22 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



Oftentimes the experienced bee-keeper works without any veil, 

 but one is always kept at hand in case the bees become irritated or 

 cross. 



GLOVES. 



Rubber or leather gloves give confidence to beginners. The oiled 

 cotton ones offered by the supply houses do not appeal to the writer. 

 Their fuzzy surface entangles the bees' feet, irritating them and 

 causing the deposit of poison and then the trouble begins. Once 

 well poison -odored and they are always assailed. One example will 

 illustrate the trouble they cause. The writer was inspecting a 

 dozen colonies of an amateur. The amateur wore veil and oiled 

 cotton gloves, the writer was bareheaded and sleeves rolled to the 

 elbow. The gloves had scores of angry bees busily stinging over 

 them, no other part of the amateur was assailed and the writer got 

 not a single sting. 



Washing the hands over with a weak solution of propolis (bee glue) 

 in alcohol seals in the skin and also gives it a general hive odor which 

 the bees seem to consider correct and seldom assail. Very thin shellac 

 works in much the same way. Any strong washing powder will 

 readily remove either mixture. 



Short gathered sleeves with elastic cord in each end will be found 

 excellent to keep bees from getting inside the coat or shirt sleeves. 



CLOTHING. 



Light colored clothing of smooth texture preferably of cotton will 

 be found better than rough woolens of dark color. The khaki colored 

 shirts and trousers are excellent. There is something about the dye 

 used on blue overalls and jumpers that seems peculiarly irritating 

 to bees, so do not use such garments for bee work when new or until 

 the}' have been washed two or three times. 



UNIFORMITY OF APPLIANCES. 



Whatever type of hive is used be sure to have all alike, for unless 

 all hives, frames, etc., are interchangeable, endless trouble will 



