^02 Robbing and its Cure. 



CHAPTER XX. 

 Evils That Confront The Apiarist. 



There are various dangers that are Hkely to vex the 

 apiarist, and even to stand in Jhe way of successful apicul- 

 ture. Yet, with knowledge, most, if not all, of these evils 

 may be wholly vanquished. Among these ai-e: Robbing 

 among the bees, disease, and depredations from other ani- 

 mals. 



ROBBING. 



This is a trouble that often very greatly annoys the 

 inexperienced. Bees only rob at such tirries as the general 

 scarcity of nectar forbids honest gains. When the c^uestion 

 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 

 almost 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 col- 

 onies 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 

 protect 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 our nuclei, and black bees, are 

 still easily kept from harm. Usually, the closing of the 

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



