MANAGING BEES. 25 



same bench ; and then, all the social inter- 

 coui-se seems to subsist between the nearest 

 neighbors only. 



Bees are not likely to engage in warllire and 

 rob each other, except in the spring and fall, 

 and at other times in the season, when food is 

 not easily obtained from blossoms. 



Bees do not often engage in robbery in the 

 spring, unless it is in such hives as have had 

 their combs broken by frost or otherwise, so 

 as to cause the honey to drip down upon the 

 bottom board. Much care should be exerci- 

 sed by the apiarian to see that rdl such hives 

 are properly ventilated, and at the same time 

 closed in such a manner as to prevent the en- 

 trance of robbers in the day-time, until they 

 have mended the breach, so as to stop "the 

 honey from running. 



Clear water should be given them every 

 day, so long as they are kept in confinement. 



1 have known many good stocks to be lost 

 n the spring, by being robbed ; and all for 

 want of care. Bees rob each other when they 

 can find but little else to do ; they will rob at 



