DEPRIVATION WITHOUT SMOKE. 361 



with honey, independently of the great loss which is sus- 

 tained by it flowing from the combs. In some instances, 

 we have found it impossible to cut out a comb to its very 

 foundation at the top, and the bees then in the hive being 

 returned to the pedestal are literally drowned in their own 

 sweets. We cannot too strenously recommend the omission 

 of these sticks. They are by no means required for the 

 support of the combs, as the bees know well how to give 

 their combs all the support they require, and in all opera- 

 tions connected with the interior of the hive, they are a 

 direct and insufferable nuisance. 



The requisite quantity of honey being extracted, the hive 

 may be returned to its pedestal ; but it should not at first 

 be placed directly upon it, but let it be supported by a stone 

 or two about an inch from it, whereby the lives of a number 

 of bees will be saved, which would otherwise be crushed 

 between the hive and the pedestal ; the supports, however, 

 must be removed the same night, or on the following 

 morning the proprietor will have the mortification of 

 beholding the hive, that has afforded him so rich a harvest, 

 the prey to a host of robbers, who, scenting the honey that 

 has been spilt, will attack it from every quarter. 



The operation of deprivation, when the fumigating bel- 

 lows are not at hand, is one, which we would recommend 

 few persons to undertake. It is one of extreme difficulty 

 and hazard, and in many instances has exhausted the 

 patience of the most enthusiastic apiarian. We will, 

 however, give the description of it for the benefit of those, 

 who may feel disposed to try the experiment. 



In the first place, an empty hive must be procured of the 

 exact diameter of the hive which is to be deprived, the full 

 hive being lifted from the pedestal and reverted as before, 

 the empty one is placed over it, and the hives being con- 

 solidated, a sheet or a large table cloth must be wrapped 

 round them at their point of junction, in order to prevent 



