FALL MANAGEMENT. 307 



fere officiously, assisting to remove it. A good yield 

 of honey is the best protection against this disposition 

 to pillage. After the first year combs become thicker, 

 and are not so liable to give way. 



OHAPTEE XXI. 



FALL MANAGEMENT. 



I'IBST CAKE. 



When the ilo\^ers fail at the end of the season, the 

 first thing necessary is to ascertain which are the weak- 

 est stocks, and all that cannot defend themselves should 

 either be removed or reinforced. The strength of all 

 stocks is pretty thoroughly tested within a few days 

 after a failure of honey. Should any be found with 

 too few bees for defence, they are quite sure to be 

 plundered. Hence the necessity of action in season, _ 

 that we may secure the contents in advance of the 

 robbers. 



STRONG STOCKS DISPOSED TO PLUNDER. 



Strong stocks, that during a yield have occupied 

 every cell with brood and honey, wl^en it fails, will 

 soon have empty cells left by the young bees, hatch- 

 ing. These empty cells, without honey to fill them,, 

 appear to be a source of much uneasiness. Although 

 such hiye and caps may be well stored, I have ever 

 found them to be the worst in the apiary, much more 

 disposed to plunder, than weaker ones with half the 

 honey. As weak stocks cannot be bettered now, it ia 

 best to remove them at once, and put the temptation 



