bee-keeper's manual. 301 



blade on its flat side, should not be over a quarter of an 

 inch, as it is often to be inserted between combs, where 

 the space is not over three-eighths of an inch. 



These two instruments are useful in cutting out pieces 

 of brood-comb, as well as for various other purposes, 

 that every apiarian will see the necessity of, many times 

 in a season. If you possess nothing of the kind, you 

 must take the sharpest and longest knife in your kitchen. 

 You have a carving-knife, of course, and if it be a little 

 curved at the point, the better. Take this and put on 

 your bee-dress, and I will then tell you what to do. All 

 ready, I perceive. Now, take this stone, and sharpen the 

 point of your knife on it. Sharpen it on a whetstone ? 

 No : if you're going to learn how to cut out brood- 

 combs from me, you must do as I say. I know it makes it 

 as rough as a saw, but don't get into a passion, that is just 

 what I want, it will cut honey-comb better in that rough 

 condition, than it would if it were as sharp as a razor. 

 Now, sir, turn this hive over on its top. Afraid to do 

 it? There, now it is over — is any one hurt? Now 

 take your knife and run it obliquely through one of 

 these centre combs, cutting with the point of the knife 

 only. Can't see, there are so many bees ? well, feel your 

 way, then, but cut slowly, so as not to. irritate or kill 

 them. Now loosen the attachment at the side, and with 

 your left hand, hold the comb from falling. Yes, take 

 hold of bees and all, they can't sting through your glove. 

 There, sir, what do you think now ? The operation is 

 over, and you are alive. 



If an ordinary knife be used, a large portion of larvae 



