196 
SUMMER. 
PARTICULAR DIRECTIONS FOR TESTING THE MATTER. 
I will now give more minute directions for an examina- 
tion. Full hives require a little more care than those 
containing fewer bees. Don’t let the crowded state 
of the hive, even if some are outside, deter you 
from gratifying a laudable curiosity, (such hives are 
most likely to possess these cells.) Let the satisfac- 
tion of ascertaining a few facts for yourselves stimu- 
late you to this exertion, the risk is not much ; what 
I have done you may do. This is better than to rely on 
any man’s “ ipse dixit." I do it without any protection 
whatever for face or hands ; but, if you have too much 
fear of stings, a veil to protect the face may be put on, 
but do without it, if you can find the courage, as you 
will want a good view. The best time is, when most 
of the bees are out at work near the middle of the day ; 
but then the bees from the other hives are sometimes 
cross, and interfere. On that account I prefer morning or 
evening, although there are more bees to be smoked 
out of the way. If you are accustomed to smoking 
tobacco, you will find a pipe just the thing for making 
a smoke here ; if not, vide a description of an appara- 
tus in chap. 18th, p. 281. When you are ready to 
proceed, some smoke must be blown under the hive 
before you touch it; then raise the front side a few 
inches, and blow in some more ; now carefully lift the 
hive from the stand, avoiding any jar, as this would 
arouse their anger ; turn it bottom upwards ; also, be 
careful all the time not to breathe among them. More 
smoke will now make them crowd among the combs out 
of your way while you examine. It is very common for 
