292 SUMMEE. 



The peculiar habits of the small black ants, probably 

 give rise to a suspicion of mischief in this way. They 

 live in communities of thousands — their nests are usu- 

 ally in old walls, in old timber, under stones, and in 

 the earth. From their nests a string may be traced 

 sometimes for rods, going after, and returning laden 

 with food. During a spell of wet weather, such as 

 would make the earth and many other places too damp 

 and cold for a nest, they look out for better quarters. 

 The top or chamber of our bee-hives affords shelter 

 from rain. The animal heat from the bees renders it 

 perfectly comfortable. How then can we blame them 

 for choosing such a location, so completely answering 

 all their wants? As long as the bees are not disturbed, 

 we can put up with it better. But the careless ob- 

 server having discovered their train to and fro from 

 their nest on the hive, exclaims: " Why, I have seen 

 them going in a continual stream to the hive after 

 honey ;" when a little scrutiny into the matter would 

 show that only the nest was on the top of the hive, 

 and they were going somewhere else for food ; not one 

 to be seen entering the hive among the bees for honey, 

 (at least I never could detect it.) 



When honey is unprotected by bees, or boxes of it 

 placed where they can have access, as a natural con- 

 sequence, they will carry off some ; but it is easily 

 secured. 



SPIDER CONDEMNED. 



Spiders are a source of considerable annoyance to 

 the apiarian, as well as to the bees ; not so much on 



