KXEMIES OF BEKS. 239 



HATS AND MICE. 



Rats and mice are never troublesome, except in cold 

 ■weather. The entrances of all hives standing out, are 

 much too small to admit a rat. No damage need be ap- 

 prehended from them except when the hives are in the 

 house. They appear to be fond of honey, and when it is 

 accessible, will eat several pounds in a short time. 



Mice will often enter the hive when on the stand, and 

 make extensive depredations. Sometimes, after cutting a 

 space in the combs, they will make their nests there. The 

 animal heat created by the bees, will make a snug warm 

 place for winter quarters.. The "deer mouse" seems to 

 be particularly fond of the bees, while those belonging to 

 the house, appear to relish the honey. Whether they take 

 live bees, or only such as are already dead, I cannot say. 

 Only a part of the bee is eaten, and judging from the frag, 

 ments left, they must consume quite a number. Whether 

 they take bees or honey, a little care to prevent their de- 

 predations, is well worthy of bestowal. As rats and mice 

 have so long been condemned and sentenced as universal 

 plagues, without any redeeming traits, I will say nothing 

 in their favor, and am perfectly willing that they shall be 

 hanged until dead. 



A WOED FOK THE KING-BERD. 



But for some of the birds accused of preying upon bees, 

 I would say a word. The king-bird stands at the head of 

 the list of feathered depredators. With a fair trial he will 

 be found guilty, though not so heinously criminal as many 

 suppose. I think we shall find him guilty of taking only 

 drones. In the afternoon of a fair day, he may be seen 

 perched upon some dry branch of a shrub or tree near 

 the apiary, watching for his victims. I have shot him, and 

 examined his crop, after seeing him devour a goodly num- 

 ber, but in every instance the bees were so crushed that it 



