The responses I have seen to Lisa's questions concerning gloves have been
excellent, especially those concerning smoke.

When I started beekeeping, in the mid-1960's, dealers carried smoke in an
aerosol can.  It was an excellent product and I have no idea why it is no
longer generally available.  (I am aware it is available from Canadian
dealers, imported from England I believe, but personally I wouldn't use it
without knowing why it was taken off the US market.)  With only a few hives
to work, I didn't hesitate to use the can.

For many years I was using the smoker less and less.  That was somewhat
because I produce comb honey and didn't want any chance of putting cinders
on the comb, but mostly because I got lazy about lighting the smoker and
keeping it going.  I got acclimated to working the bees while taking stings,
but have to say I never really liked it.

Last year I was talking to Sue Cobey about her incredibly gentle Carnolians,
and how she will work them (sometimes) without a veil, and how I would stand
beside her...also without a veil.  She pointed out that this was only
possible because there was a strong flow, but then said approximately "the
real secret is smoke."  "I'll work my bees in a bikini, but I have to have
smoke as just a little makes all the difference in the world."

That started me thinking and for the rest of 1998 and during 1999 I have
forced myself to light up the smoker.  It really works.  Just a little
smoke, blown across the bees, not directly on them, calms them tremendously.
I am amazed at what I was missing for 20 or so years; good use of smoke
makes all the difference in the world!  Try it Lisa, and use it sparingly as
I think part of my problem so long ago was that I used far too much and made
the bees angry instead of calming them!

Lloyd
Lloyd Spear Owner, Ross Rounds(tm).  The finest in comb honey production.
http://www.rossrounds.com