DISEASES AN"D ENEMIES OF BEES. 235 



the bee cannot pierce with its sting, it is not so wit fi the 

 moth, and of this fact they seem to be aware, for when- 

 ever a bee approaches they dart away with a speed 

 much greater than that of any bee disposed to follow. 

 They enter the hive, and dodge out in a moment, either 

 from fear of the bees, or from having actually encountered 

 them. Now it needs no argument to show that, when 

 our stocks are well protected, there must be a poor chance 

 for the moth to deposit her eggs upon the combs, which 

 instinct teaches her is the proper place. But she must 

 leave them somewhere. 



WHEEE THEIR EGGS ABE DEPOSITED. 



When driven from all the combs within, the next best 

 places are the cracks and flaws about the hive, that are 



)*■£ s 



Fig. 90. — WORM GALLERY IN 00MB. 



lined with propolis, and the dust and chips that fall on 

 the floor-board of a young swarm not full. This last ma- 

 terial is partly wax, and answers very well instead of comb. 

 The eggs will hatch here, and the worms sometimes as-' 

 cend to the comb ; but if the dust that collects upon 

 the bottom is kept brushed off clean, it will prevent those 

 batched there from going up, and also hinder the bees from 



