Points of Superiority of Italians, 263 



gathering from dandelions, yet only two were black bees. 

 This might be considered an undesirable feature. Yet 

 from careful observation covering twenty years, I think 

 that Italian bees are quite as apt to winter well and pass 

 tiie spring months without harm as are black bees. 



Fourth. They are far better to protect their hives against 

 robbers. Robbers that attempt to plunder Italians of theiv 

 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 dre proof against the ravages of the bee- 

 moth's larvEe. 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 Avorkers. This is observable at all seasons, 

 but more especially when building up in the spring. No 

 one who will take the pains to note the increase of brood 

 will 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 full colo- 

 nies I would rather find three Italian queens than one black 

 one. Where time is money, this becomes a matter of 

 much importance. 



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 gathei"- 

 ing. 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 dix&far tnore 

 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 difference, but to 



