

 smoke. The Crane has the advantage of the -f uU strength of the 

 blast without the weakening of the cut-off, and works to per- 

 fection for a long time. Still, in the course of time, the metal 

 valve becomes dirty, and it must be cleaned. Fortunately the 

 part containing the valve can be taken off, allowing all to be 

 made just as clean as when new. It takes quite a bit of time to 

 do this, but it is time well spent, and one cleaning a year, even 

 with heavy use, is sufficient. Those who do not care for so 

 strong a blast will prefer a Bingham, Cornell, or other smoker 

 v/ith a cut-off never needing to be cleaned, while those who like 

 the strong blast will be willing to spend the time occasionally 

 cleaning the Crane. The latest Root smokers are the favorite 

 of aU.^ . ■ ' 



CLEATS ON SMOKERS. 



Using a smoker all day long is a hard thing on the muscles 

 tiiat work the bellows, and the stiffer the spring of the bellows 

 the more tiresome the work. But unless the spring be quite stiff, 

 the smoker will drop out of the hand when the grasp is relaxed 

 so as to allow the bellows to open. I think it was W. L. Cogg- 

 shall who suggested little cleats on the smoker, and these cleats 

 have given great satisfaction. They are merely strips of wood 

 one-fourth inch by one-eighth, extending across the upper 

 end of each bellows-board and about half way down the sides 

 CPig. 80). The sharp edges of the cleats cling to the fingers, 

 allowing the spring to be — I don't know just how much weaker, 

 but I should guess only half as strong as without cleats. Most 

 of the latest smokers are now made so that no cleats are needed. 



SMOKER-FUEL. 



It is a matter of much importance to have plenty of the 

 right fuel and lighting material. Time is precious during the 

 busy season, and it is trying on the temper to have to spend 

 luueh time getting a smoker started, or relighting it when it 

 has gone out. There are a great many different things that 

 can be used for fuel, and it is largely a matter of convenience 

 as to what is best for each one. Pine needles, rotten wood, 



