Manual of the apiary

by Albert John Cook

TO SMOKE BEES.

Approach the hive, blow a little smoke in at the entrance, then open from above, and blow in smoke as required. If at any time the bees seem irritable, a few puffs from the smoker will subdue them. Thus, any person may handle his bees with perfect freedom and safety. If at any time the fire-chamber and escape-pipe become filled with soot, they can easily be cleaned by revolving an iron or hard-wood stick inside of them.