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A Modern Bee-Farm 



CHAPTER III. 



HOW TO HANDLE BEES. 



AMONG the uninitiated the general impression is that bees 

 will be certain to sting if molested, but if let alone they 

 will not touch one. This is to a certain extent true, and while 

 the novice would hardly be able to open a hive to take out the 

 combs and bees, without being attacked, the expert could do all 

 with neither veil nor gloves, and receive no stings. Of course, 

 the difference is that the former has not yet gained that caution 

 and confidence necessary in all manipulations, and this will only 

 come by practice ; no one can give him the desired skill to start 

 with. 



As to leaving them undisturbed, no modern bee-keeper believes 

 in the " let-'em-alone " policy, though there are those frequently 

 found among beginners who are continually opening their hives 

 without cause. Bees so disturbed cannot prosper, and it must 

 be borne in mind that no hive should be touched unless there is 

 a definite object in view, which shall be of benefit to the colony 

 or its owner. No hives should be opened, and the contents 

 exposed during cold weather, especially if it be in Spring, when 

 bees are breeding up in preparation for the coming harvest. 



Why Clustering Swarms do not Sting. 



Nearly everyone has noticed how readily a new swarm may be 

 handled ; the bees showing no inclination to sting. The reason 



