24 
BEES AND BEE-KEEPING. 
their unusual stillness is very noticeable. To please 
friends rather naturalists than bee-keepers, and who 
have wished to see “the Cypriots,’’ I have fre- 
quently fetched a frame, carrying bees and queen 
from a hive about 200ft. away, and, having made my 
exhibition behind glass, have returned all to the status 
quo ante without a single bee flying, or indicating 
any disturbance. When recently visiting Rotting- 
dean, carte blanche was given me with regard to the 
apiary, and in indifferent weather I fully examined 
and carefully tested the temper of the Cyprians, 
taking stock after stock without veil or any protec- 
tion, and in no case received even a threat of a sting. 
Cyprians have faults in our climate, as well as ex- 
cellencies, quite outside the question of temper ; 
but their surpassing loveliness of form and colour 
would induce some to keep them, especially if 
their disposition could be reckoned upon, and to this 
end irritable colonies, whenever discovered, should be 
re-queened; but our point here is — with Cyprians 
use no smoke, and with them, as with all bees, avoid 
all quick, darting movements. So handle the combs 
that they are not jarred, and be especially cautious 
not to strike or kick the hive. Make no needless 
noises, and do not allow the breath to play upon the 
bees ; and should one dart out with threatening mien, 
strive to remain unmoved, when escape is extremely 
probable, while a hand in retreat is almost certain to 
retire wounded. Should our gentle wooing be uncannily 
received, it is best with Cyprians to give up for the 
time, or else conquer by the carbolic spray or 
smoker with creasote added. These, especially the 
