Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1876-03-02
CARE IN HANDLING BEES.


study their nature, and make them pay a
profit, if they could only be relieved of the
fear of stings, which is the great and univer-
sal objection to the bee culture. Some say
to me that they would not have hive of bees
on their premises if would give bees to
them-they could not 60 near them with
out being stung. Now, l do not doubt they
will attack one person more than another, the
exhalations of some persons seeming to be very
offensive to them, though l apprehend these
is not so much difference as some suppose
Some, on entering an apiary, are fearful of
going near hive, and if a bee should pass or
come near to inspect matters, they will think
it time to leave. They usually dodge few
moments and strike at them, and at last make
their way to the house or barn with the bees
after them. Sometimes hat is used to strike
them down, and very likely they will receive
more stings than if they had stood quietly
on the spot. Nine times out of ten q bee
will not sting an approaching person; so if
one stands quiet and holds his head down,
and avoids breathing on them (Which irritates
them more than any one cause) there need be
no fear of stings.
Keeping bees good .natured is the main
point in bee-keeping, and also offers pretty
fair subject for ridicule, for it seems rather
absurd to talk Of teaching bee anything;
nevertheless, it is worth while to think of it a
little. Most of US know that by injudicious
training, horses, cattle and dogs may be rem
dered extremely vicious. If there is no per-
ceptible analogy between them and bees,
experience has proved that they, too, may be
made ten times more irritable than they are
naturally therefore, it should be the apia-
rian's aim to keep them good-natured, so that
at any time he can 60 into the apiary without
any fear of being molested, and open the hive
for inspection with impunity. A thing very
much neglected is the opening of the hive and
knowing the condition of the bees by actual
inspection. The hiveshould be so constructed
that this duty may be performed without
killing or disabling bee.
will now say few words about hand
ling them. All quick motions near them,
such as running, striking, etc., is noticed
When you 60 in yard let your movements
be slow, cautious and respectful. We can
often pass unmolested, having manifested a
becoming department. If bee comes near,
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attack, put your head down and hold your
breath if they are rather irritable lie down
and.cover your face till they leave; or walk
slowly, with head down, to some bush or tree.
As they dart at objects horizontally, they
have not much chance when the head is down.
Avoid going in front of a hive as much as
possible. If this is necessary-as for moving
grass, which should always be kept short
do it in the morning; when they are not like
ly to interfere.
Perform all operations about hive at or
before the middle of the day, when there are
few at home except young bees. Use smoke
only when absolutely necessary. Care should
be taken when hiving bees not to irritate
them more than possible. The improved
hives now used neccessitate bringing the
bees to them into swarm bag make for that
special purpose. If the branch is cut of and
carried to the hive you will want something
to shake them on. Iprefer square frame Of
light one inch square material, and as wide
as the hive Over this tack some cloth, drawn
up tightly. One end rests on the hive, the
other rests on the legs, so as to have it incline
towards the hive.-Country Gentleman