The "Box Fumigator" is a tin case, somewhat like a pepper-box upon a foot. It is a simple adaptation of the fumigating apparatus described by Mr. Nutt, and is used in the following manner: Have a straw hive or other vessel ready that will match in circumference the hive intended to be fumigated. If the empty hive have a conical top it will not remain crown downwards without a rest; in this case it will be convenient to invert it on a pail. Having ascertained that the hive to be operated upon and the empty one in its reversed position nearly match in size, take half a packet of the prepared fungus, fire it well, and place it in the box or fumigator; place this in the centre of the empty hive, then bring the occupied hive directly over, so as to receive the fumes of smoke. To keep all close, put a wet cloth round the junctures of the two hives. After a minute or two the bees may be heard dropping heavily into the lower empty hive, where they lie stupefied. After a little while the old hive may be gently tapped upon to make them fall more quickly. On removing the upper hive the bees from it will be found lying quiet at the bottom of the lower one, when the intended operation—of uniting different colonies, searching for the queen, or whatever else it may be—must be promptly performed.
The "Tube Fumigator," which will be found to possess many advantages over the above, 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 it 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 operation must now be performed speedily, as activity will soon be regained. See preceding directions.
Another and quite a different means of subjugation has recently been introduced in the form of carbolic acid. The odour of this drug is so abominated by bees that the most refractory hive will be immediately subdued by sprinkling a few drops of it on the tops of the frames. But a feeling of humanity should suffice to prevent the frequent resort to so harsh a measure. We have in other places (Chap. [V. § ii.] and [VI. § viii.]) made allusion to the applications of the same fluid to the operation of transferring swarms and to the repelling of robber bees.
§ XXII. BEE DRESS OR PROTECTOR.
All operations connected with the removal or the hiving of bees should be conducted with calmness and circumspection. Bees, although the busiest of creatures, entertain a great dislike to fussiness in their masters, and become irritable at once if the apiarian allows them to 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 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 a very simple construction. It is made of strong black net, which is manufactured for us specially for this purpose, and in shape is like an inverted bag, large enough to allow of a gentleman's wideawake 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 greater ease in manipulation than any other description. Some persons also tie strings round the ankles of their trousers, or use elastic bands for the same purpose. Those who wear Wellington boots will be able to tuck the trousers within them.
The annexed figure represents a cheaper form of bee veil which we have more recently introduced. It is provided with an elastic band which fits round the hat, the lower portion being folded under the coat. There is however no protection to the arms. It is made of the same specially constructed material as the preceding—a strong black net, with large meshes.