Most of this year it has been possible to work the bees without smoke, but
as the bees have gotten more numerous, smoke at the end of the work to try
to clear the box edges has become necessary to avoid crushing bees. The
smoke sort of worked, but was marginally satisfactory and stinks.  I had
tried spraying sugar syrup last year without success.  Today I tried syrup
again, but carefully sprayed it on the top bars of the outside frames and
the combs thereof ONLY, getting NO syrup on the box edges.  The bees
abandoned the box edges for the syrup.  They were occupied and seemed very
content.  Now it's practical to herd the bees with breath and fingers for
most manipulations, and the syrup provides a good way to clear the box
edges.

Bill Morong