116 ENEMIES. 



that would otherwise accumulate. The dead space 

 in flat bottomed hives serves to accommodate the 

 moth with a nest and comfortable quarters for her 

 progeny, to the great detriment of the bee. The 

 bee-keeper is only able to remove them by lifting out 

 the frames, and this is quite likely to be neglected, 

 as it is a formidable undertaking to most persons, 

 particularly if it has to be repeated often. 



ANTS. 



Some have been of opinion that bees might re- 

 quire to be protected against ants ; but Reaumur 

 says that ants never originate the pillage of a hive, 

 but are ready to join in it after it has been com- 

 menced by others. In this I quite agree with him, 

 having never known an instance to the contrary. 

 When, therefore, ants are seen entering in a preda- 

 tory manner, it may fairly be suspected that gome 

 other enemy has been at work. M. Reaumur was of 

 opinion that ants are not to be reckoned among the 

 enemies of bees ; and he relates an instance of their 

 living as very close neighbors, yet in perfect harmony! 



" The ants established themselves between the glass 

 panes of this bee-box and the wooden_ shutters which 

 covered them ;" and as a similar circumstance occur- 

 red to Bonnet and in other of Reaumur's hives also, 

 it seems probable that the ants took up their quarters 

 in this situation for the sake of the equable warmth 

 that the bees would impart to their eggs. "Ants 



