EOBBEHIKS. l4f 



bees, about tbe middle' of each fair day, or a little 

 later, take a turn of flying out very thickly for a short 

 time. The inexperienced observer would be very 

 likely to suppose such stock very prosperous, from 

 the number of inhabitants in motion. This unusual 

 bustle is the first indication of foul play, and should 

 be regarded with suspicion ; yet it is not conclusive. 

 « 



A DUTY. 



It is the duty of every bee-keeper, who expects to 

 succeed, to know which his weak stocks are ; an ex- 

 amination some cool morning, can be made by turning 

 the hive bottom up, and letting the sun among the 

 combs. The number of inhabitants in them is easily 

 seen. When weak, close the entrance, till there is 

 just room for one bee to pass at once. The first real 

 pleasant days, at any time before honey is obtained 

 plentifully, a little after noon, look out for them to 

 commence. robbing. Whenever a weak stock is taken 

 with what appears to be a fit of unusual industry, it 

 is quite certain they are either robbers or young bees ; 

 the difficulty is to decide which. Their motions are 

 alike, but there is a little difference in color — the 

 young bees are a shade lighter ; the abdomen of the 

 robbers, when filled with honey, is a little larger. 

 It requires close, patient observation, to decide this 

 point, and when you have watched close enough to 

 detect this difference, you can decide without trouble. 



But while jon are learning this nice distinction* 



