Stephen McDaniel of Manchester, president of the Carroll County Beekeepers Association, has been designated a master beekeeper by the Eastern Apiculture Society.

The society awards the title to beekeepers who pass an examination at its summer convention, this year at Lancaster, Pa. The exam consists of written, laboratory and field tests.

The beekeeper's knowledge of beekeeping history, honey bee biology, current research and techniques and skill in handling a live hive of bees is tested.

Mr. McDaniel is the first Carroll County resident to earn the master beekeeper designation. He has been a member of several beekeeping associations since 1980 and is a charter member of the Carroll County Beekeepers Association.

He has about a dozen hives as part of what he calls a self-supporting hobby.