MANAGEMENT OF HONEY BEES, 159 
few minutes, when neither pain nor swelling 
will ensue. Pressure with the hollow end 
of a small key, or with a pencil-case, is prac- 
tised by some unfortunates, and is said to 
check the circulation of the poison. This 
ast mode of treatment—i. e. pressure witha 
small key, or pencil case, the smaller the bet- 
ter, is the simplest, and, if immediately 
adapted, is I believe the very best. But its 
efficacy depends upon the instant application 
of the key or pencil case to the part stung, 
by which the poisonous matter is not only 
prevented from being absorbed into the sys- 
tem but the puncture is laid open, and the 
virus thereby expressed and entirely got rid 
of more readily than by any other means. 
Accidents may sometimes happen, and the 
most cautious and humane apiarian may oc- 
casionally receive a sting, but gentle treat- 
ment dose not irritate Bees, and when not ir- 
ritated they have no disposition to use their 
stings. 
