vICIOUSNESS OF CYPRUS BEES. THE APIARY. vICIOUSNESS OF CYPRUS BEES.

Otago Witness, Issue 1893, 2 March 1888, Page 9

vICIOUSNESS OF CYPRUS BEES.

THE APIARY.

The following, written by James A. Abbott to the British Bee Journal, gives some interesting information as to the lighting qualities of Cyprian bees :—": — " I have found that, while the Cyprians are in small colonies only, or while the hives contain only young bees, they may be easily handled, but that whenever a stock is in condition to work a super or store surplus honey, it is as dangerous to handle as a bombshell. As I at first devoted all my spare time to raising queens 1 had no strong stocks to handle, and therefore could not fully appreciate their temper, but my subsequent experience is as much as I want. I remember one operation in particular. I had to remove a queen from a full colony, and felt determined that it should have every chance of behaving well. Having put on a now straw hat and veil and a freshly-washed Holland jacket made on purpose for handling bees, with tightly lilting waistband and bolt, the attack was made without smoke. The combs were handled in turn, 1 ho queen caught and carefully put in her box : but here the trouble began. The bees suddenly found some flaw in my management, though I cannot say where ; and though I had only to put the combs up together andrcplacethequilt.l was forced to retire twice before I could do so. The bees rose in a cloud and attacked me on all sides. Stings on the hands did not matter much, but when busybodics force themselves between one's coat buttons and explore until they find a tender spot, it is more than a regular bee man cares about. The second attack was made with the addition of strings tied round the ankles, Indiarubber gloves, and a smoker, but even thus armed I could not stay within range long enough to put on the qnilfc. Their resentment was now at its height., and a poor sparrow that settled near them was violently attacked and barely escaped with his life. Even when I considered all was over, and I had, after rest and refreshment, retired to my bedroom, an unsuccessful pioneer flew out on the removal of my waistcoat and attacked me with spirit. I do not say that Cyprkn bees cannot be handled any more than I would say tigers cannot be tamed or bombshells charged, for I have sometimes managed them very pleasantly, but I would strongly advise anyone who has anything to do witli them to be prepared for a desperate battle at any nioment.jj __________________