216 DISEASES AKD ENEMIES OF BEES. 



Contract the entrance of this according to the nnmber ot 

 bees to pass. If the colony is strong, no danger need be 

 apprehended. When a hive has been removed, if the ad- 

 joining one is weak, take that in also, to be returned as 

 soon as the robbers will allow it. If a second attack is 

 made, put the hives in again, and let them remain until 

 the marauders cease their attempts. When robbers are 

 endeavoring to effect an entrance into a hive, a little 

 grass, or what is better, some asparagus tops, thrown 

 loosely before the opening, will aflEord material hindrance, 

 and when the attack ceases, it may be removed. " 



I may add to these suggestions that when stocks are 

 put in the cellar for protection, they may be entirely des- 

 titute of stores, which deficiency must be supplied by 

 feeding. 



CHAPTER XV. 



DISEASES AKD ENEMIES OF BEES. 



DYSENTERY. 



If proper conditions for wintering be observed, this dis- 

 ease need not be feared. If honey is gathered late in the 

 season, or is fed so late as not to be sealed up, it will tend 

 to produce dysentery. A cold, damp cellar, where bees 

 are unable to properly evaporate the moisture in their food, 

 and undue disturbance, will also have the same tendency. 

 A genuine case of dysentery can be produced in a very 

 short time by combining these conditions. It may be de- 

 tected by the soiling of the hive about the entrance. The 

 combs will also often be soiled and injured. The bodies 

 of bees thus affected will be found to be unusually dis- 

 tended. When in this condition they should be allowed 

 to fly, on the first favorable opportunity, in order that 



