284 LAWS THAT CONCERN THE BEE-KEEPER 
tised and has been the source of so much litigation of one kind 
and another that an extended account of the rights of both the 
bee-keeper and his neighbor can very properly be taken up. 
While the courts have held that bee-keeping is a legitimate pur- 
suit and as such cannot be prevented hy general legislation that 
declares the bees to be a nuisance whether thev are so in fact 
or not there is a general principle that will provide relief from 
undue annoyance. 
Causes of Trouble.—lefore taking up the consideration of 
the law in this special relationship it may be well to consider 
the causes that lead to friction between the bee-keeper and his 
neighbors. So many instances of trouble of this kind arise that 
small towns and cities are frequently urged to pass ordinances 
to prohibit the keeping of bees within the incorporated limits. 
Spotting Clothes—When the bees are brought from the 
cellar in spring or when they are able to take their first flight 
after long confinement the abdomens are distended with retained 
feces. As soon as they can fly this is voided in large drops of 
offensive refuse. If it happens that the bees fly for the first time 
when the wash is on the line the white clothes are badly soiled as 
a result. 
The bee-keeper should avoid if possible setting cellar win- 
tered bees out when the neighbors are washing. Bees seldom 
flv far on the first flight and clothes are not likely to be soiled 
far from the bee hives. As a rule it is the near neighbors who 
will be the sufferers. If the bees are likely to fly on wash dav 
the situation should be explained and some provision made to 
avoid having the clothes exposed. After two or three nice days 
there will be little further trouble, as this spotting is only notice- 
able after long confinement without opportunity to void the 
excrement. 
Watering Places.—With bee-keepers as with others “ An 
ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and if the bee- 
keeper is diplomatic he can usually avoid annoying his neigh- 
