CHAPTER VI 
Hints on Working the Bees 
Position of Hives.—All hives, if possible, 
should be arranged to face south, for cold and 
draughts are among the deadliest foes of the 
bees. Cold showers of rain or sleet in the spring 
often work havoc among them so that it is well 
to minimise the danger as much as possible. 
In this connection it is a common sight in early 
spring to see bees that have become chilled 
lying on the ground near the hives, and novices 
may gain experience in handling bees by 
picking up these moribund specimens. They 
should be lifted with one finger and thumb and 
dropped into a jar which should be covered 
at the top and placed before a fire. When the 
bees have revived they may be liberated. 
Manipulating the Bees.—Confidence is the 
most necessary quality to the bee-keeper and 
one, of course, that can only be acquired by 
experience. One golden rule to be remem- 
bered by the beginner is that the hive should 
be approached always from the rear, and another, 
58 
