HANDLING BEES. 



198 



wlien opening the hive, and occasionally on the combs, if 

 they show any disposition to anger, are quite sufficient to 

 keep them down. Some of onr best Apiarists often open 

 their hives and handle the bees without smoke. It takes 

 practice, patience and firmness. 



While the timid, if unprotected, are almost sure to be 

 stung, there is something in the fearless movements of a 

 skillful operator, that seems to render a colony submissive 

 to his will. 



390. Some races, however, like the Cyprian (559), 

 cannot be controlled without a cloud of smoke, but they 

 promptly retreat before the overpowering argument of a 

 good smoker. 



391. Bees can be handled at all times; but they are 

 quietest in the middle of the day. At such a time, the old 

 bees, which are the crossest in the colony, are out in the 

 field. In cold, cloudy, or stormy weather, they are most irri- 

 table, especially if there is a scarcity of honey, as the lurking 

 robbers (604) excite the bees. Old bees that come home 

 loaded, are not cross, while those going out empty, are easily 

 angered. During a plentiful honey flow, when the hives 

 are crowded for room, the bees are nearly all full of honey, 

 and the colonies can then be handled without smoke (379). 



By our methods you can superintend a large Apiary, 

 performing every operation necessary for pleasure or profit, 

 without as much risk of being stung, as must frequently be 

 incurred in attempting to manage a single hive in the old 

 way. 



392. Let all your motions about your hives be gentle and 

 slow; never crush or injure the bees; acquaint yourself 

 fully with the principles of management detailed in this 

 treatise, and you will find that you have little more reason 

 to dread the sting of a bee, than the horns of a favorite 

 cow, or the heels of your faithful horse. 



13 



