308 THE BBE-KBEPBR'S GUIDE ; 



undesirable feature. Yet, from careful observation covering 

 thirty years, I think that Italian bees are quite as apt to win- 

 ter well and pass the spring months without harm as are black 

 bees. 



Fourth. They are far better to protect their hives against 

 robber-bees. Robbers that attempt to plunder Italians of their 

 hard-earned stores soon find that they have " dared to beard 

 the lion in his den." This is so patent that even the advo- 

 cates of black bees are ready to concede it. 



Fifth. They are proof against the ravages of the bee- 

 moth's larvse. This is also universally conceded. This is no 

 very great advantage, as no respectable bee-keeper would 

 dread moths, even with the black bees. 



Sixth. The queens are decidedly more prolific. This is 

 probably in part due to the greater and more constant activity 

 of the workers. This is observable at all seasons, but more 

 especially when building up in the spring. No one who will 

 take the pains to note the increase of brood will long remain 

 in doubt on this point. 



Seventh. They are less apt to breed in winter, when it is 

 desirable to have the bees very quiet. 



Eighth. The queen is more readily found, which is a great 

 advantage. In the various manipulations of the apiary, it is 

 frequently desirable to find the queen. In full colonies I would 

 rather find three Italian queens than one black one. Where 

 time is money this becomes a matter of much importance. 



Ninth. The bees are more disposed to adhere to the comb 

 while being handled, which some might regard a doubtful 

 compliment, though I consider it a desirable quality. 



Tenth. They are, in my judgment, less liable to rob other 

 bees. They will find honey when the blacks gather none, and 

 the time for robbing is when there is no gathering. This may 

 explain the above peculiarity. 



Eleventh. In my estimation, a sufficient ground for pref- 

 erence, did it stand alone, is that the Italian bees zx& far more 

 amiable. Years ago I got rid of my black bees because they 

 were so cross. A few years later I got two or three colonies, 

 that my students might see the difference, but to my regret ; 

 for, as we removed the honey in the autumn, they seemed 



