PERFECT SOCIETIES Of INSECTS. 207 



hives of his own, at twice the distance, which ceased 

 on the fifth clay. Sometimes he observed that this com- 

 munication terminated in the union of two swarms; as 

 in one instance, where a swarm had taken possession 

 of a hollow tree", it is probable that the reception of 

 , one swarm by another may depend upon their num- 

 bers, and the fitness of their station to accommodate 

 them. Thorley witnessed a battle of more than two 

 days continuance, occasioned by a strange swarm forcing 

 their way into a hive''. Two swarms that rise at the 

 same time sometimes fight till great numbers have been 

 destroyed, or one of the queens slain, when both sides 

 cease all their enmity and unite under the survivor*^. 



These apiarian battles are often fought in defence of 

 the property of the hive. Bees that are ill managed, 

 and not properly fed, instead of collecting for them- 

 selves, will now and then get a habit of pillaging from 

 their more industrious neighbours : these are called by 

 Schirach corsair bees, and by English writers, robbers. 

 They make their attack chiefly in the latter end of Ju- 

 ly, and during the month of August. At first they act 

 with caution, endeavouring to enter by stealth ; and 

 then, emboldened by success, come in a body. If one 

 of the queens be killed, the attacked bees unite with the 

 assailants, take up their abode with them, and assist 

 in plundering their late habitation''. Schirach very 

 gravely recommends it to apiarists whose hives are at- 

 tacked by these depredators, to give the bees some ho- 

 ney mixed with brandy or wine, to increase and in- 



■ PMlos. Trans. 1801, 234— " 166. *= Thorley, i7«Vf. Comp. 



Mills On Bees, 63. * Couip. Schiracli, 49. Mills, 02— Thorley, 



163— 



