so THE PUiCTICAL BEE GUIDE. 



CHAPTER VI. 

 DIFFERENT RACES OF BEES. 



46. Black, or Native Bees are so well known that no descrip- 

 tion of their appearance is necessary hero. They are not so 

 prolific as are some of the other races ; but they are hardy, 

 and adapted to our climate. They begin working and breed- 

 ing early in the spring. They are excellent comb builders, 

 their cappings being wdiite and specially attractive in sections 

 when placed on the market side by side with sections from 

 foreign bees. They cannot always be relied upon to be docile, 

 and easily handled. But they have none of the wickedness of 

 the Syrian (50) ; they are not inveterate swarmers, like the 

 Carniolan (48) ; and they are superior to the Ligurian (47) as 

 cappers of honey. 



47. Italians, or Ligurian Beas belong to North Italy, but are 

 used and valued by bee-keepers everywhere, and in America 

 are exceedingly popular. They differ little or notliing from 

 Black bees in size ; but they are lighter in colour, and have 

 three handsome yellow bands beginning with the first seg- 

 ment of the abdomen, by which they may be easily recognised. 

 They are much more prolific than Blacks ; are early and late 

 workers ; and can collect the sweets from flowers upon which 

 black bees cannot work. They are, however, indifferent comb 

 builders ; are often slow to take to supers ; and are very capable 

 robbers. They are gentle and easy to manage when pure. 

 But bees from an Italian queen and a Black drone have not 

 the desirable characteristic of amiability, and are generally 

 troublesome in the handling. 



48. Carniolans are natives of Austria. They differ in 

 appearance from Black bees, having broad white bands on the 

 lower portions of the segments of the abdomen. They use 

 propolis (75) most sparingly, and build beautifully white 

 combs. They winter well; begin work early in spring; and, 

 although very gentle, are stout defenders of their homes. The 

 most amiable of bees, manipulation of their hives can be carried 

 on with ease and confidence, and on this account they are 

 ver>- suitable bees for beginners (180). The objection to'them 

 is, that, owing to the exceedingly prolific nature of their 



