44 ITALIAN BEES. 



Bwarm and rob it, thus furnishing plausible evidence in 

 favor of the better habits of the Italians. 



Defend Themselves Better. — Here I apply the same 

 test of determination and vigor, and endorse the superi- 

 ority claimed for them in this particular. I have fre- 

 quently observed them, as they alighted near the entrance 

 of a hive of natives, and in almost every instance escaped, 

 after being seized by those belonging there, and I have 

 as often seen the reverse occur, when the natives trespass- 

 ed upon the premises of the Italians. When detected, 

 they were seized, and in nearly every case stung to death. 

 The Italians seem to be more constantly on the watch, 

 and more swift to discern the approach of an enemy. 

 I find that a much smaller swarm of Italians than of 

 natives, may be expected to defend themselves success- 

 fully. 



Less Inclined to Sting. — The past record of this variety 

 of the honey-bee, represents them as being much more 

 docile, and manifesting far less inclination to sting. This, 

 no doubt, arose from the fact that they had not been so 

 harshly treated as our natives. Our experience confirms 

 the statement, that if an Italian queen is reared from 

 pure stock, and the swarm handled as gently as it should 

 be, from the outset, they will be found pleasant to man- 

 age, and less disposed to sting ; but if smoked with 

 tobacco, and roughly treated, the energy displayed in 

 other directions is liere manifested, and the result will 

 be a larger number of stings, and a worse effect than 

 from the natives. 



Hybrids are pronounced by many preferable to either 

 of the pure varieties, and they are unquestionably among 

 the best of honey-gatherers. I much prefer the pure 

 Italians because of their better disposition. 



As Box-Honey Workers. — That box-honey usually pre- 

 ■■(■nis a finer appearance when stored by the natives, I 

 diink will be generally coaceded. The Italians store the 



