A caution re correcting-fluid marking of queens: 10 or so years ago we had queen marking as a demonstration topic at a field day. We had several bottles of correcting fluid and had people practise marking drones or workers. The method requires only clean fingers, some dexterity and some paint. With the right hand, the queen is picked off the frame, holding both fore-wings if possible. She is then held against the raised left index finger, and at least 2 legs are gripped gently aginst the index finger, with the left thumb. She is now securely held by the left hand. The wings are released and the right hand is free to apply a spot of paint to the top center of the thorax. (At this point one realizes that the little paint bottle should have been unscrewed before the left hand is committed to holding the precious queen, but some learn to think ahead). I've found the little car touch-up paints (laquer) fine for marking. Fast-drying hobby paints: the older "airplane dope" solvent type, or the newer acrylic water based, are also OK, as long as the paint is a bit dry before the queen is returned (1 or 2 minutes). Re the correcting fluid and the field day: 3 or 4 people at a time were practicing marking drones and workers. After marking, the bees would fly away. But soon people started noticing the marked bees lying on their backs, wings buzzing but legs in the air. Some of these bees died. The brand of correcting fluid was different from that found satisfactory earlier. I think perhaps the bad fluid was the one made for photo copies (a different solvent). So before you try correcting fluid to mark a valuable queen, practice on some expendable bees, and make sure they aren't harmed. Kerry Clark, Apiculture Specialist B.C. Ministry of Agriculture 1201 103 Ave Dawson Creek B.C. V1G 4J2 CANADA Tel (604) 784-2225 fax (604) 784-2299 INTERNET [log in to unmask]