The Fumigator is useful for several purposes. When a frame hive has to be disturbed it is requisite to raise the lid and blow a little smoke into the hive, so as to check the angry passions of the bees. If it be desirable to stupefy the bees, ignited fungus must be placed in the box, and the flattened end applied to the entrance of the hive; the smoke is then blown in—either with bellows or by applying the mouth of the operator,—taking care to close all openings through which the smoke can escape. The bees fall down stupefied, generally in about ten minutes, but the effect varies according to the populousness of the hive and the quantity of comb in it. The projected operations must now be performed speedily, as activity will soon be regained. See preceding directions.
THE BEE DRESS OR PROTECTOR. No. 31.
All operations connected with the removal or the hiving of bees should be conducted with calmness and circumspection. Bees, although the busiest of creatures, have great dislike to fussiness in their masters, and become irritable at once if the apiarian lets them see that he is in a hurry. Hence, there is great advantage in having the face and hands covered whilst at work amongst the bees; for when the operator knows he cannot possibly be stung, he can then open his hives, take out the combs, gather in his swarms, or take the honey, with all the deliberation of a philosopher. Various kinds of bee dresses have been contrived; one that we keep ready in stock is of very simple construction. It is made of strong black net, in shape like an inverted bag, large enough to allow of a gentleman's wide-awake or a lady's hat being worn underneath. The projection of the hat or cap causes the dress to stand off from the face; and the meshes of the net, though much too small for a bee to penetrate, are wide enough to allow of clear vision for the operator. An elastic band secures the dress round the waist; the sleeves also—made of durable black calico—are secured at the wrists by a similar method. The hands of the bee-master may be effectually protected with a pair of India-rubber gloves, which should be put on before the dress is fastened round the wrists. This kind of glove is regularly used by photographers, and allows of perfect ease in manipulation.
Thus a very simple and inexpensive means of protection will enable even a novice in bee-keeping to make his observations and conduct his experiments under a sense of perfect security. Still he need not be careless as to the feelings of his bees; his success and their comfort will be promoted by his "handling them gently, and as if he loved them." "Familiarity" between bees and their master "breed" not "contempt," but affection.
Any sudden or clumsy movement which jars the combs or frames will excite the bees, and if but one should be crushed, the odour of their slaughtered comrade rouses them to a pitch of exasperation. Their powers of smell are very acute. The best time for most operations is in the middle of a fine day.
ENGRAVED PRESSING ROLLER. No. 46.
FOR THE GUIDANCE OF BEES IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF HONEY-COMB ON THE BARS.
