and its Economic Management. 19 



Manipulating Bees in Frame Hives. 



The foregoing operations are seldom necessary with moveable - 

 comb hives, as each frame may be removed at will, and this meets 

 all requirements. When any operation has to be carried out, first 

 lift the material covering the frames, and drive a few puffs of 

 smoke among the bees, replace the " quilt," and after a few 

 seconds peel the same off with care, and make the necessary 

 examinations. Remove and replace each comb carefully, taking 

 care not to crush any bees while so doing, and see that your 

 smoker is on hand in good order, in case the bees may get 

 troublesome. If the combs are to be cleared, shake them from 

 the same back into the hive, or at the entrance by a motion 

 similar to that of throwing, beginning however with a gentle 

 shake, and then more vigorously, as the bees become frightened. 

 Nothing tends to subdue them so thoroughly, and on no account 

 should a brush or feather be used until the bees have first been 

 so shaken ; as by brushing them from the combs they are much 

 irritated. 



Carniolan and Cyprian Bees do not require to be intimidated. 

 The former can be handled almost anyhow, while with the others 

 gentle treatment is necessary ; and what is remarkable with both 

 these varieties, and also some stocks of Syrian bees, it matters 

 not how long the hive may remain uncovered, they remain 

 perfectly peaceful. With these begin by peeling off the quilt 

 gently, and then proceed to remove the combs in the same manner, 

 and hardly a bee will take wing. Get them from the combs by 

 shaking as above, when necessary, and no stings will be given as 

 a. rule. 



Uniting. 



AVhere bees are in fixed combs, drive both (or all), then 

 remove all queens but the one wanted; stand the combed 

 hive to receive them in an inverted position near to where they 

 are to remain and throw all into the one. As soon as the bees 

 ■are a little settled turn the skep right way up on two i-inch 



