AVAX, ,IM) 



eral by the means. I had some trouble with those in 

 ■which only a piece or two had fallen, and started just 

 honey enough to attract robbers. It was not safe to close 

 the hive to exclude them, as this would have increased the 

 heat, and proved certain destruction. 



The best protection I found was a few stems of asparagus 

 around the bottom of the hive ; this permitted a circulation 

 of air, and at the same time made it very difficult for the 

 robbers to approach the entrance, without creeping through 

 this hedge, and with this assistance the bees of the hive 

 defended themselves, till all wasting honey was taken up. 



When the hive is nearly full, and but one or two sheets 

 come down, their lower edges will rest on the floor, and the 

 other combs will keep them in an upright position, until 

 fastened by the bees. It is generally best to leave such 

 pieces as they are. If the hive is but half full or little 

 more, and such pieces are not kept perpendicular by the 

 remaining combs, they are apt to be broken and crushed 

 badly, by falling so far, and most of the honey will be 

 wasted. To save this, it must be removed, unless it can 

 be caught in a dish. Be careful not to turn the hive on 

 its side, and thus break the remaining combs. Such combs 

 as contain brood and little honey, may be left for the brood 

 to mature. Should the bees be able to take up the honey 

 without much waste occurring, it would be advisable to 

 leave it ; it would assist greatly in filling up. But these 

 broken pieces should be removed before they interfere 

 with the extension of the other combs. A part of the 

 bees is generally destroyed, but the majority will escape ; 

 even such as are covered with honey, if they are not 

 crushed, will clean it ofi", and soon be in working order, 

 when others do not too officiously assist in removing it. 

 An ample 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. 



