236 EXEMIES OP BKES. 



than that of any bee disposed to follow. They enter the 

 bive, and dodge out in a moment either from fear of the 

 bees, or from having actually encountered them. Now it 

 needs no argument to show, that when our stocks are well 

 protected, there must be a poor chance for depositing eggs 

 upon the combs, which instinct teaches them is the proper 

 place. But they m/ust leave them somewhere. 



"WHEKE THEIB EGGS ABE DEPOSrrBD. 



When driven from all the combs within, the next best 

 places are the cracks and flaws about the hive, that are 

 lined with propolis ; and the dust and chips that fall on the 

 floor -board of a young swarm not fuU. This last material 

 is mostly wax, and answers very well instead of comb. 

 The eggs will hatch here, and the wonns sometimes ascend 

 to the comb, hence the necessity of keeping the bottom 

 brushed off clean. It will prevent those hatched on the 



Fiff. 19.— WOBM GAILEKT IN THE COMB. 



bottom from going up, also prevent the bees from taking 

 up any eggs on their feet, if this should happen to be the 

 method by which they get among the combs of a populous 

 stock. They are often detected there, and I can conceive 

 of no other means by which they can be deposited. A 



