294 RACES OF BEES. 



are hardly ever found in their combs, while they are occa- 

 sionally found in the combs of even the strongest colonies of 

 common bees. Their great vigilance is due to the mildness of 

 the climate of Italy, whose Winters never destroy the moth. 

 Having to defend themselves against a more numerous enemy, 

 they are more watchful than the bees of colder regions. 4th. 

 They are less apt to sting. Not only are they less apt, but 

 scarcely are they inclined to sting, though they will do so if 

 mtentionally annoyed, or irritated, or improperly treated. 



Spinola speaks of the more peaceable disposition of this 

 bee; and Columella, 1800 years ago, has noticed the same 

 peculiarity, describing it as "'mitior moribtis/' (milder in 

 habits). When once irritated, however, they become veiy 

 cross. 



5th. They are more industrious. Of this fact, all the 

 results go to confirm Dzierzon's statements, and satisfy us 

 of the superiority of this kind in every point of view. 6th. 

 They are more disposed to rob than common bees, and more 

 courageous and active in self-defense. They strive on all 

 hands to force their way into colonies of common bees; but 

 when strange bees attack their hives, they fight with great 

 fiercene^■s, and with an incredible adroitness. 



Spinola speaks of these bees as "velociores moliC — quicker 

 in their motions than the common bees. 



They however sooner grow tired of hunting, where nothmg 

 can be gained; and if all the plunder is put out of their 

 reach, they will give up the attempt at robbing (664) more 

 promptly than common bees. 



7th. Aside from their peaceableness, they are more easily 

 handled than the common bees, as they cling to their comKs 

 and do not rush about, or cluster here and there, or fall to the 

 ground, as the common bees do. 



It is hardly necessary to add, that this species of the honey- 

 bee, so much more productive than the common kind, is of 

 verj' great value in all sections of our countiy. Its superior 

 docility makes it worthy of high regard, even if in other 



