and ils Economic Managtmmt, ' 17 



before he can get through a large number at one place, if 

 precautions are not taken. As far as possible, while on a tour 

 the larger apiary should be visited last, and the work so timed 

 that it will be completed towards dusk, and no combs from 

 the extractor should be returned until then. These remarks 

 apply to Autumn in particular, though there are other periods 

 when honey is not coming in, and not only then but at all 

 times the owner should be very careful not to give his bees a 

 chailce even to start robbing, with its consequent fighting, 

 loss, and annoyance. 



Preventive measures are of course the first consideration, 

 and in the case of fairly large apiaries some bee-proof belter 

 is a great necessity, as many operations may there be carried 

 on which woidd be impossible in the open. Many of the 

 stocks may be carried into such shelter for examination or 

 deprivation ; and besides beiiig invaluable for extracting, will 

 be found most useful for queen-rearing and many other pxur- 

 poses. 



If through negligence in carelessly allowing honey or syrup 

 to be exp)osed in the apiary, the 



Robbing Mania 



has once commenced, as may also be induced by the injudi- 

 cious opening of hives, or badly fitting floors, roofe, etc., then- 

 the uninitiated will find he has let loose a power which will 

 require his coolest judgment to subdue it. I have known 

 horses, chickens, dogs, and other animals severely attacked 

 by bees because the skep of a neighbour having been placed 

 upon an old block cracked in every direction, offered capital 

 openings for a host of detennined "robbers, whom I foimd 

 coming and going like some irresistible hurricane. All 

 ■openings, except one reduced to a J-inch tubular passage-way, 

 were immediately stopped ; the watering can was freely used, 

 and dripping sacks left over the skep. In a few minutes all 

 was quiet. Where the ire of bees has been aroused by the 



c 



