cheshire




























































































.































‘bee gloves
are not purchased
on the Rue de la Paix’

– Mary Louise Coleman




(I) Edwardes Bee-Coat

buttoning to the neck
like a soldier’s tunic

four large pockets
with buttoned-flaps
   containing


   a box of matches

   empty match-boxes
   for surplus queens

   cyanide, for disposing of
   undesired queens

   vinegar, for rubbing
   on the hands

   tobacco tin containing calico
   moistened with carbolic acid

   a leather-knife




(II) Cheshire’s advice for the prevention of bees crawling up legs

a string tied
around

the ankles
of trousers

& for ladies
divided skirts


(after Cheshire)


Edwardes avers: the fashion is now for bicycle clips.




Mary Louise Coleman, Bees in the Garden and Honey in the Larder
Tickner Edwardes, Bee-Keeping for All
Frank R. Cheshire, Bees & Beekeeping, Vol. 2









           













.