308 Robbing. 



CHAPTER XX. 



EVILS THAT CONFKONT THE APIAEIST. 



There are various dangers that are likely to vex the apia- 

 rist, and even to stand in the way of successful apiculture. 

 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 animals. ' 



ROBBING. 



This is a trouble that often very greatly annoys the inex- 

 perienced. 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 al- 

 most 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 colonies 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 pro- 

 tect 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 oxir nuclei, and black bees, are still 

 eas-ily kept from harm. Usually, the closing of the entrance 

 so that but a single bee can pass through, is all sufficient. 

 With the hive we have recommended, this is easUy accom- 

 plished by simply mdving the hive back or using the triangular 

 blocks. 



