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CHAPTER VII. 
GENERAL MANAGEMENT OF BEES. 
HANDLING BEES. 
And lastly — for here my remarks ought to cease — 
The bees, as a nation, are bent upon peace ; 
You are ready to question this statement I know, 
And to ask why we carry our stings where we go. 
We carry our stings, not on any pretense 
For aggressive attack, but in pure self-defence ; 
We meddle with no one, and only repel 
Assailants who will not in peace with us dwell. — Sunshine. 
Many persons desirous of obtaining the large profits 
resulting from successful bee-keeping, would readily 
engage in the business were it not for the fear of being 
stung. Many intelligent men, when viewing the Bee- 
charmer, clad in a ‘coat of many colors,’ ” think the 
whole pursuit is connected with similar performances ; 
while the ignorant, standing with eyes and mouths 
open, come to the conclusion that the business of keep- 
