84 BEE CULTURE, 
person stung at the same time congratulating himself that 
the sting has been extracted. 
On being stung, if the poison-bag has not been emptied, 
remove it and suck the wound strongly to extract the poison ; 
this is usually sufficient. If not, apply ammonia or salt to 
the part to prevent swelling. Still another plan used with 
success is to blow some smoke on the place from the bee 
smoker (fig. 54). 
Smoke is harmless and is the best thing to alarm and quiet 
bees. With a good smoker (fig. 54), blow a little smoke in 
at the entrance before opening the hive. Give them a little 
Fie. 54.—Bingham’s Bee Smoker. 
more as you uncover the frames; if very cross repeat the 
dose, until they yield obedience ; then they may be handled 
with safety. Handle them gently and without fear, avoiding 
all quick motions ; such usually incite them to anger. When 
honey is being stored rapidly, Italians may be handled with- 
out smoke ; when there is a scarcity it is not safe to do so. 
To those who are commencing, and until familiarity causes 
the loss of fear, a pair of good gauntlet gloves and a veil are 
necessary, but after that fear has been overcome, a good veil 
will be sufficient. Such may be placed over a hat, the bottom 
of it coming down under the coat or vest, and when thus ad- 
