Hints and Instructions to Beginners. 87 



28. Keep your colonies strong. That is the best 

 safeguard against robbers and other evils. 



29. A good bee smoker and veil are indispensable. 

 They give a beginner confidence. The bees won't 

 tolerate nervous, jerky handling. Handled gently, 

 and with an occasional puff of smoke, you can do 

 anything you please with them. Smoke the bees a 

 little at the entrance before opening a hive. 



30. The middle of the day is the best time to handle 

 your bees, as the old bees are then in the fields. 



31. When you get stung do not lose any time, but 

 scrape the sting off. Do not pull it out, as you are 

 likely to drive more poison into the wound. 



32. There are about 5000 bees in a pound. 



33. Before melting old comb into wax, it is better 

 to keep it under rain-water for twenty-four hours. By 

 doing so you get more and better wax. 



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