182 SUlfKEB. 



APT TO BE DECferVED ABOUT THE WORMS. 



But the worms, you can surely keep them out, you 

 think,. since you can seal up the boxes perfectly close, 

 preventing the moth or even the smallest ant from en- 

 tering ! Yes, you may do this effectually, but the 

 worms will often be there somehow, unless in a very 

 low temperature, such as a very cool cellar, or icehouse, 

 and then you have dampness to guard against. I have 

 a little experience in this matter that spoils your the- 

 ory entirely. I have taken off glass jars, and watched 

 them till the bees were all out, and was certain the-moth 

 did not come near them, then immediately sealed them 

 up ; absolutely preventing access afterwards, (I could 

 do this with a jar more effectually than a box which 

 is made of several pieces,) I then felt quite sure that I 

 was ahead, and should have no trouble with the worms, 

 as had often been the case before. I was sadly mis- 

 taken; 



THEIR PROGRESS DESCRIBED. 



In a few days, I could see at first a little white dustj 

 like flour, on the side of the combs, and on the bottom 

 of the jar. As the worms grew larger, this dust was 

 coarser. By looking closely at the combs, a small 

 white- thread-like line was first perceptible, enlarging 

 as the worm progressed. 



When combs are fiUqji with honey, they go only on 

 the surface, eating nothing but the seahng of the cells ; 

 seldom penetrating to the centre, without an empty 

 cell to give the chance. Disgusting as they seem to 

 be, they dishke being daubed with honey. Wax, and 

 not honey, is their food. 



