194 Superiority of Italians. 



be considered an undesirable feature, as tending to spring 

 dwindling. Yet, with proper management, to be described 

 while considering the subject of wintering, I think this no ob- 

 jection, but a great advantage. 



Fourth. They are far better to protect their hives against 

 robbers. 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 almost proof against the ravages of the 

 bee-moth's larvsB. 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 aU seasons, but more 

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

 take the pains to note the increase of brood wiU 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 fuU colonies I 

 would rather find three Italian queens than one black one. 

 AVhere time is money, this becomes a matter of much impor- 

 tance. 



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 are 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 difierence, but to my regret ; 

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

 perfectly furious, like demons, seeking whom they might de- 



