HANDLING BEES, 193 
opening the hive, and occasionally on the combs, if they 
show any disposition to anger, are quite sufficient to keep 
them down, Some of our best Apiarists often open their 
hives and handle the bees without smoke. It takes prac- 
tice patience and firmness. 
While the timid, if unprotected, are almost sure to be 
stung, there is something in the fearless movements of a 
skillful operator, that seems to render a colony submissive 
to his will. 
390. Some races, however, like the Cyprian (559,) 
cannot be controlled without a cloud of smoke, but they 
promptly retreat before the overpowering argument of a 
good smoker. 
391. Bees can be handied at all times; but they are 
quietest in the middle of the day. At such a time, 
the old bees, which are the crossest in the colony, are out 
inthe field. In cold, cloudy, or stormy weather, they are 
most irritable, especially if there is a scarcity of honey, 
as the lurking robbers (664) excite the bees. Old bees 
that come home doaded, are not cross, while those going 
out empty, are easily angered. During a plentiful honey 
flow, when the hives are crowded for room, the bees are 
nearly ad/ fuld of honey, and the colonies can then be 
handled without smoke. (379.) 
By our methods you can superintend a large Apiary, 
performing every operation necessary for pleasure or 
profit, without as much risk of being stung, as must 
frequently be incurred in attempting to manage a single 
hive in the old way. 
392. Let all your motions about your hives be gentle 
and slow, never crush or injure the bees; acquaint your- 
self fully with the principles of management detailed in 
this treatise, and you will find that you have little more 
reason to dread the sting of a bee, than the horns of a 
favorite cow, or the hecls of your faithful horse. 
