Choose a fine warm day for putting on the super. Midday, when the bees are flying freely, is the best time for the operation.
I will suppose that this is the occasion of the beginner’s first attempt at examining the interior of the hive, and will therefore go into the method of procedure somewhat fully.
Several articles will be necessary.
The bee-veil will, of course, be worn on this occasion. A screwdriver may be useful for prizing up the ends of the frames, the bees having a habit of fastening down everything inside the hive with a sticky substance called propolis, which they collect from the buds of certain trees and plants. This substance is used more freely by the bees towards the close of the summer than at present.
The most useful appliance employed by the bee-keeper is unquestionably the smoker, for by its means the bees can be quieted and put into such a condition that almost anything can be done to them. Smoke for the bees might be compared to the anæsthetic of the surgeon, but it is not intended to stupefy them. Experience and judgment are required in using the smoker, and perfection cannot be attained at once. A few directions, however, will be useful.
It is very important that the smoker be charged with smouldering material that will not go out as long as it is wanted. The best fuel is perhaps a strip of brown paper rolled up loosely in the form of a cartridge, so that the air may have free circulation through it, but see that the brown paper is of the right kind, as some sorts are almost sure to go out in a few minutes’ time, while others again are equally liable to burst out into flame. Dry touchwood makes very good fuel for the smoker, seldom going out when once well alight. Old rags, dried fungus, etc., are also said to be useful, but on no account use any strong or poisonous smoke, such as would be produced by burning tobacco or sulphur. When not being used, the lighted smoker should be stood upright, in the position shown in the figure (see last paper); this will help to keep it alight by the better circulation of air.
The object of the smoker is to quiet, not to stupefy, the bees; it should not therefore be used too freely. After the roof of the hive has been removed, a few light puffs of smoke may be given under the edges of the quilts, and perhaps another in the entrance, the bees often replying by a deep low hum. Now wait a minute or two, so that the bees may prepare for the operation by gorging themselves with some of the newly-gathered honey, and then, having got them into a good temper, we may commence work without delay.
If we wish to ascertain the condition of the bees, we may lift a frame gently out of the hive, examine it, and then replace it speedily so that the brood shall not get chilled, care being taken not to crush any bees in so doing.
The bees may now begin to show signs of restlessness, “boiling over” the tops of the frames. This must be checked by the administration of a few more puffs of smoke.
