I was watching a programme on TV this afternoon where they were introducing two non-beekeepers to some bees (it must have been an old programme because it is snowing out there now!). We had the usual: ‘We will just give them a puff of smoke; that will make them take on honey and then they will not be able to curl their abdomens around to sting’. We have all heard that so many times – and probably told beginners ourselves - but is it really true? If it is then why do we ever get stung? Or is this something else that has been repeated so many times that we do not question it? Best wishes Peter 52°14'44.44"N, 1°50'35"W *********************************************** The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html