Hi, everybody!
 
   Various scents either work for or against beekeepers who manipulate
hives.  Hand lotion may be O.K., but someone in another country may know
nothing about our brand names (as I found out with a mention of PAM - TM),
the spray can containing a cooking oil for coating pans before frying
food).
 
   Now comes a hint, but if you patent and market it, I want a substantial
part of the royalties (with lots of witnesses out there as confirmation).
 
   An old beekeeper, a Russian friend of mine, told me that beekeepers in
eastern Europe used to smear clove oil on their hands (instead of using a
smoker) before working bees.  I tried it out and was most impressed.  Of
course, clove oil is a bit expensive, but it can be diluted with ethyl
alcohol (ethanol), thus diminishing the price for those with access to
biological laboratory storerooms.
 
   Cheers!
 
                                                                Adrian
 
***************************************************************
* Adrian Wenner        E-Mail   [log in to unmask]  *
* Department of Biology        Office Phone    (805) 893-2838 *
* University of California     Lab Phone       (805) 893-2838 *
* Santa Barbara, CA  93106     FAX             (805) 893-4724 *
***************************************************************