BEE-KEEPERS’ REQUISITES 43 
the bees, but there is no question that in spite 
of the grotesque appearance it imparts the veil 
is ‘‘a very present help in trouble’ tothe average 
bee-keeper. Some people are fortunate enough 
to be sting-proof and such can afford to smile at 
those who seek protection from a veil, but to 
those who are not immune from the conse- 
quences of the angry attentions of the bee the 
veil is indispensable. Serviceable veils can be 
made of Brussels or silk net, mosquito netting, 
or fine wire. They can be procured in any 
colour, though black is most generally adopted, 
that having been found the least objectionable 
to the bees, who entertain violent prejudices on 
the subject of colour. 
Personally, I believe that it is the human 
breath to which the bees particularly object, and 
I have found that if a little honey be eaten 
before one opens a hive the enmity of the 
bees will be neutralised to a very great extent. 
A pair of gloves, with gauntlets, are ab- 
solutely necessary to the bee-keeper’s equipment, 
though an admirable makeshift for the latter can 
be adapted from old stockinglegs. These pulled 
over the sleeves of the coat, after the gloves have 
been buttoned, form an efficient guard against 
an exploring bee, 
