236 
Beekeeping 
corner of the mat lifted to admit smoke. The covering 
then may be removed and the manipulation begun. In 
case the bees become troublesome at any time during the 
work, as they probably will if it is continued for a time, 
more smoke may be blown over or directed down between 
the frames to disorganize new guards. No directions need 
be given as to the way to recognize trouble and it need 
only be stated that the most common fault is to use smoke 
too freely. During all manipulations the operator should 
stand at the side or back 
of the hive and not in 
front of it, to prevent in¬ 
terference of bees leaving 
and returning to the hive. 
If one wishes to examine 
the brood chamber when 
the colony is in two or 
more hive bodies or has 
comb-honey supers, the 
hive cover serves as a 
good support for the re¬ 
moved bodies. They are placed diagonally on the cover 
(Fig. 100) with only four points of support, thus avoiding 
the crushing of bees. If a second body is removed, it may 
be placed out of line on the first in the same manner. If the 
bees show signs of robbing, combs in removed bodies should 
be more carefully protected. 
Remedies for stings. 
Various remedies for stings have been advocated but they 
are all valueless. The puncture made by the sting is so 
small that no liquid can enter it after the sting is removed 
and the opening has closed. As soon as practical, imme¬ 
diately if possible, the sting should be removed, care being 
taken not to squeeze the attached poison sac. This can be 
done by scraping the sting out with a knife blade or the finger 
nail. After this is done the injured spot should not be 
Fig. 100. — Hive-body resting on cover 
, during manipulation. 
