Points of Superiority of Italians. 263 
gathering from dandelions, yet only two were black bees. 
This might be considered an undesirable feature. Yet 
from careful observation covering twenty years, I think 
that Italian bees are quite as apt to winter well and pass 
the spring months without harm as are black bees. 
Fourth, They are far better to protect their hives against 
robbers. Robbers that attempt to plunder Italians of their 
haid-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 larva. 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. 
Lighth. 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 colo- 
nies 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 gather- 
ing. 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 are far more 
amiable. Years agol 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 
