OR, MANUAI, OF THB APIARY. 473 



CHAPTER XX, 



EVILS THAT CONFRONT THE APIARIST. 



There are various dangers that are likely to vex the api- 

 arist, and even to stand in the way of successful apiculture. 

 Yet, with knowledge, most, if not all, of these evils may be 

 wholly vanquished. Among these are : Robbing among the 

 bees, disease, and depredations from other animals. 



ROBBING. 



This is a trouble that often very greatly annoys the inex- 

 perienced. Whenever bees leave the hives, except at a time of 

 swarming, with the honey-stomach full, we may be sure rob- 

 bing is in the air. Bees only rob at such times as the general 

 scarcity of nectar forbids honest gains. When the question 

 comes : Famine or theft 7 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 dan- 

 ger. Therefore, regard for our motto, "Keep all colonies 

 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 



