AT WORK. 55 



tired. I had never seen a swarm of bees transferred. 

 I knew nothing about it except what the books and 

 journals told me. But in mind I had many times 

 carefully gone over the whole process, so that when 

 the time came for real work I had a theoretical 

 familiarity with it. I knew exactly how I wanted 

 to do it. I had prepared every cord ; every tool 

 was in perfect order, and in its place ; the hives and 

 frames were exactly right. But it is practise only 

 that can make perfect. In spite of all my care some 

 confusion would creep in. Tools and material 

 would get out of place. My movements were slow 

 and awkward. So I was very weary with my first 

 day of actual work among the bees. All before this 

 had been preparation. Now had come the real 

 work, and it was not all poetry by any means. To 

 lift and carry hives required muscle. To handle the 

 combs with hands sticky with honey was not pleas- 

 ant. To work quietly and rapidly with innumerable 

 bees flying around, and not a few creeping over 

 one's clothing, required a certain nerve. Prof. Cook 

 had said in his book that nobody need be stung. 

 Some of the writers in the journals had made light 

 of stings. Perhaps if one could begin bee-keeping 

 already possessed of the experience of a veteran, he 

 need not get stung. But experience can come only 

 with actual work among bees. A beginner is almost 

 sure to get stung somewhat. If he is intelligent, 



