I have for some years past performed almost all the operations required in this system without the defence, even of gloves, but I would not recommend any person to attempt it, until he has had several years' experience in the management of Bees.
The being perfectly defended in every part against their stings, gives that coolness and confidence to the operator, upon which the happy accomplishment of his intentions so much depends. I cannot too strongly urge, that coolness and confidence on the part of the operator are essential qualification, for any thing approaching to hurry irritates them beyond measure; indeed whilst engaged with them the hand ought never to be hastily removed from one position to another. Dr. Bevan says, "quietness is the surest protection against being stung."
The best defence is a mask of wire, very similar to, but much finer than a fencing mask, with a rim of tin made to fit the head, to which a silk handkerchief is attached, a pair of thick worsted gloves, and stockings or gaiters of the same material; stout leather gloves are as good protection as those of worsted, but leather, from the closeness of its texture, will not allow the Bees to withdraw their stings from it and the consequence is, that many perish.
It is recommended to persons during their operations on Bees, to carefully avoid breathing upon them, as nothing is more offensive, or more irritating to them than the human breath; this however, is partially obviated by closing the mouth, and suffering the breath to pass gently through the noise, by which a full current is not allowed to fall upon them.
CHAPTER V.
Proper time for taking away the Box and how to expel the Bees from it.
When the Box is filled with honey and the combs all sealed up, (which will generally be done about the middle of June) it may be taken off, or it may remain till the one placed beneath it is also sealed up, which in all probability will be completed by the first week in August.
Upon the very strong and populous hives, it is necessary in some seasons to place even a third, which must be removed with great caution, for at this time of the year every stock should contain at least twenty pounds of honey; should, however, the stock have that quantity, it may be safely removed and placed upon a weaker one, for the combs not being all sealed, the honey therefore is not saleable. The Box taken off, must be lifted very gently at noon, upon a fine day, and carried forty or fifty yards from the hive; place it upon a board or table, raising it a little that room may be given to the Bees to make their escape, which they will do in a very short time.
Much difficulty appears to have arisen with some persons in getting the Bees to leave the Box when taken off, but in this as in all other operations with Bees, gentleness is very important, indeed it is the only means of accomplishing the end desired, and as I have before said, "the Box must be lifted very gently," and placed about six inches from the ground, or table, upon bricks, flower pots, or something of the kind. Shaking, beating, or burning paper under it, as is sometimes done, have all a contrary effect upon the Bees, they are alarmed by it, and will not leave the box perhaps for days, when these means have been resorted to.
The box being thus placed, a loud humming noise is first heard, and the Bees are then seen to leave it within five or six minutes, (all except a few stragglers) but should the Queen be in the Box, (which very rarely happens) quite a different appearance presents itself, no noise will be heard, or a Bee scarcely seen to leave it, but the hive from which it has been taken will in a very short time appear in great confusion. Whenever this occurs, the Box must be returned immediately, and taken off again the next day.