APPENDIX. 
383 
advise that any one w ho has courage to do it, had better take this course till satisfied 
that this dividing the frame has no iulluenco in producing the crooked combs. 
Those frames are not made to advantage without power of some sort, and a 
circular saw. The fiat strips are cut from boards the right length and thickness 
without the least ditliculty. The triangular one is cut by securing on the saw table 
« board of suitable length and width, with one edge raised a few inches, while tho 
other rests on tho table by the side of the saw ; a guide on the other side of the 
saw, tho same as for other sawing, guides it. It is necessary to turn the board over 
for every piece sawed from it. A little practice will adjust the table (or board on it) 
to cut a triangular piece every time. 
• The frame, while being nailed together, should bo held as near square as possible. 
A frame fastened to tho table to hold tho pieces in shape is a great help. 
To operate with these frames a person requires a little more energy than with tho 
box hives. The liability for being stung is somewhat increased, and unless a man 
can Hud sufficient nerve to take advantage or some of the facilities that the rnovablo 
frames offer, when suitably protected, had better adhere to the simpler form. 
There are some men too ignorant, too conceited, too careless, too much engaged 
otherwise, to be lit to keep bees in any hive. But- such as ate qualified ought to 
know how to make the most of them. As for myself, I seldom use any protection — 
sometimes throw a handkerchief ovor the ears and back of tho head. There is a 
way of avoiding stings in the face, acquired alter working among them awhile, that 
is very difficult to describe, further than holding the head down. It is not to bo 
expected that many will tako the risks for all the advantages ; 1 will therefore, in 
addition to the protection mentioned on page 284, describe a “bee hat” recom- 
mended by Mr. Langstroth. “ It is made of wire-cloth, the meshes of which are 
too line to admit a bee, but coarse enough to allow a free circulation of air, and to 
permit distant sight. The wire-cloth should bo first fastened together in a circular 
shape, liko a hat, and made largo enough to go very easily over tho head ; its top 
may be of cotton cloth, and it should have the same material fastened around its 
lower edge. If tho top is made of solo lcathor it will serve a better purpose. A 
piece of wire-cloth, ono foot wide by two and a half feet long, will make a good fit 
for most persons, although persons with unusually long noses will require a larger 
size. It ought slightly to rest upon the crown of the head.” lie also recommended 
“ India rubber gloves” as impenetrable to the sting, and better than any other 
covering for the hands. 
With respect to this hat ? some of my assistants have used such as were made 
with tho wire-cloth only six inches wide, with a good length of cotton cloth attached 
below, the whole weight resting on the head, which can be moved about much better 
than if it rested on the shoulders. It is made by first cutting out a thin board tho 
right diameter, to which the upper edge of the wire-cloth is nailed. A place in the 
centre is cut out largo enough to fit the upper part of tho head ; the inner edge is 
lined with cotton or other soft material to prevent it being painful, and tho outside 
(top) covered with any light-colored cloth to keep off tho sun. A person with such 
a protection over the lace ought to feel quite safe, even if tho bees arc disposed to 
sting. It is a pity that any one with ability, inclination and time to devote to the 
business, should be deterred through fear. 
To render bees less disposed to sting, Mr. I.. recommends the utility of “ sugar 
water,” becauso a bee that has sweets with which to fill itself, or ono that is filled, 
lias no disposition to make an attack. To apply it — take off tlio honey -board, (tho 
top of the hive) and “ with a flue sprinkling put pour water well sweetened with 
sugar directly on the frames, bees and combs.” The bees, finding themselves 
surrounded with the sweets of life, have not time to resent anything, but sip it 
greedily. When this 1ms boeu done thoroughly, ami the bees are filled, they may 
receive almost any amount of insult without resentment. The combs may be lifted 
out and examined, nud returned with impunity. This method, J find, when many are 
to he examined, takes too much time. I prefer using smoke, although they are ml 
always as quiet, yet are sufficlfhtly so for me at least. That made from tobacco it 
best. A person using a pipo or cigar will find it very convenient ; but lest 1 ;»m 
accused of encouraging smoking, by furnishing an excuse, I will give another 
method of using it. Tako old cotton cloth some twelve inches square, and cover it 
with common smoking tobacco about one-fourth of an inch deep ; begin ou one side 
and roll it up loosely — with a needle and thread fasten it in three or four places ; it 
wdl burn a long time and not blaze. The smoko of this blown ou tho bees will 
bring them into submission readily ; such as are at tho top of the frames will at 
once go down out of sight ; others that appear will readily yield to the sumo 
treatment. Tho lire can now be put down on some handy stool or other convenient 
place — perhaps ono corner of the hive — it will continue to burn, and be ready at 
any moment when needed. Punk (rotten wood) is another thing strongly recom- 
mended by Mr. L. for this purpose ; it is more convenient, but not so efficient iu 
quieting them after they have been disturbed a low times. Any hard wood that 
has just sufficient strength to hold together is good ; split or saw it into pieces ono 
