402 ftobbing and its Cure. ~ 
CHAPTER XX 
Evits THat Conrront Tue APIARIST. 
There are various dangers that are likely to vex the 
apiarist, and even to stand in the way of successful apicul- 
ture. Yet, with knowledge, most, if not all, of these evils 
may be wholly vanquished. Among these are: Robbing 
among the bees, disease, and depredations from other ani- 
mals, 
ROBBING. 
This is a trouble that often very greatly annoys the 
inexperienced. Bees only rob at such times as the general 
scarcity of nectar forbids honest gains. When the question 
comes: Famine or theft, like many another, they are not 
slow to choose the latter. It is often induced by working 
with the bees at such times, especially if honey is scattered 
about or left lying around the apiary. It is especially to 
be feared in spring, when colonies are apt to be weak in 
both honey and bees, and thus are unable to protect their 
own meager stores. ‘The remedies for this evil are not far 
to seek: 
First. Strong colonies are very rarely molested, and are 
almost sure to defend themselves against marauders; hence 
it is only the weaklings of the apiarist’s flock that are in 
danger. Therefore, regard for our motto, “Keep all col- 
onies strong,” will secure against harm from this cause. 
Second. Italians—the Cyprians and Syrians are even 
more spirited in this work of defense than are the Italians 
—as before stated, are fully able, and quite as ready, to 
protect their rights against neighboring tramps. Woe be 
to the thieving bee that dares to violate the sacred rights 
of the home of our beautiful Italians, for such temerity is 
almost sure to cost the intruder its life. 
But weak colonies, like our nuclei, and black bees, are 
still easily kept from harm. Usually, the closing of the 
entrance, so that but a single bee can pass through, is all 
