CHAPTER XVIII 



ROBBER BEES - HOW TO PREVENT ROBBING 



rriHE energy that bees will display in rob- 

 -*- bing each other, also the alacrity with 

 which they will pounce upon any honey or other 

 sweets if left within their reach, is not after 

 all an unmixed evil, as it shows their indus- 

 try; and a few preventive measures will result 

 in keeping it within bounds and prevent any 

 serious consequences. 



This tendency to rob prevails in all races 

 of bees, especially if no honey is coming in 

 from the fields, and is more pronounced in 

 some races than in others. 



The Italian bees especially are given to 

 robbing, but be it said to their credit that 

 they are more easily discouraged from it 

 when attempts are made to break it up. 



The main danger when extensive rob- 

 bing is under way, is that the robbers 



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