plied. Wired frames, while not necessary, are more satisfactory both for 

 comb and extracted honey production. The different machines on the 

 market for fastening the foundation in pound honey boxes are all satis- 

 factory if used properly. The melted-wax plan is the best for sections. 

 Be sure that there is a slight ridge of wax from one end of the starter 

 to the other where the wood and starter join. 



WHEN TO OPEN A HIVE OF BEES. 



A knowledge of bee temperament is necessary to the bee-keeper if he 

 would avoid severe stinging. Hives should not be opened except when the 

 weather is warm and the bees are flying. The most favorable time is 

 between ten in the morning and three in the afternoon. 



Bees are Inclined to be cross 



After a shower; 



When no honey is being gathered; 



Early in the morning; 



Late in the afternoon; 



When the weather is cool; 



If robbing has been allowed in the apiary; 



When waxy or propolized rags are used in the smoker; 



When the bee-keeper's breath is blown directly on the bees; 



When the hive is bumped or jarred; 



When some are crushed in the hive, causing the crushed bees to emit 

 poison; 



When quick, irritating motions are made. ' 



HAVE A BEE DAY. 



Bees do not require a great deal of care, but what they do require 

 they must have. Have one day each week during the season as the bee 

 day. If you have but a few colonies, it may not take over a half-hour; 

 but give them the attention they require each week. On one of the first 

 warm days in the spring go through each hive and make a record of the 

 strength of the colony, amount of honey and brood, and condition of 

 queen. If short of stores, feed either syrup or give frames of honey from 

 some other hive with honey to spare. Unite weak or queenless colonies 

 with strong ones by placing the weak or queenless colony on top with a 

 newspaper between. The bees gnaw holes in the paper and come together 

 gradually without fighting. When the bees have gone below from the 

 upper story, it should be removed. 



HOW TO OPEN A HIVE. 



Light the smoker, using burlap rags, and when the fuel is burning 

 briskly close the cover of the smoker; put on your bee hat and gloves, 

 and, with smoker and hive tool in hand, you are ready to begin. Give a 

 few puffs at the entrance, lift the cover, and give a few puffs over the 

 frames; remove the division board, or one of the frames easiest to pull 

 out. Before pulling out a frame, pry the others on each side over, so that 

 few, if any,. bees will be crushed in removing the frame. Always pull the 

 frames out slowly, as quick movements irritate the bees, and crush some 

 on the ends and sides of the combs. Keep the smoker close at hand for 

 use in case any bees become angry. 



CLIPPING QUEENS. 



If queens are to be clipped, the work can most easily be done in April 

 or May, when the colonies are not populous. It Is difficult to find queens 

 when the hives are running over with bees. The hives should be opened 

 carefully, and as little smoke used as possible. The queen will generally 

 be found on the three or four center frames. Lift her from the comb by 

 clasping Jhe wings between the thumb and first finger of the right hand, 

 while holding the frame in the left hand. Now set down the frame and 

 clasp the queen's legs with the left hand, and clip off two-thirds of both 



