SMOKING BEES.

Feilding Star, Volume XIV, Issue 3647, 2 December 1918, Page 1

SMOKING BEES.

A good story is told oi an expert who was giving a lesson to a couple of learners in Taranaki, a few days ago. A hive was duly smoked, tlie pupils were "veiled," a super duly prepared and instruction given how to put it .on the hive, when its examination had taken place. The cover was lifted off, and the mat carefully lifted and the regulation puffs of smoke given ; then the mat lifted off, and the expert proceeded to lift a frame for examination. Evidently the bees resented tho intrusion into their domestic affairs, as it was noted that the frame was quickly put back and sundry quick rubs gave one the impression that tho bees were using their weapons on the demonstrator; more "smoke," more rubs, a boil over of bees out of the hive, a hurried retreat of one or two timid bipeds trying to get into a thorn fence out of the way; another attack by the holder of the smoker and another retreat. Finally, after some persuasion, the pupils were persuaded to put the .super on the box of infuriated bees and close them down. Later, in answer to question by tho pupils as to the next steps to be taken, they were informed that the murder of the queen is intended and the enthroning of a more gentle monarch.— Herald.