The Manipulation of Bees 
235 
Hasty movements and the jarring of the hive are to be 
avoided. The organization of the bee’s eyes enables it to 
see movement more readily than still objects. On seeing 
bees flying about the face, the beginner often strikes at 
them or moves quickly to escape the sting, thus provoking 
an attack. It requires quiet nerves not to jerk a frame or 
even to drop it when the hand in which it is being held is 
stung. 
Equipment for manipulation. 
Aside from a smoker, veil and hive-tool, the beekeeper 
needs no other equipment in opening a hive, but the be¬ 
ginner may find gloves (better those with the fingers removed) 
desirable. If special clothing is worn in the apiary, and it 
is desirable for both comfort and economy not to wear one’s 
best, white suits are most satisfactory. They are the most 
comfortable in the heat of summer and the beekeeper has 
a good excuse for this comfort because they are best for 
apiary use. 
When to handle bees. 
The best time to open hives is in the middle of warm days, 
especially when the bees are busily engaged in collecting 
nectar. Bees should never be handled at night nor on wet, 
cold days. It is not always possible for the extensive bee¬ 
keeper to choose the ideal time but it is well to plan to open 
hives in favorable times, not only for the comfort of the 
operator but principally because it interferes least with the 
work of the colony. 
Opening a hive. 
Before opening the hive, a little smoke should be blown 
in the entrance. When the cover is slightly raised, a little 
more smoke should be directed over the frames before the 
bees have an opportunity to escape. If the frames are 
covered by a mat or oilcloth, which is not desirable but 
often used, the outer cover may be entirely removed and one 
