Well another year's course at Gormanston is over, all in all, I think it was very successful, with over 250 participants. The interest in the microscopy was gratifying and the frames with foul brood and with laying workers were interesting to contrast. The highlight for me was using the queen pheromone to detect drone congregation areas. Although I had been with Karl Showler when he did it. This was the first time that I was in charge of the fishing rod and lure. We did find drones and they formed the requisite comets around the lure. However, I had also got pheromone on my hand and from there to my hair and also to the frame of my spectacles. I am reliably informed that I also had comets forming at my rear and I had a drone sitting on the corner of the left lens of my spectacles intent on ravishing me. It certainly gave a close up view. My thanks to those who came to the demonstrations, especially those who were willing to attempt pollen slide making and identification, acarine dissection and the making of slides for the detection of nosema. I hope you found the exercise worthwhile Ruary :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::