During this period most of the old bees are in the field gathering nectar or pollen. Bees are easiest to handle when there is a nectar flow. Figure 17 . Before opening a colony of bees, blow smoke into the hive entrance and all other cracks and openings. Figure 18 .
Additional smoke is blown under the outer telescoping cover as the colony is opened.
After removing the outer telescoping cover, place it underside up, on the ground close beside you near the hive. In this position it serves as a place to put the upper hive bodies when you are examining the lower brood chamber of the hive. Bees adhering to the inner cover when it is removed are normally knocked off at the hive entrance. Set the inner cover out of the way. Figure 19 .